When jet skiing in Florida, the ideal outfit is a secure swimsuit or board shorts, a UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guard, water shoes with a strap, polarized sunglasses with a retention strap, and reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen applied 20 minutes before you get on the water. That's the short answer — but the right gear depends on the season, the water temperature, and how long you'll be riding. At Salty's Water Sports on the Indian River Lagoon, our USCG-licensed captains brief every rider before departure, and the most common question we hear is: "Did I wear the right thing?" This guide answers that question completely, for every season on Florida's Treasure Coast.
Florida's climate creates a unique set of challenges for jet skiers that don't apply in most other states. The sun is the primary concern — Florida receives more UV radiation than any other state in the continental US, and the intensity is amplified on the water, where UV rays reflect off the surface and hit you from below as well as above. A rider who spends 90 minutes on a jet ski in Fort Pierce in June without proper sun protection can receive a severe sunburn even on an overcast day.
The second challenge is the heat. Air temperatures on the Treasure Coast regularly reach 90–95°F from May through September, and the humidity makes it feel hotter. Wearing the wrong material — particularly cotton — can make you dangerously hot and uncomfortable. Cotton absorbs water and stays wet, adding weight and chafing against your skin at speed. The right fabrics are those designed for water: quick-dry nylon, polyester, and spandex blends that wick moisture and dry in minutes.
The third challenge is the wind chill. Even on a 90°F day, riding a Sea-Doo GTX at 40–50 mph creates significant wind chill. If you're riding in the early morning or in the cooler months (November through March), the wind chill can make you feel cold even when the air temperature is comfortable. A rash guard or thin wetsuit top adds meaningful warmth without restricting movement.
Your base layer should always be swimwear — not athletic shorts, not jeans, not casual clothing. Swimwear is designed to get wet, dry quickly, and move with your body. For women, a one-piece swimsuit or a bikini with a secure fit is ideal. Avoid string bikinis or anything with loose ties that could come undone at speed. For men, board shorts that hit just above the knee are the standard — they're comfortable, quick-drying, and provide some protection against the seat's surface during extended rides.
The most important quality in jet ski swimwear is a secure fit. At speed, loose clothing can shift, ride up, or come partially off — which is uncomfortable at best and a safety issue at worst. Choose swimwear that fits snugly and stays in place when you're moving.
A rash guard is the single most important piece of clothing you can add to your jet ski outfit in Florida. Here's why: a UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guard blocks 98% of UV radiation, compared to a typical white cotton T-shirt which blocks only about 20%. On a 90-minute dolphin tour on the Indian River Lagoon, the difference between wearing and not wearing a rash guard can be the difference between a pleasant afternoon and a painful sunburn that ruins the rest of your vacation.
Choose a rash guard made from nylon or polyester with a UPF 50+ rating. Long-sleeve options provide the best protection. The fit should be snug but not restrictive — you need full range of motion to steer and control the jet ski. Many riders also wear a rash guard over their swimsuit as a complete top, which eliminates the need for a separate shirt.
In the cooler months (November through March), a 1–2mm neoprene rash guard top provides both UV protection and warmth. These are available at most water sports retailers and are worth the investment if you plan to ride in the morning or in winter conditions.
Water shoes with a heel strap are essential for jet skiing in Florida. You'll be walking on wet docks, launching from sandy or rocky shorelines, and operating foot controls on the jet ski — all of which require footwear that stays on your feet and provides grip on wet surfaces. Flip-flops are not appropriate for jet skiing: they can slip off at speed, get caught in the jet ski's intake, or cause you to lose your footing on a wet dock.
Look for water shoes with a rubber sole (for grip), a mesh upper (for drainage), and a secure heel strap or full-coverage design. Neoprene booties are an excellent option for cooler months, providing both grip and warmth. Most water sports retailers carry purpose-built water shoes for under $30.
Salty's Water Sports provides USCG-approved life jackets for all riders — you do not need to bring your own. Florida law requires all personal watercraft operators and passengers to wear a life jacket at all times while underway. The life jackets provided are Type III PFDs (personal flotation devices) designed specifically for water sports: low-profile, comfortable, and designed to allow full range of motion for steering and riding.
If you prefer your own life jacket, it must be USCG-approved and properly sized for your weight. Inflatable life jackets are not approved for use on personal watercraft in Florida.
Polarized sunglasses are essential on the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon's surface reflects intense glare that can cause eye fatigue, headaches, and temporary vision impairment — and polarized lenses cut through this glare completely. Standard non-polarized sunglasses reduce overall brightness but don't eliminate the reflective glare from water surfaces.
More importantly: your sunglasses must have a retention strap (also called a croakie or sunglass leash). At jet ski speeds, even well-fitting sunglasses can be blown off your face. A retention strap costs $5–10 and prevents you from losing a $200 pair of sunglasses to the lagoon. Salty's recommends bringing a strap even if your sunglasses fit well — the wind at speed is stronger than you expect.
Apply reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen to all exposed skin at least 20 minutes before getting on the water. This includes your face, neck, ears, the back of your hands, and any skin not covered by your rash guard. Reef-safe formulations (mineral-based, without oxybenzone or octinoxate) are required at many Florida waterways and are better for the Indian River Lagoon's ecosystem.
Reapplication is critical: water-resistant sunscreen loses effectiveness after 40–80 minutes in the water. For a 90-minute tour, bring a small tube in a waterproof bag and reapply at the halfway point. Lip balm with SPF 30+ is also recommended — lips are frequently forgotten and burn quickly.
If you're on a dolphin boat eco-tour or a sunset cruise (rather than a jet ski), a wide-brim hat provides excellent sun protection for your face, neck, and ears. On a jet ski, hats are generally not practical — they blow off at speed unless secured with a chin strap. A buff or sun gaiter that covers your neck and lower face is a better option for jet ski riders who want additional face protection.
| Item | Why to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirts | Absorbs water, stays wet, adds weight, chafes at speed, provides minimal UV protection |
| Jeans or long pants | Extremely heavy when wet, restricts movement, takes hours to dry |
| Flip-flops | Can slip off at speed, dangerous on wet docks, may get caught in jet ski intake |
| Loose jewelry | Can catch on controls, be lost in the water, or cause injury in a fall |
| String bikinis (unsecured) | Can come undone at speed; choose secure, tied, or one-piece swimwear |
| Regular sunglasses (no strap) | Will blow off at speed; always use a retention strap |
| Inflatable life jackets | Not USCG-approved for personal watercraft use in Florida |
| Heavy wetsuits (in summer) | Dangerously hot in Florida summer; a rash guard is sufficient May–October |
The Indian River Lagoon at Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, and Sebastian has a subtropical climate with warm water year-round. However, the optimal clothing changes significantly between seasons:
| Season | Air Temp | Water Temp | Recommended Outfit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | 88–95°F | 84–88°F | Swimsuit + UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guard + water shoes + polarized sunglasses + SPF 50+ |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 75–88°F | 72–80°F | Swimsuit + rash guard + water shoes + sunglasses + sunscreen. Consider a light wetsuit top for morning rides. |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 72–82°F | 76–82°F | Same as spring. Water is warm; air can be cool in the morning. Light rash guard top is ideal. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 62–72°F | 64–70°F | 1–2mm wetsuit top or neoprene rash guard + board shorts or wetsuit bottoms + water shoes + sunglasses |
The most important thing to remember about Florida's winter is that the water feels cold even when the air temperature is pleasant. The Indian River Lagoon can drop to 62–65°F in January and February — cold enough to cause discomfort and muscle cramping on a 90-minute ride without a wetsuit top. Salty's recommends a 1–2mm neoprene top for any winter morning departure.
In addition to your clothing, bring the following to your Salty's Water Sports appointment:
Waterproof bag or dry bag: For your phone, keys, wallet, and any other items you want to keep dry. Salty's provides storage at the dock, but a small dry bag that clips to the jet ski gives you peace of mind for valuables.
Water bottle: Hydration is critical in Florida's heat. Bring at least 16–20 oz of water per person for a 90-minute tour. Salty's has water available at the dock, but having your own ensures you stay hydrated throughout the ride.
Valid photo ID: Required for all rentals. Florida law requires operators to verify the identity of all riders.
Boater safety certification (if applicable): Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete a NASBLA-approved boater safety course before operating a personal watercraft in Florida. Salty's offers the Florida-approved exam on-site for $13.97 — it takes about 15 minutes and is valid for 90 days. If you've already completed the course, bring your certification card.
Knowing what to wear is important — but choosing the right operator matters just as much. Here's why Salty's Water Sports is the clear choice for jet skiing on the Indian River Lagoon:
Brand-new Sea-Doo GTX fleet. Every jet ski in Salty's fleet is a current-model Sea-Doo GTX — the same machine used by professional guides and water sports instructors. The GTX's intelligent brake and reverse (iBR) system makes it significantly easier and safer to operate than older models, especially for first-time riders.
USCG-licensed captains for every guided tour. Every dolphin tour and guided experience at Salty's is led by a full-time, USCG-licensed captain. These are not part-time employees — this is their career, and their knowledge of the Indian River Lagoon's dolphin pods, tides, and wildlife is unmatched.
95% dolphin sighting rate. Salty's maintains the highest dolphin sighting rate of any operator on the Treasure Coast. The Indian River Lagoon between Fort Pierce and Sebastian is home to over 2,000 resident bottlenose dolphins — and Salty's captains know exactly where to find them.
Five locations across the Treasure Coast. Whether you're staying in Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Sebastian, or Vero Beach, Salty's has a location near you. One company, one standard of quality, five convenient launch points.
Complete safety briefing before every departure. Before you get on the water, a Salty's captain walks every rider through the controls, safety procedures, and rules of the waterway. First-time riders are fully prepared before they leave the dock — no experience necessary.
In Florida's summer (June–September), wear a swimsuit or board shorts, a UPF 50+ long-sleeve rash guard, water shoes with a heel strap, polarized sunglasses with a retention strap, and reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen applied 20 minutes before your ride. The rash guard is the most important item — Florida's summer sun is intense, and the water reflects UV rays, doubling your exposure. Cotton T-shirts are not recommended as they absorb water, stay wet, and provide minimal UV protection.
A full wetsuit is not necessary for jet skiing in Florida from April through November, when water temperatures range from 72–88°F. A UPF 50+ rash guard is sufficient for sun and wind protection during these months. In winter (December–March), when the Indian River Lagoon can drop to 62–68°F, a 1–2mm neoprene wetsuit top or neoprene rash guard is recommended for morning departures. Full wetsuits are not needed in Florida's winter conditions — they would be dangerously hot by midday.
You can wear regular sunglasses jet skiing, but they must have a retention strap (croakie) to prevent them from blowing off at speed. Polarized sunglasses are strongly recommended over non-polarized lenses — the Indian River Lagoon's surface creates intense glare that polarized lenses eliminate completely. Wrap-around frames provide the best protection from wind and spray. Never jet ski without eye protection, as wind and water spray at speed can cause significant eye irritation.
Wear water shoes with a rubber sole and a secure heel strap or full-coverage design. Flip-flops are not appropriate for jet skiing — they can slip off at speed, cause you to lose your footing on wet docks, or get caught in the jet ski's intake. Neoprene booties are an excellent option in cooler months. Most water sports retailers carry purpose-built water shoes for under $30. Salty's Water Sports recommends arriving with water shoes already on your feet — the dock and launch area can be slippery.
Yes — bring reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen and apply it at least 20 minutes before your ride. Reef-safe formulations (mineral-based, without oxybenzone or octinoxate) are recommended for use on the Indian River Lagoon. Reapply every 40–80 minutes, as water-resistant sunscreen loses effectiveness with water exposure. Even on overcast days, UV radiation on the water is intense — the lagoon's surface reflects rays from below as well as above. Salty's Water Sports has sunscreen available at the dock, but bringing your own ensures you're protected before you arrive.
Avoid cotton clothing (absorbs water, stays wet, chafes at speed), flip-flops (can slip off and are dangerous on wet docks), loose jewelry (can catch on controls or be lost), string bikinis without secure ties, and regular sunglasses without a retention strap. Inflatable life jackets are not approved for personal watercraft use in Florida — Salty's provides USCG-approved Type III PFDs for all riders.
Now that you know exactly what to wear, all that's left is booking your ride. Salty's Water Sports operates seven days a week from five locations on the Indian River Lagoon — Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Sebastian, and Vero Beach. Whether you want a self-guided jet ski rental, a guided dolphin tour, or a sunset cruise, Salty's has the experience, the equipment, and the expertise to make your time on the water unforgettable.
Call (772) 448-4516 or book online to reserve your spot. Same-day bookings are often available outside of peak season — but for weekends, holidays, and spring break, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Tours fill quickly, especially the 95%-sighting-rate dolphin tours that families return for year after year.
Choose your Salty's experience, select the most convenient launch location, and reserve online. Questions? Call (772) 448-4516.