How Can We Get There...
Several years ago while sitting in a water front bar & grill, enjoying the lake, I overheard a group at the next table talking about how much they wish they could get out on the water.
Playin Hooky Water Taxi & Charters LLC was established in 2011 with a passion to make the lake safe and more accessible at a reasonable price. Being the first water taxi on Lake of the Ozarks was the first step in this vision. Although a water taxi was not a new idea in other parts of the country, it was a new idea for the lake.
As the word got around that there was now a water taxi at Lake of the Ozarks, we got so busy that at the end of the first season we started looking for a bigger boat. Kicking off the second season we introduced something else new to the lake, Bar Hop Cruises! With that we found our niche. Although we get a lot of couples and small groups on our boats, we have thousands of people every year that use our services for bachelor/bachelorette parties, wedding parties, birthdays, corporate charters and more.
Today we offer Water Taxi, Day and Night Bar Hop Cruises, Charter Service, Shuttles to and from Coconuts and our newest service, a 55 foot offshore speedboat ride to Backwater Jacks!
Safety is a Priority
We communicate frequently with the USCG (United States Coast Guard) to stay abreast of any requirements or changes in the maritime industry. Our boats are COI (Certificate of Inspection) vessels and are inspected yearly by the USCG to make sure that we are the safest operation on the lake. Our Captains are United States Coast Guard Licensed and strive to provide you a fun and safe experience on this beautiful lake.
Our Commitment
When you book with Playin Hooky we know that in most cases it is a big event that you have been looking forward to and will remember for years to come. One of the coolest things about our business is being a part of a special event in someone’s life. Several times over we have heard from people that were on our boat for either their bachelor/bachelorette party or some other event, that being on our boat was the highlight of their trip. We appreciate you letting us be a part of that event and will do our best to make your day on the lake a great one!
Nonprofit Organizations That We Proudly Support
The Jesters of Goodwill dedicated to helping youth in-need in the Lake area!
Lake of the Ozarks Stop Human Trafficking Coalition
What our Customers are Saying
Debbie
“Our corporate group used Playin Hooky to get to Tap & Grill for dinner and back. It was great to get out on the water and was the highlight of the weekend. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!”
Steve
“I have used their services a couple of times, and most recently the Aqua Shuttle service. The owners are extremely friendly and were responsive to my questions both before and during our trip. The boat itself is a great experience and my entire group had a blast. I recommend these guys highly!”
Stephanie
“We had a great experience Craig was amazing and Kyle was so fun! They were the best captains ever! Highly recommend”
John
“Great Experience!
Our small company used Playin Hooky for a 3-hour charter tour. The booking was simple and easy to make. Our Captain was Jim. He did a great job of taking care of our every need and was knowledgeable about the lake history and what to see and do. We would use them again and recommend their services.”
Kirshood
“50th birthday party
We had 20 people and couldn't have asked for a better time! The driver was safe and they played fun music and it was an overall great experience!!”
Amber
“Bachelorette party
Booked the howl at the moon barhop cruise for my cousins bachelorette party. We had a blast. Good music between stops, comfortable ride and everyone was super friendly. Definitely recommend”
Donovan
“Wonderful Experience!
We went bar hopping on the boat with several friends, we had an incredible experience. Each bar was very fun and each one had live music, I highly recommend it!”
Ivsanden
“The only way to go!!
We had a great time! Hands down, the only way to go!! We highly recommend Playin Hooky Water Taxi at Lake of the Ozarks!! 😀⚓️☀️”
FrancyP
“Great way to see the area
It was our first time in the area so we took the boat to see a few bars without having to drive.
Each one was different and featured a slightly different kind of cocktail selection. All were good.
Our captain gave us some history of the area and answered any of our questions. It was very safe and a great way to get around when you are new to the area. Check it out, well worth it.”
149red
“Company Activity
We had a group of Administrators and Nurses who we wanted to do a fun ride on lake for an out to dinner boating experience. Jim and his boat Playin Hooky was delightful. We had a great time, he took excellent care of us and we had a wonderful time. I would highly recommend it to anyone!”
Sara
“My friends and I went on one of the bar hop cruises in July to celebrate my birthday. It was AWESOME. Our captain was fun and kept us safe! We had a great time, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone!”
Kayla
“THE BEST!!!!! I took a group of 12 girls on the Howl at the Moon cruise for my bachelorette party over the weekend and had the best experience. Jim, the owner is one of the highest examples of customer service I've ever encountered. We got lost on the way and he answered my call and got us there no problem. Even waited for us in his car to ensure our arrival. He also played as our photographer:) The captain and his help were incredible. Such sweet people and made sure everyone on the cruise had a fun (jamming and dancing the entire time) and SAFE trip! I will and have already recommended this place to friends and plan to make a trip every year! Playin Hooky, thank you for the wonderful memories!”
Haley
“I have used Playin Hooky Water Taxi for 3 years, and every experience has been so great! Jim is so easy to communicate with and makes the booking process very simple. He was flexible when we asked to extend our pick up 1 hour, and we were very grateful he would make things work for us. I highly recommend and will continue to use his service! Looking forward to booking one of the party cruises next year 😊”
Pat
“I recommend Playin Hookie to everyone! My gf's and I usually head south to the beach for our annual girls weekend, but decided to head to the lake this year! The bar hop and the Aqua shuttle helped to make our trip awesome! The crew was fun and interacted with us which made it even better!!!! Thanks so much! I will be back and bring more people!!!!!!”
Leslee
“I would recommend this anyone! Jim was awesome, he made my first time at this lake so much fun! But more importantly, he had a huge part in making my best friends Bachelorette party a weekend to remember!!! We will be booking you next year for sure. ❤”
Danielle
“Captain Greg was amazing. We had a great time. Definitely doing this again!”