duck boat tours washington dc

Washington DC Duck Tour

This is one of the most unusual tours you will ever take in our city! DC Ducks is the newest, most exciting way to see Washington. Climb aboard an authentic, fully restored 1942 "Duck" and let the adventure begin! On your Washington DC Duck Tour you will experience entering the waters of the Potomac River, a wonderful drive along the museums, Washington DC Memorials and other Washington DC Attractions . In addition to doing "just" the Washington DC Duck Tour, you can either go on one of the "stand-alone" Washington DC Trolley Tours or combine DC Duck Tours with the Old Towne Trolley Tour by enjoying on the Old Town Trolley and DC Ducks Package .

Old Town Trolley and DC Ducks Package

Dc ducks address and booking info.

Union Station 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC 20001 Union Station Metro Station

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Washington DC Duck Tour - Washington D. C. - With Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Details : Tour departs from Union Station
• Cancellation Policy : For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

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From Union station you'll waddle down to the Mall, where you'll see the awe-inspiring monuments and fabulous Smithsonian Museums. Then at the Potomac River, splash down for a different look at the nation's capital. From the land to the water, you'll travel in the same vehicle! Along the way, your wise-quacking captain will entertain you with anecdotes and well-researched historical facts. Ducks depart hourly from Union station .

Narrated duck tour

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Food and drinks

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability

Not wheelchair accessible

Infant rates apply

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Traveler Reviews

The authentic WWII Duck is a neat vehicle. However, not much legroom for someone over 6 feet, and the seats are a bit small in width for a heavier person - no way to fit two people side by side if you're big and tall. Those infantrymen were young, fit, and nimble.

Our guide was a personable retired man. Pleasant enough, but most of his commentary centered on complaining about pedestrians and pointing out wildlife - much more of a nature tour than I expected.

As we drove through DC, he pointed out some of the buildings and had a few interesting facts and a couple of rather lame jokes about them.

When we finally reached the water, I was hoping the tour would begin to ramp up. Instead, we looked at ducks in the water and sat under planes as they landed at Reagan. And you could drive the old metal tank if you wished. Then we exited the water, drove quickly by a few more DC monuments and buildings. You did get to see the Pentagon from the water. And the Washington Monument in the distance. But all in all, it wasn't worth it.

This tour was amazing!

If you have a limited amount of time in DC, this is a fun way to get an overview of the monuments. We did drive past the Lincoln Monument, the White House, the Smithsonian Museums, the Capitol Building, Arlington National Cemetery and into the Potomac River. We could see the Washington Monument from pretty much everywhere and while in the Potomac, everyone who wanted to had a chance to drive the D.U.C.K. We watched a plane land at Reagan National Airport which was pretty exciting. Our tour guide was great about sharing interesting facts and told us when great photo spots where coming up. We weren't able to get off the DUCK and it we didn't make many photo stops but it was a fun experience and I would recommend it for a quick overview of the city. Captain Bucky was great!

I love the Duck Boats! This was the greatest way to get an overview of all D.C. In a short time. Our driver was extremely knowledgeable about all the sights, museums and monuments. The best part was when we went into the Potomac river! He took us out into the middle, then let anyone who wanted to, drive the boat. I totally recommend Duck Boats for the first day you are here, they are way more fun than a bus!

Our trip was wonderful. It was relaxing, informative and friendly. The captain was awesome, funny and knowledgeable. Our group was a family of 7. We had wanted to do this tour for years, and it was worth the wait. We will certainly do it again when we are in Washington DC.

Great short tour. Especially if you have young kids who get to drive the duck when it gets into the Potamac.

Super enjoyable experience! Tour guide/driver was entertaining and knowledgeable. Duck boat perspective from the water was a nice twist...many thanks!!!

Fun, but not much to see on the DC waterfront. The land portion was okay.

Fun trip, great value! Would do this again. Duck captain was knowledgeable and interesting. Be sure and bring some water with you, especially if it's hot out.

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DC Ducks Tour

Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, 20002, DC

• Infants 0-2
• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

Climb aboard one of these restored (coast-guard approved) former World War II amphibious vehicles for a drive-by tour of the Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and several monuments. The “ducks” splash in to the Potomac River for awesome views of the city from the water and emerge back on land at Reagan National Airport, offering a cool perspective on incoming airplanes (be sure to cover little ears). “Wisequacking” captains entertain passengers with anecdotes, historical facts and jokes (and gives kids yellow duck whistles). Note: no space for stroller storage. Tickets can be ordered in advance online or purchased at the Union Station ticket booth. Adults are $32, children age 4 to 12 are $16, and children 3 and under, free, discounted tickets online. Open mid-March through October.

Family Hotels Near DC Ducks Tour

Hotel George – A Kimpton Hotel

Liaison Capitol Hill DC — a Joie de Vivre hotel

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/US Capitol

Hyatt Place Washington, D.C./U.S. Capitol

Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, DC / Downtown

Family Attractions Near DC Ducks Tour

National Postal Museum

Sewall-Belmont House & Museum

United States Capitol

Library of Congress

National Gallery of Art

Constitution Gardens

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Cascade Cafe

We the Pizza

Fogo de Chao

Ollie’s Trolley

Ben’s Chili Bowl

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Old Town Trolley Tours Washington DC 4.2

DC Ducks – Now Closed

WASHINGTON DC DUCK TOURS

Our DC Ducks Tour in Washington DC is no longer operating. Please consider these other tour options to explore the beautiful and historically rich capital city.

Old Town Trolley Tours

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Following tragedy: DC takes a closer look at duck boats

WASHINGTON -- There have been at least 16 incidents involving amphibious boats around the world in the last 20 years, including one on a lake in Arkansas in 1999 where the boat sank and killed 13 people.

The basic safety rules, according to the Coast Guard, are the ones that apply to all boats. Check the weather forecast, and don't go out if there's a thunderstorm warning, like there was in Missouri. Make sure there's a life vest for everyone on the boat and don't just leave it in the bin, put it on when the boats on the water. If the boat has a life ring, that's a plus.

RELATED: Duck boat tragedy: 17 dead, including 9 from one family

DC Ducks runs amphibious boat tours around Washington and out on to the Potomac every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except in the winter. The Coast Guard said it does not have any record of any trouble with DC Ducks, but the company that owns the tours the boats did not return phone calls, and a captain declined to talk to WUSA9, except to say that he doesn’t go out if there are high winds or thunderstorm warnings.

Checking out safety of DC Duck amphibious boats after 17 die in Missouri... and uh oh, brakes go out at Gravelly Point. Tourists have to wait for bus. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/SsfKyXpNyB — Bruce Leshan (@BruceLeshan) July 20, 2018

The captain is required to be Merchant Mariner certified and be licensed by the Coast Guard.

WUSA9 talked to a bunch of people who took the tour Friday afternoon, and they said they were not nervous, did not wear life vests – and had a blast.

The boats are old, originally built to ferry troops during World War II.

And ironically, after one duck boat pulled out a Gravelly Point on Friday, it's brakes failed. The captain pulled off in the parking lot, and the passengers had to wait for someone else to pick them up and take them back to Union Station.

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Tickets, activities, full day tours and tourist attractions

Washington DC Duck Tour

Learn valuable historical facts and anecdotes about famous stops in DC from your captain on the Washington DC Duck Tour – a tour that goes from land to river in one vehicle!

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Hop onto a replica of a World War II amphibious duck boat and see the city’s attractions via land or water! Listen to your English speaking captain give you vital anecdotes and historical facts about DC and the landmarks you see By going from land to water, you’ll be able to see the city in a wholly unique way, and in a short time! Ducks ship out every hour from the Union Station so you can choose the best time for your tour!

You must present a printed voucher for this activity Please redeem the voucher at Union Station Redemption Center The voucher is valid only on the date and time specified Meeting Point: Union Station (50 Massachusetts Avenue Northeast Washington, DC 20002) Operating Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm, departs every hour Closed during the Fall and Winter Season (November to Mid-March) How To Get There: By Metro: Take the Metro Red Line to get off at Union Station By Bus: Take the D6 bus to Massachusetts Ave & First St NE

This 90 minute Washington DC duck tour allows you to see the city in a way unlike any other. You’ll climb aboard a replica of a World War II amphibious vehicle called a duck boat and you’ll be able to tour land and water as you see famous landmarks around the city! Your English speaking captain will give you important historic facts and anecdotes about each landmark you’ll glimpse along the way! You will first head to Union Station, one of the biggest major train stations in DC, before you head to the National Mall, which stretches between the steps of the Capitol Building all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. This area is where the crowds gather for major protests, events, and the Presidential Inauguration ceremony. Then you’ll head to the Smithsonian Institution, the foremost museum of history in the entire country. It’s time to get in the water as your boat heads into the Potomac River and from there, you’ll do a cruise past more of Washington DC’s famous sights. This is the most unique way to tour the city and ideal if you don’t have a lot of time to see the city! Go from land to water on a World War II duck boat replica! Enjoy two different perspectives of your city tour! Ducks leave every hour from Union Station so you get to choose when you want your tour See landmarks and discover anecdotes and facts about them from your boat captain

Confirmation Confirmation: You will receive confirmation of your booking’s availability within 2 business days. Once confirmed, we will send you the voucher via email In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder or notify us via email Itinerary Itinerary: Start at Union Station (according to your chosen time) National Mall Smithsonian Institution Potomac River For more attractions, please refer the route map Additional Information Additional Information: Child ticket: Age 0-12

Full refunds will be issued for cancelations made at least 7 days prior to the activity View All Free Cancelation – 7 Days Notice Show Mobile or Printed Voucher 1 Hrs 30 Min Duration English Join In Group Meet Up At Location

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5 Best Family Boat Rides in Washington, D.C.

by Renee Sklarew

July 27, 2017

Summer  in Washington, D.C. is just getting started, and one of the most memorable outings to take is a boat ride down the Potomac River. Cruising in the middle of the city holds a kid’s interest and forces the whole family to slow down and just look (at something besides a screen ). Get your camera ready—these cruises are a ton of fun, scenic and family-friendly!

For pretending you’re a pirate:  Boomerang Tours

What kid doesn’t love pirates—for that matter, what adult? Four Boomerang Tours' Family Fun Treasure Hunt Cruises depart from Georgetown Harbor every Saturday and Sunday through the end of October. While on board, lil’ mateys help hunt for stolen keys to the city’s treasure chest, while shooting off the water cannons, dancing the limbo and posing for a little face paint. The bar is open on board and the crew sells snacks and drinks suitable for younger pirates. Passengers are encouraged to dress for the part. The ride lasts about one hour and is best for kids under age six. Boomerang cruises run from mid-April to the end of October. 

Cost:  $20 per person regardless of age.

For a no-frills trip on the water:  Capitol River Cruises

Capitol River Cruises operates both day and evening sightseeing tours. These tours depart from Georgetown’s Washington Harbor daily with hourly trips on the Nightingale starting at 11am. For 45 minutes, the boat passes multiple sights, including the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island, the Jefferson Memorial and Arlington Cemetery while audio narrates some tidbits of history. Seeing these sights from the water is different (and easier) from walking tours. The Nightingale holds up to 45 people. Tip: Check Groupon or BOGO for discounts. 

Cost:  Adults $15, children (ages 3-12) $7. Tickets sold at a reduced rate if you order online .

For quacking like a duck:  DC Duck Tours

This is a D.C. family favorite. DC Duck Tours begin at Union Station, making it an easy and convenient place to board (although there's no parking). The vehicle starts on land with a driver who narrates and shares interesting facts about the landmarks along the National Mall. Then it’s time to enter the water: These amphibious machines were designed during World War II to travel by both land and sea. The Duck Tour heads south down the Potomac River, by the Pentagon and eventually under the flight path of planes landing and taking off from Reagan Washington National Airport. After returning to land, the Duck boat travels over another bridge back to Union Station. This tour is better for kids ages six and up and even teens enjoy it, especially when they’re invited to “quack” at passers-by (the tour comes with little duck bills). The captain invites younger passengers to steer the boat when it’s in the water, making it extra special for them. The 90-minute tour is pricey, but look for discount tickets online—locals are eligible for a buy-one-get-one-free pass. 

Cost: Adults $42, children 12 and under $32. Tickets sold at a reduced rate if you order online .

For visiting someplace new:  The Potomac Riverboat Company

The Potomac Riverboat Company offers several boat tours, including a Washington Monuments Cruise, a cruise to Mount Vernon and one to Nationals Park. These tours are narrated by the crew with the opportunity to hop off and do some exploring at each destination. For kids, we recommend taking a Water Taxi ride. A small boat departs from three locations—the National Mall, Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor—returning from these locations periodically during the day. The boat ride from the National Mall lasts 30 minutes to Alexandria and 45 minutes to National Harbor. The water taxi drops passengers off and returns later that day, so you’ll feel like you took a little trip. Miss Sophie and Matthew Hayes (as the boats are called) are covered overhead and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Check departure times and reserve your spot online. The crew sells popcorn and drinks and the boats operate year-round, except in January and February. 

Cost: Starts at $28 for adults, children (ages 2-11) $16.

For going back in time on a canal boat:  Great Falls Mule Drawn Boat Rides

We bet you didn't know that Great Falls Mule Drawn Boat Rides on the C&O Canal are back in action. Head to the Maryland entrance to Great Falls on weekends for one of three trips per day. Canal boats operated during the 1870’s and the Charles F. Mercer has been updated to carry passengers along the canal pulled by a team of mules, just like they did centuries ago. Park rangers wear period clothing and describe life as a canal boat driver during the ride. There’s even a demonstration of rising and falling of a boat lock. The rides are Friday through Sunday and subject to weather, so call in advance. It’s a first-come-first-serve situation with room for up to 65 people. 

Cost:  Adults $8, seniors $6, children (ages 4-15) $5.

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Have Fun on Virginia Waterways with These Riverboat Tours and Cruises

See the Potomac or James rivers from a new perspective with these adventures.

By Bennett Freeze June 20, 2024

Looking for something new to do this summer? A boat cruise is an entertaining way to spend time with friends and family or grab brunch with a view. 

Two prime locations for these adventures are the Potomac River near Washington, DC, and the James River near Richmond. These riverboat tours offer everything from close encounters with bald eagles to Fourth of July dinners to cruising the canals of Richmond. While most tours offer shelter from the elements, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

 Those sensitive to seasickness should perhaps opt for a shorter experience. Always book a cruise in advance, and don’t forget sunscreen if you plan to spend time on the deck. Make sure to plan where you’ll park the car ahead of time — most embarkments will have public parking with street parking close by.  

If you’re planning on making the drive down to Richmond, be prepared to spend a whole day, and that means considering meals for your group. Most cruises and riverboat tours offer refreshments of some kind, but some are BYOB, so be sure to verify ahead of time if you want food or drink during your tour experience. Always make sure to arrive more than 15 minutes before the start of your tour.  

For a memorable experience, try one of these riverboat cruises. 

Potomac River 

For a family-friendly cruise:  , boomerang boat tours  .

Set off from Washington Harbour in Georgetown for a scenic tour perfect for taking in the monuments and the National Mall with family. As you sail down the Potomac, you’ll see landmarks as far south as Reagan National Airport. The experience is an hour long and offers light prepackaged snacks as well as a cash bar. Parking is available at Washington Harbour at $12 an hour, and street parking can be found nearby. 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $20  

For a romantic sunset cruise:  

Capitol river cruises  .

At dusk, take in the breathtaking views of Washington, DC, embarking from Georgetown on one of Capitol River Cruises’ Nightingale vessels. Starting at the Key Bridge, the tour sails south down the Potomac so that you can capture the perfect golden hour selfie. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and is ideal for a first or second date. 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $30  

For a boozy cruise:  

City experiences  .

History may be fun, but a bottomless mimosa brunch is even more so. Enjoy a chic, spacious setting with a chef-prepared buffet-style lunch and panoramic views of Washington, DC. The dress code calls for cocktail attire such as slacks, button-up shirts, blouses, and skirts. City Experiences offers many themed cruises, including a Fourth of July fireworks cruise, a dinner cruise, and a VIP tour of Mount Vernon. There are several parking garages near The Wharf for your convenience. The cruise lasts two hours and runs on Saturdays and Sundays. Pier 4, 580 Water St. SW, Washington, DC, starting at $95  

James River 

For a nature tour:  , discover the james bald eagle tours  .

See the national bird in its natural glory. This riverboat tour sails south of Richmond to Jefferson’s Reach, an area with over 350 pairs of mated bald eagles. Learn about conservation efforts to protect the Bald Eagle’s habitat in both two-hour and three-hour tours throughout summer and fall. Embrace your inner ornithologist before the birds migrate in September. 9950 Hoke Brady Rd., Richmond; 9525 Deep Bottom Rd., Henrico, starting at $95  

For a narrated history tour:  

Riverfront historic canal cruises  .

Depart from the Turning Basin for a family-friendly narrated history tour up the James and Kanawha Canal along the Richmond Canal Walk. The canals, initially envisioned by George Washington with construction beginning in 1789, were once predominantly used for commerce. If you don’t want a narrated tour, private charters are also available. 139 Virginia St., Richmond, starting at $15 (adult 13 and older), $8 (children 5 to 12 years old)  

For a BYOB party cruise:  

Sea suite tiki club cruise  .

Kick back and relax at Richmond’s only BYOB floating tiki bar. The cruise is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday and can accommodate up to 30 people. Feel free to mingle with strangers-turned-friends or charter in advance for a company party. Public voyages tend to last 1 hour 45 minutes. 4708 Old Main St., Richmond, starting at $45

Feature image courtesy Odyssey Boat Cruises

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Boston duck boats ready to roll for Celtics championship parade

By Tammy Mutasa

Updated on: June 20, 2024 / 11:12 PM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON - It's less than 24 hours until the champion Boston Celtics roll out from the TD Garden for their parade . Excited fans have mapped out their spots and it is down to the finishing touches for champs' rides.

When it comes to the rides carrying the champs, they better be ready to roll out for a parade for the history books. And yeah, we've heard that saying: "Cue the duck boats!"

"Cue the duck boats is our signature at this point," said Tom Vigna with Boston Duck Tours.

But the work starts before the big show. Behind the scenes, a hustling team is getting the fleet of 25 duck boats in tip top shape.

"Down to a science"   

"Although this is going to be the 13th Boston Duck Tours championship parade, this is personally my first so I'm super excited," said Vigna. "These guys behind us have had a long day and its pretty hot out today but this isn't our first rodeo, they've got it down to a science."

It's all hands-on deck. For example, crews must adjust the roofs for some of the towering talent on board.

Seats also have come out, staging platforms are put in, there's cleaning of course, and the banners are the final touch.

One of the champs who will be on the duck boats is number 42 himself Al Horford. But first he made a pit stop to hundreds of faithful fans waiting to see the superstar at Raising Cane's in the sweltering heat.

"The energy is unbelievable I'm just grateful," said Horford. "This is the kind of stuff you dream about and being in this position right now I'm grateful."

And grateful for this moment, are excited fans who've waited long enough to see history made.

"Excited what more can you ask for it's the best thing in the world," said Donte Ferrera.

"The pain is over its finally happening, JT getting it done, JB getting it done, it doesn't matter," said Andre Boone.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Garden. Officials say get there early, stay hydrated and have fun. 

Tammy Mutasa joined WBZ-TV as a multi-skilled journalist in January 2023. She previously worked for KOMO News in Seattle for five years.

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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.

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Celtics championship parade: what is a duck boat, share this article.

The Boston Celtics are set to celebrate winning the 2024 NBA Finals with a parade through the streets of Boston. Millions of fans from around the city and beyond will flock to the Hub to party this Friday morning .

The route starts at TD Garden at 11 am. From there, the parade snakes through the city, passing by Boston Common and eventually ending at Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay. Fans will have a chance to wave and cheer with as their favorite players roll by. And thankfully the guys in green should be in full view thanks to one of the city’s most beloved championship traditions. As has been the case since 2001, the Celtics will parade riding high through the streets of Boston on 25 duck boats.

For those unfamiliar, that begs a question: what the heck is a duck boat?

Celtics Lab 268: Boston wins it all, and C-Lab reacts https://t.co/DdaJj32dj6 pic.twitter.com/l3XaCy8csz — The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 18, 2024

The idea of hosting guided tours in amphibious trucks has roots in the Midwest according to Boston Duck Tours, who began operations in the city in 1994. Since then, they have led tourists and locals alike through the sites of Boston with a fleet of vehicles that now numbers 28.

The route takes patrons to some of the city’s most notable landmarks, and includes a loop in the Charles River. With a DUCK guide and a conDUCKtor running the show , riders are encouraged to take photos, ask questions, and quack at folks on the street as the go by.

Details of Celtics championship parade announced https://t.co/Pb0iAfCRMK pic.twitter.com/m78m7Eeqgh — The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 18, 2024

Nowadays, you don’t have to go far to see a Boston Duck Tour riding through the streets of the city. From the Prudential Center and the Esplanade to the Old North Church and the African Meeting House, it’s a chance to visit Boston’s historic and cultural landmarks in memorable fashion.

After quickly becoming a staple in the cityscape, duck tours took on even more cultural cache when they became the vehicle of choice for championship parades in town.

Oshae Brissett on winning the 2024 NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics https://t.co/UNZjaf0k55 pic.twitter.com/avqGAJSCp6 — The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 19, 2024

When the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2002, the city needed a safe and effective way to host a parade, something it hadn’t done since 1986. Security concerns and fan expectations changed a lot in that time, after all.

The duck boats proved a perfect solution. As retro-fitted army vehicles, they are tall and safe. Likewise, the back deck provides an excellent place for players to stand in cheer in a visible way.

PHOTOS: Celtics celebrate winning 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden https://t.co/Q8R50zj1MS pic.twitter.com/YmYXuZHjbK — The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 18, 2024

The Patriots went on to win two more Super Bowls in the next four years, and the Boston Red Sox won a title in that time as well. In short order the Boston Duck Company had become well practiced at facilitating championship parades.

The rest is history. Soon the Boston Bruins and the Celtics would get in on the action. This upcoming Rolling Rally will be the thirteenth such parade this century.

Three observations: Tatum controls Game 5 as Celtics clinch 18th championship https://t.co/wYQtdfdPf9 pic.twitter.com/47MA0CPY3z — The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 19, 2024

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What is a duck boat parade? Explaining Boston's 'Cue the Duck Boats' championship tradition and how it started

Get the duck boats ready. It's almost parade time in Boston. 

Championship parades are one of the premier events for any sports town. It's one thing to watch on TV as your favorite sports club clinches a title, and it's even better when you're present in the building to see the action unfold in person. 

Parades, though, allow the team and the city to become one, with fans flocking to see the athletes that won a trophy in person, celebrating with music, confetti and plenty of alcohol.

Every city puts its own spin on the celebration. In Boston, it's all about the duck boats. These amphibious vehicles are common throughout the city thanks to the Boston Duck Tours. When it comes to a championship, the duck boats are transformed into party buses.

What exactly is a duck boat parade, and what is its history in Boston? The Sporting News explains.

MORE: Everything to know about the Celtics' 2024 championship parade

What is a duck boat parade?

A duck boat parade is exactly what it sounds like — a parade on duck boats. 

The tradition is a staple among the four major Boston sports teams. While other cities' teams ride on top of buses, trucks or other modes of transportation for their parades, Beantown uses duck boats. These vehicles are made to be both driven on land as well as in water, although parade routes have not involved a trip on the Charles River or in the Boston Harbor. 

The duck boats have a back deck on the vehicles that allow players to stand and wave to the crowd as they pass by. It allows for closer interaction to the fans, but also provides a barrier, protecting the teams from the rowdy crowds.

Simply put, it's a unique way for the Celtics, Patriots, Bruins and Red Sox to have their parades stand out among the rest, with a twist that caters to Boston fans. 

When did Boston's duck boat parades start?

The first duck boat parade in Boston came in 2002, when the Patriots won the franchise's first Super Bowl. Boston Duck Tours were first introduced in 1994, and New England's championship was the first in the city since the creation of the tours.

Former Boston mayor Thomas Menino implemented the idea, and it stuck. Since then, the duck boats are synonymous with Boston celebration parades — and they have been needed quite frequently.

In the 21st century, the four Boston teams in the major North American sports leagues have combined for a total of 13 championships — six Super Bowls by the Patriots (2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, 2019), four World Series by the Red Sox (2004, 2007, 2013, 2018), two NBA titles by the Celtics (2008, 2024) and a Stanley Cup by the Bruins (2011). 

What is a duck boat?

Duck boats are vehicles that were originally in the U.S. Army. These machines, also referred to as DUKW boats, were military-style amphibious landing vessels utilized during war to travel across land and bodies of water. 

The most famous instance of these being used in action were in World World II during the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy. 

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Here's what it looked like to be in the boston celtics duck boat parade.

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Over 1 million people crowded the streets of Boston on Friday to celebrate the Celtics' record-setting 18th NBA championship.

Starting at TD Garden, the procession lasted about 90 minutes, turning first onto Causeway Street in front of the arena, past City Hall, through Boston Common, down Boylston Street and ending at Hynes Convention Center.

In the videos on this page, see what it looked like from the players' perspective.

NewsCenter 5's Emily Maher, who was on a truck that participated in the parade, called it a "pinnacle life moment."

Another clip showing the view from the duck boats came from a fan who threw his cellphone to Jrue Holiday, who caught it and posed for a selfie before tossing the phone back.

It was the city's 13th championship parade this century and the Celtics' second.

Boston beat the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win the series and put an exclamation point on their domination of the NBA’s 78 th season.

Along the parade route, confetti rained down as fans saluted a franchise that just broke a tie with the rival Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in league history. Fans marked the moment by hanging on light posts, flashing homemade signs or standing on subway entrances.

“It’s unbelievable. It still doesn’t seem true. But just trying to stay in the moment,” All-Star Jayson Tatum said during a pre-parade rally at the Garden.