Best Ways to Tour Seattle: Ride the Ducks of Seattle

Editor’s note: Ride the Ducks has closed for good in 2020. It was a popular Seattle attraction, and we are sad to see it go. We rode it many times, and it was a favorite when we had family and friends in town. We are keeping this blog post online for historical value. And if you are looking to tour Seattle from the comfort of a luxury car or limo, we’ve got you covered.


Whether you’ve lived in Seattle for years or are only in town for a few days, the Ride the Ducks of Seattle is a great way to get outside, breathe some fresh air, and see all Seattle offers.

In this post, we’ll explore what Ride the Ducks of Seattle are, how they can give you a unique perspective into the Emerald City, and how Starline’s limo service can help make the experience even more enjoyable.

What are “Ducks?”

Ducks (originally named DUKW by the Army) are WWII-era military amphibious vehicles that effortlessly roll along the ground and double as a boat. When it’s time to transition from land to water, Ducks simply roll in or out.

While these vehicles were originally intended to transport cargo and personnel from ships at sea to land, they now can transport you to Seattle destinations in a new, fun, and exciting way!

What is the Ride the Ducks of Seattle Tour?

Loved by locals and tourists alike, Seattle Duck Tours allows you and your family to experience all the hottest areas of Seattle, including the Waterfront, Pike Place Market, the downtown shopping district, and even Lake Union.

All Duck tours are guided by Coast Guard-certified captains known for their upbeat personalities, intimate knowledge of Seattle, and wacky sense of humor.

Each Seattle Duck Tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers approximately 20 miles. Throughout the tour, you’ll be energized by music, challenged by Seattle-based trivia, and entertained by lighthearted jokes.

Seattle, Lake Union
Lake Union. View from onboard the “Duck.”

Ride the Ducks of Seattle Tips

Here are some quick tips you can use to make your Seattle Duck Tour as awesome as possible:

  • The peak season for Seattle Duck Tours is July and August, so it’s generally a good idea to purchase tickets in advance to reserve your seat—especially on weekends.
  • As mentioned above, Seattle Duck Tours are located at the Seattle and Westlake Centers, which are ideally situated by some of the city’s most popular destinations, including the Space Needle, Monorail, and more. This means that you and your family can enjoy a wide variety of activities before and after your Duck Tour.
  • Even during the beautiful Seattle summer, there are times when it can become chilly. As a result, it’s generally a good idea to bring a jacket or light blanket with you. However, the company claims that you won’t get wet during your tour, so there’s no need to bring a poncho or a change of clothes.
  • If you’re celebrating a special event (e.g., birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc.), be sure to let customer service know when you’re picking up your tickets, and expect a fun surprise during your tour!
  • There are no bathrooms onboard the ducks, so the company always recommends that you “go before you go.”
  • If you’re especially tall, you may want to avoid sitting directly behind the Captain, as these seats feature less legroom.

How Can Starline Help You Enjoy the Ducks of Seattle?

Although Seattle Duck Tours are offered 362 days per year, they depart from the Seattle Center and Westlake Center, both of which are located in very congested areas of downtown.

As such, Starline Town Car & Limousine can pick you up from your hotel — or, if you’re local — directly from your home, allowing you to enjoy your Duck Tour without worrying about parking and in as hassle-free a manner as possible.

Are You Ready to Experience Seattle Duck Tours in Comfort?

Whether it’s just you or your whole family, winter or summer, rain or shine, our Seattle limousine service can make the experience as hassle-free as possible. Our diverse fleet of vehicles and industry-leading customer service ensure that you’ll always be comfortable and always arrive on time.

When you’re ready to focus on having fun, whether it’s at a Seattle Duck Tour or anything else around town, instead of worrying about how you’ll get there, give Starline a call today at (206) 261-1191.