Splash Tours Liverpool

What it’s like

An amphibious vehicle tour round Liverpool's streets that then drives straight into the Royal Albert Dock for a splashdown.

You climb aboard what looks like a bus, trundle round the city sights for a bit, then it rolls straight down a slipway and into the water at Royal Albert Dock. That splashdown is the bit everyone remembers, and it happens partway through rather than right at the end, so there's still plenty of the tour left to enjoy once you're floating.

The whole thing runs about an hour, which feels about right, long enough for the novelty to land without anyone getting restless. There's a guide on board keeping up a commentary, and from what the site says they're more entertaining than the average tour guide. You do have to stay seated with hands and arms inside the vehicle the whole way, which is fair enough given it's driving into a dock, but it's worth knowing before an energetic six-year-old gets any ideas about standing up.

At £25 a head it's priced more like an attraction than a bus ride, and there's no food allowed on board, just non-alcoholic drinks, so eat beforehand. Pushchairs can't come on the tour itself but there's secure storage at the offices, and infants under one travel free provided you book them a ticket for the headcount. Booking ahead is sensible for weekends and school holidays since walk-ups aren't guaranteed a seat.

Boarding does mean climbing steps unaided, there's no ramp onto the vehicle. It's an easy one to reach without a car too, with James Street station five minutes away and buses stopping right at the dock.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Fun for anyone who can manage steps and sit still for an hour

Booking

Recommended especially for peak times (weekends and school holidays)

How long to allow

1 hour

Pushchairs

Must be left at offices during tour

Wheelchairs

Not accommodated on vehicle

Getting there by bus or train

James Street station 5-min walk

Parties

Private vehicle hire available for birthday parties and events

• You must stay seated with hands and arms inside the vehicle throughout, including during the splashdown
• Cancellations need 14 days notice, but you can rebook or change the date up to 48 hours before
• No dogs guidance is given, so ask when you book if you're planning to bring one
• James Street station is a five-minute walk, handy if you'd rather skip driving in

Plan your visit

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