Updated on · Mandelieu Watersports
Riding a jet ski without a boat licence is possible: you simply go through a water sports centre that supervises the activity. Here is how it works at Mandelieu Watersports, on La Rague beach, between Cannes and Théoule-sur-Mer.
Can you really ride a jet ski with no licence?
Yes. No coastal licence is required when you rent a jet ski from a water sports centre that supervises the outing: a qualified instructor explains the machine and the navigation rules, and the outing takes place within the framework set by the centre (riding area, instructions, times).
We offer two options: jet ski rental with no licence (30 min, 45 min or 1 hour of free riding in the Gulf of La Napoule) and jet ski tours, where you follow an instructor to the Esterel or the Lérins Islands.
What is the minimum age?
- Driver: from 16 years old. Drivers under 18 bring a signed parental consent form.
- Passenger: children can ride behind an adult from 4 years old.
The price is the same whether you are one or two on the jet ski: ideal to share the driving as a couple, with friends or with a teenager.
What documents should you bring?
ID is required for every driver, with or without a booking. For a 16 or 17-year-old driver, add the signed parental consent form.
Bring a swimsuit, sun cream and sunglasses with a strap. Life jacket, fuel and insurance are provided.
How does an outing work?
- Welcome and briefing at the centre: how the machine works, accelerating, braking, right-of-way rules and areas to respect.
- Assisted start: the instructor helps you get to grips with the machine near the pontoon.
- Riding: freely in the area shown for a rental, or in line behind the instructor on a tour.
- Return to the pontoon at the agreed time.
Safety rules to know
- Near the shore, speed is limited to 5 knots within the 300-metre coastal strip: leave and come back slowly.
- Life jacket worn at all times and kill-switch lanyard attached to your wrist.
- Keep your distance from swimmers, divers and other boats.
- No alcohol before riding.
In bad weather, your outing is postponed or fully refunded.
Rental or tour: which one?
For a first try or a moment of freedom, the 30-minute rental is enough to have fun. To discover the coast, the guided tour takes you further in complete safety: Esterel calanques, sunset facing Théoule or the Lérins Islands.
