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The Top 9 Watersports to Try in Miami

Blogs Written By Colin Keohane

Long-time resident of South Florida who loves boating, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. I've chosen to make Miami my home because of the city's incredible culture. I love sharing my local knowledge with others through writing.

Getting out on the water to cruise around for some swimming and sight-seeing is always a ton of fun. But watersports are the best way to get out the water if you are looking for something a little more exciting. Watersports are also a great option if you have some restless kids who are looking for an adventure. Make sure to ask about all of the watersports add-ons on your next boat rental or yacht charter.

1. Jet Ski Rental Miami

Jet Skiing is one of the most fun watersports offered on yacht cruises in Miami. If you are looking to go fast and catch some air, then Jet skiing is the watersport for you!

Tips for Jet Skiing in Miami

Make sure you book the right amount of time. Jet skiing can be exhausting. Usually, an hour is the perfect amount of time to go jet skiing, especially if you plan on running hard the whole time. Ride with a friend! Most jet skis have enough room for two people. This can be a great way to get out on the water and enjoy all the fun of jet skiing with a close friend. Don’t forget to complete the Florida State Boating Safety Course before adding a jet ski to one of your yacht charters. If you were born after January 1st, 1988 than you are required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administration (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination.

Photo: Bikini-watersports.com

2. Miami Paddleboarding

Photo: Bikini-Miamibeachpaddleboard.com

A favorite among all ages is paddleboarding. There is nothing like paddling out on a calm and tranquil day. Paddleboarding is a great way to get out on the water while also feeling truly connected to the water and the wildlife around you. Many companies offer paddleboards along with the yacht charters at no extra cost.

3. Wakesurfing

Wakesurfing has become extremely popular recently and for good reason. Wakesurfing is arguably the easiest watersport to pickup if you are brand new. What makes wakesurfing so different from other water sports is that you aren’t being pulled by a rope. Instead, you are actually surfing the wave that is created by the boat.

A few things to note…

Only specific types of boats allow for wakesurfing. There are custom boats built for wakesurfing that have a few key features. They have inboard engines that are tucked well under the boat for extreme safety. Additionally, these boats are designed to be able to create huge wakes even at low speeds. This makes it perfect for wakesurfing because you need a large wave to be able to surf properly. Malibu, Nautique, and MasterCraft are the most common brands for wakesurfing boat brands. Make sure the company you are renting from is offering one of these brands or another reputable wakesurfing boat brand.

4. Parasailing in Miami

Photo: Bikini-Miamibeachoceanwatersports.com

Another activity that is a ton of fun for all ages is Parasailing. This watersport gives you the chance to sail high above Biscayne Bay and see Miami from a completely new lens. Only specific operators that specialize in parasailing offer this service. Make sure you use a company that is highly reviewed and that has been in business for some time. Parasailing is a complicated activity and you want to make sure that you are working with renowned company.

5. Seabob

Photo: Hallerexperiences.com

Seabobs are becoming more and more popular, especially for yacht and boat rentals in Miami. Miami is lucky enough to have crystal clear waters that make using a seabob so much fun. You can actually see under the water when you dive down with a seabob. A Seabob is an amazing way to add to your yacht rental and make your trip to the sandbar so much more fun!

6. Wakeboarding

Photo: Viator.com

Another activity that is a ton of fun to do out on the water is wakeboarding. With wakeboarding, you are strapped into the board, and you are being pulled by the boat the entire time. Wakeboarding is great for anyone who loves doing tricks and catching some air. Most boat rentals under 30ft that have an open layout are capable of towing a wakeboarder. Look out for wakeboarding as an add on to your next boat rental or yacht charter.

7. Waterskiing

Photo: Miamiandbeaches.com

Waterskiing is another very popular watersports activity. This is a great option for anyone with skiing experience as many of the mechanics are very similar. Waterskiing can be a fun activity for the whole family.

8. Snorkeling

Photo: Southfloridauncharted.com

Another activity that is a great idea for your next day out on the water is Snorkeling. Miami is home to crystal-clear, blue waters with amazing visibility. There are tons of amazing locations for snorkeling. One of our favorite is the Half Moon Shipwreck. Back in the 1930’s a 47ft yacht sank in very shallow waters just off the coast of Key Biscayne. The clear and shallow waters make it ideal for snorkeling!

9. Knee Boarding

Photo: Westmarine.com

Knee boarding is one of the best watersports for little kids. It’s extremely easy to learn, and it’s a great way to build confidence for younger kids who want to move up to more involved watersports. When we have kids under 10 years old out on one of our trips, we always encourage them to try knee boarding if they want to get practice before trying waterskiing, wakeboarding, or wakesurfing.

Final Thoughts Watersports are the perfect way to add a little more action to your next day out on the water. Always make sure to ask what the watersports options are when you are booking a yacht charter or renting a boat in Miami. Whether you are looking to jet ski, wakesurf, paddleboard, or snorkel, there is a watersport for everyone. Make your next day out on the water a memorable one with a day of Miami watersports!