Booking choice: Fury's Front Street tour, from $151 per jet ski. Check dates Compare the options below
Florida law sets the floor: no one under 14 may drive a jet ski, and you must be 18 to rent one. Every operator then adds its own rules for passengers, teen drivers and weight.
The quick answer
Florida law sets 14 as the minimum age to drive and 18 to rent. Fury takes passengers from age 4 and fits one adult plus two children on a ski. Barefoot Billy's takes passengers from 5, Six Fins riders from 6. Sunset Watersports and Barefoot Billy's let 16 and 17-year-olds drive with a parent on the back. Minors need a parent with ID to sign waivers.
Can kids go on a jet ski tour in Key West?
Yes, as passengers behind a parent: from age 4 at Fury, 5 at Barefoot Billy's and 6 at Six Fins.
Fury takes no children aged 3 and under, and a Fury ski can carry one adult and two children up to 460 lb. Sunset Watersports sets no fixed passenger age: riders must be able to hold on to the driver, and it finds children under 4 usually too small (its FAQ). Every rider wears a life jacket by law.
| Operator | Passengers | Teen drivers | Weight per ski |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fury | Age 4 and up | 16 and 17 with ID, parent present | 460 lb |
| Barefoot Billy's | Age 5 and up | 16 and 17 with a parent on the back | 450 lb |
| Six Fins | Age 6 and up | 16 and up | 460 lb |
| Sunset Watersports | Able to hold on, usually 4 and up | 16 and 17 with a parent on the back | 450 lb |
| Key West Boat & Jet Ski | Ask the operator | 16-17 alone with a parent present; 14-15 with an adult on the back | 400 lb |
Planning a family ride? Fury's Front Street tour takes passengers from age 4.
Check dates for Fury's Front Street tourAt what age can a teenager drive?
Florida's minimum is 14, but most operators want drivers to be 16, and a parent must rent and sign.
Key West Boat & Jet Ski is the most flexible: 14 and 15-year-olds may drive with an adult on the back, and 16 and 17-year-olds may drive alone with a parent present to sign waivers. Every teen driver also needs the boater certificate. Anyone born in 1988 or later must have it.
Do parents need to be there?
Yes. Minors need a parent present with ID to sign the waivers; Fury specifies a natural or adoptive parent.
Barefoot Billy's says all minors must check in with a guardian (FAQ). Grandparents or friends travelling with your children may not count, so ask the operator before you book.
Is a jet ski tour safe for children?
It is a fast, bumpy ride: fine for confident older kids, harder for young ones.
Guests report speeds of 45 to 50 mph on the open-water legs, and wind makes the sea rough. Children need to hold on for 90 minutes. With younger kids, pick the shorter freestyle hour or a slower boat trip.
Want a shorter ride for the kids? The freestyle hour lets you set the pace.
Explore the 1-hour freestyle rideWhat do families say?
Mostly glowing: guests with teens and older kids call it a highlight.
One guest rode with a 13-year-old daughter, who loved the extra time at the sandbar. Another said her 18-year-old niece called it the most fun thing she had ever done. Guides keep groups together and let slower riders go at the back.
What are the alternatives for younger kids?
A parasail flight from age 6, or a boat trip with water toys.
Parasailing ($64 per person) takes flyers from age 6 with dry takeoffs. The catamaran water sports adventure has a child price for ages 4 to 10, and the banana boat and parasail need riders aged 6 or older.
Too young for the handlebars? Parasailing takes flyers from age 6.
Check dates for parasailingFrequently asked questions
Can a 10-year-old ride a jet ski in Key West?
Yes, as a passenger behind an adult, on tours like Fury's (age 4 and up), Barefoot Billy's (5 and up) or Six Fins (6 and up).
Can a 15-year-old drive a jet ski in Key West?
Florida law allows it from 14. Key West Boat & Jet Ski lets 14 and 15-year-olds drive with an adult on the back; other operators want drivers to be 16.
Do kids pay for jet ski tours?
Jet ski tours are priced per ski, so a child riding behind a parent adds nothing to the price.
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.
Fury Sea-Doo Island Jet Ski Tour
- 28-mile guided tour around Key West's coastline
- Sea-Doo jet skis and safety equipment
- Up to 2 adults, or 1 adult and 2 children, per ski (460 lb maximum)
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
Key West Parasailing by the Cruise Port
A dry-takeoff flight for two or three
