There’s nothing better than getting out on the water - that sense of freedom you feel from riding the waves is second to none. For true adrenaline-junkies, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of jet skiing and with so many holiday hotspots dotted around the UK, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Are you looking for the perfect location to hit the waves this summer? We’ve shortlisted our favourites, all of which have fantastic facilities and beautiful landscapes to explore.
It goes without saying that before heading out anywhere, you should check the specific location’s rules and regulations - you should know whether you need a permit or whether there are any restricted zones to be aware of before going jet skiing in the UK.
Best places to jet ski in Scotland
Burntisland Beach, Fife
This sand and rock beach is located east of the town of Burntisland which overlooks the Firth of Forth. The beach itself is ideal for jet skiing, with a high water quality rating of 4, a lifeguard service and the proud holder of a Keep Scotland Beautiful award.
On top of this, there is plenty to keep you and the family entertained in and around this dog-friendly beach, with facilities such as crazy golf, bouncy castles and an annual summer fairground.
Footdee Beach (Aberdeen)
Located at the Aberdeen seafront, immediately north of the harbour wall and the mouth of the River Dee, is Footdee Beach. this wide and sandy beach is backed by a sea wall and interspersed with regular wooden groynes.
Watersports are very popular here and, along with jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking are also
popular pastimes. With the beach being in demand with bathers during the summer months, there are electronic signs that display the current quality of the water, so you are always aware of the safety before entering the sea.
The water here has an abundance of marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals…and if
you’re extremely lucky, you might even spot a whale. There is a promenade that pedestrians, cyclists, and skateboarders regularly use, as well as a restaurant and children’s play area.
For those wanting to venture a little further, Aberdeen’s city centre is just half a mile inland from the beach. Here you can find a whole host of shops, restaurants, hotels and museums that are well worth a visit whilst on your watersport holiday.
Elie Woodhave (Ruby Bay, Fife)
Elie Woodhaven is a sandy beach, quiet and sheltered, yet with the benefit of easy access to a whole host of facilities. With a backdrop of dunes and views over the Firth of Forth, it’s the ideal location for enjoying a spot of jet skiing. There are also great walking opportunities around the area, perfect for taking in the surrounding countryside, or you may prefer to relax with some fishing or swimming.
The beach has a lifeguard service, a Marine Conservation Society award and a Keep Scotland Beautiful award. In addition to this, the water has a top-quality rating of 5 stars and its slipway facility makes jet skiing here a breeze.
Best places to jet ski in England
New Brighton Beach, Wirral
If a Northern adventure is what you’re after, New Brighton Beach is certainly one of the best jet ski locations in the UK. Onsite free parking and facilities such as first-aid, a solid slipway, toilets and disabled access makes taking to the waters that little bit easier. There are a number of other activities available, too, including fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and snorkelling - just in case you wanted to try something new.
When jet skiing at New Brighton Beach, there is plenty of area to explore. Head up-river and you’ll find the renowned Liverpool Waterfront, set off in the opposite direction and you’ll come across the Wirral Peninsula (home to other beaches such as Crosby and Formby). When launching, you don’t need to worry about complexity, as you’re able to drive your PWC right towards the launching area via the well-constructed slipway which is met by a wide concrete driveway.
One point to note is in the summer months, you will need a permit to access the launch area. To have a permit issued, you must have documented proof of RYA PWC Proficiency Course completion and insurance policies for both your jet ski and towing vehicle.
Clacton Beach, Essex
Clacton-on-Sea beach is highly thought of by jet ski users, with a seasonal lifeguard service and a generous stretch of golden sands for relaxing when you're building your strength up for your next trip out riding the waves.
There are also plenty of amenities on offer nearby, with Clacton becoming a popular place to be for families. Complete with a Victorian pier, cafes, seaside amusements and entertainment, this is a classic destination for a traditional British seaside escape for your jet skiing adventures.
Falmouth, Cornwall
Head to Cornwall’s popular marina hotspot, with waterfront restaurants, shops and pubs set aside local galleries and chandleries about boat specialists. It’s definitely one of the best UK jet ski locations for hitting the waves, followed by a trip into town.
Known for having the most accessible public slipway in the area, being modern and well-maintained, it’s the ideal spot for an easy launch. Falmouth Haven allow jet skis to be launched in the water sports area of Falmouth Bay and within a certain area of Carrick Road, for more information on the restricted areas see here. It’s important to note that in order to launch your jet ski, you’ll need an annual Falmouth Haven permit, valid for 12 months and costing £5.
Don’t worry about booking ahead - simply turn up. In the summer months, there will be a marshall at the entrance accepting payments. In the winter time, you’ll need to head to the Falmouth Haven office, situated 100m up the road into town.
Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire
Scarborough boasts two beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by incredible scenery and stunning views, including Scarborough Castle, to take in whilst traversing the waves on your jet ski. There are so many opportunities to hit the open water in this quintessential British seaside town.
It’s a beautiful location for taking your jet ski out, especially for the chance to catch a glimpse of the impressive views of the sun setting against the Scarborough scenery.
Pentewan Sands, Cornwall
A great place to head to with your jet ski is Pentewan Sands in Cornwall, which boasts a beach that
stretches for over half a mile. With an easterly setting, the waters around here are pretty well protected from winds and tides, meaning you’re not left waiting for too long for the ideal jet skiing conditions.
For those looking to take in the sights whilst in the area, then the village of Pentewan is situated at
the north end of Pentewan Sands and provides a wonderful place for having a wander around after a busy day out on the water.
Best places to jet ski in Wales
Menai Bridge, Anglesey
Known as the world’s first iron suspension bridge, Menai Bridge is an ideal location for all jet skiers. With there only being a short walk from the town centre to the base of the bridge - it's a great place to explore both off and on land. In the town you’ll find a selection of little local shops, pubs and restaurants.
Whilst out on your PWC, the coastline of Anglesey and the mainland is a scenic stretch to hit the waves, as well as access to both the Menai Bridge and the Britannia Bridge. You can head south towards the Llyn Peninsula or north to Llandudno’s Great Orme.
The slipway is easily accessible with its wide concrete construction and free trailer park however it’s worth noting during high tide, the trailer park is known to flood so be wary about leaving your trailer here during this time. Porth Daniel Watersports Company offers secure trailer parking as an alternative at a cost of £6 per day, and his located at the top of the slipway. Currents in the Menai Strait are particularly strong so take caution when launching.
Abersoch, Gwynedd
Arguably one of the busiest beaches on the Llyn Peninsula, Abersoch is known for its trendy town, colourful beach huts and 18-hole golf course. The popularity of the bay sees a number of watersports enthusiasts, with a peaceful entertainment for those relaxing on the sand. Abersoch is the perfect UK jet ski location for a PWC user, being home to the two St Tudwal Islands, you can spend the day exploring the rocky edge - keep and eye out for Bear Grylls, as he owns the west island...
If not in high tide, you’ll need to push your jet ski to the water since the slipway is not accessible to use when the tide is low. Due to the busyness of the beach, parking spaces disappear pretty quickly so it’s advised to arrive early, especially in summer when it’s peak season for holidaymakers. The trailer park is located at the entrance to the beach, charges are included in both seasonal permit prices and local daily fees.
If you’re looking for a less ‘high-profile’ spot - there is a second slipway closer to Bwlch Tocyn however the access point is shorter and more narrow and therefore is not the easiest launch site. This side of the bay is a little more rocky so be wary of potential hazards.
Colwyn Bay
If you’re new to jet skiing then a great place to visit is Colwyn Bay. Not only does it offer spectacular views and the opportunity of the open water to explore, it also offers plenty of attractions to enjoy.
Another reason why Colywn Bay is the ideal spot for those new to jet skiing is that it is home to a jet ski club for beginners, where lessons can be booked for those new to the watersport.
The ideal location for those looking for summer holiday ideas, the Colwyn Bay Jet Ski Club can also offer a choice of jet ski-based activities for the whole family.
Best places to jet ski in Northern Ireland
Warrenpoint Beach, County Down
The shores of Warrenpoint Beach are situated near the mouths of the Clanrye River and Newry Canal.
Views of the Mourne Mountains and the Loch Mouth make this a beautiful location to enjoy jet skiing.
This shingle beach is known for its organised watersports activities, including kayaking amongst many others, making it the ideal location for riding your jet ski when visiting the area.
With great facilities in the town and the opportunity to attend one of the regular music festivals that take place here, your jet skiing trip is sure to be one that lingers in the memory for a while to come.
The strand Portstewart Beach, County Londonderry
It’s easy to see why Portstewart Strand is regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s best beaches, with a long,
sandy shoreline, it is the perfect place for building sandcastles, enjoying picnics and playing beach games. Stretching for two miles, Portstewart Strand proves very popular with bird watchers, horse riders, as well as surfers and walkers and is a proud owner of a Blue Flag award and a Marine Conservation Society award.
Among the sights that can be enjoyed from this beach is the Mussenden Temple, which stands high on a
nearby cliff. Causeway Coast Way begins or ends here and items from Neolithic, Roman and Bronze Age times have been found in the area. A special scientific interest area, this National Trust beach is home to a variety of wildflowers, including bee orchids, butterflies, and bees. Portstewart Golf Club is the owner of some of the tallest and oldest sand dunes in Ireland, some of which reach heights of 100 feet.
Magilligan Strand - Benone Beach, County Londonderry
The seven-mile sandy beach of Magilligan Strand is backed by one of the UK’s largest sand dune
systems, providing a fantastic backdrop for your watersport activities. As well as jet skiing, this beach is popular with those wanting to experience surfing, swimming, as well as stunning walks in the area as the beach forms part of the local Nature Reserve.
Boasting a water quality score of 5, along with a Blue Flag award and a Marine Conservation Society award
as well, it’s not difficult to see why this area is popular with fans of watersports. The area is also great for families, with a children’s play area, a supervised paddling pool, caravan park and cafe, making for an ideal location for a family holiday
Specialist jet ski insurance through GJW Direct
Before you visit one of the UK's best jet ski locations, you may want to consider specialist jet ski insurance for reassurance that you and your craft will be protected if the unexpected happens. Get an instant online quote here.
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