Boston Duck Tours is one of the most unique and enjoyable ways to see Beantown. Utilizing a World War II style amphibious vehicle, Duck Tours offers its guests views of the city from both land and water.

From Merrimac Street or from the waters of the Charles River, Boston Duck Tours cruises by such legendary landmarks as Bunker Hill, Boston Common, Copley Square, Government Center, Newberry Street, Prudential Tower, Quincy Market, State House, and TD Banknorth Garden.

Boston Duck Tours departs from either the Prudential Center or the Museum of Science and lasts about 80 minutes. There’s a shorter route that departs from the New England Aquarium that lasts just 55 minutes. Both tours feature the same 20-minute water route.

You and your family can enjoy a Boston Duck Tour from the end of March to the end of November and on some weekends in December. During their main operating season tours leave the Prudential Center and the Museum of Science everyday of the week, rain or shine.

Tours begin at 9 am and then every 30 or 60 minutes depending on the season. The last tour of the day usually disembarks one hour before sunset.

The tour beginning at the New England Aquarium runs every day of the week during the summer. During the rest of the year it only operates on the weekends. Departure time is 3pm.

Check the Boston Duck Tours’ Web site for exact dates, days, and times.

Seating for the tours is on a first come first serve basis. It’s recommended that you arrive 30 minutes prior to launch time.

On a Duck Tour expect a little water spray but don’t expect to get splashed. Therefore it’s recommended that you dress for the weather.

Every Boston Duck Tour features a “conducktor.” These colorful characters not only pilot the vehicle but they narrate your journey. They’ll tell you all about the city of Boston and its rich history. Each conducktor has a great nickname. There’s Salty Magoo, Johnny Baggadonitz, Red Auerquack, Snags McTangles, and Dr. Ima Quack-just to name a few.

Boston Duck Tours has a fleet of restored World War II era DUKWs. General Motors made about 21,000 of these distinctive and rather odd looking amphibious vehicles. They were used to transport cargo and men from ships to shores when dock facilities were either damaged or non-existence.

DUKWs played a vital role in the European and Pacific theaters as well as on D-Day. There’s even a special exhibit dedicated to their history at the Boston Museum of Science.

Boston Duck Tours currently operates 9 original DUKWs and 15 modified DUKWs. The modified DUKWs are easier to maintain and operate. They also hold 36 passengers and are completely enclosed. The original DUKWs hold 32 guests but the last eight seats are uncovered.

Tickets for the Boston Duck Tours are $31 for adults; $27 for students, seniors, and the military; $21 for children ages 3 to 11; and $6 for children under 3. There are discount prices for groups of 20 or more.

Prices can change at any time. For up-to-date ticket information log on to their Web site.

You can purchase tickets online or at any one of four locations: inside the Museum of Science near the gift shop, inside the Prudential Center across from Barnes and Noble, at the Whale Watch Booth at the New England Aquarium, or at the Bostix booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Tickets can be purchased 30 days in advance. If you want to take a group of 20 or more Boston Duck Tours recommends you call them as soon as possible.

Every morning Boston Duck Tours releases additional tickets for the day’s excursions. So if you were looking on the internet and the tour you wanted was sold out, try visiting one of their ticket locations. Keep in mind tickets are usually sold out by noon.

Boston Duck Tours Contact Information
4 Copley Place, Suite 4155
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
617-267-DUCK

Author Bio: Ryan Hogan is a writer for the CitySmarts series of websites, including BostonSmarts, a site dedicated to helping people find things to do in Boston like Duck Tours and every season.

Category: Travel
Keywords: boston, duck tours, visit boston, things to do in boston, tourist attractions,