Ride the Ducks has set sail in northern Kentucky just steps away from Newport on the Levee. Climb aboard customized amphibious vehicles crafted from models used during World War II and depart from Newport Aquarium to traverse the Ohio River. Then run aground for sightseeing on the streets near downtown Cincinnati and Newport.
The narrated 40-minute experience — including about 25 minutes spent in the water — shows off Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium, the Roebling Suspension Bridge (a National Historic Landmark known locally as the Humming Bridge), the World Peace Bell — the largest, free-swinging bell in the world, weighing in at 66,000 pounds — plus Newport Aquarium, Covington’s Historic Riverside Drive and more. As your amphibious vehicle tracks from sight to sight, the Duck’s captain shares history about the region, the Ohio River and its famous personalities.
One of a dozen or so cities offering Ride the Ducks, this shorter-than-usual-Ducks-tour caters specifically to families.
“While rides in other cities may last an hour to two hours, our experience lasts just an hour with the actual ride portion lasting about 40 minutes,” says Newport operations manager Kevin Smith. The reason? Smith wants to keep the tour on the move and the prices down.
The Ducks roll through the streets, with music blaring and the Captain talking trash about Greater Cincinnati’s role in film, song and sports. Not only that, guests become part of the spectacle with the Ducks’ famous Wacky Quacker™, a free souvenir — and guaranteed attention getter.