Power Island Jetski Tour

Grand Traverse Bay is a big, clear body of water, and a guided jetski tour is the fast way across it. The tour heads out toward Power Island, a wooded island park in the West Arm of the bay with beaches and trails, and gives you a chance to stop, swim or explore. With a guide leading the way you do not need boating experience or a map, only a willingness to follow instructions and get wet. It is a lively option for visitors who want something more energetic than a winery stop, and a good fit for adults, couples and teens with the required qualifications.

Requirements and details vary by operator and tour, so read the product description. Expect a safety briefing, a life jacket, a set route with stops, and age and weight rules on who can ride and who can drive. Some tours let passengers ride behind a driver rather than operate their own craft. Water conditions affect the schedule, and wind or storms can cancel departures. Check the meeting place, which is likely near the bay shore, and the cancellation policy.

Power Island itself is a quiet contrast to the speed of the ride. The island is a county park with a mix of woods, shoreline and walking paths. Visitors reach it by boat, and its beaches and trails make it a popular summer day stop. Even a short pause here lets you swim in clear water or enjoy a snack in a setting that feels far from the marina. The bay from the water also offers a different view of the Old Mission Peninsula and the downtown skyline.

Pair it with a lunch on the waterfront and a gentler evening such as a sunset sail or a winery stop. If you would rather stay on a larger boat, the sailing option in this guide offers a calmer, more traditional bay experience.

Before you book, check the operator's rules on swimwear, cameras and personal items, and confirm what happens if conditions are too rough to reach the island. Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen before you go since reflection off the water intensifies exposure, and listen carefully to the safety briefing. Respect other boaters, swimmers and the island's visitor rules, and keep a safe distance from shore and from other craft. If anyone in your party is nervous on the water, a calmer sail or a beach day may be a better fit than a jetski.

Many operators require a signed waiver and may set minimum ages for drivers and passengers, so have everyone in your party ready to complete forms on arrival. Consider booking an earlier time slot, as winds typically build through the afternoon. If you are traveling with mixed interests, pair the jetski outing with a sail or a calm beach day for non-riders in your group.