Written by the Starline Team | Last updated: March 11, 2026
A preserved archive of a Seattle attraction that many locals and visitors enjoyed before it closed in 2020
Editor’s note: Ride the Ducks Seattle closed for good in 2020 and is no longer operating. We are keeping this page online as an archive because it was a memorable part of Seattle sightseeing for many years. If you are looking for current ways to see the city, start with our Relaxed Guide to Seeing Seattle in a Day. If you would rather explore Seattle with a private chauffeur, you can also learn more about our Seattle town car service.
For many years, Ride the Ducks Seattle was one of the city’s most recognizable sightseeing experiences. It combined a narrated drive through Seattle with a splash into Lake Union, giving visitors a land-and-water perspective that felt playful, unusual, and distinctly local.
This page is now preserved for historical value. It explains what the experience was like and why so many visitors enjoyed it, but it is not intended as a recommendation for a currently operating attraction.
What Ride the Ducks Seattle was
Ride the Ducks Seattle used amphibious vehicles originally developed during World War II. These vehicles were designed to travel on roads and enter the water, which made them a natural fit for a sightseeing experience built around both downtown Seattle and Lake Union.
That unusual format was part of the appeal. Visitors could see city streets, familiar landmarks, and the lakefront in one outing, without needing to switch between separate tours.
What the tour was like
At the time, the tour was known for combining sightseeing with a light, upbeat atmosphere. It typically covered popular Seattle areas such as downtown, the waterfront, and Lake Union, while guides kept the ride lively with local commentary, music, humor, and city trivia.
For many families and first-time visitors, it offered a simple way to cover several well-known parts of Seattle in one experience. It was especially memorable because the transition from land to water felt like part of the attraction itself.
Why do people remember it
What made Ride the Ducks Seattle stand out was not just the vehicle itself. It was the mix of sightseeing, water views, and a more playful tone than a traditional city tour. It gave visitors an easy way to experience Seattle from a slightly different angle, and for many people, that made it part of family visits, weekend outings, and first trips to the city.
It was one of those attractions people tended to remember because it felt a little quirky, a little touristy, and still genuinely fun.
Practical notes from when it operated
The details below are kept only as part of the historical record of the experience:
- The tour was especially popular during the summer months, when Seattle tourism was at its busiest.
- Its boarding areas made it easy to pair the ride with other stops in central Seattle.
- Because part of the experience was on the water, it could feel cooler than expected, even on a pleasant day.
- There was no restroom on board, so planning ahead mattered.
- Like many novelty tours, seating comfort varied by seat.
Looking for a current way to see Seattle instead?
If your goal is to enjoy Seattle today, a better next step is to build a simple sightseeing plan around places that are current, flexible, and easy to pair together. Our Relaxed Guide to Seeing Seattle in a Day walks through scenic stops like Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Seattle Center, Kerry Park, and other worthwhile places to visit at a comfortable pace.
That approach is often a better fit for travelers who want more flexibility, are short on time, or prefer a quieter and more customized day than a fixed group tour allows.
How Starline can help now
If you want to explore Seattle without dealing with parking, traffic, or the logistics of moving between stops, Starline can help with that. We provide private, professionally chauffeured transportation for visitors, families, cruise passengers, airport travelers, and locals planning a day in the city.
Whether you want a simple point-to-point ride or a more relaxed sightseeing day with multiple stops, our team can help you move comfortably through Seattle on your schedule.
Explore our Seattle town car service or get a personalized quote to plan your ride.