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Print this pageMakin’ a Splash
Four ways for your family to enjoy a wet-and-wild Branson summer.
Branson and its surrounding counties are famous for pristine lakes and streams, which means there’s no shortage of ways for you to embrace nature during your Branson vacation. Better yet: You don’t have to pay a whole lot of money to enjoy the water.
Make a Wake
Boats can be expensive to purchase and maintain, not to mention the problem of storing and hauling them. At the Port of Kimberling, as well as State Park Marina, you can rent watercraft of all sizes and horsepower for a day (or just a few hours) of fun. The best deals we’ve found: At Port of Kimberling (417-739-2315, mypok.com), you can rent a two-passenger Yamaha personal watercraft for $69 an hour, $199 for four hours, or $379 for a day (one-day deposit to hold). At State Park Marina (888-993-2628, stateparkmarina.com) you can rent a ski boat for $139 for two hours—that’s a lot of speed for your money. Most State Park Marina rentals require a $200 damage deposit and require 24-hour advance cancellation notice.
Life’s a Beach
Moonshine Beach is Table Rock Lake’s only sand-shore public beach, and just might be Branson’s best spot for a group picnic. It’s only $4 to get in; you can reserve covered group picnic areas for $75 a day. The park and beach typically open on May 15, but last year’s flooding did a lot of damage, and that date may be delayed in 2009. Dial up the Army Corps of Engineers’ Branson office before planning your dip (417-334-4101).
You’ve Got Spirit
Don’t just be a landlubber: State Park Marina is also home to the Spirit of America, a 48-foot sailing catamaran that seats 49 passengers. From May 1 to Memorial Day, Captain Jack Edwards takes visitors on sightseeing tours; between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the outings are turned into swimming excursions, complete with a water trampoline, an inflatable rock wall, slide, kayaks and more slippery fun. Rates for the two-hour excursions are reasonable ($24.95, kids 4 and younger free), with snacks available on-board. Call Captain Jack at 417-332-2649 or go to stateparkmarina.com/spirit.html.
SCUBA-Dooby-Doo!
SCUBA novices and experts alike will find a challenge in Branson; both State Park Marina and Port of Kimberling offer various classes for beginners, as well as recertification classes for those who already know their way around a breathing apparatus. State Park Marina’s beginner’s course is a two-hour session that culminates in a real freshwater dive ($89) in Table Rock Lake. Call 888-993-2628 and ask for Diver Dick. Go to stateparkmarina.com/diveshop.html to read about Table Rock dive locations.
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