We have what is called a deck boat, it's a good all around family and friends boat. Plenty of seating, storage, sink, shower, and dry box, and has a top to provide some shade which is needed when you are out all day, We can take it in fresh or salt water, we use it for fishing, and scalloping..., we can tube or ski behind it, or just take it for a ride or take it all day, with our DD and sweet little grandson, for a day on the river, or lake or hit the gulf... we have a small portable grill, table, and camp chairs, and pull up and spend the day.... It just so much fun... there are places we go and there might be 50 boats all pulled up and hanging out... some spot on the gulf there might be 150 + boats just hanging out... Living that Boaty lifestyle... We boaters are a friendly laid back bunch of folks, that just love the water.
We have rented jet ski's, or wave runner's... they really aren't for us, they are basically a motor cycle on the water. They are fun to ride for a hour or so, its a rough ride, as you are out were the are boats and boats make more of a wake, and it can get choppy quick... and really all you can do is ride. As well they can get away from you quickly, lose control its much hard to regain control on the water... they skim across the water, and most people like the need for speed with them, which on the water is and can be deadly... If you are really interested in getting one I suggest that you rent some when you are here, see how you like it I would do it a few times, and look at how it handles, the ride itself, and how you feel after riding it... there are plenty of place to rent them at... to see if this is really something that you want to get into... as well on a jet ski you are right there at water level..
They offer boating classes to help get your feet wet...so you can learn the laws and such... plus there are unspoken boating manners that most people use...
So with the gators, which is a very touchy subject... Gators are here, really they are everywhere, ponds, lakes, rivers, retention ponds, walking across the street from one pond to another...they are even known to enjoy a dip into a swimming pool.... Yes I'm serious... its not something that happens not all the time, but it does happen... I am from Fl. so I was taught about gators from a little girl, DH the same he was taught as a little boy, we taught our kids about them... and now are teaching our grand-kids.... Pretty much you leave them alone and they will leave you alone... don't feed them - then they connect humans and food together not a good combo, Gator are night feeders for the most part. If you see a nest stay the heck away from it the mama gators builds the nest on land and using debris, soil and vegetation they look like a mound, during courting and mating season you need to be aware, ( April, May and June) and they hatch in late August or Sept. Keep your dogs out of the water, and do not get in the water at night.
The best thing to do is be aware of your surrounding at all times...If you like to walking, hiking, biking trails that are through any wooded area near water you need to be aware. We were at a park on one of the lakes, when the kids were in probably middle school, we were picnicking and walking the trails, we were out on a trail that is heavily used and we rounded the bend and there was a 10 foot gator laying on the sidewalk sunning about 50 yards in front of us... we quietly turned around and walked back the way we came, DH told the park ranger and they closed off the trail... until he was done sunning for the day... We have been fishing out on the lake before had them swim up fairly close to the boat, like they were checking us out...we just start up and move...
The thing is you are in their natural habitat, so we are sorta trespassing in their environment... Being aware is your best tool...