Portland Ducks - Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  How do I receive tickets for my tour?
Answer:  When you place your order online, you will be issued an e-ticket that you can print off and present it at the time of check in.  You can also just bring your I.D. if you don't have a printer.

Question:  Will my tour be canceled for bad weather?
Answer:  Because our vessel is equipped with removable windows, we will operate in most weather conditions.  In case of severe weather, we may be forced to cancel a tour and will issue a full refund.

Question:  Will my tour be cancelled if it is undersold?
Answer:  No.  If you purchased a ticket, you can count on our tour except for unforeseen circumstances (mechanical issues, severe weather, etc.)  If we have to cancel a tour, you will be issued a full refund.

Question:  Do you offer tours year round?
Answer:  Yes.  With the option of keeping our vessel fully covered and heated, we will offer tours and charters year round.  Special tours including holiday specific land & river "light tours" will be offered throughout the year.

Question:  Do your tours run exactly the length of time listed for each tour?
Answer:  Traffic conditions on both land and water can affect the length of each tour.  Please do not plan additional activities immediately following a tour since traffic issues can make your tour last slightly longer.

Question:  What should I wear for the tour?  Is there anything special I should bring?
Answer:  Our duck is outfitted with removable windows that will be installed for inclement weather.  The duck is also outfitted with heaters for a comfortable experience.  Nonetheless, you may want to dress in layers on cooler days as it can be even colder while we are on the water.

Question:  Do you have a bathroom onboard?  Do you stop for bathroom breaks?
Answer:  We do not have a bathroom available on our duck.  Please prepare for longer tours ahead of time by using the facilities prior to boarding.  In order to remain on schedule, we are not able to stop for bathroom breaks.

Question:  What additional charges and "convenience fees" do you tack onto each ticket?
Answer:  None.  The price of the tour is all you pay.  Quackers are free, too!

Question:  Can I bring food and drink onboard?
Answer:  You are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages aboard.  We would just ask that you be careful not to spill anything and that you clean up after yourself.

Question:  Where do your tours start?
Answer:  Our tours start at the Oregon Convention Center located at 777 Martin Luther King, Blvd.  Each vehicle will be parked between the MAX train station and the Oregon Convention Center 30 minutes prior to each tour.

Question:  Are you a franchise?  Are you related to other duck tour companies or other tour companies?
Answer:  No.  Portland Ducks, LLC is a limited liability corporation based in Oregon that is wholly owned by local residents Charles and Sarah Lewis.  Portland Ducks is not related to any other tour company.

Question:  Are your vehicles safe?
Answer:  Portland Ducks uses the safest, most modern amphibious vehicles available in the United States.  These vehicles are built specifically for tours and have been filled with foam, making them virtually unsinkable.

Question:  Do I have to wear a life jacket?
Answer:  Portland Ducks' vehicles are certified by the United States Coast Guard.  As such, passengers are not required to wear life jackets.  If you would feel more comfortable wearing a life jacket, you are welcome to wear one.

Question:  Can I purchase tickets over the telephone?
Answer:  Possibly.  Portland Ducks' staff may be able to help you purchase your tickets over the telephone, but it is much easier to buy tickets directly from our web site.

Question:  Can I purchase tickets over the internet?
Answer:  Absolutely.  Portland Ducks' web site is fully commerce enabled on a secure server, allowing you to easily purchase tickets online without any additional charges.

Question:  Can I purchase tickets at the bus immediately before departure?
Answer:  Yes, but tours can sell out prior to the day of departure.  To insure a ticket, please purchase your ticket well in advance on our web site.

Question:  Are your ducks wheelchair accessible?
Answer:  We are in process of securing a mobile wheelchair lift that will make our tours fully accessible.  We will announce when we have secured the necessary equipment.

Question:  Do you offer refunds?
Answer:  All ticket sales are considered final and cannot be cancelled, refunded, or exchanged.  A full refund will be given if severe weather or mechanical issues force us to cancel the tour.  We are not able to issue refunds for no shows.

Question:  Can I get on and off the duck?
Answer:  Not during the tour.  The tours start and end at the same location.

Question:  Do I need to get a seat for my baby?
Answer:  Yes.  Because of Coast Guard regulations, each passenger (no matter how small) must have a seat.  Tickets for infants are offered at extremely discounted rates.

Question:  Can my pet come along for a ride too?
Answer:  No.  Only service animals are allowed on the duck.

Question:  Will I get wet on the tour?
Answer:  No.  While we do splash into the Willamette River, you will not get wet during your tour.

Question:  Is it appropriate to tip my tour guide?
Answer:  Tips are accepted for a job well done but are not required.

Question:  Do you offer group discounts?
Answer:  Yes.  We offer group discounts for groups of 10 or more when all of the tickets are purchased at the same time.  Use the coupon code "Group Discount" (without quotes) to obtain this discount while buying tickets with the online system.

Question:  Can I rent the entire duck for a charted event?
Answer:  Yes.  We offer innovative charters for all occasions.  See our Special Events section for more info.

Question:  Is your vehicle one of the antique World War II DUKWs?
Answer:  No.  Portland Ducks uses only modern, state-of-the-art amphibious vehicles with unmatched safety records.  Our vehicles are designed and built specifically for giving fun and safe tours.

Question:  Is the duck comfortable?
Answer:  Absolutely.  The duck is outfitted with comfortable, padded bus-style seats.

Question:  I'm trying to book tickets several months out, but it says the tours are full.  What's the deal?
Answer:  In order to remain somewhat flexible, we only offer tickets for about 1 month in advance at this point.  Please check back to buy tickets closer to your departure date.

Question:  Do you allow smoking on board?
Answer:  Coast Guard regulations prohibit smoking on board our vessel.

Question:  Do you have life jackets on board?
Answer:  As a U.S. Coast Guard Certified vessel, we are equipped with more than enough life jackets for every person on board.  You are not required to wear the life jackets while on the water, but they are available at all times if wearing one would make you feel more comfortable.  We carry both adult and child sized jackets.

Question:  What do I do if my question isn't answered here?
Answer:  Quack back at us here and let us know your question.  We will respond ASAP.