Our definition of a perfect summer day is hopping on a jet ski and racing through the glistening water with the sun overhead, but between the glare reflecting off the surface, the wind hitting your face, and the occasional ocean spray, a regular pair of sunglasses isn’t always going to cut it. The right pair should stay put, protect your eyes, and, ideally, look good enough to wear once you’re back on the dock. From sporty wraparounds to an array of polarized frames, these are the sunglasses worth bringing along for your next ride.To help you choose, we rounded up the best sunglasses for jet skiing, comparing lens tech, fit, and price.
The Classic Water-Sport Pick: Costa Del Mar Blackfin, $212
Costa Del Mar’s Blackfin sunglasses have been a longtime favorite among people who spend serious time on the water, and for good reason, too. The polarized lenses provide strong glare reduction, and the frame is designed for lots of active use. For jet ski riders who spend entire days offshore rather than taking the occasional stroll around the bay, this is the kind of pair worth investing in.Among the best sunglasses for jet skiing, it is the pair for riders who log serious hours on the water.
The Max-Visibility: Oakley Sutro Lite, $214
The Sutro Lite takes Oakley’s signature oversized sporty aesthetic and makes it particularly useful for riders who want a wide field of vision. The semi-rimless design opens up the sides of the frame, while the Prizm lenses are designed to improve contrast and color. They’re bold, sporty, and the natural fit for anyone whose jet ski is as much about the look as it is the ride.
The Tech Pick: Ray Ban x Meta Skyler, $375
This Ray-Ban Meta pair lets you capture photos and videos from the driver’s seat with a built-in camera and open-ear speakers, making them an entertaining choice for documenting your next ride. You can customize this pick by adding polarized lenses for added protection against glare, but keep these glasses above water instead of taking a dip with them; they’re water-resistant, not waterproof.
The All Day Wear: Maui Jim Ho’okipa, $229
The Maui Jim Ho’okipa proves that performance sunglasses don’t have to look overly sporty. The lightweight, rimless design keeps things sleek while PolarizedPlus2 lenses reduce glare and enhance contrast on the water. They’re also comfortable enough to keep sporting these glasses long after you’ve stepped foot back on land. If you’re looking for a pair that works equally well on the water and at lunch afterward, this is it.
The Budget-Friendly Option: Sea-Doo Floating Sunglasses, $45
If you’re shopping for something specifically for jet ski days and don’t want to risk a $300 pair of sunglasses flying away, Sea-Doo’s floating sunglasses are a practical choice. The polarized lenses help reduce glare, while the floating frame is designed to stay on the surface if you drop them. At $45, they’re an easy pair to keep in your jet ski glasses rotation.
The Style Pick: Bollé AIRFIN, $220
Built specifically for life on the water, the Bollé AIRFIN is made for riders who don’t want their sunglasses slowing them down. The wrapped, rectangular frame provides plenty of coverage from wind, spray, and glare, while also keeping style in mind. Because losing your favorite pair of sunglasses to the ocean is never ideal, the lightweight frame features Bollé’s air float technology, allowing these glasses to float if they take an unexpected dip.