Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar launched the vessels, popularly known as duck boats that will take tourists joy rides.
Parsekar flagged off the amphibious joy ride service and experienced the first ride in River Mandovi along with Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and other officials. Operations of the duck boat joy rides will begin in November.
Parsekar said the launch of these services will boost tourism. “With this service, we are optimistic of attracting high-end tourists who travel to enjoy unique experiences. It is a novel concept in India with the excitement of touring the State on land and water,” he said.
The amphibious vehicles have been manufactured by Goa-based Amphibious Design (India) Pvt Ltd and will be used for operations in Goa by Amphibian Tours Pvt Ltd.
Parulekar said, “The duck boats have been manufactured in Goa and will be operated by a Goa-based company. The amphibious rides will be carried out with two vehicles to begin with and four more will be added in a phased manner.”
One designated pick-up point at Panjim will cater to tours along two routes. Each tour will last an hour and there will be six time slots daily for each vehicle. The maximum capacity of each vehicle is 32 seats.
Circuit tours will operate from Panjim to Old Goa and Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary to showcase the natural and cultural treasures Goa has.
