This one of Branson’s most recognizable attractions, Ride the Ducks are in full swing at this time of year. With history and fun woven together on this fabulous ride through the Ozark Mountains, everyone will have a great time – adults, kids, and seniors alike.
Ride the Ducks uses the best in marine technology in their vehicles to provide you with a safe and amazing tour. Resembling the DUKW of World War II in appearance, the duck is an amphibian and will take you across the beautiful Ozark landscape on land, and then let you explore Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo from the water. The captains of each duck tour mix fun, music, and Ozark history to create a memorable experience that you’ll never forget. Ride the Ducks offers two different tours, departing from two different locations. The Table Rock Lake Adventure boards at Duck Central on the Strip just west of Wal-Mart. On this tour, you’ll experience the Branson Entertainment District, Table Rock Dam, climb to the top of Baird Mountain, the scenery of the Ozark Mountains, and splashdown into Table Rock Lake. All of this happens from the comfort of the duck. The Lake Taneycomo Adventure departs from Duck Central at Branson Landing, next to Arvest Bank. This tour takes you through downtown Branson, College of the Ozarks, and allows you to experience a splashdown into Lake Taneycomo and the famous fountains at Branson Landing. On each of the duck tours, the captain will let you drive the duck while on the lake if you like.
Each duck tour is 60 to 70 minutes long, with 25 minutes of any tour happening on the water. Buying tickets in advance is highly encouraged so you get the date and tour time you want. You can save $3 per ticket if you book a tour before 11 a.m., and you can also bundle your Ride the Ducks ticket with tickets to Dixie Stampede or the Titanic Museum to save some money on more Branson fun. Local businesses also participate in the Wacky Quackers Program, which makes you eligible for discounts at other shows and attractions, just for having your Wacky Quacker, given to you when you board the duck. Tickets for tours are $21.00 for adults (ages 12-61), $12.00 for children (ages 4-11), and $20.00 for seniors (ages 62+). To order your tickets in advance, you can visit www.branson.ridetheducks.com or call 1-877-887-8225. If you prefer to book when you come into town, you can visit Duck Central on the Strip or the ticket kiosk at the Branson Landing.
Ride the Ducks can also accommodate groups, making it a perfect activity when you bring your reunion or other group to Branson. A single duck can accommodate up to 35 people, and there are 18 vehicles available. You can also combine your duck tour with a meal package from nearby popular restaurants.
Sometimes people have concerns about riding in an amphibious vehicle. The ducks are designed to be very stable, and their water speed tops out at 7 m.p.h., making for a very tranquil trip across the water. It’s unlikely that you’ll get seasick. It’s also unlikely that you will get wet. The duck captains try to make your entry into the water fun, not wet – but sometimes a little bit of water makes its way onboard. Ducks are equipped with life jackets so that in the event of an emergency, all of the guests onboard will be safe. Ride the Ducks is accessible to those with various disabilities. To make arrangements, call 1-877-887-8225. Food and drink is allowed on the ducks (with exception of alcoholic beverages), but be aware that there are no restrooms aboard the duck.
What are you waiting for? Go check out Ride the Ducks, one of Branson’s favorite and most popular attractions. Explore the Ozarks by land and by water without ever leaving the vehicle.
