Islamorada: Waverunner Tour with Mangroves & Sandbar Stop

4.56

(90 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a jetski. The first thing I remember is that weird mix of salt and sunscreen in the air as we zipped out from Bud N’ Mary’s Marina — our guide, Carlos, just waved us on like we were regulars. There’s this moment when you hit the open water and it’s just you, the engine, and a bunch of pelicans watching like they own the place. That “freedom ride” part? It’s real — I almost forgot there was a group behind me.

We slowed down near the mangrove tunnels, which honestly looked like something out of an old movie. The water changed color under the branches — kind of greenish-brown but clear enough to spot a couple of rays gliding underneath. Carlos pointed out some bird (I already forgot the name) that only shows up here in summer. He laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it. The air felt heavier in there, almost sweet from all those leaves baking in the sun.

The Islamorada Sandbar was packed with locals balancing drinks on paddleboards and music echoing off boats. We jumped in for a quick swim — water was warm but not bathwater-warm, if that makes sense. Someone handed me half a mango from their cooler (thanks again if you’re reading this). On the way back along the coastline, I kept thinking how different everything looks from out there — houses peeking through palms, kids waving from docks. My arms are still sore but I’d do it again tomorrow.