The quicker, lighter, more nimble cousin of the powerboat rental, jet ski rentals are ideal for anyone who wants to explore Lake Tahoe, but keep it fast and easy. Great for 1-2 people, who love a thrill and don’t mind a little cold water spritz on their adventure, jet ski rentals can be found all around the lake. So let’s get into it!
Lake Tahoe Jet Ski Rentals: Main Takeaways
- Most popular north Lake Tahoe jet ski rentals: Tahoe Sports, Tahoe Aquatic Center, Sunnyside Marina & Uplyft Tahoe
- Most popular South Lake Tahoe jet ski rentals: Tahoe Keys Marina, Zephyr Cove Marina, Ski Run Marina, Timber Cove Marina & Camp Richardson Marina
- Safety first! No, seriously. When renting a jet ski, make sure to check weather conditions and comply with all age requirements, and safety measures like life vests and liability waivers.
- Plan out where you want to go! Emerald Bay? State Park beaches? Open water cruise? Lake Tahoe is bigger than you think, so make a plan before you hit the throttle.
North and South Lake Tahoe Jet Ski Rentals
If you’ve never been to Lake Tahoe before, understanding where everything is will probably be the biggest roadblock to planning your vacation.
Let us break it down for you—the lake itself is called Lake Tahoe. Everything within the halo of mountains surrounding the lake is referred to as the Lake Tahoe basin. The lake itself has 72 miles of shoreline and takes about 3-4 hours to drive around by car.
The California-Nevada border runs (roughly) through the center of the lake from north to south. So you have a west shore (that’s entirely in California), an east shore (that’s entirely in Nevada), and then the most populous areas are in north Lake Tahoe and south Lake Tahoe. Those areas are both home to a California-Nevada border.
North Lake Tahoe is a general area, comprised of multiple smaller towns—like Carnelian Bay, Incline Village, Tahoe Vista, Tahoe City and Kings Beach.
South Lake Tahoe is both an area (the southern end of the lake) and the proper name of the city on the southern end of the lake. Yes, South Lake Tahoe is technically in south Lake Tahoe. There’s also smaller enclaves that you might hear about—Stateline, Meyers, Camp Richardson and Zephyr Cove.
All of this is to say that, it’s very important to know where exactly you’re staying and to build your itinerary around that locale. You really don’t want to book a rental for the wrong side of the lake OR plan a day around popular sites that are no where near you.
Whew, that was a lot. Let’s keep moving.
South Lake Tahoe Jet Ski Rentals
Now that we’ve got our bearings, let’s dive in to the area’s largest city and a true mecca for of all watersports—South Lake Tahoe. From powerboat rentals to jet ski rentals to water skiing, parasailing, kayaks and stand up paddleboards, it’s all at your fingertips.
Your South Lake Tahoe options are honestly… abundant. Marinas dot the entire shoreline of South Lake Tahoe, making grabbing your personal watercraft and riding off into the sunset pretty easy. The key here is to keep marina locations in mind. Some businesses offer rentals are several different marinas across the town, so knowing where you’re renting from will be important.
These are your main options with links to their locations.
- Camp Richardson Marina: Located on the southwest shore of the lake, Camp Richardson is a mega family-friendly area with long stretches of beach, a restaurant, ice cream parlor plus tons of camping and cabin rentals, in addition to the marina. Jet ski rentals here are managed by Adventure Tahoe. Follow Google Maps to Camp Richardson Marina.
- Tahoe Keys Marina: Plenty of boat cruises and tours launch from the Tahoe Keys Marina. But for jet ski rentals specifically, you’ll be working with Tahoe Sports. Grab a guided jet ski tour, or opt for a rental and take charge of your own experience. Follow Google Maps to Tahoe Keys Marina.
- Timber Cove Marina: Located right in the center of town, Timber Cove Marina is a great spot to swoop up a jet ski rental. The good folks at Action Watersports manage rentals here, and have a helpful staff to help land you on the best option. You can also go out parasailing, or rent kayaks, stand up paddleboards and boats at this location. Follow Google Maps to Timber Cove Marina here.
- Ski Run Marina: A hub for South Lake Tahoe adventures, Ski Run Marina is centrally located, with fun restaurants and shops to explore. It’s the perfect choice for families, being close to the tourist corridor, offering boat tours and cruises beyond just rentals. But for jet ski rentals, you’ll be in the capable hands of Tahoe Sports. Follow Google Maps to Ski Run Marina here.
- Lakeside Marina: Within walking distance of the Stateline casino hotels and Heavenly Village, this is a great option for visitors who are looking for an option close to their hotel. Grab your jet ski rental from Action Water Sports, and cruise off to neighboring Round Hill Pines or the gorgeous Zephyr Cove. Follow Google Maps to Lakeside Marina here.
- Round Hill Pines Marina: Directly over the California-Nevada stateline, you’ll find Round Hill Pines Marina. Just one cove away from the well-loved Zephyr Cove, this is a slightly sleepier option, but with access to the same beautiful spots. This area (like all of Lake Tahoe!) gets busy in the summer, but has a beautiful beach for post-ride relaxation. Action Watersports handles boat, kayak, jet ski rentals and beyond here. Follow Google Maps to Round Hill Pines Marina here.
- Zephyr Cove Marina: Last, but not least, is the ever popular, absolutely beautiful, Zephyr Cove Marina. Of the South Lake Tahoe locations, this one is the furthest to the northeast, meaning you get a different open water cruise than you do on the other side. It’s a central hub, with one of everything—camping, boat cruises and rentals, a restaurant, beach volleyball and beyond. Plus, of course, jet ski rentals for both in and out of the harbor. Follow Google Maps to Zephyr Cove Marina here.
North Shore Jet Ski Rentals
On the opposite end of the lake, you’ll find the north shore. Known for being a little sleepier and a little calmer, this side of Lake Tahoe is dotted with small towns that barely extend beyond the lakeshore. Yet, despite its mellow nature, north Lake Tahoe has almost as many options for jet ski rentals as our friends in South Lake Tahoe.
Over here, private outfitters are more abundant than marinas. But their jet skis are just as fast, the views are just as good and the service is just as friendly. Let’s get to it.
- Tahoe Aquatic Center: Located in the heart of Kings Beach, Tahoe Aquatic Center is designed to get you out on the water without the bells and whistles. You can rent for as little as an hour, swap out riders and carry passengers. Easy. Follow Google Maps to Tahoe Aquatic Center here.
- North Tahoe Watersports: Operating out of Tahoe City and Kings Beach is North Tahoe Watersports. Rentals here start at a 1 hour minimum. Drivers must be ages 21 and older, while passengers as young as 5 years old can join in on the fun! They offer tons of other watercraft rentals here also—from pontoon boats to pedal boats, parasailing to wakesurf boats, they do it all. Follow Google Maps to North Tahoe Watersports Kings Beach location here.
- Uplyft Tahoe: These guys are serious about jet ski rentals. In fact, it’s the only thing they do. That makes them specialists, right? Opt for a 2, 4 or 6 hour rental, and speed out onto the lake—speakers, a dry bag, waterproof phone holders and gas included. They’ll meet you at the marina to go over safety rules. Contact them for Donner Lake drop-offs!
- Sunnyside Marina: Okay, we’re creeping into the West Shore with this one, but given the close proximity to Tahoe City, we’ll keep it on the map! Sunnyside Marina offers jet ski rentals in addition to a whole host of other boating options. This is a great place to start your day of zipping around the lake, as you’ll be close enough to some of the beautiful state park shoreline on the west side of the lake. Follow Google Maps to Sunnyside Marina here.
What to Expect When Renting a Jet Ski in Lake Tahoe: Time, Location & Planning
A few general tips to get you started:
- The best conditions will be in the early morning before the winds, temperatures and other boaters rough up the lake. Plan an early start!
- Download the Tahoe Boating App before you get started. This makes sure all the must-know info is always at your fingertips.
- Plan to cover short distances with the jet ski. If you want to traverse around the lake, opt for a boat rental.
- Look into the rules of your rental company before you press ‘BOOK!’ Policies vary, and some have restrictions on where you can go, if they include fuel in the pricing, etc.
The great thing about jet skis? If you do nothing but ride in a circle for a few minutes, you’re still going to have fun. But if you’re thinking about covering some real terrain, or have a specific destination in mind, you’re going to want to plan ahead. Lake Tahoe is huge! At 12 miles wide and 22 miles long, with 72 miles of shoreline, there’s a whole lot explore.
But! you’re not going to be able to see it all on a jet ski, even if you rent for a full day. Outside of a few hours of glossy conditions in the morning and evening, you can expect the lake to be pretty choppy. This means you won’t be able to crank up the speed, and probably won’t want to traverse long distances. Maybe you’ll get lucky with a pristine day, but chalk up all planned adventures as weather permitting!
Requirements for Renting
Most jet ski rentals in Lake Tahoe have a similar set of rental criteria and it looks something like this:
- Renters must be 18+ or 21+ to rent a jet ski.
- Minors are permitted to join an adult on the ride.
- Minimum age or size requirements apply for small children.
- A current and legitimate driver’s license must be available on-site.
- Jet ski operators need to wear life jackets while on the lake and follow all speed and boating regulations.
Pricing and Packages
Renting stuff on Lake Tahoe is expensive. Anything, really. But there’s only a few months of the year that these businesses can operate, limited space to do so and a mega high demand. So, you gotta pay to play.
Prices typically hover between $180 – $220 for one hour jet ski rentals, with lower per hour rates as you increase time. Additional costs are pretty standard. Many places include fuel in the cost of the rental, but often times it will be an additional fee. Safety equipment like life vests are always included, and most will include dry bags for your belongings. You might consider renting a wetsuit for half or full day ventures. Check with your rental company.
Extra time, damages or waiver violations can also incur added costs.
Another thing to pay attention to? Cancellation policies. While some may offer full refunds within 48 hours of your reservation, others may not.
Safety Measures and Equipment
You’ve probably been on jet skis before, and watercraft rentals might be nothing new to you. But we mean it when we say that Lake Tahoe is a different beast. Take it seriously!
Whoever you rent from will of course provide essential safety gear, including mandatory life vests for every participant. But it’s up to you to make sure additional safety instructions are followed when you hit the open water, and that you know the ins-and-outs of things like speed limits, no-wake zones, invasive species and fuel station locations.
Top Spots to Explore by Jet Ski in Lake Tahoe
Now that you’ve got the important details settled, it’s time for the fun stuff. Where to go? What to see? For the best possible experience, you’ll want to have some sort of game plan. Maybe the plan is cruise around, take some pictures and throw your passenger into the waves. We dig that. But if you’re looking for a few ideas on places to visit, we’ve got you covered.
Emerald Bay
One of the most popular summer destinations around the lake, Emerald Bay is the perfect choice for anyone renting from South Lake Tahoe. It’s a short ride—especially from Camp Richardson or the Tahoe Keys Marina—and delivers an epic experience. Popular with boaters, campers, hikers and sightseers, Emerald Bay is a true must-see.
Visit it’s famous tea house island, Fannette Island, tuck into a private stretch of shoreline or simply cruise around and soak in the sights. NOTE: Emerald Bay is extremely busy in the summer. Follow boating regulations, know how to enter and exit the channel and follow speed restrictions.
Tahoe Sports also offers a 2-hour Guided Jet Ski Tour of Emerald Bay! If you’re interested in going, but nervous about the DIY aspect, this is a great option.
East Shore Beaches and Sand Harbor
One of our favorite things to do while out exploring the lake is simply tuck into a private cove and spend the day away from it all. And while you can find these hidden gems all around the lake, some of the best places to pull up your jet ski and relax are on the East Shore of the lake.
Closest to Incline Village on the far northeast side of the lake is Sand Harbor and its connecting coves and beaches. Here, giant, smooth boulders rise out of turquoise waters, pine trees dot the sandy beaches and there’s plenty of shallow corners perfect to soak up the sun and swim.
If your jet ski rental is based in north Lake Tahoe, this could be an option—but check with your rental company as it’ll be a bit of a long haul.
West Shore California State Parks & Bays
On the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find a long stretch of beautiful shoreline that includes Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, Meeks Bay, McKinney Bay, Rubicon Bay and D.L. Bliss State Park.
If you plan to tour the West Shore, you should rent from Sunnyside Marina, which sits just south of Tahoe City. This will give you the best, closest access to all the west shore fun.
Most of these locations will be a long haul ride on a jet ski, but if you’re coming from South Lake Tahoe, D.L. Bliss State Park could be a good option, while Sugar Pine Point State Park sits the further north.
Additional Watersports and Activities
Outside of jet skiing, what else is there to do around the lake? Rentals of every shape, size and activity can be found in Lake Tahoe. Basically if it floats, you can rent it. Here’s a little taste of what else is out there:
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Kayak rentals
- Powerboat & pontoon rentals
- Wake boarding, tubing and waterskiing
- Paddle boats
- Parasailing
Nearly all of the businesses around the lake that rent jet skis also offer other watercraft rentals. We’ll be honest—we love a boat rental. It’s the easiest, safest and most reliable way to explore Lake Tahoe. But we understand that it’s not for everyone.
But there’s plenty of affordable ways to get your family and friends out on the water, that require no experience and are still tons of fun. Renting a stand up paddle board or kayak, for example, makes an easy way to cruise around.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I rent a jet ski for?
If you’re renting for one hour (most rental minimums), you will be limited to some easy, local riding to nearby beaches. A half-day (typically 4 hours) gets your further—think Emerald Bay from South Lake Tahoe rental locations. A full-day (typically 8 hours) opens up the possibilities, but would be most useful for if anyone who plans on riding out to a private cove and settling in for some beach time.
Another thing to keep in mind—rental options vary by business. Some will have restrictions on where you can take your cool, new ride while others kind of give you the reins.
What are the age requirements for renting a jet ski in Lake Tahoe?
To rent a jet ski in Lake Tahoe, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, but younger riders can tag along with an adult.
Do I need a valid driver’s license to rent a jet ski?
Yep, you’ll need a valid driver’s license to rent a jet ski. It’s essential for hitting the water legally!
Are life jackets provided with jet ski rentals?
Yes, jet ski rental companies will provide life jackets for all riders to keep everyone safe.
Are there additional fees beyond the rental price?
Yes, there are usually extra fees beyond the rental price, like fuel charges.
