duck tour boston price

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

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What to expect from boston duck tours.

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

Where to book the 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.

How online tickets work

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. 

Last-minute tickets

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. 

Ticket prices

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 Tour timings

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. 

How long is the Boston Duck tour

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. 

Best time for Duck tours in Boston

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. 

Where do Duck tours depart from

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.

Route of Duck tour Boston

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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Boston Duck Tours

The quackiest way to see boston.

For years I’ve seen the Boston Duck Tours driving through the streets of downtown Boston. I noticed them as randomly decorated military truck type things, but I never even considered taking a ride on one – that was a  touristy thing to do , and I wasn’t a tourist!

Then one weekend, my cousin and her boyfriend came to town and what did they want to do? One of the Boston Duck Tours!

Fortunately, these days I have two incentives to try out the touristy activities I once ignored: 1. Share my hometown with my husband and daughter who really are like tourists. 2. Get the inside scoop so I can share it with you!

So… we picked a date, bought our tickets online (super easy), and off we went for our first Boston Duck Tour.

The only slight negative of the entire experience was that it was fairly chaotic when we first get to the Prudential Center. There wasn’t a clear line to stand in and we weren’t assigned to a particular duck or group, so we found a bench to sit on and waited to be directed.

From there on, we were nothing less than impressed.

We were seated on “Old Gloria”, the duck with a big American flag painted onto it, and were soon introduced to our tour leader, Captain Kidding (who described himself as a pirate from Wyoming who, trying to follow the call of the sea, took a $57,000 cab ride to Boston and has been working for the Boston Duck Tours in order to pay off his cab fare ever since!).

To say the least, Captain Kidding was highly entertaining and highly informative. I think I could listen to his narrative 10 times over and still learn something new.

Within about a minute of leaving “home base” on our duck, we were “quacking” at the passers by (not required, but actually pretty fun if you let yourself get into it – and, of course, my 3-year old LOVED it!).

Our tour guide did a fabulous job of giving us an understanding of the history of different Boston neighborhoods, sharing important historical events, and showing us the beauty and quirks of our city.

Of course, all of this was done completely “in character” as well, so everyone was engaged and it never felt like we were sitting through a history lesson.

When we got to the Charles River, the W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle (as the Boston Duck Tours describe it) miraculously transformed into a boat. Which reminds me, there was  one  more downside to our journey…

Captain Kidding let all of the kids on the boat take turns driving it (and even a grown-up or two got in there). However, he either didn’t see Siena, or thought she was too young to want a try, so we were left to calm a very distressed 2.5 year old when we ran out of time to request a turn for her… Alas, the challenges a toddler faces!

A testament to how engaging the duck tour was – Siena managed to stay awake in a moving vehicle right during naptime… until the last three minutes. She slept through lunch, of course, but was talking about the duck boat for days afterwards!

Here are a few logistics for you…

• Museum of Science
• Prudential Center
• New England Aquarium
• Adults: $48.99 ($53.44 with taxes & fees)
• Senior(65+)/Active Military: $39.99 ($43.99 with taxes & fees)
• Children aged 3 to 11: $33.99 ($37.69 with taxes & fees)
• Children under 3 (including infants): $10.99 ($13.54 with taxes & fees)

Check out my book on Amazon!

You Might Also Be Interested in These Articles:

• Boston Taxi Companies
• Boston Trolley Tours
• Fenway Park Public Tours

Best Boston

Find out everything about Boston before you visit.

Boston Duck Tours

Boston Duck Tours are so fun, you won’t even realize you’re learning all about the rich history of Boston until your flash drive is full of photos from all around the city. Hop aboard your designated DUCK, a WWII style amphibious landing vehicle, and get immersed in the cultural proclivities of Bostonian past. ConDUCKtors point out all the sites along the way, revealing tidbits of information you won’t find anywhere else. After taking in the sights on land, you’ll dive into the Charles River for an immaculate view of the Boston skyline.

Save money on your admission to the Boston Duck Tours with a Go Boston Pass . One pass that includes Boston Duck Tours as well as over 30 other attractions and tours for one price. Also, you can save 10% off a pass with coupon code CMGOCITY10 . The code takes 10% off even if the pass is on sale.

Why You’ll Love Boston Duck Tours

Duck tours depart from the Prudential Center, Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium . Each tour lasts about 80 minutes, and will leave you feeling like you know the city.

The order of your tour depends upon your origin site, but either way you’ll view a great mix of sites. Drive below the looming Prudential Tower, home of the famous Skywalk Observatory . You’ll find that the architectural details of the Christian Science Church make this house of worship look more like a castle.

Check out the modern Copley Place and the Arts Square that lead to some of the most historic sites of Boston . The New Old South Church and Arlington Street Church highlight the beauty of places of worship throughout the city.

The Boston Common, one of America’s oldest parks, along with the Public Gardens offer a wealth of flora and fauna in the middle of the city. The historic Swan Boats in the Public Garden lagoon are a real treat to see.

Next up, you’ll tour Beacon Hill , known as one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. The cobblestone streets that sit below brick rowhouses are the perfect atmosphere as you start to come across historical sites, like the State House, Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, the Mary Dyer statue and the Old West Church.

Soon, you’ll move along to the West End , where you may spy a Celtics player on their way to play a game at the TD Garden. Get a close up of the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, and get a glimpse of the Museum of Science .

Along the Charles River, you’ll get to see the Esplanade and Hatch Shell, where the annual Independence Day celebrations take place.

In Charlestown, you’ll get to view the Bunker Hill Monument, a sight so spectacular it could be mistaken for some of the countries’ most prolific statues in Washington D.C. Take in the charming scenery of Main Street, Charlestown , before heading to the North End .

While driving through the North End, you’ll come across historic sites, like the Old North Church , the Old State House and Faneuil Hall , along with some amazing gardens and other fun sites.

Then, you’ll get a tour of Newbury Street, swing by the iconic Cheers restaurant, and take in a few more sites before charging into the Charles River for the view of a lifetime.

What Makes Boston Duck Tours Special?

Tours are a dime a dozen throughout Boston, but Boston Duck Tours allow you to ride one seriously cool vehicle. Your DUCK is military grade, and there’s a thrill in driving into the water that just can’t be had anywhere else.

What Else Is in the Neighborhood?

More like, what isn’t in the neighborhood? Boston Duck Tours depart from three locations, each a hub for city life. For the best advice on what to do nearby, ask your tour guide. These ConDUCKtors arguably know the city better than anyone, and can fill you in on the local secrets.

Who’ll Have the Most Fun on a Boston Duck Tour?

Everyone! No matter your interest, you’ll find it along this tour. Sports fanatics get to see TD Garden, historians will find delight in the multiple sites that are key Boston features, and kids will enjoy the ride across both land and sea. Note, if you get sea sick you may not enjoy the ride down the Charles River.

Is the Boston Duck Tour Worth It?

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

When visiting Boston, there are countless tourist attractions to explore. One popular option that often comes up is the Boston Duck Tour. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth your time and money, read on to find out more about this unique experience.

What is the Boston Duck Tour?

The Boston Duck Tour is a guided tour that takes you through the streets of Boston and also allows you to explore the city by water on an amphibious vehicle. These vehicles, known as “ducks,” were originally used in World War II and have been transformed into fun and informative tour vehicles.

What can you expect from the Boston Duck Tour?

The tour typically lasts about 90 minutes and takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Copley Square. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving into the Charles River.

The Pros of the Boston Duck Tour

• Informative: The tour guides are knowledgeable and provide interesting commentary about the city’s history and attractions.
• Unique Perspective: The amphibious vehicle allows you to explore both land and water, offering a unique way to see Boston.
• Family-friendly: The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a great option for families visiting Boston.
• Convenient: The tour departs from multiple locations throughout the city, making it easily accessible.
• Memorable experience: Riding in a duck and seeing the city from the water can be a memorable experience for many visitors.

The Cons of the Boston Duck Tour

• Price: The tour can be relatively expensive compared to other sightseeing options in Boston.
• Crowds: During peak tourist season, the tours can be crowded, which may reduce the overall experience.
• Less flexibility: You’re restricted to the predetermined tour route and schedule, limiting your ability to explore specific areas of interest in more detail.

Final Verdict: Is the Boston Duck Tour Worth It?

Whether the Boston Duck Tour is worth it depends on your preferences and priorities. If you enjoy informative and entertaining guided tours, like the idea of a unique amphibious vehicle experience, and are willing to pay a little extra for a memorable outing, then the Boston Duck Tour may be worth it for you.

However, if you prefer more flexibility in your sightseeing and are wary of crowded tourist activities, you might want to consider other options for exploring the city.

Tips for Enjoying the Boston Duck Tour

• Book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
• Arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your departure.
• Dress comfortably and bring sunscreen, as you’ll be exposed to the elements during the tour.
• Listen attentively to the tour guide’s commentary to make the most of your experience.
• Consider taking the tour during off-peak times to avoid the crowds.

In conclusion, the Boston Duck Tour can be a fun and informative way to explore the city, offering a unique perspective from both land and water. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your own preferences before making a decision. With proper planning and the right expectations, the Boston Duck Tour can provide an enjoyable and memorable experience during your visit to Boston.

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Watch CBS News

Cue the duck boats: Boston Duck Tours ready to start new season

By Neal Riley

March 28, 2024 / 9:51 AM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON - It's a welcome sign of spring in Boston - the duck boats will soon be rolling through city streets and splashing into the Charles River.

Boston Duck Tours is celebrating its 30th anniversary by kicking off its new season on Friday morning. The attraction got its start back in 1994 with just four original World War II-era amphibious vehicles - the last of which retired in 2014. 

Now a colorful fleet of 28 with memorable names like "Dorchester Dottie" and "Faneuil Holly" carries about half a million people through Boston every season.

"Cue the duck boats" has been a rallying cry for Boston sports fans in the city since 2002, as the vehicles have carried New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics through the streets for 12  championship parades . 

Boston Duck Tours ticket prices

For 2024, Duck Tour tickets are $52.99 for adults, $43.99 for seniors and active military, $37.99 for children ages 3 to 11 and $10.99 for kids under 3 years old.

The 80-minute tours depart seven days a week from the Museum of Science, the Prudential Center and the New England Aquarium. They spend an hour on land and 20 minutes in the water.

Neal J. Riley is a digital producer for CBS Boston. He has been with WBZ-TV since 2014. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle. Neal is a graduate of Boston University.

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Which Boston Duck Tour Is The Best: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

Boston Questions

0    comments

What are the different Boston Duck Tours ⁣available?

Introduction.

Let’s quack the ‍quarry: Which ⁢Boston Duck Tour is the best ⁣one for you? ⁤To‌ put it succinctly, it depends on your personal preferences and interests. But don’t fret, we’re about to dive into ‍a comprehensive comparison to help you wade through the waters. From historical highlights to⁤ scenic sites, each tour boasts its own unique attractions . Join this journey as we paddle‍ through the intricacies of each ⁢memorable option.

The ‍Original‍ Boston Duck Tour

More than just a whistle-stop tour, the Original ⁤Boston‍ Duck Tour holds the distinction of being​ the city’s first-duck tour. This journey dishes out a delightful mix ⁢of city sight-seeing and a spot of history, an antithesis ‌of boredom ‍that any tourist would savor.

Original Boston Duck Tour Highlights

Expect to be swept‍ off your feet, or rather, wheels, as ‌the tour ⁤plunges into the Charles River for a panoramic ​view of ⁣the Boston and Cambridge skyline. Indeed, even‍ in the face of adversity, like a duck ​in the⁣ water, ‌you may just find yourself in your element.

⁣ The Sunset Boston Duck Tour ‌

As​ the name reveals, this journey invites you to soak up the sights whilst bathed​ in ⁤the ethereal aura of twilight. Perfect for ⁣romantics and photographers, the ⁤Sunset⁣ Boston Duck Tour can turn your Boston ⁢exploration into a memorable, magical soiree.

Sunset Boston ​Duck Tour Highlights

While the‍ sun’s ruddy radiance ⁢quarters ⁢the sky,⁤ it acts as a backdrop to iconic structures such as the Massachusetts State ⁢House. A metaphorical end ‍to an ⁣exciting day, this‍ tour ‌can add some glitter ​to your Boston⁣ experience.

Off the Beaten Path Duck Tour

Not⁣ one⁢ to follow the crowd? Then, the Off the Beaten Path Duck Tour might⁢ tickle your fancy. With less well-known yet equally captivating attractions, this tour adds a ⁢dash⁢ of⁣ adventure and ​novelty to your escapades.

Off the Beaten Path Duck Tour Highlights

From quiet brownstone-lined streets to hidden public art pieces,‍ this tour‍ embraces the less-seen side ​of Boston. Operating under ‍the charm of ‍discovery, ​it emphasizes how often, one finds joy not by seeking fame but flavors of the local life. ‌

Every Boston Duck Tour ‌brings its unique feather to the flock.‌ Whether you want⁣ to⁢ sail into the sunset, explore hidden gems , or​ experience the classic tour ​that started⁤ it all, there’s a duck boat waiting for you in Boston. Happy quacking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. ‍How long⁤ does⁤ the Boston Duck Tour last?

⁢ The total span of the Boston Duck ⁤Tour is usually about 80 minutes,​ with ⁣a ​few stops for some spontaneous photo ops.

2. What all will I see on the‌ Boston Duck⁣ Tour?

‌ Boston Duck ‍Tours sweep across various iconic sights in⁣ the city like the Massachusetts State‍ House, Bunker Hill, and Fenway Park, offering unrivaled views of Boston’s skyline from the ⁤Charles River.

3. Which is the best time to take the Boston Duck Tour?

⁤The tours are enjoyable‍ any time⁢ of the day. However, the sunset tour pretties up the journey with twilight hues.

4. Are ‌the Boston Duck Tours ‌family-friendly?

Yes, Boston Duck Tours are designed for all ‌ages. These ​tours, afloat with fun facts and exciting sights, make for an engaging and educational family⁣ outing.

5. Is there ⁢a tour guide on the Boston Duck Tours?

Absolutely – a ⁣local⁣ “ConDUCKtor” is present on every tour, ​sharing interesting tidbits about historical sites, architecture, ‍and the vibrant life of Boston.

Welcome to Boston Vacay! I'm Michael Gonzales, an airline pilot, avid traveler, and the creator behind this blog. My career has taken me around the world, but Boston has captured my heart like no other city. Through Boston Vacay, I share my passion and insider knowledge to help you discover the best of Boston. This blog is a culmination of my adventures and experiences, offering detailed guides, tips, and insights for an authentic Boston experience. My aim is to help you explore Boston beyond the tourist trails, from hidden gems to local favorites, all based on personal exploration and careful research. Off-duty, I pour my travel experiences and love for Boston into this site, striving to make your visit as memorable as mine. Whether it's the historic charm of its cobblestone streets, the significance of its landmarks, or the warmth of its community, let Boston Vacay guide you to the heart of this remarkable city. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let's make your Boston vacation unforgettable! Best, Michael Gonzales

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