THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Slice across Old Hickory Lake on a nimble Yamaha EX WaveRunner from Blue Turtle Bay Marina and discover Tennessee’s shoreline coves, limestone banks, and active waterbird life. Book early—weekends sell out and weather can close rentals.
Slice across Old Hickory Lake on a nimble Yamaha EX WaveRunner from Blue Turtle Bay Marina and discover Tennessee’s shoreline coves, limestone banks, and active waterbird life. Book early—weekends sell out and weather can close rentals.
Book with Rowdy's Wild Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Rowdy's Wild Rides · Nashville, Tennessee
On Old Hickory Lake, just northeast of Nashville, a Yamaha EX cuts a low wake across the reservoir at Blue Turtle Bay Marina, where summer afternoons smell of diesel and sun-warmed pine. Old Hickory Lake, a broad impoundment of the Cumberland River created by Old Hickory Dam, is ringed by forested coves, limestone banks, and shallow shoals that make it an ideal playground for nimble personal watercraft. Meet at Old Hickory Lake - Blue Turtle Bay Marina, 2001 Riverside Rd, Old Hickory, TN 37138, for a briefing and a chance to feel the EX’s responsive handling beneath you.
The Yamaha EX WaveRunner is small, light, and remarkably stable, built to deliver quick turns and confident acceleration whether you’re carving skips past rocky points or cruising quiet backwaters. Rentals seat up to three and are beginner friendly; staff provide a safety orientation and life jackets. Riders should note a 375 lb weight limit and the deposit and licensing requirements—plan to present a valid driver’s license and a debit or credit card for a refundable $500 damage deposit hold. Operators must be 18 or older; renters must be 21 or older.
This jet-ski outing is special because it puts Nashville within a short throttle of open water. From the seat you’ll scan turtle-lined coves and Bald Cypress stands clinging to shallow inlets, and you may see osprey and great blue heron hunting the shallows. The lake itself is a mid-20th-century Corps of Engineers project—the Old Hickory Dam was completed in 1954—so every inlet and marina ties back to a working landscape shaped by flood control, navigation, and recreation.
Plan your run to take advantage of golden light along the eastern shore and small islands that shelter wind-smooth channels. Weekends fill up; availability is limited on weekends and weather can close operations, so book early. Half-day rentals are available on request for a longer exploration.
What sets this rental apart is the combination of a modern, easy-to-ride Yamaha EX and direct access from Blue Turtle Bay Marina, a short drive from Nashville. It’s practical for families, pairs, or solo riders seeking adrenaline or relaxed exploration without the fuss of trailering your own craft. Safety rules are enforced—no reckless operation—and staff will point out local riding zones to protect swimmers and wildlife.
Whether you’re after top-end speed or a scenic afternoon exploring coves, a Jet Ski rental here transforms a Nashville trip into a lakeside escape that balances adrenaline, ease, and a clear taste of Tennessee water country. Bring a waterproof case to capture shoreline cliffs and wildlife, and check Tennessee boating regulations before you go; staff at Blue Turtle Bay Marina will answer local questions and confirm riding zones and check wind forecasts.
moderate.
1–2 hours.
Requires basic balance and the ability to move confidently on a small watercraft; not highly aerobic.
You must be 18 or older to operate the watercraft; renters must be 21 or older to rent with a valid driver’s license.
Check-in is at Old Hickory Lake - Blue Turtle Bay Marina, 2001 Riverside Rd, Old Hickory, TN 37138; arrive 30 minutes early for briefing.
A refundable $500 damage deposit hold via debit or credit card is required at time of rental.
Late arrivals, no-shows, or guests arriving intoxicated/unfit for operation are non-refundable.
The Yamaha EX seats up to three, but keep combined rider weight under the 375 lb limit and follow safety briefings.
Yes—life jackets and a safety orientation are provided with the rental.
Old Hickory Dam and its reservoir were completed in 1954 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, shaping the current shoreline and recreation pattern.
Observe posted no-wake and protected zones, use reef-safe sunscreen, and pack out all trash to reduce impact on lake habitat.
Rowdy's Wild Rides is a Nashville outfitter offering guided fishing charters, boat rentals, and local music city tours. The company runs trips across Middle Tennessee waterways, including Percy Priest Lake, the Cumberland River, Caney Fork River, and Dale Hollow Lake. Offerings include catfish, crappie, small and largemouth bass, bowfishing, surf boat rentals aboard a Malibu Wakesetter, tournament style charters, and a trophy striper expedition. Experienced guides and captains provide instruction, safety oversight, and local knowledge to anglers of all skill levels. The trophy striper listing specifies USCG-certified captains and an eight-hour charter aboard a modern 22-foot vessel. Guided trout and bowfishing trips include equipment as noted, and the surf boat experience supplies essentials for wakeboarding and kneeboarding. Rowdy's Wild Rides also offers Nashville cultural experiences such as a Boots & Brews line-dancing crawl, Ryman Auditorium tours with exhibits and stage photo opportunities, and Grand Ole Opry House backstage tours. These experiences combine music history with guided access to iconic venues. Booking options accommodate families, private groups, and tournament teams, providing a mix of private and group formats. Safety, scenic waterways, and targeted species opportunities are highlighted across trip descriptions. Captains and guides focus on creating memorable time on the water and introducing anglers to the best local fishing spots. Reservations are available online or by phone, and trips can be tailored for skill level, duration, and target species. Rowdy's Wild Rides emphasizes clear communication, experienced leadership, and safe operation on Tennessee waterways. Ideal for families, friends, and corporate outings too.
Book with Rowdy's Wild Rides