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The Day I Drove a Car on Water in San Juan And Why You Should Too

Alright so last year my buddy Marcus hit me up out of nowhere. Like I haven’t heard from this guy in maybe six months, and he calls me going Dude, DUDE, you have to see what I just found in San Juan.

Now here’s the thing about Marcus – he gets hyped about the weirdest stuff. So when he’s all excited, I’m usually like yeah okay sure Marcus.

But then he sends me this video clip. And I’m sitting there watching it like… hold up. Is that a sports car? On the water? I watched it three times because my brain couldn’t make sense of it. Discover more about this incredible experience and figure out when you can make this happen. 

Turns out there’s this whole thing in Puerto Rico where you can rent these amphibious supercars and actually drive them around the bay in San Juan. I thought Marcus was pranking me at first.

How I Actually Booked This

Great trip, but kinda standard tourist stuff. For those curious about logistics, you can find detailed information here that covers age requirements, what to bring, and timing.

This time I wanted something she’d actually remember. So I googled about jet car rental San Juan to see if it was even real. But nope, it was legit. Multiple companies doing it. Real reviews from real people.

My first thought looking at the prices was oof. This wasn’t cheap.

What These Things Are

These are legitimate amphibious vehicles designed to look like high-end sports cars. McLaren style, Bugatti vibes – that level of exotic. They’re built with materials that won’t corrode in saltwater, and underneath there’s jet propulsion systems that push you across the water.

The one we drove looked like a bright red supercar. Super sleek body, comfortable leather seats. But made to float and drive on the ocean instead of roads.

What surprised me was how normal it felt. Obviously you’re on water with waves and spray everywhere. But the steering wheel responds like you’d expect. You just drive it. Point where you wanna go, press the gas, and you’re moving across the Caribbean.

The Actual Experience

We showed up Tuesday morning for our jet car rental San Juan reservation. Gorgeous day – barely any clouds, calm water. There’s like four other couples there. Everyone’s got that excited but nervous vibe.

Our guide Carlos had super chill energy. But during the safety briefing my anxiety brain starts firing up. What if I crash into someone’s yacht? What if it flips over?

Carlos walks over and goes Hey man, you drive a regular car? I’m like yeah. He says Then you’re totally fine. This is easier because there’s no traffic. He was right.

They started us slow – getting used to how it handles on water. Different from road driving cause there’s no friction. When you turn you kinda slide into it. Feels weird for five minutes, then becomes natural.

Once Carlos saw we were comfortable, he gave us the green light to open them up. That’s when it gets fun. Actual speed – flying across the bay, water spraying everywhere, my wife screaming in that good way, and I’m grinning like crazy.

The views are something else. We’re floating past El Morro – that massive old fort from the 1500s.

Carlos took us to spots where the water was crystal clear. We saw sea turtles, schools of tropical fish in bright colors. He stopped at scenic locations for pictures. Our photos came out looking professional even though it was just Carlos with my wife’s iPhone.

He kept dropping history facts while we cruised. Normally I tune out history stuff, but when you’re floating where Spanish treasure ships got attacked by pirates? That hits different.

Why This Beat Everything

We did other stuff on that trip. Good restaurants, beach days, day trips to Culebra. All great.

But the jet car rental san juan thing? That’s the only thing we still talk about regularly. That’s what comes up when someone asks about Puerto Rico. That’s the story that makes people pay attention to our vacation photos.

My wife brings it up at random times. Or she’ll show people the videos and they can’t believe it’s real.

Part of why it sticks is how unexpected it is. You don’t expect to drive a floating sports car across the bay.

Before You Book

Book early. Like weeks ahead, especially during winter or spring. These sell out because there’s limited availability.

You gotta be 18 with a valid driver’s license to drive. Passengers can be younger – we saw families with teenagers.

Bring sunscreen. Seriously, way more than you think. The sun bounces off the water and you’ll burn fast. I got crispy on my arms and neck. Also waterproof phone case – everything gets wet.

Is It Worth It?

When I saw the price I hesitated.

But a year later, I remember this experience in vivid detail. I can tell you exactly how it felt. I couldn’t tell you what we had for dinner most nights. Beach days all blur together.

So for me? Yeah it was worth every dollar. You’re paying for a memory that sticks.

Also my wife said it was the best anniversary gift I’ve gotten her. Which means I’ve set this impossibly high bar for future anniversaries.

Final Take

San Juan’s ideal for it with the protected bay and incredible scenery.

Ready to make some waves? Just be warned – your regular vacation stories are gonna seem tame after this.