Boston Duck Tour: The Original and World-Famous

If you’re visiting Boston and looking for a way to see the city’s highlights without spending hours on your feet, the Boston Duck Tour might just be your best bet. Known for being the original amphibious sightseeing experience, this tour combines land and water for a full 80-minute adventure that offers a fresh perspective on the city’s historic streets and scenic Charles River.

What really makes this experience stand out are its friendly guides and the unique opportunity to see Boston’s landmarks from a different vantage point—especially the water portion, which many reviewers say is a highlight. At the same time, it’s worth mentioning that the seating can be a bit snug for taller travelers, and traffic sometimes influences the route. Still, if you enjoy lively commentary and iconic views, this tour is a solid choice, whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with a small group.

Key Points

• Unique amphibious vehicle: Travel on both land and water for a comprehensive Boston experience.
• Engaging guides: Guides are praised for their humor, knowledge, and personality.
• Great value: At $60, the tour offers a lot of entertainment and insight packed into 80 minutes.
• Scenic views: Expect fantastic vistas of Boston, Cambridge, and the Charles River.
• Multilingual options: A GPS-enabled audio guide app supports multiple languages, making it more accessible.
• Group size: Small groups (limited to 10 participants) enhance interaction and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Boston Duck Tour

What to Expect From the Tour

From the moment you arrive at your designated meeting point, usually near the Museum of Science or Prudential Center, you’ll be greeted by one of the legendary ConDUCKtors®. These guides are the stars of the show—combining historical facts with humor, making the tour engaging for everyone.

The journey begins on the city streets, where your guide will share stories about Boston’s significance as the birthplace of freedom and highlight landmarks like Boston Common, Quincy Market, the State House, and Bunker Hill. Reviewers often praise the guides for their passion and storytelling skills, with one noting, “Beth’s energy, humor, and unique personality brought the city to life.”

Landmarks and Neighborhoods

Driving past iconic sites like Boston Common and Copley Square, you’ll get a sense of the city’s architectural charm and bustling neighborhoods. Your guide will point out fashionable Newbury Street and give insights into Boston’s history, including the infamous Big Dig project. The narration is sprinkled with little-known facts and local stories, giving you a deeper appreciation for the city’s character.

The Water Experience

This is where the tour really earns its “world-famous” reputation. The amphibious vehicle splashes into the Charles River, and suddenly, the cityscape transforms into a stunning water vista. You’ll see Boston from a perspective few get to enjoy—watching the skyline, Cambridge, and even watching boats glide by. Many reviews say this part is thrilling and memorable, with one noting, “Enjoy views of Boston and Cambridge that you won’t get anywhere else.”

The water portion is not just scenic; it’s also a fun change of pace. The guide or driver often cracks jokes, making the experience lively and lighthearted, especially for families or groups looking for some entertainment along with education.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tour Content and Commentary

The guides do a fantastic job of blending history, humor, and local lore. For example, one reviewer said, “The guide was very knowledgeable but didn’t just spout facts—there was humor and jokes,” which keeps the tour from feeling dry or overly academic.

The commentary covers Boston’s historic firsts, notable buildings, and quirky facts—perfect for history buffs or those new to the city. Just bear in mind that traffic conditions can impact the route, and not all sites are guaranteed to be included in every tour. Still, the guide’s storytelling ensures you’ll leave with plenty of interesting tidbits.

Accessibility and Extra Features

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) makes the experience more intimate and allows for better interaction with guides. The tour is wheelchair accessible from all three departure points; just inform the tour provider when booking.

For non-English speakers or those wanting to explore Boston’s sights in different languages, the GPS-activated audio guide app is a handy addition. It supports languages like Spanish, Mandarin, French, Japanese, and more. Keep in mind, you’ll need to bring your own headphones and have a cellular connection.

Pricing and Value

At $60 per person, the tour offers solid value. You get a mix of engaging storytelling, scenic views, and a fun water splash—all within 80 minutes. Compared to other city tours, this is reasonably priced, especially considering the small group size and the entertainment factor.

Many reviews highlight how much people enjoyed the experience. For example, one reviewer said, “This was the best tour I’ve ever had—fun, informative, and a great way to see Boston in a short time.” Some did mention that the seats can be a bit uncomfortable if you’re tall, and traffic may sometimes extend the route or delay departure. But these are minor considerations in a generally positive experience.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is particularly suited for first-time visitors wanting a quick but rundown of Boston’s major landmarks and neighborhoods. It’s also perfect for families, thanks to the fun guides and water splash experience, and for those interested in a more lively, less formal way of sightseeing. Travelers on a budget will appreciate the affordable price, especially given how much ground you cover and the quality of storytelling.

However, if you’re someone who values absolute comfort or has mobility concerns, the seating might be a tight fit, and traffic can influence the route. Also, it’s not a deep dive into Boston’s history but rather an entertaining introduction—ideal if you’re short on time.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This?

Overall, if you’re looking for an entertaining, informative, and scenic way to explore Boston in a short amount of time, the Boston Duck Tour hits the mark. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy lively guides, scenic water views, and a bit of humor to spice up their sightseeing.

It offers a unique perspective that combines city streets and river views, making it a memorable part of any Boston trip. While seating can be snug for taller travelers and traffic might affect the route, these minor flaws hardly detract from the overall fun.

For families, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet lively overview of Boston’s key sights, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience at an accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred departure time and avoid disappointment.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 80 minutes, usually scheduled in the morning, afternoon, or evening, giving you flexibility to fit it into your day.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the amphibious Duck tour with a live guide, and if you choose, access to the multilingual audio guide app. It does not include hotel transfers, food, drinks, or headphones.

Are there any age restrictions?
All passengers, including infants (age 2 and younger), require tickets. The experience is generally family-friendly, but check with the provider for specific age considerations.

Is the vehicle wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the amphibious vehicles are accessible from all three departure points, but it’s best to inform the provider when booking.

Can I bring my own headphones for the audio guide?
Yes, you should bring your own headphones and a cellular connection if you plan to use the multilingual app.

What if I have mobility concerns?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to notify the provider in advance to accommodate any specific needs.

What happens if there’s traffic?
Traffic conditions can influence the route and timing. The guides are experienced at managing delays, and while not all sites are guaranteed, the storytelling ensures you’ll still get plenty of informative commentary.

In sum, the Boston Duck Tour offers a lively, fun, and scenic way to get to know Boston’s most notable sights. If you’re after a quick, entertaining introduction to the city with some water fun mixed in, it’s a solid option. Just keep in mind the snug seats and possible traffic delays—these are small trade-offs for a memorable and uniquely Boston experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: