Jet Skiing

What it is

The fastest thrill-per-minute ride on this list. Short guided runs are everywhere on tourist beaches; longer solo rides are available where operators are licensed for them.

When to go

October to May in India; counters close during the monsoon. Dubai and the Maldives ride year-round, mornings best before the wind picks up.

First time?

Standard rides are pillion or short supervised runs after a safety briefing, so there is nothing to learn first. Life jackets are mandatory and provided.

Where to do it

• Baga and Calangute, Goa

  the busiest jet ski beaches in India

• Andaman Islands

  clearer water, rides from Port Blair and Havelock

• Dubai Marina

  guided tours past the Palm and Burj Al Arab skyline

• Maafushi, Maldives

  lagoon rides from the water sports centres