Jet ski and watersports session
High-energy jet ski rides and a selection of motorized and non-motorized watersports offered from the watersports centre at most Maldivian resorts. Sessions combine brief training and safety briefings with guided rides around lagoons and reef edges, plus optional activities such as banana boat, wakeboarding, parasailing and snorkel stops at coral patches.
Location
Resort Watersports Centre (private lagoon or house reef access), Kaafu Atoll (Malé Atoll) or corresponding resort atoll, Maldives
Duration
Typical session: 30 minutes to 2 hours. Full-day watersports packages available.
Best Time to Visit
November to April (dry season) for calm seas and best visibility; shoulder months May and October can also be good but with higher wind and occasional showers.
Pricing
Typical pricing varies by resort and season. Approximate ranges: Jet ski single 20–30 min: USD 80–150. Jet ski tandem 20–30 min: USD 120–200. Jet ski hour hire (rare): USD 250–400. Combo packages (e.g., jet ski + banana boat + wakeboard): USD 120–300. Parasailing and motorized activities may be priced separately. Equipment hire for non-motorized sports (kayak, SUP): USD 20–60 per hour. Prices often exclude taxes and resort service fees; advanced bookings or private sessions cost more.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Adrenaline-packed jet ski rides along the lagoon and reef edge
Tandem rides for non-riders or couples
Guided reef-sightseeing stops and snorkeling breaks
Additional activities: parasailing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, banana boat, inflatable towables
Safety-focused briefings and instructor-led training for beginners
Spectacular tropical scenery and chance to spot rays, reef sharks, and dolphins
Itinerary
Arrive at the watersports centre, complete paperwork and toy/vehicle rental forms.
Bring passport or room card, and any required waiver signatures; staff confirm experience and health questions.
Short safety briefing covering lifejackets, throttle control, speed limits, local navigation markers and marine protection zones.
Briefing includes hand signals and emergency stop procedures; mandatory for first-time riders.
Lifejackets fitted and helmets/footwear provided if needed; instructor demonstrates controls on a moored jet ski.
Non-motorized gear (wakeboard, kneeboard) will be sized and fitted if included.
Shallow-water practice under instructor supervision to get comfortable with acceleration, turning and stopping.
Usually 5–10 minutes; instructor may accompany on another craft or from a rescue boat.
Guided tour along the lagoon and reef edge (20–45 minutes) or a supervised free-ride within marked boundaries.
Routes avoid sensitive coral areas; instructors may stop for photo opportunities or wildlife viewing.
Return to base and switch to additional activities (banana boat, wakeboard, parasailing) if booked.
Each add-on typically lasts 10–30 minutes; combo bookings save time and sometimes money.
Return equipment, sign off on any incident reports, and receive photos/videos if provided by centre.
Some resorts offer complimentary action-camera footage or charge for edited media.
Safety Requirements
Minimum age varies; usually 16+ for solo jet ski operation and 12+ for tandem (varies by resort)
Proof of swimming ability recommended; non-swimmers must use tandem rides with instructor
No operation under influence of alcohol or drugs
Pregnant guests and those with serious heart or back conditions should not participate
Weight limits apply for safety and performance
Always wear a lifejacket and follow instructor directions
Respect marine protected areas — do not touch or stand on coral
Tips
Book early (especially during high season) — popular time slots fill quickly
Use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply; consider wearing a rash vest to reduce sun exposure
Bring a waterproof camera or ask the centre about action-cam hire/packages
Listen carefully during the safety briefing — local currents and reef features are unique to each atoll
Wear a biodegradable reef-safe insect/sunscreen to protect coral
Combine morning sessions with calm seas and clearer water; sunset rides are scenic but windier
Confirm whether fuel or insurance is included in the price and what happens in case of mechanical issues
Respect wildlife — keep distance from turtles, rays and dolphins and do not feed them
