| Island Adventure Watersports
Every year when we start prepping for a new season, one of the first things people ask is: “What kind of jet skis do you have?” It’s a fair question. When you’re booking a jet ski rental in Myrtle Beach, the machine you’re riding makes a real difference in how your day on the water goes.
At Island Adventure Watersports, we run Yamaha VX WaveRunners, and we just brought in our brand-new 2026 fleet. They look incredible, they run like tanks, and after 12+ years of putting guests on the Intracoastal Waterway, we wouldn’t trust anything else.
Here’s why.
The 2026 Yamaha VX WaveRunner
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Yamaha WaveRunner, and the 2026 VX lineup came with updated color schemes that honestly look better than ever. Our new fleet features the Azure Blue and White colorway, and they’re stunning in person.
But looks aside, the VX is all about what’s underneath.
What you’re riding when you rent a jet ski with us:
- 1,049cc three-cylinder engine with serious torque and smooth acceleration
- Three-rider seating so you can bring a friend or family member along comfortably
- 18.5-gallon fuel tank for long rides without worrying about running low
- Yamaha RiDE system with dual-throttle controls that make braking and reversing intuitive, even for first-time riders
- NanoXcel2 hull that’s lightweight, durable, and built to handle commercial use season after season
- Plenty of storage for your phone, water bottle, towels, and anything else you want to keep dry
At roughly 680 pounds, the VX is a substantial machine. It sits stable in the water, tracks straight, and handles smoothly whether you’re cruising at idle speed or opening it up on a straightaway. That stability is a big deal when you’re jet skiing in Myrtle Beach for the first time. You’re not going to feel like you’re about to tip over every time a boat wake rolls through.
What Some Other Jet Ski Rental Companies in Myrtle Beach Are Running
If you’ve rented jet skis at other places around Myrtle Beach, there’s a good chance you were on a Sea-Doo Spark. The Spark is the entry-level option in the jet ski world, and some rental operations use them because they’re cheaper to buy.
We get it. But there’s a reason we don’t.
Here’s how a Sea-Doo Spark stacks up against our Yamaha VX:
| Yamaha VX WaveRunner | Sea-Doo Spark | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,049cc, 3-cylinder | 899cc, 60-90 HP |
| Weight | ~680 lbs | ~430 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gallons | 7.9 gallons |
| Seating | 3 riders | 2-3 riders (tight) |
| Storage | Multiple compartments | Minimal glovebox |
| Hull | NanoXcel2 composite | Injection-molded plastic |
| Braking | RiDE dual-throttle | iBR (add-on package) |
The Spark weighs about 250 pounds less than a VX. That sounds like it could be a plus, but on the water it means less stability, more bounce in choppy conditions, and a ride that can feel nervous under inexperienced hands. Two adults on a Spark is snug. Three is cramped. And with a 7.9-gallon fuel tank compared to the VX’s 18.5, you’re limited on how far you can go.
The Spark’s hull is injection-molded plastic. It gets the job done, but it doesn’t hold up the same way under heavy daily use. Our Yamaha VX fleet runs hard every single day during season, and the NanoXcel2 composite hulls take the beating without complaint.
Why It Actually Matters for Your Jet Ski Experience
This isn’t just specs on paper. When you show up for a jet ski rental or a backcountry jet ski tour in Myrtle Beach, the equipment shapes the whole experience.
Stability means confidence. If it’s your first time on a jet ski, you want something that feels planted and predictable. The VX gives you that. You can focus on enjoying the ride instead of fighting the machine.
Power means options. Want to cruise slow through a creek and take in the scenery? The VX idles beautifully. Want to punch it on an open stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway? There’s plenty of power on tap. The Spark can feel like it’s working hard just to keep up.
A big fuel tank means longer adventures. Our 2-hour backcountry jet ski tours cover over 50 miles of waterway. That’s not happening on a 7.9-gallon tank. The VX’s 18.5 gallons means we can take you deep into nature preserves and hidden creeks without ever worrying about fuel.
Storage means convenience. You can actually stow your belongings on a VX. Phone, keys, water bottle, sunscreen. On a Spark, you’re pretty much holding everything or leaving it behind.
Built for Jet Skiing on the Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is calm, flat, and protected, which makes it the best spot for jet skiing in Myrtle Beach at any skill level. But there are still boat wakes, wind chop, and narrow creek passages on our backcountry tours. A heavier, more stable hull handles all of that with ease.
Our guests range from total beginners who have never touched a throttle to experienced riders who come back every summer. The Yamaha VX works for all of them. The RiDE system alone is a game-changer for new riders. Instead of fumbling with a traditional reverse lever, you just squeeze the left handlebar to slow down and back up. It’s intuitive from the first minute.
Come Ride the Best Jet Ski Fleet in Myrtle Beach
Our 2026 Yamaha VX WaveRunners are cleaned, fueled, and ready to go. Whether you want a one-hour jet ski rental or the full backcountry tour experience, you’ll be riding the best equipment on the water in Myrtle Beach.
Book your ride today or call us at (843) 650-7003. We’ll get you out on the Intracoastal Waterway on a machine that makes the whole trip better.
