New Orleans Swamp Tours

Intimate airboat tour for up to 10 passengers, offering a personalized wildlife and swamp experience.

• Everything you get: Zip through shallow marshes in a small airboat, watch for alligators and native animals, explore mossy cypress bayous, and visit indoor exhibits; all in one 1h 45m guided swamp adventure.
• Why choose this: Enjoy a more personal, close-up experience than large tours. Expert guides, natural settings, and flexible scheduling make it ideal for wildlife lovers and those seeking authenticity.
• Upgrades: Opt for the premium small airboat with only 6 passengers for a more exclusive, intimate tour. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Greater New Orleans hotels is also available for added convenience.

Inclusions

• 1 hr 45 min airboat ride through 20,000 acres of swamp

• Expert airboat captains/guides certified by the US Coast Guard

• Small airboat up to 10 passengers

• Ear protection

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Downtown/French Quarter, New Orleans (as per option selected)

• Premium small airboat up to 6 passengers (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Food & beverages

• Tips and gratuities

What to bring

• Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear.
• Carry a camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting.
• Pack sunscreen and insect repellent.

What’s not allowed

• No alcohol, large bags, or bulky luggage.
• Pets are not allowed on the airboats.
• Outside food or alcohol is not permitted on the property unless under specific circumstances.
• Glass containers are prohibited on the property.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Not suitable for travelers with back/neck issues, heart problems, or other serious health conditions.
• Pregnant travelers are advised against taking the airboat tour.
• You must be able to board the airboat without our assistance.

Additional information

• Children under 5 must be accompanied and cannot join alone.
• Pickups for transportation begin about 1 hour and 15 minutes before the tour. If the bus driver cannot find you and needs to move on to the next stop, they might not be able to return to pick you up.
• Transportation can only pick up from the Downtown/French Quarter areas of New Orleans.
• The tour will proceed regardless of weather, whether sunny or rainy; please dress accordingly.
• Reservations made separately will not ensure placement on the same boat.
• Taxi and ride-sharing services are unavailable in the region. Please plan accordingly.
• Alligators are visible year-round when weather permits, especially on sunny days above 65°F, but sightings aren't guaranteed as they are in the wild.

High-speed airboat adventure through Louisiana’s wild swamps with guaranteed wildlife thrills.

• Everything you get: Set out on a 1-hour 45-minute airboat ride through 20,000 acres of Louisiana swamp, guided by a local expert. Spot alligators, birds, turtles, and other native wildlife, learn fascinating swamp facts, and explore indoor alligator exhibits before heading back to New Orleans.
• Why choose this: This experience blends speed, excitement, and authentic encounters with Louisiana’s wildlife. Enjoy the perfect mix of education and adventure, led by expert captains who bring the swamp’s secrets to life on every ride.
• Upgrades: Upgrade to include round-trip hotel transportation from New Orleans for convenience.

Inclusions

• 1 hr 45 min airboat ride through 20,000 acres of swamp

• Expert airboat captains/guides certified by the US Coast Guard

• Large airboat up to 30 passengers

• Safety equipment

• Indoor alligator exhibits

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from New Orleans (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities

What to Bring

• Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and adventure.
• Pack a camera or binoculars to capture incredible wildlife sightings and views.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent for comfort and protection from the sun and bugs.

What’s Not Allowed

• Alcohol, oversized bags, and luggage are not permitted on the premises.
• Pets are not allowed aboard the airboat.
• Outside food and beverages are generally restricted.
• Glass containers are prohibited throughout the property.

Accessibility

• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Not recommended for individuals with back, neck, heart, or other serious health conditions.
• Pregnant participants are advised against joining the tour.
• Guests must be able to step onto the airboat without assistance.

Additional Information

• Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult and cannot ride alone.
• Hotel pickups begin around 1 hour 15 minutes before the tour; missed pickups may not be rescheduled.
• Shuttle service is available only from select Downtown and French Quarter hotels.
• The tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.
• Guests on separate bookings are not guaranteed seats on the same airboat.
• Rideshare and taxi services are unavailable in Lafitte—arrange transport in advance.
• Alligator sightings are common in warm, sunny weather, but cannot be guaranteed.

Combine a private swamp adventure with a historic plantation tour in one seamless experience.

• Everything you get: Cruise through Manchac Swamp on a covered pontoon boat, learn about local wildlife and Cajun culture, explore Oak Alley Plantation’s "Big House", grounds, gardens, slave cabins, and blacksmithing exhibit.
• Why choose this: Enjoy an immersive day combining nature, history, and culture, with expert narration and a small-group setting for an authentic, memorable experience.

Inclusions

• Round-trip transportation from New Orleans

• Live narration from a guide

• Admission to Oak Alley Plantation

• Guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation “Big House”

• Self-guided plantation grounds access

• Narrated swamp pontoon boat ride

Exclusions

• Food & beverages

• Tips or gratuites

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the plantation grounds may have uneven surfaces.
• Dress in casual, light-colored clothing during warmer months for comfort.
• Carry a hat, sunscreen, or umbrella for protection from the sun.
• International visitors must bring a valid passport.

What’s not allowed

• Smoking is not permitted anywhere throughout the tour.
• Videography is prohibited inside the plantation.
• Flash photography is restricted at certain venues, as advised by your guide.
• Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

Accessibility

• Folding wheelchairs can be stored on the bus, but scooters require 48 hours’ advance notice.
• The plantation’s second floor is only accessible via stairs.
• Airboats are not handicap accessible and do not have ramps or lifts.
• Guests must board airboats independently or with help from their own party.
• Airboats are not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back, heart, or serious medical conditions.
• Service animals are permitted but not recommended on airboats due to noise and wildlife.

Additional information

• Tours operate rain or shine and will only be canceled in unsafe weather conditions.
• Children under 6 who do not occupy a seat can travel free of charge.
• Riders must meet the minimum height requirement of 48 inches to join an airboat tour.
• Alligator sightings are seasonal and most common in spring, summer, and fall.
• Groups must book under one reservation to be seated together on the same boat.
• Admissions and fees are included, but food, drinks, and gratuities are not.