Jetski Date Night in Vancouver
Are you bored of your usual date routine? Are you outdoorsy and adventurous and want to incorporate it into your date nights instead of the usual dinner and a movie? Then this post is for you!
I checked out Vancouver Water Adventures and rented a Seadoo (jetski) with my husband. It was one of the most thrilling, exhilarating experiences of my life and I’m so glad we could experience it together. Below I discuss the various steps of jetski rental and why I think it makes for such a great date experience.
Why Choose Jetskiing for Your Date?
If you love thrills, then your hair whipping back as you cruise at 50 km/hr over the waves into the sunset might be just the ticket. The adrenaline rush is unmatched. Plus, it’s beautiful – you get to explore the Vancouver coastline, even heading up the Howe Sound depending on how many hours you rent for.
Jetskiing with others requires a little bit of teamwork and communication – which is great for bonding. You have to make sure you and your partner are comfortable with where you’re going and how fast you want to speed over the waves, working to avoid any obstacles along the way (kind of like a relationship…).
I hadn’t been on a jetski since I was 14 years old, and my husband had never tried it before. It was nice to share a new experience together, and I can’t wait to go back next summer and try it again – probably renting for a few more hours in order to soak up all the fun.
What’s the jetski rental experience like?
Where to Rent
Consider booking with Vancouver Water Adventures. They’re a great small business offering a variety of rental options, including guided tours and hourly rentals. They take safety seriously and one of the best perks about them is that they include a full tank of gas with the rental – saving you precious rental time on the water. They also offer different rental options, from their base model to luxury (think bluetooth speakers!).
You can rent by the hour, or you can go on one of their tours ranging from 2.5 hours to 7 – which could take you all the way to the Sunshine Coast for lunch in Gibsons. While I rented for an hour, I think renting for at least 2 would reduce feeling rushed and really getting to enjoy English Bay.
Make sure you book in advance, especially in the busy summer months. If you have questions about which model is best for you, the helpful staff can answer any questions over phone (604.305.0113) or email (info@vancouverwateradventures.com). Hours of operation are somewhat dependent on the weather, so make sure to follow them on social media @vancouverwateradventures to stay on top of any changes.
Other things to consider when preparing for your trip
Arrive 1 hour before your schedule rental time in order go through the safety briefing. The shop is located on Granville Island, which has limited parking so consider taking public transit or biking if possible. Don’t forget to sign your waiver before you arrive, and bring a bathing suit and towel.
What to expect upon arrival
Marine Safety Briefing
Safety is super important at Vancouver Water Adventures, so once you are settled in you’ll walk through a safety video and debrief with their staff. You’ll also sign a temporary boater’s license, which you’ll carry with you on the jetski.
Provided Gear
Before getting on the jetski, you’ll be given the chance to wear a wetsuit (long or short sleeve, included), given a lifejacket, as well as given the option to use a waterproof phone case. All of this is included in the rental. I rented in September and opted for a full length wetsuit as I run cold and wanted to have the option of jumping in the water.
Learning how to use a jetski
The staff will show you how to operate the jetski (it is explained in the safety video, but helps to get an in-person tutorial). There are 3 operating modes – forward, reverse, and neutral. The left handle controls neutral and reverse, and the right handle controls forward and acceleration. You’ll also be tethered to the start/stop button with a kill switch, which attaches to your lifejacket.
What to expect on the ride
Navigating False Creek
For the first ten minutes of your trip, you’ll need to operate the jetski at 5km/hr while getting out of the marina, and then at 10 km/hr as you navigate out of False Creek and into English Bay. Once you’re free of the main creek artery, you have full control over your speed. The jetskis are equipped with GPS, which can track your location and automatically reduce speed in certain areas for your safety so you don’t have to overthink it.
Exploring English Bay
Once you’re out in the open ocean, the real fun begins. You can enjoy ripping through the waves at speeds of 50-70 km/hr, making turns and exploring. You can cruise by downtown, Stanley Park, Lighthouse Park and even up Howe Sound depending on how long your rental is. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get from the marina to Lighthouse Park, but definitely buffer in more time to just enjoy and have fun along the way. If you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife – just remember to stay at least 200 meters away from any animals you encounter. I saw some porpoises on our trip which added to the excitement.
In conclusion, renting a jetski with Vancouver Water Adventures offered a unique and fun date night experience that I’ll definitely be trying out again next summer.
