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| The free shuttle that takes one to the Super Duck Tours departure point |
The truth was that by the time I had completed my visits to Harvard University and the MIT as well as the Hatch Shell, I was tired physically so much so I could not quite wish to walk already. Then again, because 24 June 2015 was probably going to be my final evening in Boston for the visit to USA in summer 2015, I decided that I could push myself a bit more and see if my body could manage. Thankfully, my body welcomed the adventure.
According to the brochures, Super Duck Tours pride itself to operate Boston's best Harbor Duck Tour! I had yet to take the Singapore's version of the Duck Tour, yet I think it was essential to check out Boston on both land and sea. The truth was, my legs welcomed a break in which I need not have to walk too much yet my eyes were keen to see more sights of Boston.
I was lucky to get myself a ticket to possibly the second last tour of the day from one of the ticketing counters near the Aquarium subway station. There was a free shuttle to bring visitors from the corner of State Street and Atlantic Ave, near the New England Aquarium and Long Wharf, to the Super Duck Tours departure point at Charlestown Navy Yard, 88 Constitution Road, Charlestown. Charlestown somehow made me feel transported to a time of Boston's colonial past.
When I boarded the unique amphibious vehicle, I was pretty thrilled simply to climb up the bus-like yet boat-like vessel. To add to the fun, everyone on-board the vessel was given a whistle that gave out sounds like a duck quacking.
During the tour, I learnt that 60% of Boston is reclaimed land. I learnt more about the history and economy of Boston while I was on the tour. The tour brought us to parts of the Boston city. From the vehicle, we caught glimpses of Charles River Dam, Faneuil Hall, the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge. I had caught a glimpse of the Bunker Hill Monument too. The guide was hospitable and I enjoyed myself throughout the tour.
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| I saw Bunker Hill Monument! |
During the tour, I learnt about the challenging traffic situations in Boston. During peak hours, traffic jams are common. Therefore, after the end of the tour, I decided to choose to take a ferry ride back to Long Wharf, rather than take the free shuttle. Thankfully, I had purchased a 7-day CharlieCard LinkPass which allowed me unlimited travel on Subway, local bus, inner harbor ferry and commuter rail zone 1A. For US$19 for a 7-day card, I thought it was a handy travelling pass for a visitor in me who loves travelling using public transport.
As traffic condition was heavy that evening, our vessel spent a bit more time on water that evening than on land. Charlestown is an interesting place for me and I would like to visit it on foot if opportunities permit.
During the tour, I learnt about this place called the Ropewalk Complex. It was situated in the Charlestown Navy Yard and is the last remaining naval rope factory in the country. It was an operating rope making factory until 1971. I was attracted to its seemingly uniformed granite structure.
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| Ropewalk |
The guide on the tour gave us a lot of good recommendations of places to visit for some of the most delicious food in Boston that we ought to check out. His recommendations were pretty good, I have to say.
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| I took a Inner Harbour ferry to Long Wharf. |
Concluding, I enjoyed the Super Duck Tours. It was easy on the legs because there was minimal walking about. The tour is family-friendly and the content is educational. I paid US$35 for the tour and I think it was value-for-money.
Super Duck Tours
http://bostonsupertours.com
1-877-343-8257
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