We received tickes to Ride the Ducks as part of #ExploreBranson, a promotional blogger tour of Branson, MO, through the US Family Guide. All experiences and opinions are my own.
Hubs and I have wanted to Ride the Ducks for quite some time. We’ve repeatedly researched attractions in Branson, Missouri, and Ride the Ducks consistently ranks high on Branson attractions and has held the number one spot more than once. We were thrilled that we’d get the opportunity on our latest trip to Branson.
We didn’t realize what a treat we’d really be in for! Our land and water adventure of Branson and the Ozarks was fun, engaging, educational and entertaining. Our Duck Captain, Jessie, was simply hilarious. He kept us laughing with his jokes, and expertly weaved a history lesson into our ride. It’s no surprise Captain Jessie did such a good job keeping us entertained, considering this is his 23rd consecutive summer as a duck Captain! He is a high school music director during the school year. We’d purchased quackers for the kids, and Captain Jessie gave us instructions for when to quack at folks. The kids got a real kick out of quacking at the folks at the mini golf place when we drove by!
The Ducks are built to resemble the WWII DUKW, which was built by women during World War II era. The seating is much like a school bus, with small booths that seat two people per seat. Mister and Hubs sat in one seat, Sister and I sat right behind them, and Little Miss sat in my lap. There aren’t any seat belts, just as with a school bus. Each Duck is tested and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, and Duck Captains are licensed accordingly.
Our tour started off with brief ride down the strip, then we went through old Branson before crossing the Table Rock Dam. From there, we went up Baird Mountain, which is owned by Ride the Ducks. Once on top of Baird Mountain, we saw an amazing American Miliatry Vehicle Display. I think there were 17 vehicles in the display, but about the time the Captain started talking about the number of vehicles, Little Miss started chattering, too. Interestingly, Baird Mountain is 1,234 ft tall at the peak. On our way back down, Captain Jessie stopped at a lookout that afforded a gorgeous view of Table Rock Lake.
The photo doesn’t do the view justice!
After that, we went to the area by the Showboat Branson Belle. Captain Jessie stopped long enough to give us safety instruction and demonstrate the use of the provided life jackets. Each Duck carries enough life jackets for each adult, child, and infant on board to have one. Of course, parents with small children are instructed to secure their own life vest before securing their child. Just as with the drop down oxygen masks on a flight, the rationale is that an adult that is breathing can help a child.
Following our safety lesson, we splashed down and enjoyed a spectacular drive float across the lake. The kids on board each got to have a turn driving the boat while Captain Jessie looked on. Parents were encouraged to take the kids pictures while the were driving. It was a duckload of fun.
Once we returned to dry land, it was a short drive back to the duck lot. After disembarking, we were able to print Honorary Duck Captain certificates for each of the kids.
We would certainly recommend that you Ride the Ducks when you visit Branson, Missouri. I would suggest that you purchase Ride the Duck tickets online, so that you get your Wacky Quackers® for Free. Book your duck tour at the beginning of your Branson vacation, then take your Wacky Quacker with you to save at other participating local attractions, retailers and restaurants. Also, remember to have little ones go to the bathroom before your ride, there are no bathrooms on board. You can take food or drinks (sorry, no alcohol) on board, but the tour is only 60-70 minutes long, so it isn’t necessary.
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