Tiki Krooz brings a little bit of the 'ILunds' to Branson

By GARY J. GROMAN, Independent Journalist

With the addition of ILunds’ Tiki Kroozes, Branson visitors have a new experience to enjoy. Captained by U.S. Coast Guard licensed Kelly Lundgrin, the two-ton 16-foot diameter Hawaiian-themed Tiki boat departs from Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina for one or twohour “kroozes” on Lake Taneycomo daily. Scotty’s is located at 400 South Box Car Willie Drive, in the southeast corner of Branson’s Lakeside RV park near the public boat launching ramp.

Kelly points out that because of the Tiki Boat’s U.S. Coast Guard regulated six-passenger limit, kroozes are scheduled on a “reservation basis” by calling 417-239- 7430 from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. daily. Once a reservation is made, the Tiki Boat kroozes, at that time, whether it has one passenger or six. He also points out that, under the regulations, a passenger includes children and babies.

Ilunds Tiki Boat kroozing on Lake Taneycomo

Photo by Gary J. Groman

There are one- and two-hour kroozes. Both leave Scotty’s Trout Dock and go down the lake, under the bridges and pass the length of Branson Landing, offering a view of the Landing that very few of the millions of visitors to Branson get to experience. At the mouth of Roark Creek, the one-hour krooze turns and heads back to Scotty’s. The two-hour krooze continues down the lake to the Bald Eagle’s nest, Blue Heron rookery, and the southern-style mansion former home of famed romance author Janet Daily before starting the return trip to Scotty’s.

Passengers on one-hour krooz scheduled to depart on the halfhour and all two-hour kroozes will experience the “crown jewel of Branson Landing,” its “$7.5 million spectacular water attraction featuring the first-ever merging of water, light, fire, and music. It’s a “dazzling interplay of water fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting, all choreographed to light and music.”

Kelly points out that one of the most enjoyable aspects of the krooze is to just relax, listen to the music, or not, and enjoy the cool, serene beauty of the lake. While there is no formal running narration, Kelly loves interacting with his passengers to “whatever extent” they wish, including answering questions about Lake Taneycomo, Branson, and some of the things they are kroozing by.

No food or beverages of any kind is sold aboard the Tiki, but passengers may bring their own beer, drinks, food, etc., aboard to enjoy while on the krooze. Kelly says that beer, ice, soda pop, sandwiches and snacks are available at Scotty’s for purchase before boarding.

[Special Note: See the Branson Landing and Rockaway Beach Fireworks displays from the Tiki Boat from out on Lake Taneycomo. Special fireworks kroozes are available for the Branson Landing Fireworks on July 3 and the Rockaway Beach on July 4. Call 417-239-7430 for additional information and to make reservations.]