page4_1marshallandbrynntrainingdiversDSCN2241

Welcome to Captain John's

Captain John's Sports and Scuba is one of Missouri's premier dive spots and PADI Scuba training facilities. With the dive shop, classroom, and enclosed pool just up the hill from the lake, training is more convenient and often-times quicker than other dive shops. And with areas of the lake reaching depths of over 200 feet, complete with caves and tunnels, Captain John's is great for tech diving.

Whether you're an experienced Scuba diver or are interested in getting started, Captain John's Sports and Scuba has plenty to discover.


Latest News Updated May 1st 2009
 
Here we are a month into our 2009 season. Some of the divers are saying they get just as wet going to the water as when they are diving. Well it has been a rainey month and the rain does seem to like the weekends. At least the flowers are growing, which also means I had better get the lawnmower ready to go.
 
We are in the process of putting in some bubblers to help with our visibility. The engineering company says it should really increase the vis. Will have them finished and up and running this next week.(if mother nature cooperats just a little) Have both docks in. The compressor in and pumping air. Just need to put the bubblers in place and run some air lines and we will be all set. We will get Caribbean type vis yet. Anyone have salt and tropical fish???? 
 
Attended the PADI tec diving conference in New Jersey the end of March. Look for some great new programs coming from PADI for the Tec community. In the area so was able to spend a day at the Our World Underwater dive show. Saw lots of great dive gear. Sam and I enjoyed a couple of great working days in New Jersey. 

Looking forward to a great dive year with a lot more vis and a lot of bright, warm, sunny days 

Great diving to all. See ya' at the park.
Captain John
 

Places to Stay

Joplin:
   Best Western, 800-5281234  /  Budget Inn, 417-623-6191  /  Econo Lodge, 417-627-0440  /   Holiday Inn,417-782-1000  /   Motel 6, 417-781-8103  /  Super 8, 417-782-8765.

Vehicle Parks:
   Joplin KOA, 417-623-2246 / Ballards, 417-359-0359 / Big Reds, 417-358-2432 / Coachlight, 417-358-3666 / Precious Moments, 417 358-1389.

Carthage:
   Best Western, 417-359-5900 / Best Budget Inn, 417-358-6911 / Econo Lodge, 417-358-3900 / Guest House, 417-358-4077 / Kel-Lake, 417-358-9796 / Super 6, 417-358-2269 / Super 8, 417-359-9000 / Tara Motel, 417-624-2190.

There are literally a hundred places to eat in the Joplin/Carthage/Oronogo area, from Mickey D's to the finest steak houses and everything in between.
 
 
Things to Do in Joplin
 
Diving is great!!!, but what else is there to do in the Oronogo/Joplin area???
Joplin Museum Complex & Tri-State Mineral Museum. Located at Schifferdecker Park, meet Boomer the cat & see pictures and mining implements of the areas mining days.

Reptile World Zoo, Where you can see an exotic collection of creepy crawly things.

Candy House Gourmet Chocolates, Is known worldwide for hand-dipped chocolates,caramel pecan treats, English toffee and other delights.

Precious Moments Chapel, drawing some 400,000 visitors a year, the Park & Chapel, showcase the Precious Moments characters & murals created by Sam Butcher.

Wildcat Glades & Audubon Center, featuring a wildlife viewing area, a 1300-gallon aquarium and Ozark stream and a network trails through the park.

George Washington Carver National Monument. This park dedicated to Dr. Carver, known for his work as a scientist & educator,includes a museum, Discovery Lab and self-guided nature trail.

Grand Falls, located by Wildcat Park, where Shoal Creek takes a magnificent 25 foot plunge to create the Ozarks largest continually flowing waterfall.

Bring the family to enjoy camping, floating, trails hiking and the numerous outdoor and indoor activities offered in the Oronogo/Joplin area.