Amphibious vehicle used for Saipan tours

A former military vehicle is converted and modified into a vehicle, Buttercup, that used for touring Saipan on land and sea. (Erwin Encinares)

An amphibious vehicle used in the World War II invasion of Normandy would be used for the first-ever amphibious tour of Saipan, letting tourists experience a tour of Garapan and a sea ride at the Tanapag Harbor starting on Nov. 24.

The tour aboard the duck-shaped vehicle starts at the Garapan Fishing Bay, where tourists could avail of snacks at the Garapan Public Market, which is a partner to Saipan Duck Tours.

Affectionately called Buttercup, the amphibious vehicle will make its way through Garapan, passing tourist spots such as the 13 Fishermen’s Memorial, the Catholic bell tower of Kristo Rai, the Saipan Museum, the Old Japanese jail, the Carolinian Utt, and the American Memorial Park, before making its way to Tanapag Harbor.

The boat trip gives tourists a close view of the turquoise water of Tanapag Harbor, the expensive yachts parked at the harbor, and a view of Managaha from the boat.

As for safety precautions, fire extinguishers and life jackets are provided all throughout the tour.

A regular ticket costs $38 for adults and $28 for kids ages 12 and below, with a discount of 25 percent for residents. The ticket also serves as a $3 coupon for produce or snacks at the Garapan Public Market.

Eddie Yokeno, president of AquaDuck LLC, said the tour is in partnership with the Garapan Public Market.

“We try to give the tourists a slice of the local history and the beauty of Saipan. We let the passengers come on board at the Garapan Public Market and then at the end of the trip, hopefully, we can usher them into buying at the Garapan Public Market,” he said.

Agritourism is an operation based on bringing visitors to an area that sells local produce, such as the Garapan Public Market.

The former military amphibious vehicle being used for the tour is called a DUKW (pronounced as duck) and was used during World War II. These boats were responsible for rescuing 90 percent of those injured during the invasion of Normandy.

“It’s pronounced like a duck, so we call it a duck. We kind of modified the DUKW to duck, which is kind of appropriate to call it that because ducks are both on the water and on land,” said Yokeno. “This a true DUKW that was used in World War II. It’s got a very important historical aspect in this.”

Yokeno sees the upcoming holidays as an opportunity for the company to set up special tours.

“We’ll also come up with special events. We haven’t really decided what to do yet, but we plan to do a ‘duck hayride’, or a Valentine’s night and many more. We’re thinking of opportunities aside from the regular tours,” he said. “We hope residents would be patronizing the duck tours.”

Garapan Public Market president Crispin I. Deleon Guerrero said, “I know it’s going to be good. I’m already talking to our manager to relocate our stuff so we are not flooded inside. We have made that arrangement already.”

“This is good exposure for the public market,” added Yokeno.

Capt. Michael Stork, one of three captains of the duck tour vehicles, is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain with a 200-ton master license, enabling him to serve as captain on any inspected or uninspected vessel greater than 100 tons and less than 200 tons.

“[AquaDuck] takes it pretty seriously. It’s a real ship; we have to be really responsible. I went to a maritime academy in Seattle, so I’m an actual captain,” said Stork. “We can’t have fun if we’re not safe. I do an inspection every morning.”

An introductory discount of 25 percent will be available until Nov. 30 and is exclusive for residents only. Starting Dec. 1, the duck tours would be open to tourists and marks the end of the local discounts.

For more information and tickets, visit www.saipanducks.com or call 235-5050.