The best outfit for jet skiing in Florida is a swimsuit plus a rash guard or quick-dry shirt, water shoes or secure sandals, polarized sunglasses with a strap, and reef-safe sunscreen applied 20 minutes before you get on the water. Life jackets are provided by Salty's Water Sports at no extra charge — you don't need to bring your own. Skip the cotton, leave the jewelry at the hotel, and secure anything you can't afford to lose. That's the core of it. The rest of this guide fills in the details so you're comfortable, protected, and ready to ride from the moment you arrive.
Florida's water sports conditions are different from most places people have jet skied before. Understanding the environment helps you make smarter gear choices:
Sun intensity: Florida sits between 25° and 31° North latitude — roughly the same as the Sahara Desert. The UV index regularly hits 10–11 (extreme) from April through September. On the water, UV exposure is amplified by reflection off the surface. Sunburn happens fast — within 15–20 minutes of unprotected exposure during peak hours. This is the single most important factor in your clothing choices.
Water temperature: The Indian River Lagoon ranges from about 65°F in January to 90°F in August. From April through October, the water is warm enough that getting wet is refreshing rather than cold. In winter, a rash guard or thin wetsuit top adds meaningful warmth.
Wind and spray: At jet ski speeds (30–50 mph), wind and water spray are constant. Anything loose will fly off. Anything not secured will get soaked. Plan your outfit around the assumption that you will get wet — because you will.
Duration: A standard Salty's Jet Ski Dolphin Tour runs 90 minutes. That's 90 minutes of direct sun exposure, wind, and intermittent spray. Dress for the full duration, not just the first few minutes.
Wear a swimsuit as your base layer — you will get wet, and you want to be comfortable when you do. For women, a one-piece swimsuit or a bikini with a rash guard over it is the most practical combination. Bikini tops alone can shift or come loose at speed — a rash guard over the top solves this entirely. For men, board shorts work perfectly. Avoid swim trunks with large mesh pockets — they create drag and can fill with water uncomfortably.
Choose a swimsuit you're comfortable getting fully soaked in. If you're planning to swim after your tour, this doubles as your beach outfit.
A rash guard is the single best piece of clothing you can wear jet skiing in Florida. It provides UPF 50+ sun protection for your torso and arms — the areas most exposed to sun and spray — without adding heat or restricting movement. Rash guards dry in minutes, don't chafe when wet, and add a layer of protection against the minor abrasions that can happen if you fall off.
If you don't have a rash guard, a quick-dry athletic shirt (polyester or nylon) works well. Avoid cotton — it absorbs water, becomes heavy, and stays wet for hours. A wet cotton shirt on a 90-minute tour in Florida heat is genuinely miserable.
Long-sleeve rash guards provide the best sun protection. Short-sleeve versions are cooler but leave your forearms exposed — apply sunscreen to any uncovered skin.
Footwear is optional on a jet ski — you can ride barefoot — but water shoes are recommended for two reasons: they protect your feet on the dock and marina surfaces (which can be rough, hot, or slippery), and they provide grip on the jet ski footrests.
If you wear sandals, choose ones with a secure heel strap that won't fly off at speed. Flip-flops are not suitable — they will come off the moment you hit a wave. Leave them in the car or at the marina.
Water shoes (neoprene or mesh) are the ideal choice. They're lightweight, drain quickly, and provide grip on wet surfaces. A pair costs $15–30 at most sporting goods stores and is worth having for any Florida water activity.
Apply reef-safe, water-resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen to all exposed skin at least 20 minutes before your tour. This is not optional in Florida — it's a health necessity. Focus on: face, ears, back of the neck, forearms, backs of hands, and the tops of your feet.
Use reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, not chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate). The Indian River Lagoon is a protected estuary — chemical sunscreens harm the seagrass beds and coral that support the lagoon's dolphin and manatee populations. Salty's Water Sports is committed to protecting the lagoon ecosystem, and reef-safe sunscreen is part of that commitment.
Bring a small tube in a waterproof bag for reapplication after the tour. Spray sunscreens are convenient but less effective on windy water — stick or lotion formulas stay on better.
Polarized sunglasses are essential on the water — they cut the glare off the lagoon surface, making it easier to see dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife. But sunglasses without a strap will fly off at jet ski speeds.
Use a Croakies-style neoprene strap or a floating sunglass retainer. These cost $5–10 and are available at any sporting goods store or marina shop. Polarized lenses in gray or brown tones work best on the water — they reduce glare without distorting colors.
If you wear prescription glasses, consider prescription sport goggles or contact lenses for your tour. Prescription glasses without a strap are at serious risk of being lost on the water.
A hat provides additional sun protection for your face and scalp — two areas that sunscreen alone doesn't fully cover. The challenge is keeping it on at speed. Options that work on a jet ski:
A baseball cap worn backward stays on better than forward-facing at speed and still shades the back of your neck. A buff or neck gaiter pulled up over your head provides full scalp and neck coverage without the wind resistance of a hat. A water sports helmet is available at some operators for guests who want maximum head protection — ask Salty's staff at check-in.
Wide-brim sun hats will not stay on at jet ski speeds. Leave them for the beach.
You do not need to bring a life jacket — Salty's Water Sports provides USCG-approved life jackets for all riders at no extra charge. Life jackets are required by Florida law for all jet ski riders and are non-negotiable. Salty's maintains a full range of sizes from children's to adult XL.
Wear your life jacket over your rash guard, not under it. The life jacket goes on at the marina before you launch and stays on for the entire tour.
Leave these at home or in the car:
Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are at serious risk of being lost on the water. A ring can slip off a wet finger in seconds. Leave all jewelry in the hotel safe or car before your tour.
Cotton clothing: T-shirts, jeans, and cotton cover-ups absorb water and become heavy, cold, and uncomfortable. Stick to synthetic quick-dry fabrics.
Loose items in pockets: Keys, phones, wallets, and sunglasses not on a strap will end up in the lagoon. Use a waterproof phone case or dry bag, and leave your wallet in the car.
GoPros and cameras without secure mounts: Handheld cameras and phones will be lost. If you want to capture footage, use a chest mount or helmet mount GoPro. Salty's guides can advise on the best camera setup for the tour.
Flip-flops: They will come off. Wear water shoes or go barefoot.
Summer (June–August): Minimal layers — swimsuit and short-sleeve rash guard. The water is warm (85–90°F), the air is hot (90°F+), and the main concern is sun protection. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply after the tour. Book morning tours (8–10 AM) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and the peak UV hours of 11 AM–3 PM.
Spring and Fall (March–May, September–November): The ideal season for jet skiing in Florida. Swimsuit and rash guard are perfect. Water temperatures are comfortable (75–82°F), UV is still high, and conditions are generally calmer than summer.
Winter (December–February): Add a thin wetsuit top or long-sleeve rash guard for warmth. Water temperatures drop to 65–70°F in January–February — comfortable for most people but cool enough that a wetsuit top adds meaningful comfort on a 90-minute tour. Air temperatures are typically 65–75°F. Salty's tours run year-round in winter — the lagoon wildlife is highly active, and dolphin and manatee sightings are excellent.
Here's everything to bring for a Salty's Water Sports tour:
✅ Swimsuit (worn under everything) | ✅ Rash guard or quick-dry shirt | ✅ Water shoes or secure sandals | ✅ Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen (applied before arrival) | ✅ Polarized sunglasses with strap | ✅ Small waterproof bag or dry bag for phone/keys | ✅ Hat (baseball cap or buff) | ✅ Water bottle | ✅ Change of clothes for after
❌ Jewelry | ❌ Cotton clothing | ❌ Flip-flops | ❌ Loose items in pockets | ❌ Handheld cameras without mounts
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. With a 95% dolphin sighting rate, a fleet of brand-new Sea-Doo GTX watercraft, USCG-licensed guides, and 1,300+ five-star reviews, Salty's is the only water sports company in St. Lucie County and the most trusted dolphin tour operator on Florida's Atlantic coast.
Book online at saltyswatersports.com or call (772) 448-4516. Morning slots fill fast — reserve yours today.
The best outfit for jet skiing in Florida is a swimsuit plus a rash guard or quick-dry shirt, water shoes or secure sandals, polarized sunglasses with a strap, and reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen applied 20 minutes before your tour. Life jackets are provided by Salty's Water Sports at no extra charge. Skip cotton clothing, leave jewelry at home, and secure anything you can't afford to lose. In winter (December–February), add a thin wetsuit top for warmth — water temperatures drop to 65–70°F.
No — Salty's Water Sports provides USCG-approved life jackets for all riders at no extra charge. Life jackets are required by Florida law for all jet ski riders. Salty's maintains a full range of sizes from children's to adult XL. You do not need to bring your own.
No — flip-flops will come off at jet ski speeds. Wear water shoes (neoprene or mesh) for the best grip and protection, or go barefoot. If you wear sandals, choose ones with a secure heel strap. Leave flip-flops in the car or at the marina.
Use reef-safe, water-resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen — mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Avoid chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate, which harm the Indian River Lagoon's seagrass beds and marine ecosystem. Apply to all exposed skin at least 20 minutes before your tour and bring a small tube for reapplication. Stick or lotion formulas stay on better than sprays in windy conditions on the water.
Choose your Salty's experience, select the most convenient launch location, and reserve online. Questions? Call (772) 448-4516.