Jet-skiing in Var means feeling the speed in turquoise water, between the calanques, the Cap Lardier peninsula, the Île d'Or. Our partners offer two formats: the guided ride (with an instructor leading the way, ideal to discover hidden spots) and free rental on authorized zones (for licence holders).
Beginner sessions (30 minutes, no licence required) are perfect for first-timers and children over 12. After a 10-minute land briefing on safety and handling, you ride a single-seater or two-seater jet-ski in a marked-out area. €80-110 per session.
Guided rides last 1h to 2h30 and cover stunning stretches: Saint-Tropez Bay → Pampelonne → Cap Camarat, Bandol calanques, Hyères-Porquerolles axis. €180-350 per jet-ski (2 people max). Free rental for licence holders: 30 min to half-day on authorized zones — €120-450 depending on duration.
Rates by format
Three main formats:
- Beginner session (no licence, 30 min): €80-110. Speed limited to 30 km/h in a marked area.
- Beginner session 1h: €150-200.
- Guided ride 1h (with instructor leading): €180-240.
- Guided ride 2h: €280-400.
- Free rental (with coastal licence) 30 min: €120.
- Free rental 2h: €280-380.
- Half-day free rental: €450-550.
Fuel is included for sessions <2h. Beyond, additional fuel charged on return.
Best zones and itineraries
Top destinations by departure point:
- Saint-Tropez to Pampelonne (1h): the iconic ride. Pass by the beach clubs, Pampelonne sand, return via Cap Camarat.
- Cogolin Bay to Saint-Tropez (45 min): more accessible launch, classic ride to the village.
- Bandol to Bendor and back to Sanary (1h): coastal beauty, calanques, Bendor island view.
- Hyères-Porquerolles axis (2h): cross to Porquerolles, swim break, return.
- Le Lavandou to Cap Nègre (1h): wild coast, Estagnol creek.
Bring: swimwear, sun cream (waterproof), a hat with chin strap, sea shoes (sand burns), a small waterproof case for keys/phone (provided by some operators).
Licence rules
Three categories of users:
- No licence (beginner sessions in marked zones): permitted from age 12, in a 30 km/h limited area, under supervisor radio contact.
- Coastal boating licence (permis bateau côtier): allows free rental on authorized zones. The licence costs €250-400 in France, requires 1-day theory + practical.
- Yacht commander licence (200/500 UMS): only required for very large jet-skis or commercial use. Not relevant for tourists.
For renting from age 12 without licence, parental consent and a brief medical declaration are required. Many of our partners offer family packages with kids on the back seat of an adult.
Safety: the essentials
Jet-ski is fun but requires care:
- Life jacket: mandatory and provided.
- Wrist lanyard ('coupe-circuit'): always attached to the rider — engine stops if the rider falls.
- Never alone: always in pairs or in a group. Our partners impose this rule.
- Drinking and driving forbidden: even one beer can disqualify you (zero tolerance for sea operators).
- Respect the marked zones: jet-ski is forbidden in beach swimming zones, in protected areas (Port-Cros), and at less than 300m of populated beaches.
In case of breakdown or fall: stay near the jet-ski (you'll be seen), wave your arm or use the whistle attached to the jacket. Rescue arrives within 10-15 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence?
No for short beginner sessions in a marked area. Yes (coastal licence) for free rental beyond the safety zone. Guided rides require no licence.
Children: from what age?
Generally 12 as passenger with an adult. Some partners accept 8+ in beginner format with supervisor.
How fast does it go?
Up to 80 km/h on the latest models. Beginner sessions: speed limited to 30 km/h for safety.
Is it safe?
Yes, with the right precautions: life jacket always, lanyard attached to the wrist, never alone (buddy rule). Our partners are insured.
Best time of day?
Morning 9-11am: calm sea, no crowd, soft light. Or late afternoon (5-7pm) for sunset. Avoid 11am-3pm in August when the sea is most crowded.