Want to rent a Jet Ski or watercraft in Hilton Head this summer? Know these SC laws first
Do you have an affinity for water sports? Summertime on Hilton Head Island is the perfect time to explore your adventurous side by jet skiing around the island.
Riding personal watercraft is a popular activity around Hilton Head Island and the surrounding waterways.
A personal watercraft, often referred to generically as a Jet Ski, is a small jet-propelled marine transportation vehicle, generally used for recreational purposes, that is ridden across the surface of the water and has been a favorite activity for many families and friends who visit or live in the area. While many people tend to call all such vehicles as Jet Skis, that name refers to a specific brand of vehicle made by Kawasaki.
SC watercraft laws
Although it’s all family fun, it’s still important to remain safe and follow all of the rules..
According to South Carolina laws and regulations, a person 16 years old or older may operate any boat or personal watercraft (PWC) without restrictions.
A person younger than 16 years old may operate a boat or PWC powered by less than 15 hp without restrictions. They may only operate a boat or PWC powered by 15 hp or more if they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old who is not under the influence of alcohol/drugs if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
If you’re looking to rent one for your next adventure, here are four local rental agencies on Hilton Head Island for you to book your next experience.
Sea Monkeys Watersports
Sea Monkeys Watersports, located at 43A Jenkins Island Road, has plenty of rentals guests can take advantage of to explore the waters around the island. Among them, Jet Ski opportunities are available from Mondays through Saturdays for designated trip times at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. ,1 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. Jet skis can be rented online at https://www.seamonkeyshhi.com/jetski-rentals or call 843-842-4754 for more information.
Each Jet Ski can seat either two adults or one adult and two children at a time. Each Jet Ski can be rented for $150 per vehicle and military discounts are available with current or reserve Identification card. To operate a Jet Ski through Sea Monkeys Watersports, you must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and parental or a legal guardian’s consent, any passenger riding with a 16 or 17 year old operator must be at least 18 years or older and children riding must weigh at least 30 pounds.
H2O Watersports
H2O Watersports is an activity and rental company on Hilton Head Island that can be found at 149 Lighthouse Road in Harbour Town. Aside from personal watercraft rentals, H2O Watersports also offers alligator tours, dolphin tours, boat tours, paddle boarding, sailing charters, parasailing and more. Activities are great for long-lasting memories for those in the family who may be looking for a thrill, a relaxing time or looking to see the local sights. personal watercraft can be rented online at https://www.h2osports.com/hilton-head-waverunner-jetski-rental.php or you may call 843-671-4386.
H2O offers “the largest riding area on Hilton Head Island” that is free from no wake zones, according to the company’s website. Single seated WaveRunners, a brand of personal watercraft, may be reserved for an hourly rate of $155 or a two-seat for $175 per hour.
WaveRunners offer guests the ability to ride in a seated position rather than Jet Skis, which allow an individual to sit in a position similar to riding a motorcycle.
In addition, at least one rider per WaveRunner must be 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license at check-in. Minors may drive as long as a licensed adult is onboard and riders must be at least 6 years. old. Switching passengers during the rental is not permitted by the company. However, for those interested in documenting their experience, GoPro video packages are available.
Lowcountry Watersports
Lowcountry Watersports offers boat tours and rental services for water sport activities around the island. Located in Palmetto Bay Marina at 86 Helmsman Way, Suite 101, the outdoor adventure company offers families a unique way to experience the island from the water. Personal watercraft can be rented any day of the week and may be booked online at https://lowcountrywatersports.com/hilton-head-tours/jet-ski/ or call 843-684-2004 for more information.
Guests get the chance to reserve some of Lowcountry Watersports’ new VX Yamaha WaveRunners. The experience is a guided tour that lasts for 75 minutes and begins at Palmetto Bay and takes you through Broad Creek, which is a 6-mile-long waterway that divides Hilton Head Island, according to the company’s website. Each WaveRunner has a two person capacity and riders much be 6 years old or older. Operators must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. Each WaveRunner is $149 per rental.
Sky Pirate Parasail
Sky Pirate Parasail on Hilton Head offers a variety of outdoor activity options and earned Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelers’ Choice’ last year. Offering “thrill-of-a-lifetime adventures,” this company provides opportunities such as parasailing, tubing and skiing, personal watercraft riding, paddleboarding and boat rentals. Personal watercraft rentals can be rented per rider for every 90 minutes you wish to skim across the island’s surrounding waters. Reservations for your experience can be booked online at https://skypirateparasail.com/jet-skis/ or you can call 843-842-2566 for more information.
Sky Pirate Parasail offers “amazing yet affordable jet skis for rent” with the “most popular among riders” being the Yamaha WaveRunners. The company’s personal watercraft rentals are available from Mondays through Sundays between 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. seasonally. Riders will have the opportunity to cruise along Broad Creek to the designated riding area.
Rental rates are charged at $140 per 90 minutes for a single rider or $150 per 90 minutes for double riders. Only a maximum of two riders are allowed for each WaveRunner and guests must be at least 18 years old and with a valid driver’s license to rent and operate one of the companies WaveRunners. Passengers must at least 6 years old or older and may only ride at the back. Riders must also watch a 10 minute safety video prior to the experience and will have to wear a life jacket at all times. In addition, you will not be allowed to operate any of the company’s WaveRunners if you are under the influence of alcohol.