We recently returned from a 12-day vacation in Gran Canaria, where we participated in various activities, including jet skiing.
In this article, we will share some helpful information on the different types of jet ski packages available, considerations to keep in mind when hiring a jet ski, and our experience with a Jet Ski Safari tour.
Experience in Gran Canaria
We stumbled upon a local vendor on the seafront who offered us different packages for hiring a jet ski.
After asking several questions, we decided to book the Jet Ski Safari tour, which lasted for an hour.
There are two main types of jet ski packages available for hire in Gran Canaria and throughout Europe:
- jet ski hire
- and jet ski tours
Jet ski hire usually involves smaller crafts like stand-up or sit-down jet skis, while jet ski tours use bigger crafts like wave runners or Sea-Doos.
These crafts are more comfortable, can handle longer journeys, and are super fast, reaching speeds between 60 and 70 miles per hour.
When hiring a jet ski, you can either hire it individually or share it with a partner. Sharing a jet ski can be difficult, especially if you sit at the back.
You are unprepared for the bumps and turns and get thrown around more vigorously than if you were controlling the craft. It is also difficult to take photos or videos while sharing a jet ski.
If you decide to take photos or videos while on a jet ski, it is recommended that you get a waterproof kit for your phone. There are waterproof pouches available that float on the water, ensuring that you won’t lose your phone if you drop it.
Lastly, if you plan to go on a jet ski ride on a hot day, make sure to apply plenty of sunblock as you won’t get as wet as you might think.
Jet skiing can be a fun and thrilling activity, but it is important to choose the right package and be prepared for the physical demands of the ride.
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Types of Jet Ski Packages
There are many different types of jet ski packages available for hire in Gran Canaria and throughout Europe.
The two main types of packages are jet ski hire and jet ski tours.
Jet Ski Hire
Jet ski hire is usually a smaller craft like a stand-up or sit-down jet ski, which are usually Yamahas.
They are less powerful but still go around 40 miles per hour, which is pretty good when you’re on the sea.
They tend to be used for shorter trips or for 10, 20, and 30-minute jet ski hire packages.
Jet Ski Tours
Jet ski tours are the next step up and go from 30 minutes up to an hour.
The crafts used for these tours are usually wave runners or Sea-Doos, which are much bigger and more comfortable.
They can handle longer journeys, and bigger waves, and are super fast, going between 60 and 70 miles per hour.
They usually have a few more gadgets on them, like reverse and brakes, and some even have radios on them.
The Jet Ski Safari tour is a popular option, which we went on during our trip. The craft used for this tour was a wave runner, which was much bigger and more stable than a smaller craft, making the journey much easier.
It’s important to note that no matter what craft you choose, jet skiing can be bouncy and choppy.
You’re going to get bumped around, and it’s not recommended if you have any back or neck problems. It’s a great experience, but it can be physically demanding.
Considerations When Hiring a Jet Ski
If you’re booking this for your Children or teenagers, remember there is an age restriction.
Finally, it is important to manage your expectations when it comes to jet ski tours. While they may be advertised as a “safari” or scenic tour, they often involve simply following a speedboat in a straight line.
If you are looking for a more scenic experience, it may be worth researching different tour options or destinations.
Differences Between Short-Term and Long-Term Hire
When it comes to hiring a jet ski, there are several packages available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Generally, there are two main types of packages – short-term and long-term hire.
Short-term hire usually involves smaller jet skis, such as stand-up or sit-down jet skis. These are typically used for shorter trips, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes.
They are less powerful than their long-term counterparts but still capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Often they are restricted by using a setting inside the craft.
On the other hand, long-term hire involves larger crafts, such as wave runners or Sea-Doos. These are usually used for longer trips, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.
They are more powerful and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. They also come equipped with additional features like reverse, brakes, and radios.
One thing to consider when hiring a jet ski is whether to hire individually or with a partner.
While it may be cheaper to hire one jet ski for two people, it can be difficult for the person sitting at the back to handle the bumps and turns.
If possible, it is recommended to hire a jet ski individually.
Another factor to consider is the type of package you choose.
Jet ski tours, for example, may not be as scenic as you might expect, as they usually involve following a set path rather than exploring the coastline.
It’s also important to note that jet skiing can be physically demanding, and those with back or neck problems may experience discomfort.
When it comes to taking photos while jet skiing, it’s recommended to bring a waterproof pouch for your phone or camera.
If it’s a hot day, make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen, as you may not get as wet as you expect while on the jet ski.
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Tips for Jet Ski Ride
When considering hiring a jet ski, it is important to know that there are different types of packages available.
In Gran Canaria, as well as throughout Europe, you can find jet ski hires and packages.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right package:
- Choose the right craft: There are two main types of crafts available for jet ski rides – smaller stand-up or sit-down jet skis, and larger wave runners or Sea-Doos. The smaller crafts are usually used for shorter trips, while the larger ones are used for longer tours. The larger crafts are more comfortable and can handle bigger waves and longer journeys. They have more features like reverse, brakes, and radios. It’s important to choose the right craft based on your needs.
- Be prepared for the ride: Jet skiing can be a bumpy and choppy ride, and you will get bumped around. If you have any back or neck problems, you may feel it after the ride. It’s important to be aware of this before deciding to go on a jet ski ride.
- Consider hiring your own jet ski: If you can afford it, it’s recommended to hire your own jet ski instead of sharing one with a partner. When sitting on the back of a jet ski, you are more likely to get thrown around and feel uncomfortable. It’s also difficult to prepare for bumps and turns when sitting on the back.
- Take waterproof equipment: If you want to take photos or videos while on the jet ski, it’s recommended to take a waterproof kit for your phone or camera. There are waterproof pouches available that can float on the water, which can help prevent you from losing your device if dropped.
- Use sunblock: Although you may not get as wet on the jet ski as you think, it’s important to put on plenty of sunblock if it’s a hot day.
Comparison of Jet Ski Packages
During our recent vacation in Gran Canaria, we had the opportunity to try out different jet ski packages and we learned that there are several factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.
Here is a comparison of the two main types of packages we encountered:
- Jet Ski Hire Packages: These packages typically offer smaller, sit-down or stand-up jet skis that are less powerful and used for shorter trips, such as 10, 20, or 30 minutes. These jet skis are usually Yamahas and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
- Jet Ski Tour Packages: These packages offer larger, more comfortable crafts such as wave runners or Sea-Doos that can handle longer journeys and bigger waves. They are usually faster, reaching speeds of between 60 and 70 miles per hour, and come equipped with more features such as reverse, brakes, and radios. The tours can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Conclusion
Overall, hiring a jet ski can be an enjoyable experience, but it is essential to choose the right package and craft for your needs and physical abilities.
Check before hiring one online the age restrictions and ask if the jet skis are restricted for speed.
If it’s windy you’ll really feel the bumps when you ski into the oncoming waves. But, the return journey will be better.
