Jet skiing used to be quite an extreme sport, now it’s more of a way of getting around the island! If you have the courage and the skill, hire a jet ski for the day and you can ditch the official tours and travel at your own pace. You could even consider a vacation where you spend a few nights at a hotel, say in Montego Bay, and then jet ski across the Negril before returning back. Think of it like a moped on the ocean!
As with a moped however, there are things you need to watch out for. The first thing is to look out for swimmers, especially as you get nearer to the shore line, but even further out you need to watch out for divers who are surfacing around you. If there are any boats in the area, this could be a warning of people below the water so be extra careful.
There are local laws and restrictions that cover jet skis – concerning such things as how close to the shore you are allowed to be in specific areas. This could be at certain times of the year to protect wildlife, or could be year-round. Make sure that you are aware of all the rules and restrictions that are valid in all of the areas you will encounter on your jet ski trip.
The sun’s rays can be really strong out on the water, especially with the reflection back from the ocean, so make sure that you wear the right kind of protection both in terms of clothing and sun screen, so that you avoid sunstroke from overexposure. You should also carry sufficient water with you so that if you get stranded anywhere, you won’t dehydrate from the heat.
The most important thing to watch out for is not to run out of gas! If you run out of gas in your moped, you will probably be able to walk to a nearby village to get help if someone doesn’t pass you on the road and help out. If you run out of gas on a jet ski, it’s a little more dangerous! Check how far you will be traveling and ask the experts who run the jet ski rental company how much gas you will need, and if you have enough to make it there and back. If not, where will you be able to get the tank topped up on your travel route? Don’t set off without being 100% sure that you have enough gas, or the possibility of getting more gas, to complete your trip.
Jet skis are loud, and they’re fun. If you love the energy and have a yearning to try something a little bit “extreme” without it being too extreme, then you should certainly give it a try – but don’t plan anything too adventurous unless you’re very proficient in both the handling of the jet ski and navigating the waters off the Jamaican shore.