boston duck tours new england aquarium departure location boston ma

Boston Duck Tours – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect

If you want to explore Boston, Boston Duck Tours is the best way to see the city from land and water, and that too in the same vehicle. 

These giant and pop-colored amphibian vehicles will take you on a thrilling historical tour via long, busy Boston streets and the pristine Charles River. 

The tours are led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who provide interesting facts and stories about Boston’s history, architecture, and culture.

Boston Duck Tours is a fun and memorable way to experience the city, and it’s a great option for families, groups, and anyone who wants to see Boston from a unique perspective.

This article explains everything you need to know before buying your Boston Duck Tour Tickets.

Top Boston Duck Tours

# Boston Duck Last-minute tickets

Table of contents

What to expect from boston duck tours, where to book the tickets, how online tickets work, last-minute tickets, ticket prices, duck tour timings, how long is the boston duck tour, best time for duck tours in boston, where do duck tours depart from, route of duck tour boston.

Once you step into the truck cum boat, the ConDUCKtors will greet you and narrate all the legendary stories associated with the landmarks the amphibious vehicle passes by. 

Some of the tour’s highlights are the Boston Public Garden, Old State House, Museum Of Science, Boylston Street, Old South Church, Arlington Street Chruch, etc.

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Boston Duck tours tickets

You can book your Boston Duck Tours tickets online and offline 30 days before your visit. 

Ticket booths are at the Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. 

But when you buy the tickets online , you can avoid the hassle of standing in long queues.

When you book tickets for Duck Tours in Boston, you select your preferred time of visit and date.

Immediately after purchase, your tickets get emailed to you. You don’t need to take any printouts. 

Now all you must do is, reach one of the three departure points – Prudential Center, Museum of Science, or New England Aquarium – at least 15 minutes before the time on your ticket. 

Since you have a ticket and are on time, you can show it on your smartphone and board the vehicle. 

A limited number of Duck tour Boston tickets are sold online at 8.45 am five days prior. 

If these tickets are sold out online, they won’t be available at the ticket booths either. 

Visitors aged 12 to 64 years pay the full Boston Duck Tour ticket price of $50 per person.

Seniors 65 years and above and guests with a Military ID qualify for a Boston Duck tour discount of $8 and pay only $42 for entry. 

Kids aged three to 11 years get a $14 discount on the full ticket cost and pay only $36.

Unfortunately, infants younger than three don’t get free entry – but pay a reduced price of $11.

Adult ticket (12 to 64 years): $50 Children ticket (3 to 11 years): $36 Military ticket (with ID): $42 Senior ticket (65+ years): $42 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): $11

Duck boat tours in Boston depart every hour, starting at 9 am or 10 am until one hour before sunset.

The ticket booths at Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium open 30 minutes before the first tour and close after the last tour departs.

However, we suggest you purchase a Boston Duck Tour ticket in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment. 

Boston Duck Tours are around 80 minutes long – n hour on land and 20 minutes in the water. 

There are no stops and breaks along the route. 

However, the tour duration may vary depending on external and uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic, and ongoing construction. 

Boston’s Duck boat tour is a fantastic experience that takes you through the past and present of the city. 

If you plan to go sightseeing and witness the beauty of the city’s historic neighborhoods like Charlestown, Beacon Hill, Downtown, and Back Bay on these ducks, then late spring through early fall is the perfect time to do so. 

This tourist-friendly season falls between March and November when the weather is pleasant.

The cool breeze emerging from the womb of the Charles River brushes your hair, and the skyline soothes your body, mind, and soul. 

The rest of the months aren’t bad either – drive by the Boston landmarks and dive into the Charles River by booking your Boston Duck T our tickets today!

Will you get drenched? You won’t get drenched in water as the World War II amphibian vehicles splash into the charming Charles River. However, you may get a light spray of water right on your face depending on the speed of the truck cum boat and the direction and strength of the wind. 

Duck tours Boston has three departure locations: the Museum of Science, Prudential Center, and New England Aquarium.

Each location is conveniently located near public transportation. 

Museum of Science

The Museum of Science is located near Boston’s West End, the Bulfinch Triangle, and Charlestown neighborhoods, and it borders the City of Cambridge on the Charles River. 

The ducks boarding area is in front of the Museum of Science, next to the giant Tyrannosaurus rex! 

Address: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114. Get Directions

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular aquatic wonder in Boston. It is located on Boston’s historic Waterfront and is near Faneuil Hall.

Boston Duck Tours departs from the New England Aquarium’s driveway in front of the Whale Watch Booth.

Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. Get Directions

Prudential Center

Prudential Center is a huge shopping complex hosting nearly 75 stores, and the Boston Ducks depart from here.

Address: 53 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116. Get Directions

Multi-language tours Now you can experience Duck Tours in Boston in your language. All you need to do is wear the GPS headsets and quack; there you go! These language tours depart from the Museum of Science and are available in Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Cantonese & Korean.

The best way to explore the heritage and history of Boston is through Duck Tours Boston. 

The fun and entertainment begin when you hop on your “DUCK,” a World War II-styled amphibian vehicle that takes you on a land and water excursion.  

You’ll cruise by all the significant places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. 

Some of the highlights are – 

• The golden-domed State House, which is the state Capitol and the seat of the government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• The historical Bunker Hill echoes the stories of the American Revolution
• The multi-purpose Fleet Center, which hosts different sports activities
• Boston Common, which is a perfect picnic site
• Newbury Street, which contains tonnes of restaurants and shopping centers

The DUCK transports you to different neighborhoods where you experience nature and man-made architecture a little closer.

Your ConDUCKtor will give you many little-known facts and interesting insights about Boston city. 

Their witty commentary will make your journey a lot more fun!

To know the path you will take, check out the tour’s route map .

What to wear during the trip For Duck boat tours in Boston, you need not wear a swimsuit. But proper clothing is a must because as the amphibian vehicle travel from land to water, there are chances of getting a little wet despite the ducks being heated and enclosed. Dress according to the weather on the day of your voyage. It is often breezy on Charles River.

Sources # Bostonducktours.com # Prudentialcenter.com # Tripadvisor.com # Wikipedia.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in Boston

# Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum # Boston Trolley Tours # New England Aquarium # Boston Ghost Tours # Zoo New England # Codzilla Boston # Fenway Park tours # Boston Harbor Cruises # Whale Watching in Boston # Harvard Tours # Boston Duck Tours

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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1 Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110

HOURS OF OPERATION

Mon.–Fri.: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Weekends: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

We are SOLD OUT of tickets for today, Saturday June 22nd.

Directions and Parking

1 central wharf, boston, ma 02110.

The Aquarium and the Simons Theatre are located on Central Wharf in downtown Boston.

Directions by Car

The Aquarium and the Simons Theatre are located at 1 Central Wharf in Boston. We recommend reviewing and saving directions from your starting point in advance.

Directions by Foot

The Aquarium is just a short walk from the Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market area, the North End, Government Center, and the Financial District. View a map of the area around the Aquarium.

Directions by Public Transportation

The closest subway stop is the Aquarium stop on the MBTA’s Blue Line , just 100 yards from the Aquarium. All other subway lines connect to the Blue Line, and stops off all the other lines are only a short walk from the Aquarium:

• Orange Line State Street stop: 8-minute walk
• Green Line Government Center stop: 10-minute walk
• Red Line South Station stop: 12-minute walk

Boat Services

Three commuter boat services land directly next to the Aquarium on Central Wharf. For complete schedules and ticket prices, visit each service’s website:

• MBTA commuter boats depart from Hull, Hingham, and Logan Airport
• Salem Ferry  runs five times each day from Salem
• The Winthrop Ferry , Valkyrie, departs Winthrop with stops at the Aquarium, Seaport, and Quincy

Though the Aquarium doesn’t own any parking facilities, there are five parking garages within .3 miles of the Aquarium. Parking validation at participating garages is available for visitors at the Information Desk on Level 1 of the Aquarium. Note: Validation for the nearby Harbor Garage is available for Aquarium Members and Whale Watch Guests only.

Lowest Price on Weekdays

SpotHero Search and compare prices at thousands of parking facilities across North America.

• To reserve your parking spot, visit the SpotHero’s website and book a spot with rates up to 50% off regular prices.
• Please note: Validated parking may be a better deal, depending on the garage. Be sure to compare rates below.

Rowes Wharf 0.2 miles from the Aquarium Contact: 617-439-0328 

• Weekday price with validation: $28
• Weekday price without validation: $42 

Garage at Post Office Square 0.3 miles from the Aquarium Contact: 617-423-1430

• Weekday price with validation: $36 (entry before 4:00 p.m.) or $8.10 (entry after 4:00 p.m.)
• Weekday price without validation: $40 (entry before 4:00 p.m.) or $9 (entry after 4:00 p.m.) 

75 State Street 0.2 miles from the Aquarium (Entrance at 5 Broad Street) Contact: 617-443-2817

• Weekday price with validation when booked at 75statestreetgarage.com : $39 (entry before 5:00 p.m.) or $15 (entry after 5:00 p.m.) 
• Weekday price without validation: $42

International Place 0.3 miles from the Aquarium Contact: 617-330-5243

• Weekday price without validation: $41 max. (entry before 4:30 p.m.) or $14 (entry after 4:30 p.m.)  

Harbor Garage 0.1 mile from the Aquarium Contact: 617-720-5135 

• Daily price without validation: $42 (over 80 minutes).  To reserve your parking spot, visit the iParkit website .
• Daily price with validation ( for Aquarium Members and Whale Watch Guests ONLY ) : $32 for up to 8 hours every day

Please note: Pricing information may change. Please verify the most up-to-date pricing directly with the parking facility. 

Lowest Prices on Weekends

• Weekend price with validation: $8.10
• Weekend price without validation: $9
• Weekend price with validation: $10
• Weekend price without validation: $14
• Weekend price with validation: $15
• Weekend price without validation: $18
• Weekend price with validation: $16
• Weekend price without validation: $18 

Harbor Garage 0.1 mile from the Aquarium Contact: 617-720-5135

• Daily price without validation: $42 (over 80 minutes). To reserve your parking spot, visit the iParkit website .
• Daily price with validation ( for Aquarium Members and Whale Watch Guests ONLY ) : $32 for up to 8 hours every day 

Please note: Pricing information may change. Please verify the most up-to-date pricing directly with the parking facility.

Harbor Garage  0.1 mile from the Aquarium Contact: 617-720-5135 

Special Rates for Members and Whale Watch

Member discounted rates.

Your support makes a vital, vibrant, and healthy ocean possible. As a thank you, you’ll receive a discount at the closest parking garage to the Aquarium, Harbor Garage.

Harbor Garage 0.1 mile from the Aquarium Contact: 617-720-5135 Price with Member validation: $32 for up to 8 hours every day

Whale Watch Guest Discounted Rates

Validation is available for Whale Watch patrons who take a ticket only. Do not pre-pay with a credit card or app upon entering the garage.

Harbor Garage 0.1 mile from the Aquarium Contact: 617-720-5135 Price with Whale Watch validation: Weekdays $32 for up to 8 hours

Accessible Parking

Use this Aquarium accessible parking information sheet to find additional information like handicap-accessible parking spaces near MBTA stations and parking garage clearance for large vehicles.

Bus Parking

Many visitors, including school groups, come to the Aquarium via bus. Here, find parking information and directions for buses.  

Bus Drop-off and Pickup

Please use the designated turnaround for drop-off and pickup. There is a 10-minute window for dropping off or picking up visitors, so please coordinate with your bus driver.

Parking Recommendation for Buses

100 Terminal Street (2.3 miles from the Aquarium). Please call 617-293-6247 for current parking fees.

Directions:

• Travel to State Street to the first traffic light.
• Turn right onto Atlantic Avenue.
• Proceed north on Atlantic Avenue to a set of lights at the intersection with Causeway Street and North Washington Street, approximately one mile.
• At the intersection, turn right onto North Washington Street (you will drive over a small expansion bridge).
• At the first set of lights (City Square), turn right onto Chelsea Street.
• Follow Chelsea Street to the end, which positions you under the Tobin Bridge.
• Once under the bridge, you will travel over a small water channel.
• Once over the channel, you will see signs on a wood fence for Bus Parking.
• Turn right into the Mystic Pier 1 property and proceed to Station 1. Wait for the attendant to sign in.

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"Best view of the Boston skyline!!! Was on the duck tour, but there were many kayaks and private boats going around... so peaceful and wonderful when the weather is nice!!!"

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Boston Duck Tours

Review Highlights

“ Of course they loved the ride through the streets and the fact it seamlessly goes from land to water! ” in 9 reviews

“ We have been to Boston a number of times but we never stopped to try the Duck Boats . ” in 3 reviews

“ There are three locations to meet from, and we selected the Science Museum with their on-site parking garage. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1 Science Park

Boston, MA 02114

East Cambridge

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About the Business

Hop aboard Boston Duck Tours and enjoy a fully narrated, historic tour of Boston in a "DUCK", a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water. You'll be greeted by one of our legendary ConDUCKtors, who'll be narrating your tour. You'll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts. Just when you think you've seen it all, it's time for a Big Splash as your ConDUCKtor drives the DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines. Come and experience the best introDUCKtion to Boston. …

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The tour starts on land then it goes into the river then comes back to land. The tour host was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all the questions people were throwing at him. He kept the tour upbeat and fun, it was far from boring, I would recommend a Duck Tour when visiting Boston

See all photos from Tiffany H. for Boston Duck Tours

The narrator U.K. Lee insults us and expects us to laugh at his jokes. His jokes are too forced to be funny, when no one laughed he took it personal and started insulting us. He said the kids were homeschooled because no one wants them?? called one of them short?? said the students moms do their grades and thats why they get straight A's. He tried making dirty jokes to a group of 8th graders and called them boring when they didnt laugh??

One of the best tours in Boston! Reserve tickets online thru their site. The team here is so nice we requested a change of time for our tour due to traffic in the fwy and they easily moved us to the next one. The tour guide is entertaining, funny & knowledgeable of Boston history. This location is great, it's near Quincy Market and a 10mins walk to Little Italy as well. Definitely try this out when visiting Bean Town!

1st day in Boston for family vacation, this was our first activity with Captain Robin the Riveter!!! When they drove up they were already cracking jokes, so I whispered to my husband, I hope we get to ride on their boat. And we did! It was a comical time full of great history and little known facts, very entertaining. It helped to do this first so that in the days to come as we walked the freedom trail we had an idea of where we were and which way we were headed. Once in the water Captain Robin has a surprise for the kiddos, and she likes to get to know her riders as well so get ready to participate. Definitely a top activity for us here in Boston.

Captain Steve and speaker Splish were so much fun! I highly recommend this tour - Land & Sea! Very entertaining and educational.

It's a fun, unusual tour of Boston harbor. Part of the tour is through downtown and then the duck boat goes into the Charles River for a different view.

I love the duck tour. We were able to get our family of 6 on for just under $200. We bought our tickets at the science museum and left for that location for the tour. The kids loved the water and seeing the landmarks. They each got an opportunity to drive the boat in the water which was a highlight for them. I also enjoyed not walking half of the freedom trail to be honest, this was a great snip it of the walk and the sites to see. The tour has very little traffic at 10am and I would plan ahead for your day if you don't want to get stuck on the bus during high volume traffic times. I highly suggest this as one of your "Boston tourist" things to do. We moved to SoCal in 2012. I haven't been on one in many years and I enjoyed it as much as I had when I was young.

See all photos from Kristin S. for Boston Duck Tours

A classic. Good for kids and adults. Beautiful views of the city in ways you might not otherwise see. Some of the education depends on your host. First one was hilarious and educational, second less so (we've been during spring break 2 years in a row!)

If you are in Boston and this is your first time YOU MUST GO!!! Best experience ever. LOVED IT the views, history then getting on water such a cool experience my son is 10 and he loved it as well. Very kid friendly. MUST CHECK IT OUT!

See all photos from Asmira C. for Boston Duck Tours

What a fun way to see Boston with a unique tour guide VIPierre(nickname). A little bit of comedy and a quick history lesson of Boston and the Revolution. Toured the highlights of the city and a float on the Charles River.

A view on the Charles River.

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Boston's duck boats are famous: What's their history?

What do you think of when you think of sports championship parades in Boston , besides the teams themselves?

That's easy - duck boats.

Those are the cool looking boat-like vehicles that can travel on land and water, and have become a staple in transporting athletes during championship parades. The New England Patriots , Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins have all used the boats at such parades.

On Friday, they'll roll out for a nother parade celebrating the Celtic's newest championship.

But when the duck boats are not transporting championship teams through the streets, they can be seen traveling the streets and water of Boston showcasing the city to tourists and residents alike.

Live Coverage of the Celtics Parade: The duck boats are ready to rally! Follow the Celtics parade today

Cue the duck boats! Celtics 2024 NBA championship parade details

What are duck boats?

Duck boats are colorful, bulky, boat-like vehicles that travel throughout Boston on land and on water. Boston Duck Tours are 80-minutes in length - 60 minutes on land and 20 minutes on the Charles River. Boston Duck Tours began rolling through the streets of Boston in October 1994.

How many duck boats does Boston have?

There are 28 amphibious duck boats - called ducks - used by Boston Duck Tours. Each duck is colorfully painted and named after Boston landmarks such as "Fenway Fanny," "Kenmore Karla," "Charlie River," "Longfellow Bridget," "Miss Emma Science," "Beantown Betty," 'Beacon Hilda," and "Symphony Hal."

Do Boston duck tours go in the water?

Yes. Boston Duck Tours splash into the Charles River for approximately 20 minutes of each 80 minute city tour. According to the tour website, you will not get wet on the tour, but could get a light spray depending on the wind direction.

How many championship parades have used the duck boats?

The duck boats have been used for championship parades in Boston since 2002. The Boston Duck Boat website states, "Boston Duck Tours, over the years, has had the honor and pleasure of hosting four of Boston’s sports teams in Rolling Rally Championship parades 12 different times."

According to the website, with duck boats "players could stand on, and wave to the crowds below. It was close enough to get these players right up to their fans. But, also far enough to keep them from being mobbed by the crowds."

A brief history of duck boats

The History Channel explained that allied troops used duck boats to get artillery, supplies and soldiers ashore during  World War II .

" DUKW boats made their first appearance in combat during the 1943  invasion of Sicily  known as Operation Husky," History.com states. "The name 'DUKW' corresponded to General Motors’ manufacturing code (“D” is “1942 model,” “U” is “amphibious,” “K” is “all-wheel drive,” and “W” is “dual rear wheels”). Soldiers simplified this by calling them “ducks.”

"Like actual ducks, these boat-trucks with wheels looked a little awkward. But their weird design is what allowed troops to drive the vehicles from water onto land—a crucially important task."

Where do the duck boats depart from in Boston?

According to the Boston Duck Tour website , there are three departure locations:

• Prudential Center, 53 Huntington Ave.
• Museum of Science, One Science Park.
• New England Aquarium, Central Wharf.

How many duck boat tour companies are there in Boston?

Boston Duck Tours is the only duck tour company in Boston.

Do other cities have duck boats?

There are other states that do duck boat tours , like Tennessee, Alaska, Wisconsin, California, Florida, Maine and Texas, among others.

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

B oston is the most populous city in New England – and for good reason. This Massachusetts metropolis may host modern shopping, dining and cultural attractions , but Boston is built upon a rich American tapestry created over the centuries that's still visible in its quaint neighborhood streets and stone houses. The city's historic harbor along the Massachusetts Bay set the scene for a significant portion of Boston's story; once the site of Revolution-era protests like the Boston Tea Party, this body of water is now primarily used for revelry. No visit to Massachusetts' capital city would be complete without some time on Boston Harbor.

If you'll be in Beantown during the warmer months, consider boarding a schooner for an hour or two of sightseeing. Cruises on the harbor offer a range of historical tours, romantic dinners, unique brunches with friends or even the chance to spot some endangered whales. Whether you opt for a tall ship or a smaller vessel, soak in city views and enjoy your time on the water with the following top Boston Harbor cruises.

Boston Harbor City Cruises by Hornblower – Boston Harbor Whale Watch Cruise

Price: Adults from $70; kids from $50

Duration: 3-4 hours

Hornblower's City Experiences brand offers a wide variety of land-based and on-the-water tours. One of the most popular options is its whale watching cruise, which it operates with the New England Aquarium . From Boston's Central Wharf, you'll head to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the world's most active marine sanctuaries. Whales in the region include humpbacks, minke whales, the endangered right whales and more. You can also try to spot sea birds, dolphins and other marine life. Travelers say the boat tour is great fun and most report seeing whales on the trip.

Tours generally run daily from spring through fall. Exact departure times vary by season. You'll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early and take some medication if you're prone to motion sickness. If you plan to pair this cruise with a trip to the aquarium, you can book a combo ticket to save a bit of money. Boston Harbor City Cruises also runs a variety of dinner cruises.

Check prices & availability on:

Button Enhancement : Travel - Best Boston Harbor Cruises - Boston Harbor Whale Watch Cruise (Viator)

Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships – Boston Harbor Day Sail

Price: Adults from $55; kids from $35

Duration: 90 minutes

Board a schooner from the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships and sail Boston's historic harbor in fitting style. Your tour begins by embarking on the Liberty Star, which boasts a 76-foot mast. The crew is happy to answer questions about Boston during the sail, but know that there is no narration during the tour. Travelers delight in both the tour and the boat, noting excellent views.

The fleet sails Boston Harbor from summer through early fall. Sails typically depart several times each day in the afternoon; however, specific times may vary depending on the day of the week. You can also hop onboard for a brunch cruise, a fireworks cruise or for the yearly USS Constitution turnaround sail.

Button Enhancement : Travel - Best Boston Harbor Cruises - Liberty Fleet of tall ships - Boston Harbor Day Sail (Viator)

Classic Harbor Line Boston – Northern Lights Sunset Cruise

Price: From $45

Duration: 2 hours

Along this evening tour, you'll be treated to skyline views as the sun dips below the horizon. During the journey, you'll also learn a little about Boston's history and its best sites such as Fort Independence, the USS Constitution , Old North Church's steeple and more. Refreshments are available for purchase onboard. Travelers approve of the cruise – especially the gorgeous ship – and its staff.

Departure times and days vary depending on both the sunset and the season. Keep in mind that ticket fees will be slightly higher in the high season. The company also hosts a number of themed and food cruises, such as holiday cruises and a trip that focuses on beer and barbecue.

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Boston Duck Tours

Price: Adults from $52.99; kids from $37.99

Duration: 80 minutes

It's nearly impossible to visit Boston and not run into one of its renowned Duck Tours. This type of amphibious automobile was originally created as a military vehicle for World War II. The vehicles used today by Boston Duck Tours are uniquely designed to roll past city sights like Boston Common , the Old North Church and the Fanueil Hall Marketplace before or after launching into the Charles River for views of the Cambridge and Boston skylines. Past customers remember these unique tours as one of the best parts of their visit – and as a special draw for kids, the tour guides may allow children to briefly steer the boat in the water for a particularly memorable experience.

Trips depart from the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and the Prudential Center; tour prices are the same regardless of departure point. Tours run in the warmer months, usually from late spring to fall. It's a good idea to book online in advance to secure your preferred tour time.

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Massachusetts Bay Lines – Boston Harbor Moonlight Cruises

Price: Adults from $28; kids from $15

Referred to locally as Mass Bay Lines, this company runs an after dark cruise that travelers say has excellent views of the city lit up. If you're in need of refreshment, you'll find drinks (including alcohol) and snack onboard for purchase. For an extra special evening, sign up for a Full Moon Cruise, which takes place once per month from May to October.

Tours run a few times a month and generally start at 9 p.m. The company also runs daytime harbor cruises and themed cruises that welcome dogs onboard.

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Charles Riverboat Company – Charles River Sightseeing Tours

Price: Adults from $27; kids from $18

Duration: 70 minutes

After cruising through the harbor, why not explore another Boston waterway? Along the historic sightseeing cruise of the Charles River, you'll see some of Cambridge's best sights like Harvard University and MIT , as well as Boston University, and the Back Bay neighborhood. The crew will offer tidbits and trivia during the tour. Tourgoers enjoy the outing and several mention that the company is great if booking a private charter for a large party.

Tours run late May though the end of September at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. If you wish to explore the Boston Harbor and the Charles River in the same trip, consider signing up for the company's Architecture Tour.

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You might also be interested in:

• The Best Boston Tours
• The Best Hotels in Boston
• The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod
• The Best Weekend Getaways in New England

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The Boston Celtics will take a ceremonious ride through the city on the iconic duck boats Friday morning, and the team behind the vessels are busy preparing.

To prepare the boats for the rolling rally, the rear seats and roof are removed. A platform is inserted so players can be raised above the roofline, making it easy for them to be seen by and interact with fans.

"Our mechanics have to remove the seats first, then put down some flooring," said Tom Vigna with Boston Duck Boats.

"This is going to be their 13th parade. We've done this before, and we have a fantastic team... that is used to doing it," Vigna said.

The team, now celebrating 30 years, will work into the early hours of Friday morning to prepare the boats. They have 25 boats that will be in motion for the parade.

The duck boats were first used for the victory parades in 2002 after the New England Patriots won their first Super Bowl. Mayor Menino implemented the idea at the time, and it has stuck ever since.

"At the end of this season we are going to be riding on these Duck Boats in a victory parade," then-coach Doc Rivers told the team before the 2007-2008 season.

He was right.

Sixteen years later, following their 18th championship title , the Celtics are parading around town in the duck boats for a second time.

According to Boston city officials, the parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Causeway Street and then follow Staniford Street to Cambridge Street to Tremont Street to Boylston Street, before ending near the Hynes Convention Center.

Watch CBS News

2 new African penguins can now be seen at New England Aquarium in Boston

By WBZ-News Staff

Updated on: June 20, 2024 / 6:37 PM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON -- Two new African penguins have joined the rest of the penguin colony at the New England Aquarium in Boston following months of care behind the scenes.

The chicks hatched in March and are finally ready to be seen at the exhibit.

The aquarium partners with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)  SAFE African Penguin  program, an international effort to protect and restore wild African penguin populations.

Eric Fox, assistant curator of penguins, said the dedication of their Animal Care Team is part of a "much greater mission" to help support the endangered species. 

"Knowing that African penguins could go extinct as soon as 2035, these chicks are a reminder that we are taking direct action toward the conservation of their species," he said in a statement. 

Endangered species

The species are found on the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, threatened by food depletion from overfishing, climate change and pollution. 

To help promote a sustainable future for these penguins, the Aquarium participates in the AZA's African Penguin Species Survival Plan.

"Our trainers will continue to work on building relationships with the chicks as part of our focus on animal wellbeing and husbandry," Fox said in a statement. "A key aspect of that work entails training the birds to be more comfortable with handling so that things like routine medical exams are a more positive experience."  

The oldest chick, a male named "Bunker," hatched at the Aquarium on March 21, 2024. His sister, "Althea," followed on March 27 -- both chicks have been thriving and now weigh about 40 times their hatch weight.

Their names have an educational and conservation tie to Africa: "Bunker" comes from ship-to-ship bunkering along the southern coast of Africa, and "Althea" is named after Althea Westphal, founder of a rescue and rehabilitation organization for African penguins and other seabirds.

Bunker and Althea are two of four chicks that hatched at the Aquarium this year. The others hatched in April and will be ready to join the colony sometime in July. 

Penguin training

As part of the acclimation process, trainers worked on socialization by slowly introducing the chicks to adult birds. Once their waterproof feathers came in, the chicks learned to swim by starting with a kiddie pool behind the scenes and working their way up to larger tubs and eventually trial swims inside the penguin exhibit.

The Aquarium's curator of pinnipeds and penguins, Kristen McMahon, said their penguin trainers have the "unique opportunity" to care for the birds at different stages of their lives.

"At the New England Aquarium, our first priority is the welfare and wellbeing of all of our animals," McMahon said in a statement. "Participating in the SAFE African Penguin program and breeding season are key goals in providing top notch care for our penguin colony."

Click here to plan your next visit to the Aquarium's penguin colony to see their newest furry friends. 

• New England Aquarium
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