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Activity #1097 |
West Palm Beach Duck Tour |
What is a "Duck" vehicle?
This unique vehicle is able to drive on land, but also into the water and motor along the Intracoastal Waterway. It's a bus on land and a motorboat on the water! The top is covered to protect you against the elements.
What kind of vehicle is the DivaDuck?
This “Hydra-Terra” is 39 feet long and 8 feet wide. The vehicle is a state-of-the-art amphibian and is U.S. Coast Guard approved. On land, it can travel up to 70 MPH. By water it travels at 6 knots. It is powered by a 300hp 7.2 litre Caterpillar Diesel Engine, electronic steering, Allison heavy-duty transmission, dual rear wheels and simultaneous 100% combined power on land and water for beaching operations.
What time do tours go out?
Tour times are determined by the tide. DivaDuck tours are during high to half tide, so the schedule varies from day to day. We also are not able to put our schedule up for more than 3 or so months in advance. If the date you are looking for is currently not up, please check back soon as we add dates in on a regular basis.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is highly recommended, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance.
What happens if it rains?
DivaDuck Tours usually run in light rain and other moderate weather conditions. The vehicle is covered but its windows are always open so dress appropriately for the day's weather. Rain in this area usually passes through fast and sometimes it can be raining in one place and sunny here! So if the forecast calls for rain, it probably won't affect the tour. In the rare event that a tour is canceled due to weather, we will allow you to reschedule your tour subject to availability, or receive credit for a future event.
What exact places will we see on the tour?
We will see a number of places. On land, these will include the Biltmore Estates, Historic Districts, Clematis Street Shopping District, the New Palm Beach County Convention Center, Centennial Fountain, Lake Worth Lagoon, Palm Beach's first one-room school house, the historic Flagler Museum, Currie Park, and the Kravis Center. Along the Intracoastal Waterway, they will include Peanut Island, spectacular mansions, the site of the John F. Kennedy Bomb Shelter, the Port of Palm Beach, and a manatee viewing area.
Do I need to buy tickets for children or babies?
Yes, due to Coast Guard regulations, all participants must purchase a ticket, regardless of age. There are reduced ticket prices for youths between the ages of 5 and 15, and an even lower ticket price for children ages 4 or younger.
Is there an age limit on this tour?
There is no age limit for the tour. The DivaDuck is a safe and fun vessel for the whole family! Your children will love the excitement of participating in a Duck tour, as we splash into the water straight from the docking area!
Will I get wet?
No, you will not get wet on the tour while we are on the water (unless there is some rain in which case we recommend a poncho).
Can I bring food or drinks with me on the tour?
You may bring snacks and drinks aboard the DivaDuck, but no alcohol please! Chips and water are available for purchase on board for $1 each, so please bring extra cash if you'd like to purchase snacks on board.
Will I be able to buy food, drinks, or souvenirs along the way?
Chips and water are available for purchase aboard the DivaDuck for $1 each, so please bring extra cash if you would like to buy snacks. However, this is a non-stop tour, so you will only be able to grab something to eat or find some fun souvenirs before or after the tour at CityPlace, which is a Mediterranean shopping area.
Can I go on this tour if I am pregnant?
We ask that you use your discretion if you're in the later portion of your pregnancy, as the land part of the tour can be bumpy.
How long does the driving portion last? What about the cruise portion?
The tour will last about 25 minutes on land and 50 minutes on the water - depending on traffic and currents.
Is there assigned seating on the tour?
No, seating is first come, first served.
Are there any stops on the tour?
No, the entire tour takes place inside of the DivaDuck, but we usually travel at a casual speed, so you'll be able to take plenty of photos!
Is there a bathroom on the vehicle?
There are no facilities on board the DivaDuck. However, the CityPlace shopping area does have several public restroom facilities that you can use before or after the tour.
What should I wear?
Please dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions. The DivaDuck has a covered top, but we recommend you wear sunscreen to protect against the sun or a poncho in the event of a drizzle. The temperature is also a few degrees lower on the water, so we recommend you bring layers in the cooler months.
Where does the tour finish?
The tour will finish at CityPlace, the same place it begins.
Can I bring luggage and strollers on the tour?
We have a limited amount of space available aboard the DivaDuck, so please be considerate of your fellow passengers as this space is confined. Strollers and wheelchairs can be left at the ticket booth and retrieved after the tour.
How steady is the vehicle? Will I get seasick?
Our guests rarely have any feelings of seasickness during the cruise portion of the tour. Remember there are 4 feet of wheels and undercarriage below the water line!
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are public parking garages directly adjacent to the Duck Stop (where we park the DivaDuck). Parking is free for the first hour and $1 per hour afterwards.
Is the DivaDuck safe?
Yes, the DivaDuck is approved by the US Coast Guard and controlled by practiced, certified drivers. On land, the vehicle must be operated by a driver who holds a CDL Class "C" license as required by the Florida Department of Transportation. By water, a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain must operate the vessel. A first mate is also present when passengers are on board and is trained in safety procedures. There are life preservers and fire extinguishers on board as required by the U.S. Coast Guard. The "Hydra-Terra" is the only "T" vessel to have revolutionary positive buoyancy foam filled compartments. Therefore, the vessel will remain afloat even with the drain plugs removed and full engine room flooding. The Hydra-Terra has proven in actual tests verified by the U.S. Coast Guard to be more stable in the water than its predecessor, the 10' wide LARC (a military model built for WWII).
Is the DivaDuck safe for small children?
Yes, this is a very popular tour for families! The DivaDuck is a safe and gentle vehicle, and the windows have railings to ensure that participants do not lean too far out.
Is this tour suitable for guests with back problems?
The bus portion of the tour can be pretty bumpy, so we ask that participants be in stable physical condition or advise with a doctor beforehand.
Is the tour handicapped accessible?
The DivaDuck has nine steps on either side, so all participants must be able to bear weight on their legs and have good balance. If you have limited mobility and are able to climb aboard the DivaDuck with the help of our crew, we are able to store wheelchairs at the Duck Stop, which is guarded during the tour.
Are gift certificates available for the tour?
Yes! Gift certificates for Diva Duck tours are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact this seller" link.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, we have a variety of charter offerings, including special rates for school groups, and camp tours! Click on the "Contact this seller" link for more information.
