A trip to Boston more than six years ago gave Dennis DeShields the idea of offering Bermudians and tourists alike the chance to see the Island by both water and land.

Now with his own custom-built amphibious vehicle Mr. DeShields plans to offer educational tours from Dockyard in Somerset to anyone interested.

And Island Tours and Chartering, one of the Island's newest businesses, is a family affair.

Mr. DeShields, who was a bus driver for six years and who also has more than ten years experience on the water started the land and water tours with his two children — DeShae and DeShion DeShields. Both children are directors in the company and while DeShion is the CEO and president, DeShae is the vice president of marketing.

Launching the service yesterday afternoon, Mr. DeShields said: "I saw it in the US as the Boston Duck Tours first.

"I thought it would be interesting to have this concept in Bermuda. Almost six years ago, that's when I took the initiative to start going forward. We had the vehicle custom made for Bermuda roads."

As well as a vehicle that is able to operate on Bermuda's roads, it has underwater cameras so guests can watch what's happening below while dry and safe onboard.

Its engine can power the vehicle at about ten knots in the water and 19 mph on land.

Right now the tours will leave from Dockyard where they will enter the water before heading under Watford bridge to Mangrove Bay and then on to the Dundonald Channel and back.

Once it leaves the water, the bus will take passengers on a three-hour tour of the Island.

DeShae said: "The reason we are in Dockyard and the reason we stress history is because the land and sea vehicles were used in World War II to go on both land and the water in battle.

"That's why it also connects with the historic area of Dockyard. We want to try and connect the history together."

As well as connecting with history, DeShae and Mr. DeShields hope these vehicles could be adopted by the emergency services.

Mr. DeShields said that the fire service could easily bring necessary personnel to houses separated from the main Island.

The family also hope to expand their fleet, but for now the tours start on Wednesday and anyone interested in taking part should contact them at: 332-tour or visit their website at: www.itcbermuda.com.