What Ride the Ducks is and how the tours operate

Ride the Ducks is a tour company that operates amphibious vehicle tours in multiple U.S. cities. The vehicles are repurposed military-style boats that can drive on city streets and then enter water. You board on land, the driver takes you through downtown streets narrating local history and landmarks, and then the vehicle enters a river, lake, or harbor for the water portion of the tour.

Each Ride the Ducks location runs independently, so tour length, route, price, and schedule vary by city. The company operates in cities including Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and others. Tours typically last 60 to 90 minutes total, with roughly half the time on streets and half on water.

The vehicles themselves are open-air or have partial canopies depending on the location and vehicle age. Passengers sit in rows facing outward, so you can see in all directions. The driver and tour guide are the same person, and they provide commentary throughout both the street and water portions.

Key Takeaways

  • Ride the Ducks tours operate in specific cities only, and each location has its own schedule, pricing, and route, so you need to check the website for the city you plan to visit.
  • Tours are amphibious, meaning the vehicle drives on city streets for the first half and then enters water for the second half, giving you two different perspectives of the city.
  • Tours typically run 60 to 90 minutes and depart from a central downtown location that varies by city.
  • Tickets are purchased in advance online or at the departure location on the day of the tour, and prices vary by city and season.
  • The vehicles are open-air, so weather conditions affect comfort, and you should dress appropriately for the season and bring sun protection if needed.

Where Ride the Ducks operates and how to find your city's tour

Ride the Ducks does not operate in every city. The company has locations in Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Branson (Missouri), and a few other cities. If you are planning a trip to a specific city, you need to verify that Ride the Ducks runs there before booking.

The easiest way to check is to visit the main Ride the Ducks website and look for a location selector or list of cities. Each city's page shows the departure location (usually a downtown dock or parking area), current tour times, and pricing for that specific location. Some cities run tours year-round; others operate seasonally and close during winter months.

Departure times and frequency change by season. Summer typically has multiple departures per day, while fall and winter may have fewer tours or none at all. Check the specific city page for current schedules before planning your visit.

Booking a tour and what to bring

You can book Ride the Ducks tours online through the city-specific page or by calling the local departure location directly. Online booking usually allows you to select your preferred date and time and pay when ready. Walk-up tickets are often available at the departure location on the day of the tour, but during peak season (summer and holidays) tours may sell out, so advance booking is safer.

Pricing varies by city and season. A typical tour costs between $25 and $50 per adult, with discounts for children and seniors. Some cities offer combination packages that bundle Ride the Ducks with other local attractions. Check the specific city page for current rates.

Because the vehicles are open-air, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If rain is forecast, bring a light rain jacket or poncho — the tour usually runs unless weather is severe. In cooler months, bring a sweater or jacket since you will be on the water where it is windier and cooler than on land. Wear comfortable shoes you do not mind getting wet, since boarding and exiting the water portion can involve splashing.

What happens during the street portion of the tour

When you arrive at the departure location, you check in and board the vehicle. The driver and guide give a safety briefing and then begin driving through downtown streets. The guide narrates as you pass landmarks, historic buildings, parks, and other points of interest. The pace is slow enough that you can take photos and hear the commentary clearly.

The street route is fixed for each city, so you will see the same landmarks and hear the same stories each time. The guide's personality and delivery vary, so different tours can feel different even on the same route. Tours typically last 30 to 45 minutes on land before heading to the water entry point.

The vehicle drives like a regular car on streets, so the experience is similar to a bus tour, except the vehicle is smaller and the guide is more personable. You remain seated throughout the street portion.

What happens during the water portion of the tour

Once the vehicle reaches the water, the driver maneuvers it into the river, lake, or harbor. This transition is usually gradual — the vehicle drives down a boat ramp or into shallow water at the edge. The water portion typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the city and route.

On the water, the vehicle operates like a boat. The guide continues narrating, pointing out waterfront landmarks, bridges, islands, or other features visible from the water. You get views of the city skyline and waterfront that you cannot see from land. The vehicle moves slowly enough that you can take photos and enjoy the scenery.

The water can be choppy depending on weather and the body of water. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in the middle of the vehicle rather than the front or back, where motion is less pronounced. The vehicle returns to the boat ramp or entry point and drives back onto land to return to the departure location.

Safety, accessibility, and physical requirements

Ride the Ducks tours require a moderate level of physical ability. You must be able to climb stairs or a ramp to board the vehicle and sit upright for 60 to 90 minutes. The vehicle has no restroom, so use facilities before boarding. There are no stops during the tour.

Accessibility varies by location and vehicle. Some Ride the Ducks locations have wheelchair-accessible vehicles or ramps, but not all do. Contact the specific city location directly to ask about accessibility before booking. Pregnant people, people with heart conditions, and people with severe motion sickness should check with their doctor before taking the water portion.

The vehicle is open-air, so you are exposed to weather, sun, and wind. Children must be supervised at all times, and some locations have age or height restrictions for safety. Pets are generally not allowed, though policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm.

How Ride the Ducks compares to other city tours

Ride the Ducks is one option among several for city tours. A traditional bus or trolley tour covers more ground and runs longer, but you stay on land the entire time. A boat-only tour (without the street portion) gives you more time on water but misses the downtown landmarks. A walking tour is slower and more detailed but requires more physical stamina.

Ride the Ducks appeals to visitors who want a mix of land and water perspectives in one tour, a novelty experience (the amphibious vehicle itself is part of the attraction), and a guided tour that does not require driving yourself. It is less suitable if you want deep historical detail, a very long tour, or a tour that covers a wide geographic area.

Price and duration are comparable to other guided tours in the same cities. The main difference is the amphibious vehicle and the water component, which some visitors find memorable and others find gimmicky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance or can I just show up?

You can often buy tickets at the departure location on the day of the tour, but during peak season (summer weekends and holidays) tours sell out. Booking online in advance guarantees your spot and usually costs the same as walk-up tickets. If you are visiting during a busy time, book ahead.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours run in light rain and mild wind. In severe weather (heavy rain, lightning, or high winds), the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. Check the website or call the location on the morning of your tour if weather looks questionable. Most companies offer refunds or rescheduling if a tour is cancelled due to weather.

Can I bring children, and are there age restrictions?

Children are welcome on most Ride the Ducks tours. Some locations have minimum age or height requirements for safety, particularly for the water portion. Infants and very young children may need to sit on a parent's lap. Check the specific city page or call ahead to confirm age and height policies.

How much does a Ride the Ducks tour cost?

Prices vary by city and season, typically ranging from $25 to $50 per adult. Children and seniors usually receive discounts. Some cities offer family packages or combination deals with other attractions. Check the specific city's page for current pricing.

Will I get wet on the water portion?

The vehicle is designed to keep passengers mostly dry during normal operation. However, splashing can occur when boarding or exiting the water, and if the water is choppy, some spray may reach you. Wear clothes you do not mind getting slightly wet, and keep valuables in a waterproof bag.