HOW TO GO
What: Ride the Ducks
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 3; noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 3-Nov. 18
Where: Newport Aquarium, One Aquarium Way, Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky.
Cost: $17 (adults), $12 (children ages 2-12), free for children younger than 2
More info: (859) 815-1439, or newport.ridetheducks.com
The amphibious Ride the Ducks sightseeing tour, which originates at the Newport Aquarium, is so unusual that you’re just as likely to find locals on board as tourists.
The Ducks vehicle operates as a truck on land and a boat on the water.
“You get a really different perspective on a lot of familiar buildings and landmarks,” said Margaret McGuirk, public relations manager at Newport Aquarium. “And people like the conviviality. It’s kind of a party atmosphere. People love being out on the water. It’s very open, and the water is right there, but you don’t typically get wet, and you’re not moving very fast. A good guide really helps, too.”
The Duck vehicle, equipped with a captain and an entertaining guide, begins at Third Street in Newport, Ky., and splashes down into the Ohio River from the Public Landing next to the Showboat Majestic.
Chugging down the river, passengers will get a fresh look at Great American Ball Park, the Serpentine Wall, the Covington Murals and the Roebling Suspension Bridge, among other things, before turning around after passing Paul Brown Stadium. After re-emerging from the water, the Duck will do a circuit of downtown, passing more landmarks as the guide give a general history of the region while making passengers laugh at the same time.
Throughout, passengers can grab the attention of passersby with their Wacky Quackers, kazoo-like devices that simulate duck noises, a particularly popular accessory for kids and school groups.
All told, the tour lasts 45 minutes, 25 of which is spent on the water.
The Duck vehicle is based on the Allied DUKW vehicles used during World War II. The DUKWs saw particular action during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Western Europe. In other words, passengers squealing those Wacky Quackers do so on a direct descendant of a vehicle used in D-Day.
“We get a lot of family groups, multi-generational, grandparents and grandchildren,” McGuirk said.
McGuirk said Ride the Ducks came to Cincinnati in 2008 because its parent company, Atlanta-based Herschend Family Entertainment, also owns the Newport Aquarium. Herschend owns or partners in theme parks all over the U.S., with Ride the Ducks attractions in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Branson, Miss., as well.
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