2025 Miami Beach Jetcar: An Honest Review From the Water

Okay, so you see a lot of unique things around Miami, you know? It’s just that kind of place. But honestly, seeing a car that is, like, speeding across the water is a little different, even for here. That’s pretty much your first look at the Miami Beach Jetcar. It’s a bit of a head-turner, for sure. As a matter of fact, we were just walking along the causeway and saw one go by, and right away, we were, like, we absolutely have to try that. So, this is our totally honest rundown of the 2025 model experience. We are going to walk you through what it’s actually like, the good parts, and maybe some things you would want to know before you book. Basically, is it just a gimmick, or is it, like, a seriously fun way to see the city from a new angle?

What Actually is a Miami Beach Jetcar?

So, what is this thing, really? Basically, you can think of it as a mashup of two totally different vehicles. The top part looks, frankly, just like a small sports car or a corvette, more or less. You get bucket seats, a steering wheel, and even a little dashboard, you know? But then, underneath, it’s not a car at all. Actually, it’s pretty much the hull of a jet ski. There are, like, no wheels or an engine that would work on a road. Instead, it’s got a water jet propulsion system, similarly to what you find on personal watercraft. You are, at the end of the day, driving a boat that has the cool body of a convertible car. It’s a very weird, but also kind of a brilliant, idea. The 2025 models have this really sleek finish, and they come in these loud, Miami-appropriate colors, which of course makes them stand out even more on the blue water of the bay. They’re definitely made for getting attention.

My First Impression: Getting Ready to Ride

Frankly, getting started was pretty straightforward. We booked our spot online a few days ahead, which you probably should do because, apparently, it gets busy. When we got to the marina, the team was, you know, really friendly and got us checked in. First, you have to do some paperwork, which is standard stuff. Then, they give you a little talk about how to operate the Jetcar and the rules of the water. To be honest, I was a bit worried it would be complicated, but it’s really not. You’ve got a steering wheel like a car, a gas pedal for your foot, and that’s pretty much it. There isn’t even a brake; you just let off the gas, and the water’s drag slows you down, you know? They make sure you have your life vest on correctly and then help you get settled into the seat. It sits really low to the water, which, honestly, makes it feel a lot faster and more exciting right from the start.

The On-Water Experience: Cruising Biscayne Bay

Now, for the actual ride. I mean, this is what it’s all about, right? Pushing down on the accelerator for the first time is just a totally unique feeling. The back of the Jetcar kind of hunkers down, and then you just take off. It’s actually a lot quicker than I thought it would be. You feel the wind and the light spray from the water, which on a hot Miami day is, like, absolutely perfect. We followed our guide out into the open waters of Biscayne Bay. Steering is super responsive; you just turn the wheel a little, and the craft just carves into the water. It’s surprisingly stable, too, even when you cross the wakes left by other, much bigger boats.

The views are, well, seriously amazing. On one side, you have the complete downtown Miami skyline, with all the tall glass buildings just glittering in the sun. Then, you sort of cruise past the huge cruise ships at PortMiami. As a matter of fact, the guide pointed out Star Island and some of the massive mansions there. Seeing it all from your own little water-car is just a completely different perspective than you get from a regular boat tour. You are so close to the water, it almost feels like you’re part of it. We had about an hour on the water, and honestly, the time just flew by. You are having so much fun just zipping around and soaking in the sights that you, like, barely notice.

Is It Safe? A Look at the Safety Features and Rules

Okay, so you might be wondering if this thing is, you know, actually safe. It’s a totally fair question. From our experience, the company is pretty serious about safety. First of all, you are not just sent out there on your own. A guide on their own jet ski or boat is with your group the entire time. They, like, lead the way so you don’t get lost or wander into any shipping lanes or restricted areas. By the way, this is really reassuring.

As I was saying, everyone has to wear a life jacket, which is a definite must. The Jetcars themselves are apparently designed to be very stable and difficult to flip over, unlike, say, a regular jet ski if you’re not careful. You’re sitting inside a cockpit, so you feel a little more secure. There are also rules you need to follow, for instance, keeping a safe distance from other boats and from each other. The guide goes over all of this before you head out. Basically, as long as you are not trying to be a complete daredevil and you just listen to the instructions, the whole thing feels pretty secure. It’s more of a thrilling sightseeing ride than a high-stakes race, you know?

Who Should Try the Jetcar (And Who Might Want to Skip It)

So, at the end of the day, who is this for? Well, if you are a couple looking for a really fun and different kind of date activity, this is absolutely perfect. It’s exciting, and the photo opportunities are just incredible. Honestly, it’s also great for a small group of friends who want to do something more active than just sitting on a beach. If you get a little bit of a thrill from speed and love being out on the water, you will really enjoy this. You don’t need any prior boating experience, which is a huge plus for a lot of people visiting.

On the other hand, who might want to sit this one out? Frankly, if you have very small children, this is probably not the right choice, as there are age and height requirements. Also, if you get seasick easily, you might want to think twice; you are still on a small vessel in the bay, and it can get a little choppy. And if your idea of a boat tour is a slow, quiet trip with a narrator talking about history the whole time, this is not that. It’s much more about the feeling of the ride and the epic views. It’s loud and fast, so you need to be in the mood for that kind of energy.

You know, the thing that really stuck with me was just how different the city looks and feels from that low, open cockpit on the water. It’s less like a tour and more like you’ve found a secret, super fun way to explore Miami’s shoreline all by yourself.

Key Takeaways from the Miami Beach Jetcar Ride:

Unique Ride: It’s a very different feeling from a boat or a jet ski; it’s like driving your own sports car on the ocean.
Incredible Scenery: You get some of the best possible views of the Miami skyline, PortMiami, and the millionaire homes.
Easy to Operate: Don’t be nervous; the controls are super simple with a steering wheel and a gas pedal.
Guided and Safe: You’re always with a guide, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about where to go.
Best for Thrills & Photos: It’s an ideal activity for couples, friends, and anyone wanting an adventure with amazing pictures.

Read our full review: 2025 Miami Beach Jetcar Full Review and Details

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