Singapore Duck Tour

When it comes to exploring Singapore’s highlights, this Singapore Duck Tour stands out as a fun, practical option that blends sightseeing with a bit of adventure. This 1-hour experience takes you on a journey through the city’s streets and onto the water, all aboard a vintage amphibious vehicle originally used during the Vietnam War. It’s a different kind of city tour—one that appeals to those who want a memorable snapshot of Singapore without spending hours on foot or in crowded buses.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of land and water, providing multiple vantage points to admire Singapore’s iconic skyline and attractions. Plus, the audio commentary adds depth, giving you interesting facts about the sights you’re passing. That said, a potential drawback might be the sound level on the vehicle, which some guests noted was quite loud, making it harder to hear the guide at times. This tour seems especially suited for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking for a relaxed, engaging way to familiarize themselves with the city’s top spots.

Key Points

• Unique amphibious experience blending land and water sightseeing
• Good value at around $39 per person, with many booking in advance
• Informative guides enhance the experience, though some reviews mention language barriers
• Great photo opportunities from multiple vantage points, especially on the water
• Ideal for all ages, with a relaxed pace and easy access
• Short duration makes it perfect for a quick city overview

What to Expect from the Singapore Duck Tour

This tour begins at the Suntec City Mall, a central and convenient meeting point. Once aboard the refurbished Vietnam-era vehicle, you’re in for a ride that covers Singapore’s most famous sights in just about an hour. You’ll love the way the vehicle glides smoothly from bustling streets onto the water—an exciting transition that adds a splash of thrill to your sightseeing.

The Land Journey: Discovering the City Streets

As your amphibious vehicle cruises through the Civic District, it whisks you past significant landmarks like the Fountain of Wealth, which once held the Guinness World Record for the largest fountain. According to reviews, the fountain is quite impressive, and many guests enjoy seeing it up close. The driver and guide give commentary about the war memorials, historic sites, and modern attractions like the Singapore Flyer, one of the world’s tallest observation wheels at 540 feet high.

Guests have praised the friendly and knowledgeable guides, with some reviewers thanking guides like Linda for their engaging storytelling. It’s worth noting, however, that a few guests found the guide’s English rather difficult to understand, which could slightly hinder the experience for some.

The Water Segment: Cruising the Singapore River

Splashdown onto the Singapore River offers a completely different perspective. You’ll cruise past the Merlion, Singapore’s iconic mythical creature—part lion, part fish—while enjoying stunning waterfront views of the glittering Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade Theatres. This water segment is often highlighted as the highlight, with guests describing it as a “unique experience” that allows photos from perspectives not accessible by land.

The reviewers consistently mention how thrilling it is to drive onto the water and see the city from a different angle. One guest called it “so much fun,” and many appreciated the photo opportunities both on and off the water.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Suntec City Mall

Your adventure kicks off at the BIG BUS & DUCK Tourist Hub. Here, you’ll check in and hop aboard the vintage amphibious vehicle. The check-in process is generally smooth, and the group size is kept to a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Land Highlights

Next, the vehicle makes its way through the Civic District, passing notable landmarks like the Singapore Cricket Club, the Cenotaph war memorial, and the British surrender site at the National Gallery. Guests love the fact that this part of the tour covers key historical sites, making it both fun and educational.

As you pass by the Gardens by the Bay, keep an eye out for the Supertrees—these giant tree-like structures are impressive, especially when lit up at night, though you might see them from the bus during the day.

Water Highlights

The vehicle then transitions onto the Singapore River, where you get to see the Merlion up close—a must-have photo spot. The water cruise also offers a view of Marina Bay Sands, the Helix Bridge (a DNA-inspired structure), and the Esplanade Theatre.

Guests have shared that the views from the water are particularly memorable, offering a different angle that crowds on land can’t access. One reviewer mentioned that seeing the Merlion from the water was a highlight, especially since it helps avoid the busy crowds near the statue.

Final Stops and Return

The tour makes a loop back to the starting point, with a few guests noting that the entire experience is well-organized, with some enjoying the traditional “three times around the fountain for good luck” tradition. The tour wraps up promptly, allowing you to continue exploring Singapore or head to your next destination.

The Experience from the Guides and Vehicles

Most reviews highlight friendly, approachable guides who are eager to share interesting facts. One reviewer expressed gratitude to guide Linda and driver Ben for their professionalism and humor. Others appreciated the easy check-in process and the smooth ride.

However, some mentioned issues such as loud vehicle noise and difficult-to-understand accents, which occasionally made it harder to catch all the commentary. If you’re a light sleeper or prefer a quieter environment, this is worth considering.

Guests also appreciated the organised nature of the tour, noting that the vehicle feels vintage but well-maintained. The bumpy ride might be a consideration for those with back issues, but generally, it’s designed to be accessible for most.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just over $39, this tour offers solid value, especially considering its short duration and the unique experience of being on an amphibious vehicle. Comparing it to other land or water-based tours in Singapore, it combines multiple sightseeing elements at a reasonable cost.

Guests have said it’s perfect for first-timers wanting a broad overview, or for families seeking a memorable, photo-friendly activity. The easy, relaxed pace makes it suitable for all ages, and the fact that it covers many key sights means you get a good “snapshot” of the city.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Singapore Duck Tour is best suited for first-time visitors eager to get a quick overview of the city’s major attractions. It’s also great for families, as children tend to find the amphibious vehicle and water splashdown exciting. If you enjoy photo opportunities and seeing landmarks from different angles, this tour delivers.

For travelers with limited time, the short duration makes it an excellent choice. Plus, if you’re nostalgic about vintage vehicles or want a fun, relaxed way to learn about Singapore’s landmarks, this experience ticks those boxes.

However, if you’re sensitive to noise or prefer detailed, in-depth guided tours, you might want to explore other options. Similarly, those with mobility issues should consider the bumpy ride.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews indicate that the tour is family-friendly and entertaining for children, especially due to the amphibious vehicle experience and the water splashdown.

Does the tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off?
No, the tour begins and ends at the Suntec City Mall meeting point. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting spot.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 1 hour, making it a quick and convenient way to see the sights without taking up a whole day.

What sights will I see during the tour?
You’ll see landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Merlion, Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge, Esplanade Theatres, Fountain of Wealth, and more.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, tours run hourly in English. Be aware that some guests have found the guide’s English a bit difficult to understand at times.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is often booked around 17 days in advance, especially during peak seasons, so early booking is recommended.

Can I expect good photo opportunities?
Absolutely. The water segment in particular offers excellent angles of the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and other waterfront sights, perfect for memorable photos.

In essence, the Singapore Duck Tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore the city’s highlights, blending history, modern architecture, and a splash of adventure. Perfect for travelers wanting a fun, straightforward introduction to Singapore’s iconic sights without the hassle of walking or multiple tours. Just keep in mind the potential noise and the need to book early to secure your spot.