Nassau jet ski rip off!

[LynneL]

My son & his girlfriend just returned today from the Miracle (great cruise). Only downside was being ripped off on time on the jet skis in Nassau. I had warned them that postings on here stated those that rent them try to cut short your time so be aware. Prior to taking off they even noted to the vendor what time they were heading out. The guy renting said if they brought them back in even 1 minute past the 1/2 hr. time allowance you go into another 1/2 hr. charge ($70. a 1/2 hr.). AFter 20 minutes they were called back in. They motioned to the watch that it wasn't time yet...but he kept calling them in. When they got in they told the guy they still had 10 minutes left. He insisted they didn't. They didn't want to argue too much as the vendor was holding the girlfriend's back pack with all their belongings. After they got the backpack they told the guy that they would be reporting to people how they were cheated out of 1/3 of the time & walked away. He then ran after them not to be mad, it was his mistake, & told them to go back out for 10 minutes more. At that point they were afraid if they go for 10 minutes (& have to leave their belongings with an annoyed employee) that they may be told when they got back that they were late & had to pay even more $$.

 

My son & his girlfriend also met some ladies heading back to the ship who said their group was also ripped off on time & so were others they met throughout the day.

 

I think the only way to send a message to these people is not to rent from them as even confirming with them the time out doesn't seem to mean much. Really a shame that they're not happy with $70. an hr. & have to scam it down to $70. for 20 min. (which means $210. hr. for a jet ski!!!!)

[pdxstudent]

Who was running the operation? Do you know companies name?

[LynneL]

Was at the public beach on Paradise Island. Said they were the only ones he saw renting them there. Wore red shirts...well at least on Wednesday. Thought name was something like Watersport Adventures but isn't positive about the name.

[scubagirrl]

Who was running the operation? Do you know companies name?

 

There is no company - they are independent and the gov't / port authority has been trying to regulate them.. or shut them down.

 

Unfortunately.. no matter what we post about them. people seem to hand over thier money and get ripped of.. and people still get killed and maimed from accidents.

 

I can't tell you strongly enough.. Stay Away from the jet ski vendors on Cabbage Beach.. They are thieves.

[LynneL]

There is no company - they are independent and the gov't / port authority has been trying to regulate them.. or shut them down.... Stay Away from the jet ski vendors on Cabbage Beach.. They are thieves.

 

Well said!

[bajathree]

Why would you leave an valuables with anyone:rolleyes:that was mistake#1...mistake #2 was because you made mistake #1 and felt you had to come back because you put yourself in that position that made you fearful to stay out the full 30 minutes beacuse they would hold that bag(which you should have never left behind) hostage.....a little street smarts go a long way;)

[BIG_Steve]

Why would you leave an valuables with anyone:rolleyes:that was mistake#1...mistake #2 was because you made mistake #1 and felt you had to come back because you put yourself in that position that made you fearful to stay out the full 30 minutes beacuse they would hold that bag(which you should have never left behind) hostage.....a little street smarts go a long way;)

 

I mean really, why wouldn't she have taken her bag and purse out on the Jet ski?

[bobsfamily]

DO NOT USE the the skis at Cabbage beach. Everybody gets a little giddy at the beach and may not be thinking all that straight.

[LynneL]

Money & ID not in backpack but digital camera was. Didn't want to risk it getting wet. The jet ski thing was a bit more spur of the moment. Planned on a tour with Otis (also a recommendation on here - Otis had people but put them with someone he said was his brother & they were really happy with that guy).

 

As Bobsfamily indicated, sometimes when people are on vacation they let their guard down. (believe me, his girlfriend's job is one that has her dealing with unsavory characters on a daily basis..certainly street smart at home & son usually uses caution too...They both let that vacation frame of mind set in..had such a positive experience with a local person for the tour, as we always seem to have in our travels)

 

They didn't even want to consider going out the 10 minutes again even with one person staying behind with the belongings because there was a concern that once he got back from the 2nd run the vendor would say the jet ski was out for 12 minutes, even if only 5 of the owed 10 minutes used, & claim they owe $70. more. At some point you must cut your loses or decide which battle you want to pursue on your valuable vacation time.

 

Anyway, can't go back so must go forward with recommending people to save the jet skiing for a different island.

[scubagirrl]

Money & ID not in backpack but digital camera was. Didn't want to risk it getting wet. The jet ski thing was a bit more spur of the moment. Planned on a tour with Otis (also a recommendation on here - Otis had people but put them with someone he said was his brother & they were really happy with that guy).

 

As Bobsfamily indicated, sometimes when people are on vacation they let their guard down. (believe me, his girlfriend's job is one that has her dealing with unsavory characters on a daily basis..certainly street smart at home & son usually uses caution too...They both let that vacation frame of mind set in..had such a positive experience with a local person for the tour, as we always seem to have in our travels)

 

They didn't even want to consider going out the 10 minutes again even with one person staying behind with the belongings because there was a concern that once he got back from the 2nd run the vendor would say the jet ski was out for 12 minutes, even if only 5 of the owed 10 minutes used, & claim they owe $70. more. At some point you must cut your loses or decide which battle you want to pursue on your valuable vacation time.

 

Anyway, can't go back so must go forward with recommending people to save the jet skiing for a different island.

 

They were right in letting it go... there would have been no fun in the extra 10 minutes.

 

For those who are looking for jet skis.. the guys at the sheraton are a much safer (and regulated ) lot. Of course, you need a day pass to use the beach there.. but there are honest jet ski vendors.. just not on Cabbage Beach.