Jet Skiing on Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is the perfect playground for jet skiing enthusiasts, offering miles of open water surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Several marinas around the lake provide late-model jet ski and waverunner rentals by the hour or half-day — including Pleasure Point Marina (operating since 1914), Holloway's Marina & RV Park, North Shore Landing, and Big Bear Marina — so it's easy to get on the water without hauling your own equipment.

Whether you're an experienced rider looking to carve through the waves or a first-timer wanting to experience the thrill, the lake's calm morning waters and afternoon breezes provide ideal conditions. Most rental operations include a brief orientation and all required safety gear. Wakeboarding and waterskiing are also popular, with boat rentals and tow services available.

Important to know for 2026: the Lake Patrol strictly enforces a 5 mph idle speed within 100 feet of any other vessel, swimmer, or the shoreline, and the open-water speed limit is 35 mph. All vessels — including rentals — must pass a mandatory Quagga Mussel Inspection at a BBMWD station before launching. Late spring through early fall offers the warmest water temperatures, though the mountain air keeps things refreshing even on the hottest summer days.