Jet Skiing

Jet skiing, also known as personal watercraft, is an activity that has gained enormous popularity in recent decades, both as a high-performance sport, as vacation entertainment, and more recently, as a profitable business in tourist areas. However, behind the excitement it generates, there are also serious environmental consequences that urgently need to be addressed, particularly in coastal locations like Puerto Vallarta, where marine life, including sea turtles, is in danger.

Jet Skiing as an Extreme Sport

Jet skiing is practiced as a competitive sport under the name of personal watercraft racing. International competitions, such as those of the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA), have consolidated this sport, which combines speed, skill, physical strength, and technical knowledge. Pilots reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on the water, executing gravity-defying maneuvers.

Recreational Activity for Tourists

In destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Los Cabos, jet skiing has become one of the most popular activities for visitors. Renting a jet ski for half an hour or an hour allows tourists to experience speed over the sea, jump small waves, and explore coastal stretches from a different perspective.

Its accessibility has grown: tour operators offer packages from 500 to 2,000 pesos per session, making it a steady source of income for local businesses on popular beaches like Los Muertos, Las Glorias, or Mismaloya.
Jet Skiing as a Business

Investing in jet skis represents an attractive business opportunity. A new jet ski can cost between 150,000 and 400,000 Mexican pesos, and its maintenance is relatively low if properly cared for. During peak seasons, a single jet ski can generate between 40,000 and 80,000 pesos per month.

Many local entrepreneurs have found this activity a legitimate way to support their families. However, the uncontrolled growth of these unregulated services has led to serious conflicts with local communities, environmentalists, and environmental authorities.

The ecological problem: a danger to sea turtles

The hidden face of jet skiing is its devastating impact on marine life, especially on sea turtles that nest on the Mexican coast.

Hundreds of turtles arrive on the beaches of Jalisco and Nayarit each year to lay their eggs. During nesting—which generally occurs between July and December—turtles require peace, quiet, and freedom from mechanical or human disturbance. Jet skis, however, dramatically alter this environment.

● Noise and vibration: The sound of the engine disrupts nesting behavior.

● Erosion and destruction of nests: The movement of jet skis through shallow areas or when they are grounded on the sand destroys nests hidden beneath the surface.

● Egg crushing: In areas without signage or environmental protection, Jet Skis parked on the beach can crush dozens of nests without the operators or tourists noticing.

Furthermore, the irresponsible use of Jet Skis in shallow waters affects mangroves, corals, and seagrass beds, which are vital parts of the coastal ecosystem.

What can be done about this conflict?

1. Strict Regulation: Municipal and federal authorities must establish permitted zones and restricted hours for operating jet skis, away from nesting areas.
   
   
2. Environmental Training for Tour Operators: It is vital that jet ski renters understand the natural environment and act responsibly.
   
   
3. Signage and Nest Monitoring: Beaches where turtles are present must have visible signs and ecological patrols, especially at night.
   
   
4. Tourist Education: Informing visitors about ecological risks contributes to a collective awareness of ocean stewardship.
   
   
5. Effective Sanctions: Fines must be dissuasive and applied to those who violate regulations or damage protected areas.

Jet skiing can continue to be a source of adrenaline and a decent income, but not at the expense of wildlife. Sea turtles—present on Mexican coasts for millions of years—are at real risk if tourism and conservation are not balanced. As one of the main recipients of remittances and tourists, Mexico must show the world that economic development doesn't have to be an enemy of the environment. It's time to set intelligent and ethical limits on the use of natural resources.