London’s Amphibious Bus Tours Are Back and Fully Electric
London’s unique amphibious tourist attraction, famously known as Duck Tours, is set to make a triumphant return under the new moniker, Big Duck Tours. These distinctive bus/river tour mash-ups, which combine a land journey with a dramatic plunge into the Thames, were a popular feature for 17 years before their forced retirement in 2017. The previous operation ceased when the launch ramp beside Vauxhall’s MI6 building was closed due to the construction of the Thames Tideway super-sewer. Now, London Amphibious Tours Limited has secured a 15-year lease to revive the experience, utilizing an all-new fleet of fully electric amphibious passenger vehicles (APVs). These modern vehicles will be manufactured by its sister company, Seahorse Amphibious Vehicles, and operated by Big Bus Tours, promising a more environmentally friendly ride.
Despite their “clunky-looking” appearance, the original Duck Tours offered a surprisingly enjoyable and memorable experience, a sentiment echoed by Londonist’s own review nearly a decade ago. Passengers could expect a journey filled with engaging London trivia, delivered with a deadpan wit, culminating in the “show-stopping moment” of the vehicle accelerating directly into the Thames. The return of Big Duck Tours not only brings back this unique blend of sightseeing and thrill but also introduces significant environmental benefits. The transition to fully electric APVs means the new tours will no longer emit diesel fumes, addressing a common concern and enhancing the overall appeal.
Graham Lumley, Executive Chairman at London Amphibious Tours and Seahorse Amphibious Vehicles, expressed immense pride in securing the long-term lease at the “prestigious site,” thanking the Duchy of Cornwall. While an official launch date for Big Duck Tours has not yet been announced, anticipation is high for the re-emergence of this beloved London experience. The partnership with Big Bus Tours, overseen by Executive Chairman Pat Waterman, suggests a robust operational framework for the new venture. The return signifies not just the revival of a popular attraction but also an upgrade in sustainability and passenger experience, ensuring tourists can once again enjoy the unique perspective of London from both land and water without the environmental impact of its predecessors.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/news/duck-tours-return-to-london)
