Mission Bay Rental FAQ: Boats, Jet Skis & Watersports

The renter must be at least 21 and physically present at check-in with the required ID and credit card. Drivers must be at least 18. The 21-year-old renter does not have to ride with an eligible driver. Every driver must complete the waiver, safety instruction and temporary rental authorization process before operating.

Each jet ski is limited to two total riders and a 400-pound combined maximum. A lower manufacturer or unit-specific limit controls when applicable.

Yes, multiple eligible drivers may share when each person is at least 18 and completes the required waiver, safety briefing and temporary rental authorization process before operating.

Passengers may be any age only when an appropriately fitted PFD is available and all staff requirements are met. The two-person and 400-pound limits still apply. Call before booking for a very young child because staff and current conditions determine whether the ride can proceed safely.

Jet skis must remain within the approved Mission Bay riding area. Never enter the ocean, jetty, inlet, swimming zones or any restricted area. Fiesta Bay is normally the designated all-speed area, while Sail Bay has posted speed restrictions. Temporary event, enforcement, weather or safety restrictions can change access, so follow the current route briefing and posted signs.

No. Do not jump wakes or waves, follow directly behind another vessel, spray people or make aggressive unpredictable turns. Maintain the safe distance explained during the required briefing. Jet ski performance varies by machine, rider load and conditions, so operate only at a safe and legal speed.

The maximum is 10 total people, including the operator, adults, children and infants. Do not exceed the assigned boat or staff limit.

Standard pontoon rentals are self-operated and do not include a captain. The renter must be 21 or older, and every operator must be at least 18 and complete the required safety briefing. Guests wanting a crewed experience can compare Mission Bay party boat options.

Previous boating experience is not normally required. Every operator must complete the required orientation, and staff may decline operation when conditions or demonstrated ability make it unsafe. Pontoons are intended for relaxed cruising, with speed governed by the assigned boat, passenger load, conditions and posted zones.

Food, drinks, coolers and speakers are generally allowed. Avoid glass, keep the boat clean and follow current check-in rules. Alcohol may be permitted, but the operator must remain sober, legally capable and able to operate safely. Never operate a boat while impaired.

Children and infants may ride, and each counts toward the 10-person capacity. An appropriately fitted life jacket must be used as required. Dogs are generally allowed on suitable boats, but bring a properly fitted pet PFD. Call ahead for very young children or special fit needs.

No. Pontoons must remain inside the approved Mission Bay operating area and may not enter the ocean, jetty, inlet or swimming zones. They may not be beached or anchored. Confirm the approved route during the briefing and do not assume a boat can pass under a bridge.

The ski boat carries up to six total people, including the operator, adults, children and infants. A lower assigned-vessel limit controls if applicable.

The renter must be at least 21 and present at check-in. Every operator must be at least 18 and complete the required briefing and temporary rental authorization process. Staff may decline operation when conditions or demonstrated ability make it unsafe.

No. Towing is not permitted behind Mission Bay Sportcenter rental boats. Do not bring or attach tubes, wakeboards, water skis or other towables.

Ski boats must remain inside the approved Mission Bay operating area. They may not enter the ocean, jetty, inlet or swimming zones and may not be beached or anchored. Actual speed depends on the boat, load, conditions and operating zone. Follow posted restrictions and the checkout route.

Children and infants may ride, and each counts toward the six-person capacity. Properly fitted life jackets must be used as required. Food, drinks and coolers are generally allowed; avoid glass, keep the operator sober and follow the current rental rules.

No sailing certification is required. Hobie Waves, Hobie Getaways and Capri 22s are often beginner-friendly. Catalina 14.2 and 16.5 suitability depends more heavily on wind and demonstrated ability. Dock staff make the final decision about which boat and conditions are appropriate.

Guests complete safety information, boat checkout and approximately 15 minutes of dock instruction before departure. Any instructional video is supplemental and does not replace hands-on guidance. Staff may delay, change or decline a launch when ability or conditions make it unsafe.

Capacity varies by sailboat and catamaran model. Confirm the limit on the specific boat page, live booking calendar or with staff before booking. Every adult, child and infant counts toward the assigned capacity.

Wind strength and direction affect which boats and sailors can launch. The dock team may recommend another model, adjust the start time or decline the launch when conditions are unsuitable. Staff safety judgment controls.

Bridge access depends on the assigned craft, clearance, tide and current staff direction. Confirm the approved route during the dock briefing and do not assume that any rental can pass under a bridge.

Food and drinks are generally allowed on suitable sailboats. Alcohol may be permitted, but confirm current rules before departure. Avoid glass, and every operator must remain sober, legally capable and able to operate safely.

No. Kayaks are one of the easiest ways to explore Mission Bay, and the team provides basic guidance before launch. Conditions and staff safety judgment still control.

Choose a single for one paddler who wants independent control. A tandem is a good fit for two people who want to paddle together. The live booking page shows current options and limits.

Paddle only within the approved Mission Bay operating area explained at check-in. Do not enter the ocean, jetty, inlet or designated swimming zones. Standard rentals launch from and return to Mission Bay Sportcenter and may not be transported elsewhere unless management approves a separate arrangement in advance.

Do not assume that an infant can participate. Call before booking so staff can confirm an appropriate life jacket, equipment capacity and current conditions. Participation is subject to safe PFD fit and staff approval.

Yes, the basic rental normally includes the assigned kayak, paddle, properly fitted PFD and launch guidance. Wear or carry the PFD as required by law and staff instruction.

Yes. Paddleboards are beginner-friendly, and staff can cover basic stance, paddling and turning before you launch. Many first-timers begin on their knees and stand once comfortable.

The basic rental normally includes the assigned board, paddle, PFD and launch guidance. Use the PFD and any other safety equipment as required by law and staff instruction.

Paddle only in the approved Mission Bay operating area explained at check-in. Do not enter the ocean, jetty, inlet or swimming zones. Standard rentals launch from and return to Mission Bay Sportcenter.

Reservations are recommended on weekends, holidays and summer days. Walk-up rentals may be available, but boards and preferred start times are not guaranteed.

Calmer conditions often make learning easier, but wind and traffic change throughout the day. Check the current forecast and ask the dock team which time and route fit your experience level.

Lily Pads are floating platforms for relaxing and playing on the water. Aqua Jump products are large floating trampolines designed for active group fun. Current sizes, setup options and availability are shown on the booking page or confirmed by staff.

Yes. Inventory is limited, and delivery, setup or staffing needs may require advance coordination. Reserve early for weekends, holidays, birthdays and large groups.

Often, yes. Lily Pads and Aqua Jump trampolines can complement kayaks, paddleboards or a pontoon-centered outing when availability, location, conditions and staffing allow. Contact the team for a current recommendation.