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Boat Rides Near Me — Lake of the Ozarks Boats | Playin Hooky Water Taxi

Lake of the Ozarks — Boat Rides Near Me: Book the Best Lake of the Ozarks Boats Today

Looking for “boat rides near me” at the Lake? Book easy, safe, and unforgettable trips with Playin Hooky Water Taxi & Charters LLC. We run USCG-inspected catamarans (36/43/49 pax) plus a 55' speedboat for round-trip runs to popular pool bars like Backwater Jack's.

Whether you want a family swim cruise, a bachelor/bachelorette bar hop, or a private sunset charter, we’ve got a boat and crew ready.

Book Your Boat Rides Today
Call Now to Reserve at 573-434-2627

Picture of our 36 passenger boat
Picture of Playin Hooky speedboat
Picture of our 49 passenger boat

Why choose our Lake of the Ozarks boats?

  • ✔ Safety first — USCG-inspected vessels with licensed captains and lifejackets for all ages.
  • ✔ Flexible options — Water taxi runs, day/night bar-hop cruises, Coconut Shuttle service, private charters, and speedboat trips to Backwater Jacks.
  • ✔ Local knowledge — We know the fastest routes, best swim coves, and top waterfront bars for unforgettable days on the lake.
Reserve Boat Rides Now

Parties & Groups

Best boat rides near me for groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and bar-hop cruises

  • ✔ Large capacity catamarans with open decks and cooler space.
  • ✔ Route planning to hit the hottest bars — no parking, no lines.
  • ✔ Onboard crew manages docking, safety briefings, and logistics.

Families & Kids

Family-friendly boat rides near me — calm trips, swim stops, and kid safety

  • ✔ Stable catamarans with shaded seating and life jackets for all ages.
  • ✔ Short runs or half-day charters that match nap schedules.
  • ✔ Captains suggest calm coves perfect for kids and easy returns.

Tourists & Vacationers

Scenic boat rides near me for sightseeing, sunsets, and quiet escapes

  • ✔ Scenic cruises along the main channel for photos and local stories.
  • ✔ Private charters for proposals, anniversaries, or romantic sunsets.
  • ✔ Add-ons: picnic baskets, champagne, or guided sightseeing stops.

What we offer

  • ✔ Water taxi runs and on-demand pickups for short hops.
  • ✔ Day & night Bar Hop Fun Cruises — routes tailored for groups.
  • ✔ Private charters for families, corporate groups, and events.
  • ✔ Speedboat round trips to Backwater Jack’s pool bar (55' Offshore).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get onboard the same day?
A: Often yes — same-day pickups are frequently available; call 573-434-2627 to confirm.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Some charters allow pets — check at booking.

Q: Do you provide lifejackets?
A: Yes — lifejackets for all ages are provided.

Q: Are your boat rides near me family friendly?
A: Yes. Our boat rides near me include family-friendly cruise options with USCG-inspected vessels, licensed captains, and lifejackets for all ages.

Boat Rides Near Me in Lake of the Ozarks | Book Today

Stop for an iconic photo at the Lake of the Ozarks Welcome Sign — we’re just a short cruise or quick drive from the sign and can meet you at nearby docks. Pickups span the main channel (Bagnell Dam through the Gravois Arm) and we’ll confirm the exact dock marker on booking.

Reserve Boat Rides Near Me!

Lake of the Ozarks Cruises 

West Side
Fun Cruise

Lake Ozark
Fun Cruise

Adults partying at Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill, one of the most popular water front pool bars at Lake of the Ozarks.

Coconut Shuttle
From Lazy Gators

Coconut Shuttle
From Horny Toad

Speedboat Ride
to Famous Pool Bar at Backwater Jacks

5PM Lake Hop to Tap & Grill Lakeside Brew Haus

7PM Howl at the Moon Fun Cruise

A group of young women partying at a local Lake of the Ozarks bar, just one exciting stops on Playin Hooky's Aqua Shuttle cruise.

8PM Howl at the Moon Fun Cruise

Spring Harbor Hop Fun Cruise

4th of July Fireworks Cruise from Millstone Thunder

4th of July Fireworks Cruise from Horny Toad

Fall Harbor Hop Fun Cruise

Here’s What Our Customers Are Saying

playinhookytaxi

Share Your Playin Hooky Memories With Us!

Fun Cruise on #LakeoftheOzarks #summer #fun #bach Fun Cruise on #LakeoftheOzarks  #summer #fun #bacheloretteparty
Speedboat ride from Shady Gators to Backwater Jack Speedboat ride from Shady Gators to Backwater Jacks Bar & Grill  #LakeoftheOzarks
This could be your ride to @backwater_jacks This S This could be your ride to @backwater_jacks This Sunday at Noon! #lakeoftheozarks #pool #party #livemusic
Are you ready for a Thrilling ride to Backwater Ja Are you ready for a Thrilling ride to Backwater Jacks Bar & Grill for lunch? We depart at 12pm this Sunday. Book your spots online: 
https://playinhookyatthelake.com/fun-cruises/

#sundayfunday #vacation #food
This could be your ride to @backwater_jacks this # This could be your ride to @backwater_jacks this #4thofjuly & Only 40 per person. Just don't miss the boat...The boat leaves at Noon!
https://playinhookyatthelake.com/events/speedboat-lake-tour-640/
 #lakeoftheozarks #poolparty #boating #fun
Our Speed Boat ride is sure to make a lasting memo Our Speed Boat ride is sure to make a lasting memory for Dad this Father's Day & Only $36! Departing at Noon from Lazy Gators. #lakeozarks #lakeoftheozarks #speedboat #fathersdaygifts #boat #boatlife #boattrip #fun #supercat #lazygators
Playin Hooky Water Taxi and Charters, LLC. is hiri Playin Hooky Water Taxi and Charters, LLC. is hiring deckhands for the 2023 season. No experience is necessary. Applicants will need to be available to work weekends May thru September. Being on time and able to work the full season is a must and will be rewarded with a bonus at the end of the season.  Applicants chosen will have to pass a drug screen prior to employment. This is a fun, high energy position where your responsibilities in part would be beer sales and assisting the captain in operations of the boat and entertaining our guest. If you’re interested in having a fun job this summer and making some money give us a call at (573) 434-2627 or send us a message.
Only a few more weekends left to ride our Aqua Shu Only a few more weekends left to ride our Aqua Shuttle.  Don't miss the boat! 
Saturday nights for a great time!! Fun bars #HToads #TapandGrill #FrankyandLouie's 
Only 30 pp.
Call now for reservations.  573-434-2627
#LakeoftheOzarks #summer #STL #KC #ColumbiaMo #Springfieldmo #Lawrenceks #funlakemo #cheers #golfing #Friday #instagood #bachelorette #Saturday #fishing #girlsnight #TGIF #lake #weekend #Fun #party #partyboat #barcrawl #laketime #cruising #happyhour #music
Who's looking for fun this weekend! The weekend i Who's looking for fun this weekend! 
The weekend is about sold out but we still have room left on our Friday Noon Bar Hop Cruise! 3 Bars, 4 1/5 hours only $36
Call now for reservations! 573-434-2627

#LaborDay #LakeoftheOzarks #STL #kc #ColumbiaMo #Springfieldmo #Lawrenceks #funlakemo #cheers #golfing #instagood #Friday #Saturday Sunday #fishing #girlsnight #TGIF #fun #party #partyboat #lake #weekend #boating #bachelorette #girlsweekend #laketime #Cruising #barhop #barcrawl #music
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIf you are searching for the ultimate Lake of the Ozarks cruise, there is one thing every traveler wants: a fun, easy, and memorable way to experience the lake. From daytime bar hop adventures to nighttime party cruises and private water taxi service, Playin Hooky offers a lively way to explore one of […]

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Planning a weekend with friends, a bachelor party, or a corporate outing around Lake Ozark or Osage Beach? Booking Large Groups Boat Charters at Lake of the Ozarks with Playin Hooky Water Taxi & Charters LLC is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to experience the lake’s most popular waterfront hotspots. Whether you […]

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Playin Hooky Water Taxi & Charters LLC

Located at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Operating seven days a week
May 1st - October 1st • 10:00 am - 1:30 am
Email:  PlayinHookyAtTheLake@yahoo.com

573-434-2627

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