What Boston Duck Tours Are

Boston Duck Tours is a sightseeing company that runs 80-minute narrated tours through Boston using amphibious vehicles — part bus, part boat — that travel on city streets and then enter the Charles River. The tours depart from the Museum of Science and operate seasonally, typically from late March through November, with extended winter schedules depending on weather. A tour guide narrates the route, pointing out landmarks like the Prudential Center, Copley Square, and the Esplanade before the vehicle enters the water near the BU Bridge.

The vehicles, called "Ducks," are World War II–era military transport vessels that were converted for civilian use. They hold about 40 passengers and have an open-air design, so you sit exposed to the elements. The company has been running these tours since 1993 and operates from a single departure point at the Museum of Science parking lot on the Charles River Dam.

Key Takeaways

  • Tours depart from the Museum of Science and last 80 minutes, with 40 to 50 minutes on city streets followed by time on the Charles River.
  • Tickets are purchased at the Museum of Science ticket booth or online in advance, and prices vary by season and day of the week.
  • Tours run late March through November most years, with reduced schedules in winter months, and operate rain or shine unless conditions are severe.
  • You will be exposed to weather during the tour, so bring layers, sunscreen, and a rain jacket, especially during the water portion.
  • Parking is available at the Museum of Science lot, and the tour location is accessible by the MBTA Green Line (Science Park station).

How to Get Tickets and When Tours Run

Tickets are sold at the Museum of Science ticket booth on the day of your tour, or you can purchase them online through the Boston Duck Tours website in advance. Buying online often costs less than buying at the booth and guarantees a spot on a specific departure time. Prices change based on the season — peak summer rates are higher than spring and fall rates — and weekend tours typically cost more than weekday tours.

Tours depart multiple times per day during peak season (roughly June through September), with fewer departures in shoulder months. The company publishes a schedule on its website showing exact departure times by date. Tours run in rain unless conditions are severe enough that the Charles River is unsafe; the company will reschedule you to another time at no charge if a tour is cancelled due to weather.

What Happens During the Tour

You board the Duck at the Museum of Science parking lot and sit in open-air bench seating. The guide drives through Boston streets for roughly 50 minutes, narrating landmarks and history as you pass them. The route typically includes Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, Copley Square, the Prudential Center, and the Esplanade. Guides are trained to point out architecture, historical sites, and current events happening around the city.

After the street portion, the Duck descends a boat ramp into the Charles River near the BU Bridge. You spend the remaining 30 minutes on the water, cruising along the river with views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. The water portion is slower and quieter than the street portion, and the guide continues narrating. The tour ends back at the Museum of Science lot where you started.

What to Bring and Wear

Dress for the weather and bring layers. The vehicles are open-air, so you are exposed to sun, wind, and rain. In summer, sunscreen and a hat are essential. In spring and fall, bring a light jacket. If rain is forecast, wear or bring a rain jacket — the tour runs in light to moderate rain, and you will get wet on the water portion if it is raining.

Bring a camera if you want photos, though the moving vehicle and open seating make photography challenging. Sunglasses are useful for glare off the water. The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep boat ramp and open-air seating, so mobility limitations should be considered before booking.

Parking and Getting There

If you drive, parking is available in the Museum of Science lot where tours depart. Parking is paid and rates vary; check the Museum of Science website for current rates. If you use public transit, the Green Line (MBTA) stops at Science Park station, which is a short walk from the tour departure point. The Red Line and Orange Line both connect to the Green Line downtown.

The Museum of Science is located at 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in and board. During peak summer season, the lot can fill up, so arriving early is especially important if you are driving.

Refunds and Rescheduling

If you purchase tickets online and need to cancel, the refund policy depends on how far in advance you cancel. Most online tickets can be refunded or rescheduled up to 24 hours before departure. Tickets purchased at the booth on the day of the tour are typically non-refundable, though you may be able to reschedule to another time the same day. If a tour is cancelled by the company due to weather or mechanical issues, you receive a full refund or can reschedule at no charge.

Check the website or call ahead if you are unsure about the refund policy for your specific ticket type. The company's phone number and email are listed on the Boston Duck Tours website.

What Makes Duck Tours Different From Other Boston Tours

Duck Tours are one of the few ways to see Boston from the water without booking a separate boat tour. Most other Boston sightseeing tours are either bus-only or walking tours, so the amphibious vehicle is the distinguishing feature. The tour is more casual and family-oriented than formal harbor cruises, and the 80-minute length is shorter than many full-day tours.

The trade-off is that you spend only about 30 minutes on the water, whereas a dedicated harbor cruise might spend two hours on the water. If you want a longer water-based experience, a separate Charles River cruise or harbor tour might be a better fit. If you want a quick overview of Boston that includes both streets and water, Duck Tours are a straightforward option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring children on a Duck Tour?

Yes. Tours are family-friendly and children of all ages are welcome. Children under 3 typically ride free if they sit on a parent's lap, while children 3 and older need their own ticket. The open-air seating and moving vehicle mean young children should be comfortable sitting still for 80 minutes.

What if I get motion sickness on boats?

The Charles River portion is calm and slow-moving, so motion sickness is uncommon. If you are sensitive to motion, take medication before boarding or sit toward the center of the vehicle where movement is less noticeable. The street portion involves normal city driving and should not cause issues.

Are there bathrooms on the Duck?

No. The vehicles do not have onboard bathrooms. Use the restroom at the Museum of Science before boarding. The tour is 80 minutes, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring food or drinks on the tour?

Outside food and drinks are typically not allowed on the vehicles. Check the website or call ahead to confirm the current policy. The Museum of Science has a cafeteria if you want to eat before or after your tour.

Do I need to reserve in advance or can I show up and buy a ticket?

You can buy tickets at the booth on the day of your tour if spots are available, but during peak summer season tours often sell out. Buying online in advance guarantees a spot and usually costs less. If you are visiting during busy times, reserve ahead.