Ritchie launches Belfast’s first ‘Duck Boat Tour’

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, today announced that Belfast is to operate its own ‘Duck Boat Tours’.

Passengers will climb aboard the duck boat on land and it will then splash into the River Lagan and continue its journey.

The Belfast Splash Tour will carry up to 28 people, including two crew, on a 30 ft Hydra Terra ‘Duck Boat’ which will depart from Chichester Street (Victoria Square) and will head eastwards to the Ravenhill Reach Slipway where the craft will enter the water. Exiting at the Ravenhill Reach Slipway, the tour will continue taking in many of the cities landmarks before returning to Chichester Street.

It is envisaged that there will be five tours a day and each tour will last for approximately 60 minutes. The tours are scheduled to begin mid April.

The new Splash Tours attraction will see Belfast join major cities across the world in providing visitors with the opportunity to experience travel through the city by land and water.

Margaret Ritchie said: “The Belfast Splash Tour is a fantastic addition to the tourist attractions already on offer in Belfast. This tour will open up the River Lagan to thousands of people and provide a view of Belfast that they would not normally see. My Department has invested heavily over the past number of years in the River Lagan to create an attractive environment that will encourage investment, and provide a facility that people will want to use.

“This announcement today is a further vote of confidence in Belfast and its expanding tourist offerings.”

The Department for Social Development, who have statutory responsibility for designated areas of the River Lagan, will be responsible for providing a licence to operate the tour.

Notes to editors:

1. The Belfast Splash Tours will employ eight people. 6 Full time and 2 part time.
2. The operator expects to carry up to 28,000 passengers
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07669 715 440 and your call will be returned.