Miami Duck Tours
There are lots of entertainment venues in Miami, but one of the most amusing attractions enjoyed by families, sports teams, schools, senior organizations, and other visitors to the area is the duck tour. Duck tours have been popular in many cities for some time, and Miami has been no exception. This rollicking, noisy adventure on wheels and water has continued to gain tourist appeal, since it was first introduced three years ago by Justin Katz, Brian Krinsky (brother-in-law), and Jason Reeves.
Conducted and narrated by actors and comedians with names such as Dr. Quackalot, visitors are treated to a land and sea show filled with lots of historical information, trivia, and jokes narrated by one of 18 professionally trained guides. Accompanied by laughter and loud quacking, the duck moves through town with its passengers, while curious onlookers enjoy watching this different form of entertainment. Onboard the duck, your guide describes the numerous attractions along the way from South Beach and Miami to Biscayne Bay. Points of interest include Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District, Collins Avenue, the Versace Mansion, Lincoln Road Mall, and Espanola Way. The show goes on with the duck continuing to roll past Bicentennial Park, Watson Island, Bayfront Park, Freedom Tower, the American Airlines Arena, Bayside Marketplace, and the Port of Miami. Further down the route, the fun-filled tour takes you by Flagler Memorial, Millionaire’s Row, and the homes of the rich and famous on Hibiscus, Star, and Palm Islands. Approaching the Bay with its rows and rows of yachts and marinas, the duck makes its final landing at Parrot Jungle on Watson Island.
The Miami duck, called a “hydra terra,†is a 39’ long x 8’ wide amphibious vehicle, capable of cruising the roadways at 60 mph and floating on water at six knots. Certified by the US Coast Guard, the ducks are sturdy craft made of foam-filled compartments and powered by 300 hp 7.1-liter Caterpillar diesel engines. Ducks, driven by a licensed Florida driver and a US Coast Guard Master Captain, are equipped with life preservers and fire extinguishers and are practically unsinkable.
Tickets: adults – $26.00, seniors (65+) & military – $22.00, children 3 to 12 – $18.00, Under 3 free. Group rates are available; e.g., an entire duck for up to 45 passengers for $950. On sale at various online websites, the store at 1665 Washington Avenue, or by calling 1-877-DUCK-TIX
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tour leaves daily from 1665 Washington Avenue (between Lincoln Road and 17th Street) on the hour.