Boston Duck Boats blend history, humor, and traffic: A classic ride that’s more than just a tourist gimmick
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 24, 2025, 19:04 IST
Boston’s iconic Duck Boats, operated by Boston Duck Tours, offer a quirky mix of history, humor, and sightseeing on both land and water. The 80-minute rides, led by costumed “ConDUCKtors,” blend trivia with corny jokes, covering city landmarks and history before splashing into the Charles River. While pricey and often slowed by traffic, the tours remain a fun, memorable way for visitors to experience Boston’s character and enjoy its unique land-to-water transition.
A recent ride through downtown and onto the Charles River shows that while the experience is undeniably goofy, it’s also surprisingly entertaining for anyone willing to embrace the fun. Boston’s iconic Duck Boats have very divided opinion as in are they a tourist trap, or a fun way to see the city?
Duck Boats are operated by Boston Duck Tours, are instantly recognizable vehicles that shuttle passengers from city streets to the river. For locals, it may evoke memories of 3rd grade field trips or championship parades, but the tours remain a fixture of the city’s tourism scene. Each 80 minute ride includes about 20 minutes on the water and is led by costumed “ConDUCKtors” who double as guides and comedians as well.
On a recent trip departing from the Prudential Center, the guide playing a character known as “Almost Educated Aaron” mixed Boston trivia with tongue in cheek jokes. Tourists learned about Frederic Tudor, the city’s “Ice King,” and the controversial urban renewal projects that displaced minority communities in the West End. The quips ranged from corny to clever, and while some riders hesitated to play along with call-and-response routines, the humor made the ride more engaging than expected.
The experience isn’t without its own drawbacks. Duck Boats are subject to the same gridlocked traffic that frustrates everyday commuters, meaning that parts of the tour can feel like an extended sit at a stoplight or a traffic filled area. Tickets also come at a premium $54.99 for adults, with discounted rates for seniors, children, and military personnel. Still, the unique land to water transition remains a highlight of the tour. Passengers can even take the wheel while on the Charles, offering a fun photo opportunity that younger riders especially enjoy.
Ultimately, for longtime Boston residents, the tour may feel like a rehash of basic city history. But for visitors, newcomers, or anyone looking to revisit Boston’s landmarks in an unconventional way, the mix of education, performance, and river cruising delivers a memorable afternoon. Duck Boats are less about avoiding clichés and more about leaning into them.
Duck Boats are operated by Boston Duck Tours, are instantly recognizable vehicles that shuttle passengers from city streets to the river. For locals, it may evoke memories of 3rd grade field trips or championship parades, but the tours remain a fixture of the city’s tourism scene. Each 80 minute ride includes about 20 minutes on the water and is led by costumed “ConDUCKtors” who double as guides and comedians as well.
On a recent trip departing from the Prudential Center, the guide playing a character known as “Almost Educated Aaron” mixed Boston trivia with tongue in cheek jokes. Tourists learned about Frederic Tudor, the city’s “Ice King,” and the controversial urban renewal projects that displaced minority communities in the West End. The quips ranged from corny to clever, and while some riders hesitated to play along with call-and-response routines, the humor made the ride more engaging than expected.
The experience isn’t without its own drawbacks. Duck Boats are subject to the same gridlocked traffic that frustrates everyday commuters, meaning that parts of the tour can feel like an extended sit at a stoplight or a traffic filled area. Tickets also come at a premium $54.99 for adults, with discounted rates for seniors, children, and military personnel. Still, the unique land to water transition remains a highlight of the tour. Passengers can even take the wheel while on the Charles, offering a fun photo opportunity that younger riders especially enjoy.
Ultimately, for longtime Boston residents, the tour may feel like a rehash of basic city history. But for visitors, newcomers, or anyone looking to revisit Boston’s landmarks in an unconventional way, the mix of education, performance, and river cruising delivers a memorable afternoon. Duck Boats are less about avoiding clichés and more about leaning into them.