Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Cornwall every year, and despite its remote location on the Southwest extremity of England, that number is no surprise. Beaches, countryside, culture, outdoor activities, there’s something to attract everyone to this county. While the influx of visitors is great for the local economy, residents and visitors alike are starting to notice some of the negative effects of tourism on the environment. The most visible of these has to be the scourge of cheap bodyboards, bought for £5, used once and discarded, broken on the beaches. We’re here to tell you about a different way to enjoy the water, which doesn’t have anything like the carbon footprint of its competitors and is a lot more fun too. You might be surprised to learn that this alternative is the adrenaline fuelled sport of jet skiing.

Also known as Personal WaterCraft (PWC), are powerful machines with petrol engines. But technological innovations in the past few decades have made them incredibly efficient and today’s models release 75% fewer emissions than those manufactured in the 1990s. In addition, unlike larger watercraft, they have a very shallow profile in the water meaning that they don’t damage the seabed. And while hundreds of polystyrene bodyboards are discarded on the beaches each year, the number of jet skis in Cornwall’s seaside towns is steadily increasing. All of this means that you can enjoy guilt-free thrills on an adventure which will make your summer holidays complete. Finally, we should mention that although they’re not exactly free when it comes to money, the low prices make these rides a must for everyone.

Where are the best places to go jet skiing in Cornwall?

• Newquay: surf paradise of the Southwest, Newquay is one of the most popular destinations in the county. And for good reason - it has numerous beautiful beaches, every kind of seaside attraction, and a high number of sunny days throughout the summer. The downside is that the beaches can get pretty full, but you can escape the crowds on the back of a top-of-the-range jet ski. Your journey will take you away from the beach, around Fistral Point, Crantock Bay and Perranporth. Explore the North coast, play with the local wildlife and race your friends on the ride of a lifetime.

• St Austell: on the South coast, you’re in for a real jet skiing treat. You can climb aboard at Carlyon Beach, and, after a quick training session, let the machine take you on a breathtaking journey along the shoreline. You’ll see cliffs, coves and caves, as well as the pretty fishing village of Mevagissey, and these vehicles will allow you to get up close and personal with these features because they won’t run aground even in shallow water. With any luck you might also see some of the inquisitive dolphins and seals which live in the area.

• St Ives: towards the tip of the Cornish Peninsula, the landscape get’s more rugged and beautiful. St Ives itself is set in a stunning location on a headland between two bays, which has made it a favourite among artists for generations. But it’s out on the water that you can experience the raw power of nature by skipping across the waves. You can take tours in both directions along the coast, taking in the Hell’s Mouth cliff formation in one direction, and the rocky shore towards Seal Island in the other.

Requirements to do this activity

Jet skis are powerful vehicles which can reach speeds of 40-50 miles per hour. This means that driving one is reserved for those over 16 years of age. In St Ives, which boasts some of the latest model SeaDoo, the minimum age is 21 years old. These restrictions are in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy the activity in a safe way, and that means controlling the craft, sharing the water with other vessels and the local wildlife, and handling Atlantic waves and swells.

But don’t worry if you’re under 16 - you can still enjoy the thrills as a passenger. You can climb aboard a jet ski with your parents or another adult from the age of 8 and experience the speed and spray of this experience which is sure to stay with you for a lifetime (or at least until you’re old enough to ride one yourself). It’s also possible for two adults to share it, and you can both have a go at driving if you’re willing to risk falling in when you change positions!

How long does an experience last?

There are a number of different ways to get your fill of jet ski thrills in Cornwall. If you’ve never ridden one before, or you haven’t been a boat before, we recommend choosing a taster session. You can decide between spending 20 or 40 minutes out on the water in the company of an experienced instructor who’ll show you the ropes and get you jetting off by yourself in no time. This kind of ride won’t take you into choppy waters or to rocky shorelines, but you might cover 8 miles and get a really good idea of what this activity's all about.

- But even as a beginner you can take a more adventurous jet ski ride, known as a safari. Once again, you and the group will be accompanied by an instructor who’ll take you on a 50 or 90 minute voyage of discovery along the Cornish coast. They’ll tailor the trip to what you want to do - thrill seeking, sightseeing, or water based games - you decide!

- From St Ives, you can take a jet ski tour. Your guide will take you to some of the beauty spots in the area, including rock formations and seal colonies. This tour will last around 45 minutes.

Whatever you choose, you’ll be given a short safety briefing and a life jacket before getting on the craft, but this doesn’t take up your experience time as the durations listed above are the time spent on the waters.

When it comes to good, honest fun, you can’t beat this activity. Make a booking for your adventure today!