Africa’s first amphibious bus-and-boat tour has set sail in Cape Town, with the launch of The Waterfront Duck Co.
The Waterfront Duck Co. is the brainchild of Keith Lindsay, who was inspired by his experience on the Boston Duck.
'They have 36 of them running around the city, and wherever you go you just hear people shouting ‘quack quack!’ recalls Lindsay. ‘Whether you're three or 83 everybody had a massive smile on their faces. I just loved the idea and thought why not in Cape Town?’
It’s been a long journey for Lindsay, but after more than a decade of navigating red tape, understanding maritime regulations and the sheer logistics of importing a 12-ton amphibious vehicle into the country – the Duck was built in the United Kingdom by Seahorse Amphibious Vehicles – the colourful blue-and-yellow Duck set off this week on its first public tours.
Based in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, The Waterfront Duck Co. will offer nine tours per day, each lasting an hour. While the land portion will vary according to traffic, expect a rumbling meander around the Atlantic Seaboard while the on-board con-duck-tor shares the city's history through notable landmarks and stories. The Duck then returns to the Waterfront and runs down the slipway at the Cape Grace Hotel for a 30-minute watery ‘drive’ around the harbours and basins of the Waterfront. The Duck will not venture beyond the harbour breakwater though.
‘I’m hoping everyone gets off with a smile on their face, having learned something about Cape Town, even if they live here,’ says Lindsay.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://theduckco.co.za/ or at the Silo District Kiosk at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Tours cost R395/R295 per adult/child under 12 years. Children under 3 years cost R95.
At launch, the Duck will accommodate 12 guests per departure, rising to 36 once final certification is in place.
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