Sightseeing Duck Boat Tour: Explore Seattle by Land and Water!

Written by Rita

For independent travelers visiting Seattle, be sure to try the “Ride the Ducks,” a popular attraction loved by many tourists. This 32-kilometer, 90-minute journey takes you through most of Seattle’s major sights.

▲ The amphibious Duck Boat (Image courtesy of Ride the Ducks of Seattle fan page, the same below)

This Duck Boat has an interesting backstory—it was originally an amphibious armored vehicle developed by the U.S. military during World War II. Retired after 60 years, it’s now used for sightseeing. You can board at two locations in downtown Seattle, though the route remains the same. You’ll pass by attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium, the Great Wheel, and the starting point of the Alaska Gold Rush. Most notably, not only does it travel on land, but it also ventures onto the water, taking you across the lake to snap photos by the houseboat featured in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle,” where Tom Hanks’ character lived.

The atmosphere on the Duck Boat is lively and fun, filled with the driver’s stories, jokes, and music. The driver will even prompt you to dance in your seat—definitely a wild ride!

For ticketing and boarding locations, please refer to:The official Ride the Ducks website