FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR TOURS
Where exactly are you located?
We are located inside Liberty Landing Marina, 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Our office is inside the Martime Parc Restaurant/Maritime Center building. Parking is available on-site.
Is advance purchase required?
Booking in advance is required. Same day reservations are available and can be made online up to one hour before departure. Please book early to maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer. Tickets can be purchased with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, JCB or American Express.
Do I need jet ski experience to enjoy the tour?
No. Jet skis are very simple to operate and comfortable to drive. Our certified guides give a short safety briefing before we depart and are always close by while out on the water. The first few minutes are within a no wake zone (5 mph speed limit) where you will get the feel of the jet ski before you start to accelerate out in the open water. More than half of our customers are first-time jet ski riders. So as long as you’re comfortable in and around the water, you’ll have a blast!
Is there a place for customers to change?
Yes. The Marina has lovely facilities to change or use the restroom.
Will there be a place to lock up belongings?
Yes. We provide individual bins for each guest which are then locked securely in our office.
Is New York Harbor clean enough to jet ski in?
Great question. The answer is yes! During the last 30 years, government and private businesses have made great efforts to clean up the Harbor and with amazing success. New York Harbor is cleaner now than it has been in over 100 years. You can read a NYC DEP report here at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/harborwater/index.shtml.
Does the tour run in the rain?
Rain is not the only weather that can prevent us from being able to take a tour out. Weather and water conditions can be dangerous even if it appears to be a beautiful day out. If we cancel your tour, you will be given a choice to reschedule or receive a full refund. We will typically notify you of cancellation at least three hours prior to tour time. However, if you are concerned about the conditions, give us a call and ask.
What is the best time of day to go on a jet ski tour?
Of course the answer is, anytime! However, here is our best attempt to describe how to choose the time of day that is best for you…
- Morning (8am-Noon) – This is typically the calmest part of the day. The conditions on the first tour can be lake-like.
- Afternoon (Noon-5pm) – This is the height of the “action”. If you want to be out riding (safely) alongside ferries, tour boats and mega-yacht… Midday is the time to do it.
Late Afternoon (5pm-8pm) – Anytime in NY Harbor is beautiful, but late afternoon takes the cake. The water generally starts to calm, boat traffic diminishes and the sun starts going down on yet another day in the greatest city in the world. Breathtaking!
What is a jet ski tour?
We provide only guided jet ski tours around New York. Our licensed guides are on their own jet ski, while you drive another. A tour consists of a group of several jet skis which stay within a reasonable distance to the guide.
What is the difference between a jet ski rental and a jet ski tour?
A rental is a limited area where you ride the jets skis. A tour is very different and unique. We take you to points of interest within NYC. While you will be following a guide, you will have more room to operate the ski at a comfortable speed for you. Our tour guides will escort you on our tour routes which are designed to provide optimal views of NYC without you needing to know the best route to take.
How many people can ride on a jet ski?
We allow one (Solo ski) or two (Tandem ski) people on one jet ski, provided the combined weight of the riders is under 350 pounds. We find that it is a bit easier to maneuver with one person on a jet ski.
If two people go on a jet ski, are we allowed to switch drivers?
Yes. As long as the riders are both 18, you can take turns driving … switching at a designated point with the help of our tour guides.
Do we pay per person or per jet ski?
The standard price is for one person on the jet ski. If you have a second rider on your jet ski, there will be an additional charge that is significantly lower than the standard price.
If I forget to add photos, but want to do so at the time of the tour, is that possible?
Yes! You may add photos at any time until departure. We accept cash or card on the dock.
What is the minimum age to come on a jet ski tour?
The minimum age to operate a jet ski is 18 years old. You must be 12 or older to ride along with your parent or legal guardian.
What is the difference between a Jet ski, Waverunner, Sea-doo, water scooter and personal water craft (PWC)?
We use 2021 Yamaha Ex Waverunners. (These are sit down waverunners.) However, we do refer to them as jet skis, because that is how people commonly know them.
Am I required to sign a waiver?
Yes. It is a requirement that all individuals participating in a tour sign a waiver. A waiver will be emailed to each participant for electronic signature prior to your tour.
Is there a weight limit for your jet skis?
Yes, the combined weight of riders must be no more than 350 lbs.
How fast can I go on the jet ski tour?
The PWC’s go up to 55 mph, and your speed is not restricted. We only ask that you stay within sight of our tour guide. Weather and water conditions will also determine the speed which you can safely ride.
Will I be charged extra for gas?
Gas is included, with the exception of a $8.50 fuel spike surcharge in effect for the 2022 season.
Do I need a license to drive a jet ski?
No, You do not need any license to drive or ride a jet ski on our tours, because you are with our licensed guide. However, you must bring with you a valid photo ID.
Will I need to pay extra for a dry suit?
No, if you need to wear a dry suit, water shoes or other riding accessories we will provide them for you as part of the tour price.
Will I wear a life vest?
Yes, both operators and passengers will need to wear a life vest to be allowed on a jet ski.
What if I fall off the jet ski?
If you should fall off, the emergency cut off switch will disable the PWC and your life vest will keep you afloat while you re-board from the rear of the jet ski.
Can I bring my cell phone on the tour?
No, cell phones are not allowed on the jet ski tour to keep you focused on the ride and not be distracted by your phone.
Are Sea the City gift certificates available?
Yes, Sea the City does offer certificates and they make a great gift that people won’t forget!
Are private tours or longer tours available?
Yes! Please contact us directly at 1-866-462-4565 or email Adam@seathecity.com to inquire further. We will determine the best time for you to travel and set your group up for a tour you will love.
What about tipping?
Many of our guests have asked for guidance on gratuities. Tipping is always optional. Our experience is that most guests tip about $20 per ski. If you would like to tip, you can do so in cash, via Venmo or by requesting your tip be added to your credit card on file. One hundred percent of the gratuity goes to your guides, regardless of the method of payment you use.
What do I need to wear on a jet ski tour?
During warmer weather, we highly recommend wearing your bathing suit, You will certainly be getting wet so you will be most comfortable in your swimsuit. Colder months, we have complimentary dry suits, boots and gloves available for anyone that would like them.
Will I be able to get pictures of my tour?
Yes, we provide pictures for an additional fee. Photography packages are available at a discounted cost before the tour date or at full price on day of the tour.