American WaterSports
Questions / Answers

Q: I never driven a boat, how hard is it?
A: It's actually very simple, if you can drive a car then you should have no problem driving a boat. Our staff will provide complete and thorough instructions prior to your rental.

Q: I've never ridden a jet ski before, is it easy?
A: Yes. Our staff will provide complete and thorough instructions prior to your rental. We rent to thousands of "first timers" every year ranging from teenagers, to athletes, to seniors.

Q: How do I know where to go on my boat rental?
A: In addition to operational and safety instructions, our staff will personally go over our local cruising guide with you prior to your rental. This guide details and maps out all information about our local waterways, including water depth, channels, gas stations, restaurants, and sand bars. A laminated copy of this visual cruising guide is provided for use during your rental.

Q: Do we have to wear life jackets?
A: For boat rentals, life jackets are provided and required to be on-board, and passengers ages 6 and under must wear a life jacket at all times. For jet ski rentals, life jackets are required by law and are provided with your rental at no extra charge. We have all sizes from infant to XXXL and everything in-between.

Q: How old do you have to be to rent / drive a boat or jet ski?
A: State law requires a person must be at least 18 years old to rent, 14 years old to operate, and passengers can be any age. Ages 14 - 22 may require a state permit that we can issue at our location prior to your rental.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Once a vessel is reserved, it works like an airline reservation. Outside of 72 hours changes to the reservation may be permitted, inside 72 hours no refunds, returns or credits are issued for any reason other then unrentable weather conditions. Refunds or rescheduling will be permitted only when weather conditions do not permit safe rental of original reservation.

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Our staff has a combined experience of over 30 years with boat / jet ski rentals. American WaterSports has been operating at the same Coconut Grove Location, at Monty's Marina, since 2004.

Q: What if I have a problem or need help?
A: All of our boats are equipped with VHF radios, VHF channels are constantly monitored by our staff, the United States Coast Guard, local marine police and almost every other boat on the water. Our jet ski ride zone is always monitored by our staff, on their own jet ski, to help and assist with any issues or questions. Our tour guides all carry waterproof phones and a safety box on every tour, they are never more than a whistle away at all times.

Q: How much do you charge for gas and tax on jet ski rentals?
A: Our regular rental rates, listed below, are per jet ski. Total price includes gas, taxes and tour guides. See website for current rates.

Q: How much do you charge for tax and gas on boat rentals?
A: The Florida Department of Revenue regulates sales tax at 7%. Gas charges can vary depending on the vessel rented, length of rental, and amount of fuel used. Several gas options will be made available prior to your rental ranging from prepaying, refueling yourself at the gas dock, or paying at return.

Q: How much is the jet ski security deposit?
A: Security deposit is typically $500 per jet ski, accepted as cash or credit card authorization. One person may leave the security deposit for multiple jet skis within their group. Accommodations can be made for larger groups or under special circumstances.

Q: How much is the boat security deposit?
A: Boat security deposit ranges from $1500 to $3000 per vessel, accepted as cash or credit card authorization.

Q: When is the security deposit returned?
A: Cash deposits are returned at the end of the rental. Credit card authorizations only verify funds are available and are not charges. The issuing bank will place a hold or "freeze" for the deposit amount and typically release it in one to three days. If necessary we can usually assist in an immediate release.

Q: How could I lose my security deposit?
A: 99% of our customers receive a full refund of their deposit. Deposit charges are usually the result of physical damages to the jet ski(s) caused by operator negligence. Boat rental charges are most commonly propeller related caused by operating in shallow waters (outlined in the visual cruising guide). Using common sense, listening to instructions, operating safely, and maintaining safe distances and water depths are smart ways to ensure a fun yet safe rental with no unfortunate complications.

Q: MARCO?
A: Polo