This is a simple ride with a twist: Jetcar speed plus a free boat add-on. I like that the experience gives you a full hour on the Jetcar, then finishes with a quick, action-y return by boat. You also get a tour-style boat stretch where you pass some serious real-estate in the Miami Beach area.

Two things I especially like: first, the meeting process is guided right from the kiosk with waivers and boating license help from the Royalty Rides team. Second, the safety setup is clear, with lifeguards on duty and CPR-certified staff. One drawback to consider: you’ll still need to plan for weather, since it runs rain or shine, and the boat parts make that more noticeable.

Quick highlights I’d plan around

• One hour on the Jetcar, with instructions at the floating island before you ride
• Free 30-minute boat ride each way, so you’re not just sitting on land
• Small group (up to 6 participants), which usually feels less rushed
• Early bookings may include Dolphin driving, depending on availability
• Safety first: lifeguards on duty and CPR-certified employees
• Boating license rules apply for anyone born after 1988

Jetcar + boat: how this combo actually feels

This experience is built around motion. Even though the Jetcar time is listed as about an hour, the full outing runs around two hours because you get a boat transfer before and after. For most people, that combo works well: the boat time gets you set up with views and context, and the Jetcar time is where the real thrill lands.

The starting point is at 2400 Collins Ave, and you’ll be met by two Royalty Rides staff members at the kiosk. They help with waivers and boating license questions, then walk you over to the boat transport. They’re wearing blue long sleeves that say Jetski Staff, so it’s not hard to spot who you should follow.

You also get a small-group format, limited to 6 participants. That matters because Jetcar activities can feel like a production line when lots of people show up. Here, you’ll likely get a calmer, more personal pace as you move between boat, dock, and the riding area.

The meeting point at 2400 Collins Ave

When you arrive, plan to check in early. You’ll see the two guides at the kiosk, and they’ll handle:

• Waivers
• Boating license requirements (more on that below)
• Getting you ready to walk to the transport boat

That short staging period is more important than it sounds. For one thing, everyone needs to be coordinated before you hit the water. For another, the staff team can answer quick questions in real time, which helps if you’re unsure about the boating license rule.

Language support is listed as Albanian, English, and Samoan via the live tour guide. So if you’re comfortable with one of those languages, you should have an easier time understanding instructions.

The boat tour part: real views, real speed, real context

The whole “boat sandwich” is one of the best parts of this set-up. You’ll enjoy a 30-minute boat ride through Miami Beach waters on the way to the riding area. During that time, the tour highlights properties tied to Miami Heat players. The numbers given are bold, too: the tour mentions homes around $3.8 million up to $32.6 million. Even if you’re not in the mansion-spotting mood, the size and location of these properties can be a wake-up call.

Then, after the Jetcar hour, you’ll get back on the same boat for another 30-minute ride at high speeds to finish at the shore.

Why that boat time is valuable: it’s not just transport. You’re getting a guided view of the area, plus a fast return that adds a “wrap-up” feeling instead of a slow crawl back. If you want more than one type of thrill in the same outing, the boat segments do that job.

Floating island check-in: gear, rules, and getting ready

Once you arrive at the floating island, you’ll get instructions on where and how you can ride. You’ll also be given equipment such as a life vest and a whistle. This is one of those moments where rules become real. Pay attention here, because your riding window is only one hour, and you’ll want to make it count.

You’ll also see photo-related sales on the island. The info mentions photo packages and photo covers being sold there. That means you should decide in advance whether photos are part of your plan. If you want them, you’ll want to handle it on-site. If you don’t, you can save your money and focus on the ride.

Also note what’s not included: photos, phone covers, and any GoPro package are listed as not included. You’ll likely want to bring your own phone or camera if you want to capture the moment your way.

The Jetcar hour: what you’re actually doing out there

The core attraction is the 1-hour Jetcar experience. You’ll get set up with the basics first, then spend the hour riding within the allowed perimeter area.

A few practical details matter here:

• You’re on the water, so you should expect wind and spray.
• The hour can feel like it passes fast, which is why the up-front instructions are worth your attention.
• The experience is designed for a quick, fun output, not a slow, scenic cruise.

The itinerary description says you’ll enjoy that hour on the Jetcar while riding for free in the perimeters. Translation for you: it’s a focused block of riding time rather than a long series of stops.

If you’re visiting Miami Beach and you want one activity that combines adrenaline with a “you’re on the water” perspective, this is that kind of plan. You’re not just watching the coast from shore.

Dolphins chance with early bookings

One highlight is pretty unique: early bookings have the chance to be driving with Dolphins.

That doesn’t guarantee it for everyone, and the wording suggests availability rather than a sure thing. Still, if you’re flexible enough to book earlier, it’s worth considering. If Dolphins driving is a bucket-list item for you, treat early booking as your best lever.

Safety and staff: what’s reassuring (and what you should still do)

This activity makes safety messaging very direct. It includes:

• Lifeguards on duty at all times
• CPR certified employees
• Equipment like life vests provided at the floating island

That’s a good baseline, especially for anyone who gets nervous about water activities. Also, the staff members are present at key points: the kiosk check-in, transfer to the boat, and instruction at the floating island.

Your part is simple: listen during the briefing, use the gear you’re given, and don’t rush. Jetcar time is limited, so people sometimes get overconfident. Don’t. The best way to get value from a short ride is to be ready when it starts.

The boating license rule: don’t get surprised

Here’s a rule you should treat as non-optional. The info says everyone born after 1988 needs a boating license.

The good news is the meeting point setup includes help. You’ll have guides at the kiosk who assist with waivers and boating license-related paperwork before you walk to the transport boat. Still, you’ll want to double-check what applies to you before showtime.

If you do need a boating license and you don’t have it, you’ll want to handle that ahead of your trip. Don’t plan on last-minute fixes.

What’s included vs. what you pay for

The listed inclusions are straightforward and mainly tied to getting you on the water safely and efficiently:

• Boat ride (the tour portions)
• Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Lifeguards on duty at all times
• CPR certified employees

What’s not included is where costs can quietly pop up for people who forget to plan:

• Photos
• Phone covers
• GoPro package
• Ski mask
• Googles
• Bandannas
• Sunscreen

My practical advice: if you’re only here for the ride, bring essentials and skip extras. If you want action video or custom photo products, decide on that during check-in and budgeting, not after you’re already on the island.

Price and value: is $35 worth it?

The price is listed as $35 per group up to 1, and the experience totals roughly 1–2 hours depending on start time and the full flow. The big value drivers are:

• A full hour on the Jetcar
• A free 30-minute boat ride through Miami Beach area views, plus a return at high speed
• Safety staffing (lifeguards and CPR-certified employees)
• Small group size (up to 6 participants)

For many people, $35 feels low compared to the cost of a private water-based thrill—especially because you’re not paying for the boat time separately. The free boat segment is doing a lot of the value work here.

The catch is that the experience’s total time on-water is limited. If you want long riding time or multiple laps, this isn’t that type of deal. But if you want one solid burst of Jetcar time plus a fast, guided boat component, the price-to-experience ratio is easy to justify.

Who this suits best (and who might want something else)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want one main activity that’s active, not just sightseeing
• Prefer short time blocks rather than half-day tours
• Like the idea of combining Jetcar riding with a narrated boat view
• Appreciate safety structure (lifeguards and CPR-certified staff)

It might be less ideal if you:

• Need long, slow scenic time on the water
• Hate riding in rain or shine
• Don’t want to deal with the boating license rule if you fall into the born-after-1988 category

For first-time water thrill seekers, the instruction at the floating island is a plus. For experienced riders, you’re still getting a clean hour without complicated add-ons.

Simple tips so you get the most out of it

These are the small choices that keep the experience fun instead of stressful:

• Bring what you need for sun and spray since sunscreen isn’t included.
• Plan your photo priorities. If you want GoPro or photo products, that’s a buy decision on the island.
• Arrive ready to move. The flow goes kiosk → transport boat → floating island instruction → Jetcar hour → return boat.
• If Dolphins driving is important to you, consider early booking.

Also, since you’ll be on a boat and then on a Jetcar, pay attention to clothing and comfort. Anything you don’t want to get splashed should be secured.

Should you book Royalty Rides Jetcar + boat?

I’d book it if you want a focused Miami Beach water thrill with built-in safety and a free boat ride for extra value. The one-hour Jetcar block is the headline, and the 30-minute boat segments make the whole outing feel longer without dragging.

I’d think twice if weather worries you or if the boating license rule could be a deal-breaker for you. The experience runs rain or shine, so plan clothing accordingly and don’t assume cancellations will save your schedule.

If your trip budget is tight and you want a memorable water activity that doesn’t require a big time commitment, this one is a practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the experience from start to finish?

The Jetcar experience is about 1 hour, and the full outing is approximately 2 hours because you also get about 30 minutes by boat at the beginning and 30 minutes on the return.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at 2400 Collins Ave.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the boat ride, a skip-the-line ticket, lifeguards on duty at all times, and CPR certified employees.

Do I need a boating license?

If you were born after 1988, you need a boating license.

What happens at the floating island before I ride?

You’ll receive instructions on where and how you can ride, and you’ll be given equipment such as a life vest and a whistle.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it runs rain or shine.

Are photos and GoPro packages included?

No. Photos, phone covers, and GoPro package are listed as not included.