Key Aspects:
- The US Embassy has issued a security alert advising against renting jet skis in the Bahamas, especially in Nassau.
- Multiple sexual assaults on US women have been reported in relation to watercraft rentals near the cruise port.
- The US Department of State’s Level 2 travel advisory also notes the risk of jet ski rentals and sexual assault.
Cruise guests visiting the capital city of the Bahamas will want to exercise a bit more caution when looking for the best deal for a jet ski experience. On June 15, 2026, the US Embassy issued a security alert about the lack of safety regulation enforcement for jet ski operators.
More specifically, there have been seven different reports of US women facing sexual assault from jet ski operators in areas near the Nassau Cruise Port, including Junkanoo Beach, Saunders Beach, Cabbage Beach, and beaches on Paradise Island.
The assaults have reportedly occurred on isolated islands near Nassau after the women rented the equipment and followed their tour operators for the excursion.
Additional safety concerns include unlicensed operators and accidents. Cruise Hive has previously reported on such incidents, including in February 2025 when a Royal Caribbean passenger was injured in a jet ski accident at Perfect Day at CocoCay. In that crash, the guest was hit by one of the guides at high speed.
Since August 2024, six US citizens have been hospitalized in Nassau from jet ski accidents. Three of those travelers required emergency medical evacuations to the US for treatment.
The alert also says that in August 2025, a US citizen riding a jet ski was killed after a collision with an unlicensed operator driving an unregistered boat off Paradise Island. It is unknown whether or not that individual was a cruise guest.
The embassy advises US citizens to avoid renting jet skis altogether, specifically in troublesome areas.
“Beware of solicitations from jet ski operators near the Cruise Port, Junkanoo Beach and Arawak Cay, and the small islands east of Paradise Island,” the advisory reads.
Furthermore, all cruise guests and other tourists should be aware that jet skis cannot be rented to anyone under the age of 18. Should a tour operator be offering rentals to younger visitors, they are in violation of local laws.
US government employees working in the Bahamas are completely prohibited from jet ski rentals or usage on New Providence (Nassau) and Paradise Island.
US Department of State Shares Similar Warnings
The travel advisory for the Bahamas issued by the US Department of State also specifically notes problems with boating and jet skis.
“Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred,” the advisory states. “Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.”
Specific issues include that personal watercraft may not be safe or inspected to meet the best regulations, some operators offering rentals may not be licensed or insured, and weather forecasts may be ignored, resulting in unsafe conditions for the small watercraft.
Overall, the US Department of State has a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory for all of the Bahamas.
Cruise Lines Warn Guests
While cruise guests are free to enjoy ports of call at their leisure and are not restricted to using only recommended tour operators, cruise lines warn against such choices.
Read Also: 11 Most Dangerous Cruise Ports You Should Be Cautious About
Recommended operators have generally been checked for compliance with local laws as well as licensing and insurance requirements. This does not necessarily mean such activities are without risk (guests typically have to sign waivers), but it is a step toward a safer experience.
No cruise guest wants their oceangoing vacation marred by an accident, assault, or injury. Being aware of travel advisories, safety warnings, and alerts can help travelers make the best possible choices to enjoy their getaway.
