Photo: Galveston Duck Tours
Photo: Galveston Duck Tours
Photo: Brian Sullivan
Galveston Duck Tours
★4.4(644 reviews)$$Activity
🕑 1.5-2 hours (including check-in time)👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers are mesmerized by the big splash into the water, while school-age kids appreciate the educational aspects and the novelty of riding in an amphibious vehicle. The hour-long tour holds most children's attention without being too long.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Galveston Duck Tours offers an unforgettable amphibious adventure that takes families on a unique journey through Galveston's historic streets before making a thrilling splash into the bay. Kids go wild for the moment when the vehicle transitions from land to water, and the entertaining tour guides keep everyone engaged with fascinating stories and fun facts about the island's history and landmarks.
Highlights
- ✓The thrilling moment when the Duck splashes into Galveston Bay from the boat ramp
- ✓Entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides who engage kids with jokes and interactive commentary
- ✓Seeing Galveston from both land and water perspectives in one tour
- ✓Spotting dolphins and marine life during the water portion of the tour
- ✓Learning about Galveston's pirate history, the 1900 hurricane, and Victorian architecture
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure seats on the upper deck for the best views and photo opportunities during the water splash.
- 2.Bring light jackets even on warm days as it can get breezy once you're out on the water, especially during the spring and fall.
- 3.Tours can sell out on weekends and holidays, so book tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.
- 4.Sit on the right side of the vehicle for better views of the seawall and Gulf of Mexico during the land portion.
- 5.Let kids use the bathroom before boarding as there are no facilities on the Duck, and tours last about 90 minutes including boarding time.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10:00 AM or 11:00 AM tours) Tuesday through Thursday offer smaller crowds and calmer kids. Weekends and Friday-Sunday afternoons get busier, especially during summer months. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide the most comfortable temperatures for the tour.
What to Know
Tours depart from the Seawall Blvd location with metered street parking and nearby paid lots available. Tickets typically range from $25-35 per person with discounts for children. The tour lasts approximately 70-90 minutes total.
Seasonal Notes
Tours operate year-round but may be cancelled during severe weather or high winds. Summer (June-August) is peak season with the most frequent departures but also the hottest temperatures. Spring break and holiday weekends book up quickly. Winter tours (December-February) offer cooler temperatures but fewer crowds and can be quite pleasant with layers.
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Nearby Eats
The Spot is just a block away at 3204 Seawall Blvd, offering casual beachfront dining with burgers, fish tacos, and a kids menu. Seawall favorites like Miller's Seawall Grill (about 0.3 miles away) serve up kid-friendly seafood baskets, chicken tenders, and Gulf views perfect for post-tour meals.
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