Jolly Charters
Jolly Charters
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The ONLY Interactive Pirate Ship Excursion at the Lake of the Ozarks. Treasure Hunt Excursion that is fun for the whole family. A must do at the Lake of the Ozarks.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
27 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Carrie E
Shawnee Mission, KS28 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We went on a 2 hour sunset cruise on July 3rd. Captain Tyler did a great job taking us on a tour of the lake and getting the boat in perfect position to watch the sunset. As the sun was going down, we were able to watch some fireworks as we were out on the water. Captain Tyler continue to work his magic and kept maneuvering the boat so that we could see the majority of the fireworks that were going off around us. The first mate did a great job keeping everyone safe and keeping everyone engaged in the ride!
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Earth Gypsy
Linn Creek, MO84 contributions
Jul 2021
Would recommend this to anyone of any age. We took our 2 grandsons this morning and we had a wonderful time. They got to meet the crew before we embarked on a 45 minute ship ride and treasure hunt and then return back to the slip. The boys age 5 and 6 really enjoyed but there were "pirates" of all ages. Capt. Scalawag and Mayhem Marnie did a wonderful job and were in great character throughout the voyage. Thank you crew members of the Calypso we had a wonderful time! Hoozah!!!!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty Hatfield
Moravia, IA75 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Wonderful adventure. My grandchildren loved it, The pirate (actors) aboard were a lot of fun and seemed to enjoy it as much as the kids. Highly recommend it. The restaurant (Jolly Roger I think) where the ship is docked is very good also.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
3 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Quality has gone down with new crew in 2020. Except the pirate girl..Amya Brisbin...she was excellent, passionate, and super kind to the kids...she has a good heart!
Worst part was when the Captain asked for a 20% tip staring at everyone begging for money as we were getting off the ship! Hey guys I’m already paying 25 bucks a pop and you want more? Seriously.
Worst part was when the Captain asked for a 20% tip staring at everyone begging for money as we were getting off the ship! Hey guys I’m already paying 25 bucks a pop and you want more? Seriously.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kati G
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Great time for kids of all ages!! Loved the entire experience. We will definitely be back on our next trip. The pirates took time with all of their new crew and got every one involved in the treasure hunt.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joewoj1964
O'Fallon, IL68 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We took our grandson and his cousin on the Calypso, and they had a fabulous time! Captain Scallywag and his First Mate, Ruby, did an awesome job on the short boat ride to Cannonball Bay, during the treasure hunt on the grounds of Wonderland Camp, and on short boat ride back to Jolly Rogers.
The kids received pirate hats, a small bag of treasure from the treasure chest, a certificate and a pirate ring. They've also enjoyed using all of the pirate words they were taught prior to getting on the boat.
This is the best kid-friendly adventure at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The kids received pirate hats, a small bag of treasure from the treasure chest, a certificate and a pirate ring. They've also enjoyed using all of the pirate words they were taught prior to getting on the boat.
This is the best kid-friendly adventure at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Written July 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K H
7 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
This is hands down the best attraction in the Ozarks for any age! The creativity and passion the Captain and his crew put into this adventure is evident in all the details that make you feel like you're really sailing the seven seas. The pirate hats upon arrival, the gems after solving the riddles and clues, and the certificates earned for completing their quest were amazing and loved by the kids. But the true treasure were the memories we made as a family on this adventure. This was our second time, and it was just as magical as the first time with a whole new adventure for the kids to solve. I can't imagine all the time and energy that went into creating this experience, but we are so appreciative that the Captain and his crew worked so hard to create this adventure to spark all our imaginations for a lasting memory.
Written July 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
respiratorytherapist
Nashville, IL463 contributions
Aug 2021
My sister and I live about 3.5 hours from Lake of Ozarks and spent 2 nights in early August. We brought our kids ages 13, 7, 4. We were unsure about going on Jolly Charters because I thought there weren't enough details. I'm very glad we went. We all had a good time and we enjoyed watching the kids being so excited.
*Book early because the reservations fill up fast.
*We went on the 9am adventure that lasted a total of hour and 40 minutes, so it wasn't too hot yet.
*It’s a long, winding road to get there. Leave early, allow plenty of time.
*The bar advertises the "Lake's Best Breakfast". We arrived too late to eat, but the food looked fantastic.
So here's the Jolly Charters pirate treasure cruise details:
It's at Jolly Roger's Pub and Grog Restaurant. During check in the kids all got pirate hats. There is a stage and skit area that the pirate captain and first mate introduce themselves, tell about pirate lore, teach some pirate words, and prepare you for the cruise and treasure hunt. Skallywag Annie joins them along with 2 other crew. About 35 of us all board the pirate ship. Annie causes some problems and actually walks the plank. The kids all went up and got a close look. They couldn't believe she actually jumped in the water. We cruise across the lake and give the pirate sign to passing boaters. Everyone has a chance to go to the front of the boat and take pictures. The boat docks at a park/camp. The path is a paved walk. I'd say it's not handicap accessible, but it's an easy walk with several stops. Each stop the captain reads a clue that leads to the next stop on the path. Eventually treasure is found. Pictures can be taken throughout. Back on the boat, the kids each got a treasure bag which was part of the loot. On the way back, they allowed the grumpy teens that thought they were too cool to be there, to steer the boat. They actually smiled. Skallywag Annie reappears in a boat and shot cannonballs at the boat she was promptly shot and went back in the water. They allowed those on the cruise to make reservations at the restaurant and I didn't realize what a big deal that was until we saw how packed the restaurant was.
I couldn't believe we never knew this adventure was on the lake. I highly recommend it, especially for kids under 14. My sister and I each tipped $5. We were glad to do it.
*Book early because the reservations fill up fast.
*We went on the 9am adventure that lasted a total of hour and 40 minutes, so it wasn't too hot yet.
*It’s a long, winding road to get there. Leave early, allow plenty of time.
*The bar advertises the "Lake's Best Breakfast". We arrived too late to eat, but the food looked fantastic.
So here's the Jolly Charters pirate treasure cruise details:
It's at Jolly Roger's Pub and Grog Restaurant. During check in the kids all got pirate hats. There is a stage and skit area that the pirate captain and first mate introduce themselves, tell about pirate lore, teach some pirate words, and prepare you for the cruise and treasure hunt. Skallywag Annie joins them along with 2 other crew. About 35 of us all board the pirate ship. Annie causes some problems and actually walks the plank. The kids all went up and got a close look. They couldn't believe she actually jumped in the water. We cruise across the lake and give the pirate sign to passing boaters. Everyone has a chance to go to the front of the boat and take pictures. The boat docks at a park/camp. The path is a paved walk. I'd say it's not handicap accessible, but it's an easy walk with several stops. Each stop the captain reads a clue that leads to the next stop on the path. Eventually treasure is found. Pictures can be taken throughout. Back on the boat, the kids each got a treasure bag which was part of the loot. On the way back, they allowed the grumpy teens that thought they were too cool to be there, to steer the boat. They actually smiled. Skallywag Annie reappears in a boat and shot cannonballs at the boat she was promptly shot and went back in the water. They allowed those on the cruise to make reservations at the restaurant and I didn't realize what a big deal that was until we saw how packed the restaurant was.
I couldn't believe we never knew this adventure was on the lake. I highly recommend it, especially for kids under 14. My sister and I each tipped $5. We were glad to do it.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle D
Columbia, MO8 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Fantastic experience. Not a dull moment. Captain Skallywags is a true comedian. The sword fight was awesome. Black Bart was actually force to walk the plank. Skull island treasure hunt was a fantastic. My granddaughter got to handle the ship after we pulled away from doc. I hope to do this again next year. Too many pics of our 2 hour adventure to post. Just fantastic!
Written June 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Jo S
Cape Girardeau, MO53 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
We went on the 9am treasure hunt. We started off by receiving “pirate Vest “ for the little ones, (under 7). Then the show began. First Mate Mayhem Marnie and Captain Scalawag were funny and entertaining. They had all of us, from the 4 year old to the mid 50’s laughing and enjoying ourselves.
The pirate ship was very easy to maneuver around as the story of the treasure hunt continued. Probably one of the best things that happened was each child got an opportunity to steer the ship. We were able to witness some of the most awesome smiles we had seen all vacation.
The actual treasure hunt was a little warm but the children seemed to enjoy the adventure.
The ride back was more of the same. The whole crew were wonderful with the children and adults alike. They definitely made these landlubbers into pirate wannabes.
We would absolutely take the journey with this crew again.
The pirate ship was very easy to maneuver around as the story of the treasure hunt continued. Probably one of the best things that happened was each child got an opportunity to steer the ship. We were able to witness some of the most awesome smiles we had seen all vacation.
The actual treasure hunt was a little warm but the children seemed to enjoy the adventure.
The ride back was more of the same. The whole crew were wonderful with the children and adults alike. They definitely made these landlubbers into pirate wannabes.
We would absolutely take the journey with this crew again.
Written July 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What does the treasure hunting entail?
Written March 22, 2021
It is an interactive treasure hunt adventure starting with the stage performance and then to the pirate ship Calypso where we said the lake looking for treasure and finding it together with our resident pirate - Captain Scalawag or Blood Red Cortez. Then sailing back. Lots of photo opportunities and fun for the whole family.
Written April 30, 2021
Can we dock a pontoon there or do we need to drive a car.
Written June 8, 2019
There is boat parking. It is first come, first served. If there is space available you may park your boat.
Written June 8, 2019
We are not. We are open Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are private charters outside of that but the ship is going into dry dock for Coast Guard inspections now.
Written October 8, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.