When you think of jet skis, you might picture small boats—but trust me, these are anything but ordinary. I like to think of them as rockets on water: compact, powerful machines that pack a serious punch.

Once you hit open water and ease into the throttle, you’ll quickly feel just how fast they can go. It only takes a few minutes to get used to the steering, so start slow and build your confidence.

There are two important things to keep in mind:

• First, there are no brakes—so always plan your turns ahead of time.
• Second, jet skis only steer when you’re on the throttle. If you let off the power, they’ll keep going straight, no matter how much you turn the handlebars.

Getting started is quick and straightforward, and the local operators will walk you through everything you need to know before you head out.

Exploring the island by jet ski is one of the most exciting things you can do here. Get out on the water, have fun, and enjoy the ride.