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Splashing amphibious tours return to Liverpool

A new venture will bring back amphibious vehicle tours of the streets and docks of Liverpool – more than a decade after the Yellow Duckmarine literally sank. Tony McDonough reports

A new venture launching this spring will use an amphibious vehicle to offer tours of Liverpool city centre before splashing down into the dock system.

Splash Tours Liverpool will offer a 60-minute tour that will start at the Royal Albert Dock before taking in city centre landmarks such the Royal Liver Building, St George’s Hall and the two cathedrals.

It will then return to the waterfront where it will splash into the Royal Albert Dock and sail through Salthouse Dock, Canning Dock and Wapping Dock.

This will be the first land and water tour in the city since the demise of the ill-fated Yellow Duckmarines. On one Saturday afternoon in March 2013 the ‘Wacker Quacker’ craft started to sink into the dock.

An investigation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency later cleared three of the four vehicles to resume the tours but, in June, disaster struck when 30 passengers had to be rescued from the dock when another craft began to sink.

Yellow Duckmarine tours had used repurposed World War Two amphibious vehicles. However, Splash Tours Liverpool will be using a newly-manufactured vehicle.

This new venture will be operated by the Lumley family, headed up by father Graham Lumley, his son Ed and daughter Amelia, who have run a similar operation in Windsor successfully since 2013.

Under its manufacturing arm, Seahorse Amphibious, it is the only company in Europe to manufacture and operate its own amphibious vehicles, with a combined experience of 40 years.

The vehicle to be used in Liverpool is purpose-built from scratch and is the result of seven years of development and innovation, adopting the latest in technology and compliant with all safety laws.

Ed Lumley, said: “We cannot wait to launch Splash Tours in one of the world’s most exhilarating and dynamic cities, allowing visitors to experience Liverpool from two very different perspectives – from its fabled streets to its iconic and world-famous waterfront.

“Be among the first to experience this groundbreaking new tour, and let our team enlighten you with insights into Liverpool’s rich history, architecture and the cultural significance of the landmarks along the route; it’s a tour like no other.”

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The company is welcoming interest from local skippers and tour guides to join the team for its launch. Interested applicants can email: [email protected]

Tickets will be available for pre-sale from Monday, February 19 ahead of the spring launch. Click here .

Sean Morrison, estate manager at Royal Albert Dock, added: “It’s wonderful to add Splash Tours Liverpool to the growing list of vibrant attractions available at the dock.

“In a city steeped with history, we’re delighted to be part of a unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Liverpool and provides an exciting opportunity to see the iconic waterfront like never before.”

Ships on the Mersey and high and low tides on Wednesday, February 7

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Originally a big tourist attraction in the city, the Duckmarine tours have been host to royalty back in the day, when HM The Queen and Prince Phillip hopped on board for a tour of Salthouse Dock back in 2012.

The return of the ‘Duck Tours’ will be brought back to Liverpool by Liverpool City Sights, who are currently in talks with the Royal Albert Dock.

The team have proposed to bring new craft and assurances for the crafts to be entirely unsinkable, following the tours previously ending back in 2013 after a high-profile incident which seen one of the crafts sink with 33 people on board.

The launch will be dependent on the lifting of current COVID19 restrictions, which could be around end of Spring/early Summer.

Liverpool City Sights who run the open-top bus tours across the city, is owned by James and Phillip Olivier who are keen to get the Yellow Duckmarine tours back up and running, with James posting the news on social media:

“Salamander amphibious vehicles (Sally’s) being finished ready for the Summer launch at the Albert Dock, virus permitting, if you know any previous drivers, mechanics or PR staff that worked on the old ducks…please ask them to forward their CV to admin@liverpoolcitysights,” 

“Please note the Sally’s are unsinkable and have been passed by all the relevant authorities”

News of the return of the ducks has had a mixed bag of opinions, with some people of the public excited, some not so convinced.

Sean Morrison, estate manager at the Royal Albert Dock has confirmed they are in talks with Liverpool City Sights about bringing back the Duckmarine tours to the dock waters. 

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Yellow Duckmarine

A fleet of rather brutal-looking amphibious vehicles operate what is, undoubtedly, the most enjoyable tour of the city. Beginning in the Albert Dock (Gower Street bus stop), these bright yellow boat-busses amble you around the city, taking in the major sights, before returning to the waterfront, and splashing down a ramp into the cool waters of the Salthouse Dock. On her Diamond Jubilee tour Her Majesty the Queen donned her plastic kagoule to sample the ride herself. It was hard to tell if she was amused. It often is, isn’t it?

Note: Yellow Duckmarine ceased trading when it sank min-2013

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Amphibious vehicle tours set to return to Royal Albert Dock this spring

Tours of liverpool’s royal albert dock and beyond in a new purpose-built amphibious vehicle are set to launch this spring..

Splash Tours Liverpool is the company bringing the unique tourist attraction to the city – more than 10 years since the orignial ‘duck tours’ ended following the sinking of the famous ‘Yellow Duckmarine’.

The new 60-minute tours will start from the Royal Albert Dock and take in landmarks such as the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and St George’s Hall, before returning to the world-famous dock with a splash.

Splash Tours Liverpool is operated by the Lumley family, headed up by father Graham Lumley, his son Ed and daughter Amelia, who have run a similar operation in Windsor since 2013.

Under its manufacturing arm, Seahorse Amphibious, it is the only company in Europe to manufacture and operate its own amphibious vehicles, with a combined experience of 40 years.

The vehicle to be used in Liverpool is purpose-built from scratch and is the result of seven years of development and innovation, adopting the latest in technology and compliant with all safety laws.

Ed Lumley, co-founder of Splash Tours Liverpool, says: “We cannot wait to launch Splash Tours in one of the world’s most exhilarating and dynamic cities, allowing visitors to experience Liverpool from two very different perspectives – from its fabled streets, which tell a story or two, to its iconic and world-famous waterfront.

“Be among the first to experience this groundbreaking new tour, and let our team enlighten you with insights into Liverpool’s rich history, architecture and the cultural significance of the landmarks along the route; it’s a tour like no other!”

Sean Morrison, estate manager at Royal Albert Dock, adds: “It’s wonderful to add Splash Tours Liverpool to the growing list of vibrant attractions available at the dock.

“In a city steeped with history, we’re delighted to be part of a unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Liverpool and provides an exciting opportunity to see the iconic waterfront like never before.”

Splash Tours Liverpool  is welcoming interest from local skippers and tour guides to join the team for its launch. Interested applicants should email: [email protected]

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Yellow Duck Tour - Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

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• Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

Yellow Duck Tour

Make sure you take the amphibious tour. Even good in the driving rain...enjoyed the museum. Just a short walk back from city centre. If you have time don't miss "Beatles Experience."

The free museums were great and the shops and bars and restaurants around the dock are lovely

lots to do on albert dock, especially if its raining!

Restaurants not good value, overpriced, wheel was good value. And ferry x the Mwersy was wonderful.

Lots to do.Museums, bars, restaraunts,bistros, nice views and ferry rides. Nice just to walk round and soak up the atmosphere.

Liverpool is well worth a visit with many free attractions and great buildings

The Yellow Duckmarine

Attractions in albert dock, liverpool.

The Historic City of Liverpool, with its Waterfront built around the most famous docklands in the world is steeped in maritime tradition. You must see it all and the best way is to take a ride on the ‘Yellow Duckmarine'.

The fun begins the second you board your authentic World War II Landing Craft at the world famous Albert Dock at Liverpool Waterfront.

Your fifty five minute round trip begins on the road, taking in the historic waterfront, touring the prominent sights of the City including the world famous Cavern Club, spectacular St Georges Hall, our two magnificent cathedrals and the stunning Chinese Arch at China Town before making a dramatic ‘SPLASHDOWN' into the Salthouse Dock where you begin your amazing

dockland experience in Liverpool's south docks.

It's a trip you'll never forget!

Now that the Yellow Duckmarine has had its ‘Royal' seal of approval, we have given the Yellow Duckmarine in Liverpool its ‘Top 100 Attractions' Seal of Approval also. I talk on many occasions about the hidden gems that Britain has to offer its millions of visitors every year, and believe me; the Duck has to be one of them. I have to say, I was taken aback with just how slick this attraction is, and how funny and knowledgeable the guys on board were. It also has thrills, laughs and lots of potted history on what makes the great city of Liverpool so great. I have to say this attraction is worth every penny and I cannot wait tobe invited back on board.

Gower Street Bus Stop , Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AS

0151 708 7799

http://www.theyellowduckmarine.co.uk/

[email protected]

Image Gallery

Click on a photograph to view in a larger format, view the map below to see where we are and to get directions., nearby eating out, miller & carter.

At Miller & Carter we know a thing or two about steak. In fact, we could say that we're one of the best steakhouses in Liverpool. But we'd rather leave that to your judgement.

If you're looking for an establishment that combines the buzz of a city centre bar with the friendly feel of a rural gastropub, then The Hub Alehouse and Kitchen is the

Hanover Street Social

Hanover Street Social, a large modern brasserie in the centre of Liverpool. Open from 9:00am for Breakfast through until 10.30pm, later for drinks! For us being

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Fab 4 Yellow Submarine Hotel

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Wow this is it the most fantastic apt boat in the world. It sleeps up to 9 with 3 bedrooms, crystal chandeliers, even the floor has been copied from the original 1st class

Amphibious bus returns to Liverpool as Splash Tours announce official launch date

Splash Tours will take guests on a 'splashdown' into the Albert Docks.

Ten years after the iconic Yellow Duckmarine made its final tour of Liverpool a new amphibious tour is set to take over the city. Splash Tours will launch a new road and water exploration experience in a matter of weeks, which the operators promise will be 'unforgettable'.

Customers will be guided along a 60-minute land and water tour, beginning at Royal Albert Dock and taking in landmarks such as the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, and St George's Hall.

'Effortlessly' transforming into an amphibious vessel, the tour vehicle has been built by Seahorse Amphibious, following seven years of development, and will take guests on a 'splashdown' into the Albert Docks.

Operated by the Lumley family - Graham Lumley and his son Ed and daughter Amelia - the tour will feature live commentary, 'packed with entertaining and informative insights'.

Announcing the launch date on social media, Splash Tours said: "After seven years in the making, we can finally bring our unique land and water tour to Liverpool. Join us for an unforgettable boat tour that blends history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Share the magic of Liverpool with us and create memories that will last a lifetime."

Splash Tours Liverpool will officially launch on May 2, 2024. More information is available here.

The tour brings back memories of The Yellow Duckmarine that operated in the city from 2001 and was one of Liverpool's most popular tourist attractions. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip even took a trip around the Albert Dock in the amphibious vehicle back in 2012.

However, the Duckmarine, also known locally as a Wacker Quacker, sank in the docks in March 2013 and that was the end of the attraction.

The Yellow Duckmarine

Welcome to the blog of The Yellow Duckmarine, a unique one hour amphibious sightseeing tour of Liverpool's historic waterfront and south docks. This blog is designed as a resource for first time visitors to Liverpool as well as for seasoned citizens. You will find articles regarding regional events and local history and we hope that you will find it useful, interesting and entertaining.

Thursday 26 January 2012

Welcome to our blog.

Yellow Duckmarine

The Yellow Duckmarine was a converted WWII amphibious landing craft used as a sightseeing tour bus in Liverpool. In March 2013, a vehicle sank on a voyage after passengers were moved to a pontoon for safety. In June 2013, another craft sank with 31 people on board. The popular tour had its' licence revoked in 2013 and has since had a bid for the return of the tour rejected as experts continue to mull over new safety guidelines.