Do you like going off-road? Riding a jet ski is a dynamic aquatic sport activity that takes you far off the beaten track and is a perfect way to explore the coasts and waterways. In Devon, you have the choice of jetting along two coastlines: the North boasts beautiful sandy beaches and windswept cliffs topped with wild flowers, whereas the South has various river estuaries, shipping and fishing ports, and red sandstone rocks. Explore every cave, inlet and cove on a personal watercraft.

They used to be reserved for the super rich, but they’re now accessible to everyone. Whether you’re in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay or Barnstaple, you’ll find jet ski safari locations within easy reach and there are alternatives to suit every budget. What’s more, you’re bound to find that activity that suits you, as the range of providers in Devon cater to all preferences.

Where are the best places to go Jet Skiing in Devon?

• Teignmouth: half an hour’s drive - or a 15 minute train journey - from the county town Exeter, Teignmouth sits at the mouth of an estuary. Here you will find a range of this activity options, from beginner’s sessions to proficiency courses, which allow veteran jet skiers to become licensed instructors. You can hire a jet ski, or bring your own for a special price.

• Plymouth: the coast from the busy port of Plymouth to the seaside resort of Salcombe is a designated Area of Extraordinary Natural Beauty. Take a guided tour of this spectacular part of Devon on a powerful jet ski and let the expert guide reveal the secrets of the coastline to you. Or if you prefer, let rip and see how fast you can go, play Follow the Leader or make your own fun with the perfect backdrop.

• Torbay: the towns of Torquay, Brixham and Paignton make up the English Riviera, where palm trees stand in the grounds of luxury hotels above white-sand beaches. And not only is it popular among human visitors, dolphins, seals and other marine wildlife frequent the area and you’ll have a good chance of seeing them from the back of a jet ski. On top of that, you can escape the tourist crowds and explore parts of the coast which are hard to reach by land.

• Barnstaple: the sandy expanses of Woolacombe bay and rock-ringed harbour of Ilfracombe are a short distance from Barnstaple on the North coast. Both places look great from the water - a point of view that most tourists won’t get. If you want to escape the crowds, get on a jet ski and go further East from Ilfracombe, where the rugged terrain of Exmoor meets the sea, and put your vehicle to the test.

What kind experiences are available?

- Jet ski Tours are offered around the Devon coast, and with so much beauty and interest to explore, the best way to see this is on a fast, manoeuvrable PWC (Personal WaterCraft). Check out a jet ski safari and you can take control of your sightseeing experience. You can take in the views, observe the wildlife, or race your friends - just tell your guide what you want to do with your time and they’ll be happy to make it happen.

- Classes are the perfect option for those new to jet skiing. Controlling these powerful machines can be daunting for people who aren’t used to motor sports, so taking a lesson is a great choice if you want to learn the basics step by step from a qualified instructor. Beginner’s classes last from 30 minutes to 2 hours. For those who already know their way around and want a qualification to become proficient or convert their experience into certified instructor status, full day or multi day courses are available. By completing these courses you can attain a PWCP (Personal Watercraft Proficiency) Certificate, or a qualification issued by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association).

- Groups are welcome on board. For a family outing, birthday party or corporate event, why not book a group experience? There are various ways to organise the activity, whether you each want an individual jet ski, or if you want to share with two people on each craft taking turns at the controls. You’re bound to have an unforgettable time with your group, and you’ll leave the experience feeling closer to them than ever before.

- Devon’s watersports scene offers top of the range jet skis for hire, classes and tours. They boast powerful engines - up to 160 hp - to really get your pulse racing, and deep-V hulls which ensure stability on open water. Individual riders will enjoy pushing these machines to their full potential, while those who ride together will do so in style and comfort, without missing out on speed. If you have your own ski, bring it with you and take advantage of price discounts.

Requirements to do this activity

In order to ride your own jet ski on a tour, you must be 16 or older. Younger teenagers can board alongside an adult and this way they can experience the thrill of the ride, the spray of the sea and the wind in their hair. When it comes to classes, there are options for teenagers from 14 years old and up available in Devon.

It’s not just youngsters who can ride as passengers, these vehicles are big enough for two adults to ride in comfort. Don’t worry, just like a powerful motorbike, the extra weight of a passenger won’t take the fun out of the experience, and can even give the craft more stability when facing waves and tidal currents.

It’s important to say that anyone who wants to experience the thrill of a jet ski ride must be a competent swimmer. That’s right, just because you’ll be riding above the water doesn’t mean you won’t get your feet. This could happen when getting on or off the vehicle at the start or end of a session, or in the unlikely event that you fall from the craft. You will be instructed on what to do if this happens, but suffice to say water sports companies require that you are able to swim before letting you out onto open water.

What do you need to bring the day of the ride?

The clothes that you should wear for jet skiing depend on the weather and season, and these can vary a lot on the Devon coast. A swimming costume is a good starting point, and of course don’t wear anything that you don’t want to get wet. A rash vest is a great option which will protect you from sun and wind. Speaking of the sun, don’t forget to wear suncream - there’s no shade in the sea, and the sun can affect you even on cloudy days.

More specialised equipment such as wetsuit and footwear can be provided on site when necessary. Finally, a lifejacket is not just a good idea but is required by law across the UK. Once again, this personal flotation device will be given to you, but make sure you keep it on for the duration of the ride - it could save your life! The last thing to mention is a towel, you’ll be grateful to find it in your bag when getting back to shore.

So there you have all the information you need to enjoy this experience. Book with us and we’ll take care of everything for you!