As the Bostonian winters thaw into the soft beginnings of spring, the city's streets and waterways are once again graced with the familiar sight of duck boats, signaling the start of a season steeped in historical tours and sprightly splashes. Launching its 31st season, Boston Duck Tours is set to ferry over half a million passengers through the heart of the city, a tradition that has become as much a part of Boston's heritage as the landmarks it showcases. "I can't believe that after 30 years in Boston, the start of our season is still as exciting as ever," CEO Cindy Brown expressed in a statement obtained by CBS Boston.
Offering an 80-minute narrated excursion that cuts across both land and water, the amphibious vehicles are ready to, once more, parade participants past iconic sites like Newbury Street and the Boston Public Library. With tours operating seven days a week through November, the company plans to not only continue its educational mission but to also inject a dose of excitement into its services—to thoroughly and entertainingly engulf visitors in Boston's vast and varied tableau. In the words of Brown, "Our goal is to show the history, beauty, diversity and culture of Boston to locals and visitors alike," as reported by Boston.com.
While the tours do promise stunning views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, the feather in the cap for these land-to-sea crafts has been their role in the city's championship parades. Infamously, the Boston Celtics rode the boats through the city streets last June, an event that necessitated some vehicle adjustments to accommodate towering athletes like 7-foot-2 Kristaps Porzingis. However, it's not just about the spectacle; last year, a duck boat played hero when it hastily rescued a father and son duo who had plunged into the Charles River, a testament to the duck boats being more than just a touristic treat.
For language inclusivity, the tours' narration comes in a variety of ten tongues, with an app providing translations for Spanish, German, Mandarin, and several other languages—a development aimed to ensure guests from around the globe can easily immerse themselves in the Boston experience. Ticket prices are set at $54.99 for adults, with discounts for seniors, active military, and children. Anyone looking to secure their place on this historical and watery adventure can purchase tickets online or visit one of the three departure locations throughout the city. Moreover, career opportunities are currently floating up to the surface as Boston Duck Tours seeks to hire experienced commercial drivers and mechanics, even throwing in a $2,000 sign-on bonus for qualified candidates, according to the job listings detailed by Boston.com.
As the company revs up to share yet another chapter of Boston's legacy with eager audiences, it's clear that whether by land or by river, the city's duck boats remain an evergreen symbol of the region's commitment to celebrate its past while sailing steadfastly into the present—and beyond.
