Firstly, the guide was fantastic, and the review isn't a reflection of him, but rather my expectations. The main problem is that the combination of loud diesel engine, and loud kazoo playing throughout (they hand out "duck" calls, which is cute until you realize every child on the tour will never be quiet again), means that you can't actually hear anything from the guide, in spite of the speakers. You also can't see that well out of the vehicle, especially in downtown, so although splashing into the water is fun this doesn't actually show you much of Austin, or educate you on much of anything except your hidden dislike for other tourists. If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids, go ahead, if you're looking for the best of both worlds in terms of a tour of Austin and a little time on the lake- go elsewhere.

My husband and I had a great time on this tour with Tim as our guide. We’re both native Texans (and my husband actually a native Austinite) and it was fun to play tourist for an afternoon.

The bus is open air and you get quack-whistle things to quack at people. They take you by the Capitol and other significant places in the 6th street area, then into Lake Austin. You get to keep your quacker, too.