boston duck tour boat names

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.

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

You may also like

Discover top things to do in boston, massachusetts: your ultimate city guide, experience the charm: top things to do in boston on your vacation, subscribe to our newsletter now.

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

Quack Like a Local: Exploring Boston on a Duck Boat Tour

Boston, the cradle of American liberty, boasts a rich history, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant harbor. While there are numerous ways to experience this captivating city, one unique and often hilarious option is a ride on a quirky contraption known as a Duck Boat. These amphibious vehicles, half bus, half boat, offer a fun and informative sightseeing tour that takes you from the streets of Boston right onto the Charles River, providing a fresh perspective of the city.

A Quacktastic Ride Through History

Duck Boat tours originated from World War II landing vehicles, repurposed for sightseeing tours after the war. The quirky design and name – derived from their amphibious nature – have become synonymous with these unique tours. Boston Duck Tours, the most well-known company offering Duck Boat tours in the city, provides a narrated tour that blends historical insights with a touch of humor, making it a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.

Cruising Through the City and Beyond

A typical Boston Duck Boat tour follows a route that includes:

• Boston’s Back Bay: Admire the elegant brownstones and charming streets of this historic neighborhood.
• Fens: Catch a glimpse of the emerald green expanse of the Boston Public Garden and the serene waters of the Muddy River.
• Kenmore Square: Cruise past Fenway Park, a beloved landmark for baseball fans.
• Charles River: Take a plunge into the Charles River, offering stunning views of the Boston skyline and prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT .

Beyond the Quacks: Benefits of a Duck Boat Tour

While the amphibious splashdown is undoubtedly a highlight, Duck Boat tours offer several advantages over traditional sightseeing tours:

• Unique Perspective: See Boston from a different angle, experiencing both the historic streets and the scenic Charles River.
• Family-Friendly Fun: The engaging narration, combined with the quirky vehicle and water splashdown, makes it a fun and entertaining activity for families with children.
• Educational Value: Learn interesting facts about Boston’s history, landmarks, and culture throughout the narrated tour.
• Convenient Exploration: Cover a significant amount of ground in a relatively short time, allowing you to see many of Boston’s key attractions.

Before You Set Sail: Planning Your Duck Boat Tour

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Duck Boat Tour experience:

• Book Tickets in Advance: Duck Boat tours are popular, especially during peak seasons. Booking your tickets online in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
• Choose Your Tour Time: Tours are available throughout the day. Consider opting for a morning or afternoon tour to avoid peak crowds.
• Dress for the Weather: Be prepared for the possibility of getting splashed during the water portion of the tour. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that can get wet is advisable.
• Bring Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Sun protection is essential, especially during the summer months.
• Cameras at the Ready: Capture those memorable moments, including the fun splashdown and the stunning views of Boston from the Charles River.

Duck, Duck, Goose! A Quacktastic Adventure Awaits

A Duck Boat tour in Boston is a unique and entertaining way to explore the city. Climb aboard this quirky vessel, prepare for a splash, and get ready to discover Boston’s rich history and iconic sights from a whole new perspective. So, gather your crew, unleash your inner child, and quack your way through an unforgettable Boston adventure!

Happy boating!

Share  Quack Like a Local: Exploring Boston on a Duck Boat Tour  with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Read Private Boat Rentals on Marco Island: Guide until we meet in the next article. 

Similar Posts

A Guide to Pontoon Trolling Motor Mounts

Trolling motors play a pivotal role in enhancing the fishing experience on pontoon boats. These versatile devices provide anglers with precise control over their boat’s movement, allowing for quieter and more effective fishing. However, the key to harnessing the full potential of a trolling motor lies in a dependable and well-designed mounting system. A reliable…

5 Symptoms of Bad Gas in the Boat and Ways to Deal with It

Your trusty vessel sits ready, but a sinister scent tickles your nose. Your engine coughs and sputters, refusing to fire with its usual gusto. Could it be the dreaded enemy of every boater – bad gas? Don’t let a tank of trouble ruin your aquatic adventures! Learn to recognize the telltale signs and conquer this…

What Are Bellows on a Boat?

Navigating the vast expanse of the water can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s crucial to remember that boats, like any machinery, require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and safety. Among the often overlooked yet essential components of a boat are bellows. Often hidden beneath the surface, bellows play a vital role…

Solar Trickle Chargers for Boats: A Comprehensive Guide

For boat owners, maintaining a reliable power source is essential, whether for running onboard electronics, starting the engine, or powering auxiliary systems. One effective and eco-friendly solution to keep your boat’s batteries charged is a solar trickle charger. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about solar trickle chargers for boats, including…

Triple Pontoon Boats for Sale: Buying Guide

Triple pontoon boats, also known as tritoons, have taken the boating world by storm. Offering a unique combination of luxury, performance, and stability, they’ve become a popular choice for families, recreational boaters, and even fishing enthusiasts. If you’re considering joining the tritoon revolution, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the world…

Star Tron vs Stabil: Which Is the Best Fuel Stabilizer?

In the world of engine maintenance, fuel additives play a vital role in ensuring optimal performance and longevity. As engines evolve and demand higher efficiency, the importance of choosing the right fuel additive becomes paramount. Two prominent contenders in this arena are Star Tron and Stabil, renowned brands that have earned their place in the…

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.

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.

Back to top

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

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in Boston

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us Advertise with Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours HOHO Bus Tours Best Cruises Best Zoos Travel Tips Visual Stories

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

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.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

Jane's Addiction band members get into fight at Boston show

Firefighters across Mass. train at Fenway Park to prevent future incidents

Patriots-Seahawks Week 2 predictions

New England Patriots fans introducing game to new generation

• Community Enrichment

Duck boat rescues toddler, father from Charles River: PHOTOS

The child, who was under 2, was able to squeeze through a railing near the back side of a cambridge hotel and fell into the river, massachusetts state police said, by asher klein , eli rosenberg and alysha palumbo • published august 19, 2024 • updated on august 19, 2024 at 6:51 pm.

A duck boat that happened to be conducting water rescue training saved a man and his child from the Charles River Monday morning in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The child, who was under 2, was able to squeeze through a railing near the back side of the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge and fell into the river, Massachusetts State Police said. The child's father then jumped in, grabbing the child in the water.

The pair was then picked up by a passing Boston Duck Tours boat. The company's CEO said the boat was conducting safety training exercises in the area, and boat's operators spoke to reporters about the irony of doing "man overboard" training when they were waved down in their vessel, Olga Ironsides.

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

"We instantly jumped into action," Capt. Michael Rosario said.

They said they lowered the back stairs to grab the little boy out of the water.

“We knew what we needed to do.” Duck Boat captains Kevin & Mike helped rescue a father and 1-2 year old boy who fell into the Charles River this morning. Ironically, they were doing “man overboard” training when people waived them down. @NBC10Boston @necn pic.twitter.com/ugNOTZ2n5F — Alysha Palumbo NBC10 Boston (@AlyshaNBCBoston) August 19, 2024

Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBC10 Boston (@nbc10boston)

NYC City Hall's chief counsel announces sudden resignation

What is ‘The Brutalist'? The buzzy festival movie plays next in New York

The Cambridge Fire Department said the man and child were being evaluated by EMS, and that Cambridge and state police were at the scene. The child was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

Companies have responded to the Charles River in the vicinity of 40 Land Blvd. A child & adult have been rescued from the water by a @BostonDuckTours boat & are being EMS evaluated by Squad 3, Division 1, & @ProEMSCambridge PM 1. @CambridgePolice & @MassStatePolice also on scene. pic.twitter.com/KZQaVE9DZ0 — Cambridge Fire Dept. (@CambridgeMAFire) August 19, 2024

The situation remained under investigation.

Images shared with NBC10 Boston showed the pair in the water, clinging to the rocks that line the river, as the duck boat approached.

Dom DeMasi, who took the images, said he "heard somebody screaming, and I looked over across the river and there was a guy jumping into the water."

He thought at first a dog might have been the source of the splashing, but was astonished to see "this guy pick up a baby out of the water." '

Rosario and his colleague, duck boat narrator Kevin O'Neill, said they were happy to have conducted a rescue and that the father and son will live to tell the tale.

This article tagged under: