Viking Splash Tour Dublin: Worth It? Duration & Tips

If you’ve ever stood on a Dublin street corner watching an oversized amphibious truck roar past with helmeted passengers yelling at pedestrians, you’ve probably wondered: is the Viking Splash Tour as fun as it looks? For families weighing a sightseeing option that covers both land and water, the answer comes down to a few practical details — duration, pricing, and whether you’ll actually get wet — and this guide pulls together official data and passenger reviews to help you decide if it’s the right pick for your Dublin day out.

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes ·
Adult Price: €37 ·
Child Price (3-14): €31 ·
Departure Frequency: Every 30 to 90 minutes ·
Vehicle: WWII amphibious DUKW

Five key details, one pattern: the official numbers are clear, but the practical experience — especially whether you get wet and what to wear — depends on the day and your seat.

Is the Viking Splash Tour worth it?

For a guided tour that combines Dublin’s historic landmarks with a splash into the Grand Canal, the Viking Splash Tour is the city’s only amphibious option (Viking Tours Dublin). The package includes a live commentary from a guide dressed as a Viking, a foam horn to roar at passersby, and a 15–20 minute water section.

Customer reviews and ratings

TripAdvisor reviewers give the tour high marks for entertainment. One reviewer called it “hard to resist for families with elementary-age children” (TripAdvisor (user review aggregation)). Another noted the guide “narrated the whole duration and was interactive with passengers and passersby” (TripAdvisor). Yelp reviewers add that everyone gets a Viking helmet and that roaring at crowds is encouraged (Yelp (user reviews)).

What’s included in the ticket price

• 1 hour 15 minute guided tour
• Live commentary in English
• Viking helmet and foam horn
• Land sightseeing of Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and more (Day Out With The Kids)
• Water entry at Grand Canal Dock

Comparison with other Dublin tours

Unlike a standard bus tour, the Viking Splash adds a water element and a theatrical atmosphere. The trade-off: open-sided vehicles mean weather exposure, and children under 3 cannot ride (Viking Tours Dublin). For families with kids aged 3–12, the novelty factor is high; for teens or adults seeking deep historical detail, a walking or bus tour might be more information-dense.

How long is the Viking Splash Tour in Dublin?

Tour duration and schedule

The official duration is 1 hour 15 minutes, though Irelandlogue reports it can run a bit longer depending on traffic (Irelandlogue (Dublin travel blog)). Tours run daily starting at 10am, with departures every 30 to 90 minutes (Viking Tours Dublin). In winter the frequency drops to roughly four departures per day (Irelandlogue).

Land and water segments

The land portion covers the major South Dublin landmarks — Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and more — while the water segment lasts 15–20 minutes in Grand Canal Docks (Viking Tours Dublin). The amphibious DUKW drives straight into the basin, creating the main splash moment.

The pattern: the tour packs a lot into 75 minutes, but the water time is brief — about 20% of the total. For the price, you’re paying more for the novelty than for extended canal cruising.

Do you get wet on the Viking splash tour Dublin?

Splash factor explained

The operator states that “some spray may occur” and that ponchos are available for purchase (Viking Tours Dublin). Most passengers stay dry, especially those seated toward the centre. Yelp reviewers advise wearing warm clothes because the open sides let in wind and mist (Yelp).

Seating and water entry

The vehicle enters the water at Grand Canal Dock with a controlled splash. Seats closer to the front and sides may catch more spray. The operator provides ponchos at St. Stephen’s Green for €2 each (Viking Tours Dublin).

The catch: you likely won’t get soaked unless you sit on the outer edge and the driver creates a big splash. But the open vehicle means a breezy ride — dress accordingly.

Do Viking Splash tours go in the water?

The amphibious DUKW

The tour uses WWII-era DUKW vehicles — six-wheeled amphibious trucks originally built for military transport (Viking Tours Dublin). The DUKW can drive on land and float on water, a design that makes the splash entry possible.

Route into the water

The vehicles drive from St. Stephen’s Green through the city streets, then enter the Grand Canal Basin. The transition from land to water is the signature moment — the truck rolls down a ramp and splashes directly into the canal (Day Out With The Kids). No other Dublin tour offers this land-and-water combination.

The implication: the answer is a definitive yes — they go in the water, and that’s the whole point. If you want a tour that stays dry the whole time, choose a bus or walking option.

What should I wear on the Viking Splash Tour?

Recommended clothing

The operator advises dressing for the weather rather than special clothing (Viking Tours Dublin). Casual comfortable clothing works. A jacket is recommended even on mild days because the open sides generate wind chill. Closed-toe shoes are advisable, especially for the water segment.

Weather considerations

The tour runs in rain, and ponchos are available for €2 (Viking Tours Dublin). Yelp reviewers specifically say “wear warm clothes even when it doesn’t feel cold” (Yelp). Sunglasses and sunscreen are handy on sunny days, but the vehicle has no roof so bring layers regardless.

Why this matters: the clothing advice is simple — be ready for changeable Irish weather. The €2 poncho is a cheap backup, but a proper jacket keeps you comfortable throughout the tour.

Pros and cons of the Viking Splash Tour

“The tour is aimed at fun sightseeing and includes both historical commentary and a water section.”

Visit Dublin (official tourism authority)

“Hard to resist for families with elementary-age children.”

TripAdvisor reviewer

The Viking Splash Tour delivers a genuinely unique Dublin experience — land and water, history and theatre. But the trade-offs are real: the open sides put you at the mercy of the weather, the water segment is brief, and children under 3 are left out. For families in Dublin, the choice is clear: if your kids are over 3 and you value a memorable hour over encyclopedic facts, book it — but dress warmly, bring a camera in a sealed bag, and stash €2 for a poncho just in case.

Related reading: **Good Restaurants in Dublin**

If you prefer a more structured experience, consider comparing escorted tours from Dublin for a guided alternative.

Frequently asked questions