Life

Swim, Float and Boat at Table Rock Lake

Take the helm and be captain for a day, enjoy a cruise or try something new with these on-the-water experiences at Table Rock Lake.

By Peyson Mecke

Jun 2023

Boat on Table Rock Lake
Photo by Line of Sight AerialTake to the water for a new adventure.

Take a Cruise

Three ways to enjoy a day on the lake with a captain at the helm.

Showboat Branson Belle
4800 N. State Hwy 165, Branson
Dinner! Entertainment! Cruising! The Showboat Branson Belle is the ultimate Branson meets Table Rock Lake activity. Choose the standard three-course meal or splurge for captains club tickets to curate your own experience— from date night to a family outing.

Spirit of America
380 State Park Marina Road, Branson
Catamaran cruises aren’t just for tropical vacations. Spirit of America departs from State Park Marina and offers swim and sail cruises full of fun activities like water toys and a giant inflatable slide. Looking to just relax and enjoy the view? Sunset and private cruises are also available to book.

Branson Jet Boats
7A N. Boardwalk, Branson
Enjoy the scenery of Lake Taneycomo, right off Branson Landing. Branson Jet Boats takes you for a speedy adventure including sight seeing, 360 spinouts and power stops. Your boat’s experienced driver will keep you guessing what’s next—including when that bow dunk and splash is going to come!


Kids on a boat at Table Rock in southwest Missouri
Photo by Sheri HollowayEnjoy a day on the water as the captain of your own ship.

Be Captain for a Day

Enjoy a day on the water as the captain of your own ship. Located on various areas of Table Rock Lake, these marinas offer boat and equipment rentals to help you make the most of your lake day.

Long Creek Marina
1368 Long Creek Rd., Ridgedale
Located on the southern portion of the lake, Long Creek Marina offers bass boats, ski boats, pontoon boats and Waverunner rentals by the hour or the day. Looking for a day of play? Add a tube, kneeboard, wakeboard, water skis or reel rentals. They also have a professional boat captain service to let you relax and unwind on the water.

State Park Marina
380 State Park Marina Road, Branson
State Park Marina has it all—from the coziest branded sweatshirts to an iced latte from on-site Cafe Bridges. Once you stock up on merch and snacks, hop on your boat for the day. From pontoon and fishing boats to ski and tube rentals, you can pick the best fit for your day adventure. Want to turn over the wheel responsibility? Book the Two-Hour Swim Cruise on a sailing catamaran for you and 48 of your closest friends.

Port of Kimberling Marina
201 Marina Way, Kimberling City
Pull into Port of Kimberling for all of your lake day fun! Whether you’re looking to rent a houseboat from Five Star Houseboat Vacations, set up wakeboarding lessons with Williams Bros Ski and Sports or rent a pontoon for the day and fuel up at What’s Up Dock?, this is your one-stop shop for everything you need to enjoy a day on the water.

Grab Some Lake Day Eats

Pack your cooler with snacks from your favorite southwest Missouri spots that are just as delicious when enjoyed on the water.

Iced latte
Photos courtesy Shutterstock, Charity Fent Cakes and by Leah StiefermannGrab an iced latte (or an affogato if you’re in vacation mode) from The Funky Twig to get your day on the water started out right.
Cake cup from Charity Fent Cake Design
Photos courtesy Shutterstock, Charity Fent Cakes and by Leah StiefermannPick up a cake cup from Charity Fent Cake Design. Because who says you can’t enjoy a little cake on the lake!?
Kombucha in a can
Photos courtesy Shutterstock, Charity Fent Cakes and by Leah StiefermannCool down with a sparkling, local kombucha in a can. Purchase your favorite flavor of Spring Branch Kombucha at Mama Jean’s or Hyvee.
Tackle box
Photos courtesy Shutterstock, Charity Fent Cakes and by Leah StiefermannPick up a new tackle box at Modern Outdoor Tackle in Nixa to fill with your favorite treats.
Turkey Bacon Wrap from Gateway Cafe
Photos courtesy Shutterstock, Charity Fent Cakes and by Leah StiefermannGrab a Turkey Bacon Wrap or your favorite cold-cut sandwich from Gateway Cafe for much-needed mid-day sustenance.
Cucumber Habanero Margarita
Photos courtesy Shutterstock, Charity Fent Cakes and by Leah StiefermannDrink your veggies with a Cucumber Habanero Margarita kit from 417 Cocktails. Transfer to a cup for lake-friendly enjoyment.
Waterskiing on Table Rock Lake
Photo courtesy Branson Convention and Visitor's BureauTry something new on the water at Table Rock Lake.

Water Fun

Looking for some fun in the sun? We’ve rounded up a variety of activities from fishing to scuba diving that you can enjoy on the lake.

Cast Away
Looking to spend a day reeling in a smallmouth bass, largemouth bass or spotted bass? Captain Shane with Branson Fish Tales has scoured the best spots on the lake where the fish are (mostly) biting. Don’t worry about gearing up— he provides the tackle and a cooler full of ice and bottled water as he takes you out on his fishing boat or pontoon. All you have to bring is appropriate attire and snacks.

Kayak the Day Away
Enjoy the solitude of Table Rock Lake with a leisurely afternoon in a kayak. Kayak Branson offers a two-hour adventure that includes all your gear and shuttle service to a secluded and quiet cove. Paddle, explore and enjoy the calm waters before being shuttled back to base camp. Have your own spot on the lake to explore? They offer hourly and daily equipment rentals.

Paddle Your Heart Out
Table Rock’s calm waters are perfect for learning (or perfecting) how to paddleboard. Stand-up paddleboards are great for leisurely exercise, adventuring as far out as you can paddle or just catching some rays. They’re flat out fun as a couples or family activity. White River Dive Company offers half- and full-day rental options.

Dive In
Explore what’s below the water’s surface by becoming open water diver certified at Diventures. They offer multiple lesson times, private options and group classes that provide several paths to certification. Once you’re certified, head to Indian Point Dive Center and dive right in. They offer several dive charters to enjoy.

Surf’s Up
Boating water sports are lake classics. Once you’re ready to invest in that perfect fitting slalom ski, new ropes, a stylish life jacket or a tube fit for the family, hit up Ski Shack and Williams Bros Ski and Sport. Both shops have locations on the water so you can idle in and pick up all the gear you need for a active day out on the water.


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