Cape Town is now home to South Africa’s first-ever amphibious bus, the Waterfront Duck, which officially launches today at the V&A Waterfront harbor. This exciting new addition to the city’s tourism offerings is the brainchild of Keith Lindsay, owner of the Waterfront Duck Company.
The bright yellow-and-blue bus will provide a one-hour tour that includes a 30-minute sail around the harbor and a 30-minute land tour of parts of the Atlantic Seaboard. Each trip will be guided by an on-board tour guide who will share interesting stories about the city, making it a fun and informative experience for passengers.
The Waterfront Duck, named after Lindsay’s daughter Bella, was custom-built in Windsor, United Kingdom, with a waterproof hull and sealed hydraulic axles. Lindsay was inspired to create the amphibious bus after a family trip to the United States in 2008, where he experienced a similar tour in Boston and fell in love with the idea.
After 15 years of planning, Lindsay finally decided to bring the project to life in 2018. The bus is currently licensed to carry 12 passengers per trip, with plans to increase capacity to 36 once fully operational. Passengers will board the bus in front of the Cape Grace Hotel, where they will explore the harbor and marina area while enjoying the unique experience of traveling on both land and sea.
For those interested in booking a ride on the Waterfront Duck, a kiosk is conveniently located outside the Silo Hotel, or reservations can be made through the company’s website. The launch of the Waterfront Duck has received praise from James Vos, Mayco Member for Economic Growth, who sees it as an innovative business that enhances Cape Town’s appeal to both locals and visitors.
Overall, the introduction of the Waterfront Duck adds a new and exciting dimension to Cape Town’s tourism industry, offering a memorable experience that combines history, storytelling, and adventure. As the city continues to attract visitors from around the world, unique attractions like the Waterfront Duck play a vital role in driving tourism and economic growth in the region.