Amphibious Vehicle Tours Make Splashy Comeback in Liverpool After Nearly a Decade

After a nearly decade-long hiatus, amphibious vehicle tours are making their grand return to Liverpool, promising a fresh and safe experience for both locals and tourists alike. Splash Tours Liverpool has unveiled its new purpose-built vehicle, which is designed to offer "seamless land and water travel," distinguishing itself from the now-defunct "Yellow Duckmarine" tours that operated for 14 years before safety concerns led to their closure in 2014. The previous tours, which utilized vintage World War II DUKW trucks, faced a tragic end when two of the vessels sank in Salthouse Dock, prompting an investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). The investigation revealed that inadequate maintenance and failure to meet safety standards were to blame for the incidents, leading to the abrupt cessation of the tours. With this new venture, the Lumley family—Graham, Ed, and Amelia—are excited to bring a safer and more modern alternative to the city's vibrant tourism scene. Ed Lumley, co-founder of Splash Tours Liverpool, expressed his long-standing passion for the city and his dream to introduce amphibious tours to Liverpool. “It’s been a dream for nearly ten years to bring our amphibious tours to this great city,” he shared. “We’re hoping that the Splash Tours vehicle will be a much-loved feature of Liverpool’s world-leading visitor economy for many years.” Sean Morrison, estate manager at Royal Albert Dock, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the addition of Splash Tours as a significant enhancement to the area’s attractions. He emphasized the historical richness of the city and the unique opportunity that the tours present for visitors to engage with Liverpool's iconic waterfront in an unforgettable way. As the city continues to recover and rebuild its tourism sector, the reintroduction of amphibious vehicle tours offers an exciting new avenue for exploration, blending the thrill of water travel with the charm of Liverpool’s storied streets. With a commitment to safety and innovation, Splash Tours Liverpool aims to capture the hearts of visitors and locals, potentially transforming how people experience this culturally rich city.