I've lived in Boston for years and finally ended up on a Duck Boat tour myself last summer. I'd heard rave reviews from tourists and locals alike, but honestly I wasn't that impressed.

The driver was amazing—all the drivers are part tour guide, part actor (and let's not discount the difficulty of driving a car in this city, much less a WWII-era boat! Put it all together and that's a tough gig!).

However, the actual route leaves much of Boston to the imagination. You spend a lot of the hour just getting to the water—sure, you see the Public Garden and the Common, a little of Beacon Hill and Charlestown, but then it's a winding, dusty path under the interstate, through Boston Sand & Gravel, to a small ramp in the river. You're on the water for about a half hour, and most of the kids on board get a chance to steer the boat if they want (which of course scores big points), and then it's a hurried trip back down-river, back under the highway, and back to the starting point. The driver gives a good oral history and some fun facts, but in terms of actually seeing anything, it's barely even a satisfactory introduction to the city.

I have to admit at first i felt a bit silly quacking at people on the pavements but once you let your hair down this really is a lot of fun. It is a great introduction to the city and the perfect thing to do on your first day to help you get your bearings. Plus the guides (like most of the locals i met in fact) seem to have a geniune love of their city and it was really our guide and her blend of humour and fascinating history who made it for me.

I have seen some great deals on line if you pre book, have a look at isango's website.

if you like to walk, you will hit all the same points from the Freedom Trail... so it may not be totally worth it (other than the experience of being on the "duck boat") but if it's winter or you want to sit back and relax and tour - then this would be a great way to do it. :)

Went on the duck tour with some friends who were visiting from out of town.. we were looking forward to being in the duck boat because it was absolutely freezing outside! This gave us a great 90 minute tour of the city with a knowledgeable and funny pirate as our guide and kept us out of the cold! Going on the Charles River gives you a beautiful view of the city - and the tour does really cover a lot of ground. Would recommend buying tickets in advance if you can (especially in busy tourist season). Suggestion - familiarize yourself with the route before going on the tour, since it can be a little confusing while you're driving around and seems like you're randomly going around - the roads and traffic of Boston can be crazy!

Enjoy!

Two friends and I took the opportunity to go on one of the famour Boston Duck Tours. Uisng a wheelchair for mobility I was treated with the utmost respect and was able to enjoy the experience as well as every other person on board. They were filming a training video for their staff and I was asked if i would be willing to take part I did so as it is only by doing this their staff can be trained to assist to the best of their ability.
Well worth the trip./ And disabled guests get a super discount too!!!!