Cape Town introduced its first amphibious ‘Waterfront Duck’ bus, offering a unique blend of land and sea tourism, with its launch on 7 August 2024. The innovative vehicle, envisioned by Keith Lindsay, served as both a bus and a boat, providing tours around the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
An Innovative Tourism Offering
The ‘Waterfront Duck’ was the brainchild of Keith Lindsay, owner of the Waterfront Duck Company. The bright yellow-and-blue bus became the newest addition to Cape Town’s tourism offerings. This custom-built vehicle, manufactured in Windsor, United Kingdom, was equipped with state-of-the-art safety features suitable for its dual function. It boasted a waterproof hull, sealed hydraulic axles, life jackets, and a VHF radio, ensuring passenger safety on both land and water.
The tours, designed to highlight the history and marine ecology of the area, did not venture beyond the harbour walls. Each one-hour trip comprised a 30-minute sail around the harbour followed by a 30-minute tour of parts of the Atlantic Seaboard. An on-board tour guide shared interesting stories about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture throughout the journey.
A Long-Held Dream Realized
Keith Lindsay, inspired by a family trip to the United States in 2008 where similar tours are popular in Boston, spent 15 years bringing his vision to life. After overcoming numerous regulatory hurdles to gain approvals from both maritime and road authorities, Lindsay decided to get the project running in 2018. He expressed his excitement about the launch, stating, “They have 36 of these buses in Boston, and we just loved it. I loved the idea and thought, why not in Cape Town? I did some research and looked around the world, and it dawned on me wherever one has a story-rich and history-filled city combined with an interesting body of water, one has the ideal venue for a duck tour.”
Initially licensed to carry 12 passengers per trip, the bus capacity was set to increase to 36 once it became fully operational. Passengers embarked on the water in front of the Cape Grace Hotel, exploring the harbour and marina area.
Sara Prince, public relations manager of the Waterfront Duck Company, mentioned that a kiosk situated outside the Silo Hotel was available for bookings, alongside the company’s website.
James Vos, Mayco Member for Economic Growth, praised the innovative business, saying, “The Waterfront Duck not only enhances Cape Town’s appeal for both locals and visitors but also aligns perfectly with our goals to drive tourism and economic growth. It’s wonderful to see our tourism sector continually push boundaries and create memorable experiences.”
Lindsay planned to expand his fleet if the initial launch proved successful, aiming to enhance the Cape Town tourism landscape with this novel attraction. The tours promised an educational and entertaining experience, perfect for those looking to explore Cape Town’s scenic waterfront in a unique way.
Buy tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/271068-the-waterfront-duck-co-tours-august-2024/?ref=organiser-profile#/
