Booking choice: The 9:30 AM morning tour, from $170 per jet ski. Check dates Compare the options below
Rider reviews are the best weather report: the complaints are almost all about wind, storms and tides rather than the tours. Plan around those three and you will get the ride people rave about.
The quick answer
Book a morning slot early in your stay. Mornings are usually calmer before the wind and summer thunderstorms build; Florida bans jet skiing from half an hour after sunset, so there are no night rides. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before lets you move the ride.
What time of day is best?
Morning: the water is usually calmer, and you ride before the afternoon storms.
Sunset Watersports runs a 9:30 AM small-group tour capped at 10 travelers, and Barefoot Billy's has a morning departure that one guest loved. Afternoon slots are fine on calm days. The wind tends to build through the day.
Want the early slot? Check dates for the 9:30 AM morning tour.
Check dates for the 9:30 AM morning tourCan you jet ski at sunset in Key West?
Not after it: Florida law bans jet ski riding from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
That rules out true sunset rides on jet skis. Sunset Watersports' last listed departure is 6 PM; you will be back on shore before dark.
How does wind affect the ride?
A lot: the open-water legs get choppy, which is thrilling for some and rough for others.
One rider found it a rough ride when the wind picked up and wished for more sightseeing. Others loved the whitecaps. Nervous? Ask to ride at the back, or book a morning slot.
Ready to ride? The island tour runs several times a day; mornings are calmest.
Explore the island jet ski tourWhat about storms and rain?
Summer thunderstorms build quickly; light rain did not stop the tours guests describe, but storms can change the route.
Barefoot Billy's says its tours still go out in light rain and that it calls guests to cancel when conditions turn unsafe (FAQ); Sunset Watersports' captains assess the weather on the day and postpone or cancel unsafe trips. Guests have ridden through rain and loved it, and one called a thunderstorm the only thing that spoiled a great trip. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
Do tides change the route?
Yes: very high tides and low water can shorten the lap or skip the sandbar.
One group could not go around the whole island during a king tide, and the guides chose a safer route. Sandbar stops depend on the tide too.
Is there seaweed in summer?
Sometimes: sargassum washes up on the beaches in warm months, and beach launches feel it most.
Two guests on a beach-launch tour mentioned walking through sargassum to the skis, and one said it caused issues with the jet skis until the crew cleared it. Dock-based tours avoid the wading.
Which season is best?
Summer is hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), and it is when riders report afternoon storms.
The same plan works in every month: morning slot, early in your trip, free cancellation as the backup.
Picked your day? Check dates for the island jet ski tour.
Check dates for the island jet ski tourFrequently asked questions
Do jet ski tours run in the rain?
Light rain usually does not stop a tour; guides change or shorten routes for storms and strong wind.
Can you jet ski in Key West in winter?
Each listing shows live availability for your dates. For cooler, windy days, Key West Boat & Jet Ski offers wetsuit bottoms on request, and a rash guard helps.
Are there night jet ski tours in Key West?
No. Florida law bans riding from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
Ready to book
Choose your ride
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD, per jet ski or per person as shown, and move with the season.
Morning Small-Group Jet Ski Tour
The early slot, capped at 10 travelers
Key West Island Jet Ski Tour
- Guided 28-mile jet ski tour around Key West
- Short training session and guides on the water
- Complimentary shuttle pickup, per the listing
