Tour operator
Boston By Foot
A non-profit educational organisation offering guided walking tours of Boston's neighbourhoods, history and architecture, mainly from April to November.
Boston Duck Tours
Amphibious sightseeing tours that cover central Boston by road before splashing into the Charles River, departing from the Prudential Center, Museum of Science and Aquarium.
At a glance
- Type
- Amphibious sightseeing tour
- Area
- Back Bay, Boston, United States
- Official site
- bostonducktours.com
Good to know
- Land and water tour
- Three departure points
- Group tickets
- Family-friendly
Why we recommend it
Boston Duck Tours runs amphibious sightseeing tours that combine a drive through the city with a trip on the water. The company bills itself as Boston's only tour with a big splash, and the splashdown into the Charles River is a highlight, especially for children.
On land, the route takes in some of the city's best-known sights, including the Old State House, the Massachusetts State House, Boston Common, the Public Garden and Faneuil Hall, so it works well as an overview on your first day. The guides, whom the company calls ConDUCKtors, add their own humour and commentary to each tour, aiming to be both fun and informative. Once in the water, the tour continues on the Charles River, which winds about 80 miles from Hopkinton to Boston Harbor.
There are three departure points: the Prudential Center at 53 Huntington Avenue, the Museum of Science at 1 Science Park, and the New England Aquarium on Central Wharf. Choosing the one closest to your hotel or to the next sight on your list saves time, and as a general tip, combining a tour from the Museum of Science or the Aquarium with a visit to the attraction itself makes for an easy, well-planned day. Tickets for bookings of fewer than 20 people are sold as individual tickets, and groups of 20 or more book group tickets. The website lists current rates, discounts and hotel packages.
The tours suit families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants to see a lot of the city without much walking. They are a good choice for mixed-age groups, such as grandparents travelling with young children. As a general tip, book ahead for weekends and school holidays, and check the season before you travel, since the tours operate on the open water and depend on the time of year.
Dress for the weather and bring a light layer even on warm days, as it can feel cooler on the river. If you want to learn more about a particular area afterwards, the tour is a good way to decide which neighbourhoods to explore in more depth on foot, such as Beacon Hill or the area around Faneuil Hall.
Boston Duck Tours FAQs
Where do Boston Duck Tours depart from?
The Prudential Center at 53 Huntington Avenue, the Museum of Science at 1 Science Park and the New England Aquarium on Central Wharf.
What does the tour cover?
Sights such as the Old State House, the State House, Boston Common, the Public Garden and Faneuil Hall, followed by time on the Charles River.
Does the vehicle go in the water?
Yes. The tour includes a splashdown into the Charles River.
Who leads the tours?
Guides known as ConDUCKtors, who give their own commentary.
Are there group tickets?
Yes. Groups of 20 or more book group tickets.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The splash into the river is a highlight for children.
Should you book ahead?
Yes, especially for weekends and school holidays.
What should you wear?
Dress for the weather and bring a light layer for the river.