From Sonja Cohen,
Your Guide to Boston.
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If you live in Boston or spend any time here you’ve probably noticed the Ducks. Large World War II-era vehicles that look like boats on wheels trundling down the streets carrying camera-happy sightseers who occasionally yell ‘Quack, Quack’ as they pass. But if you think Duck Tours are only for tourists, you may want to think again.

For students or others who have recently relocated to the Boston area, the Duck Tour can be a fast, fun way to get your bearings and learn a little history about your new home. And even longtime residents will learn something new. If you’re new and you don’t want to take the tour alone, grab a friend, or wait until your first visitor comes to town. If you’re from here consider making it a family outing.

What You Can See from a Duck Tour

The Ducks leave from two locations, the Prudential Center in the Back Bay and the Museum of Science. Over the course of 80 minutes they take you on a loop through the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the North End and other areas, highlighting popular attractions such as the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and Newbury Street. And of course the most impressive part is when the Duck drives straight into the Charles River giving you a unique view of both the Boston and Cambridge skylines.

The tours are led by conDUCKtors like Major Tom Foolery and Count Kilroy, entertaining and knowledgeable guides who crack jokes and throw out an almost constant stream of fascinating trivia. If they’re in a good mood they might even let you try driving the Duck while it’s in the river.

Where and When to Get Tickets

You can buy tickets at booths in the Prudential Center, the Museum of Science, and Faneuil Hall. You can also order them online from the company’s website: www.bostonducktours.com. The tour is extremely popular, so it’s a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time. Ticket prices are:

• $27 for adults.
  
• $24 for students/seniors/military.
  
• $18 for children ages 3 to 11.
  
• $5 for children under 3.
  
• $12 for special needs.
  
• Group rates and charters are also available.

All Ducks are wheelchair accessible. For more information call (617) 267-DUCK.