Water Level
|
632.13 ft
updated 12:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Austin Duck Adventures: Keeping locals, tourists quacking since 1999
Posted: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00 AM - 9,431 Readers
By: Amy Deis
The amphibious vehicles at Austin Duck Adventures tour the streets and Lake Austin 14 to 17 times a week, giving tourists and locals alike a land and lake history lesson of the city. It was this opportunity that Paul Mahler envisioned when he founded the tour company in 1999 with a group of friends as investors. Friend Michael Danks is the operations manager and part owner. Mahler previously worked for the Fowler family at Lake Austin Riverboats, and after riding the duck vehicles in Boston, Mahler wanted to bring the experience to Austin. “It’s a fun way to learn about Austin and its history,” he said. Mahler said the vehicles are made of an aluminum hull and filled with foam to float. The manufacturer had them inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping and said they are unsinkable. Until two years ago, Austin Duck Adventures owner Mahler used refurbished military surplus trucks built in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Then he bought two used Hydra-Terra vehicles that are specially made for land-to-water use. One came from Portland, Ore., and the other from Puerto Rico. Normally Austin Ducks remains open year-round, but because the Lower Colorado River Authority lowered the lake—as it does every two years—the water levels were too low to operate. The 2011 Austin Ducks season launched Feb. 13 with sold-out tours, Mahler said. Mahler recently hired Austin Extreme Graphics to give one of the ducks a fresh look. The result is a pirate-themed wrap with a skull-and-crossbones duck and cannons. “It’s something a little different, and I liked the wood panel look,” he said. Ten drivers—many of them off-duty Austin firefighters—handle the tours. Each has his own favorite sites to visit so the tours typically vary in route, Mahler said. Possible sites include the historical district, the Driskill Hotel, the Capitol and the Angelina Eberly statue. Austin Duck AdventuresDeparts from the Austin Visitor Center 209 E. Sixth St. 477-5274 www.austinducks.com
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,591 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,250 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,193 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,359 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,347 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,707 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,501 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,758 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,500 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,063 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,647 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,672 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,190 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,099 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,918 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,609 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,892 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,447 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,679 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,364 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,835 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,527 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,883 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,379 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,370 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,648 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,403 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,575 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,074 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,330 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,434 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,980 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,373 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,653 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,275 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,952 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,020 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,394 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,776 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,678 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,658 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,685 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,260 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,932 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,681 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,396 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,206 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,471 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,820 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,420 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,216 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,083 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,337 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,783 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,426 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,634 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,593 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,763 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,694 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,513 Readers |
News Archives 2011 - Select a Month
|