The Waterfront Duck is an amphibious passenger vehicle tour located in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026, noting the expanded 2026 daily departure schedule introduced to accommodate increased visitor demand.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily: 08:30–16:00 (departure times vary by season) |
| Ticket prices | Adults R395, Children (3-12) R295, Infants (under 3) R95 |
| Address | Silo District, East Quay Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Silo Parking at the V&A Waterfront; City Sightseeing Bus Stop 2 |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 1.5 hours |
The Waterfront Duck opening hours
The Waterfront Duck opening hours generally run from 08:30 to 16:00 every day of the week, with multiple scheduled departures throughout the day.
Because the amphibious vehicle operates strictly during daylight, these hours are subject to seasonal variations, with later afternoon trips often added during the longer summer months from October to March. Sailings are also highly dependent on safe wind and weather conditions.
5 great Cape Town experiences to book
- ⛰️ Combine the region’s natural highlights on a Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape Point day tour.
- 🚌 Take the genuinely useful hop-on, hop-off city tour, with an optional harbour cruise.
- 🏛️ Go on a hassle-free Robben Island tour, with pre-booked tickets and transfers.
- 🦁 See the Big Five at the Aquila Game Reserve on a day trip including lunch.
- 🧗 Go ziplining at the foot of Table Mountain.
The Waterfront Duck ticket prices
Standard The Waterfront Duck ticket prices are R395 for adults, R295 for children aged 3 to 12, and R95 for infants under the age of three. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
The tour is included in the City Pass Cape Town, along with other regional attractions such as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and Groot Constantia.
Why book the Cape Town City Pass?
- 🚠 Table Mountain Cableway: Enjoy included access to Cape Town’s most famous landmark, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, the Atlantic, and the Twelve Apostles.
- 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Navigate the city effortlessly with a City Sightseeing bus ticket, connecting you to major sites like Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- 🍷 Wine & Wildlife Experiences: Choose from a variety of unique activities, including wine tastings at Groot Constantia, sunset harbor cruises, or visits to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save significantly on total admission costs compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each attraction.
- 📱 100% Digital & Easy: Manage your entire trip from your smartphone—simply show your pass at any of the 80+ participating attractions for instant, paperless entry.
How to get to The Waterfront Duck
You can reach The Waterfront Duck by driving to the V&A Waterfront and navigating to the Silo District, located near the main port entrance.
For visitors using public transport, the Duck Stop ticket kiosk is situated directly adjacent to Stop 2 on the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus route, and within a short walking distance of the main MyCiTi bus terminus at the Waterfront.
Parking at The Waterfront Duck
Parking at The Waterfront Duck is most convenient at the Silo Parking garage, an underground paid facility located directly beneath the Zeitz MOCAA building. Visitors can park their vehicles here and take the lift or stairs up to the ground-level pedestrian plaza where the ticket kiosk is situated.
How long to spend at The Waterfront Duck
Visitors typically need to allocate between one and one and a half hours for The Waterfront Duck. The tour itself lasts exactly 60 minutes, split roughly equally between the land and water segments.
You should factor in an additional 15 to 30 minutes to check in at the Duck Stop kiosk, listen to the mandatory safety briefing, and board the vehicle before departure.
Accessibility at The Waterfront Duck
Accessibility at The Waterfront Duck is restricted due to the specific design of the amphibious vehicle. Passengers must climb a set of built-in steps to board the passenger cabin, meaning the vehicle cannot accommodate individuals who must remain in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs and mobility aids can be left securely at the ticket kiosk during the tour.
What to see at The Waterfront Duck
The Waterfront Duck operates a 36-seater amphibious passenger vehicle, custom-built to function as both a road-going bus and a seaworthy boat. The tour is conducted by a driver, known as a “QUACKtain,” and a guide, known as a “conDUCKtor,” who provides live historical and ecological commentary throughout the journey.
The first half of the 60-minute tour takes place on land. The vehicle drives through the V&A Waterfront precincts, passing local landmarks while the guide details the maritime history and modern development of the Cape Town harbour area.
Following the land segment, the vehicle drives directly down a slipway and transitions into the water. This splashdown marks the start of the marine segment of the tour.
Once in the water, the vehicle cruises through the V&A Marina and the working harbour. Passengers can observe commercial vessels, dry docks, and the resident Cape fur seals that populate the jetties.
For safety reasons, the vehicle remains strictly within the protected confines of the harbour walls and does not venture out into the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean or Table Bay.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Tip |
| Timing | Book the 08:30 or 10:00 morning departures to avoid the strong afternoon winds that frequently affect the harbour. |
| Crowds | Weekends and school holidays are the busiest periods, so secure a timeslot online before arriving at the waterfront. |
| Layout | The main ticket kiosk and departure point are located outdoors, directly opposite the entrance to the Zeitz MOCAA museum. |
| Entry process | Present your digital booking confirmation at the kiosk at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. |
| On-site logistics | The vehicle is open-sided, meaning passengers should bring sun protection and a windbreaker jacket. |
Frequently asked questions about The Waterfront Duck
| Query | Answer |
| Is The Waterfront Duck suitable for children? | Yes, the amphibious vehicle is designed to safely accommodate passengers of all ages, including infants. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for The Waterfront Duck? | Advance booking is highly recommended to secure a specific timeslot, as the 36-seat vehicle frequently sells out. |
| Is The Waterfront Duck open on Sundays? | Yes, the tour operates seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays, weather permitting. |
| Are bags allowed at The Waterfront Duck? | Small day bags and handbags are permitted on board, but there is no space for large luggage or bulky backpacks. |
Things to do near The Waterfront Duck
- Zeitz MOCAA: A major museum of contemporary African art housed in a repurposed grain silo.
- Two Oceans Aquarium: A large indoor aquarium showcasing the marine life of the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
- Cape Wheel: A large observation wheel offering panoramic views over the city and harbour.
- Robben Island Museum: The departure point and visitor centre for ferries traveling to the historic island prison.
- Battery Park: An urban park featuring a skate plaza, basketball courts, and canal-side walking paths.
More Cape Town travel
Other Cape Town travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Guide to riding the Flying Dutchman Funicular and visiting Dias Beach at Cape Point.
- What to expect at World of Birds in Cape Town.
- A guide to tackling Chapman’s Peak Drive in Cape Town.
- The story of the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital.
- Practical visitor guide to the Camps Bay Tidal Pool in Cape Town.
