An airboat ride New Orleans–style is unlike anything else you’ve done in Louisiana. It’s loud, fast, and thrilling in the best possible way. Once that engine fires up, you’ll skim over shallow marshes, slide through hidden bayous, and get closer than ever to Louisiana’s most iconic wildlife. Whether you prefer the power of a large airboat or the agility of a smaller one, airboat tours bring you into the heart of the wetlands in a way that’s both exciting and unforgettable.
✔️ Explore real Louisiana wetlands
Skim across natural bayous, marshland, and hidden waterways that are home to rich local wildlife. No crowds, and concrete, just pure Louisiana landscapes.
✔️ See wild alligators up close
From curious juveniles to massive adults, you’ll spot gators sunning, swimming, or gliding beneath the water. You may also see turtles, egrets, herons, and wild boar.
✔️ Feel the rush of high-speed adventure
Airboats are built for speed. As the flat-bottomed boat lifts and glides effortlessly across shallow swamp water, you’ll feel the adrenaline kick in.
✔️ Expert captains who know the swamp
Your local guide will point out wildlife, share stories about Cajun culture, and explain how Louisiana’s wetlands shape the region’s ecosystem.
✔️ Perfect for families & groups
Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or grandparents, airboat tours are fun, safe, and exciting for all ages.
✔️ Small or large airboats available
Choose a nimble small airboat for an intimate experience or a large airboat for a smooth, group-friendly ride.
Once you arrive at the launch point, you’ll check in, grab your ear protection, and meet the captain who’ll guide you through the Louisiana backwaters. You’ll step onto your small or large airboat, settle into your seat, and get ready for the ride.
As soon as the airboat powers up, you’ll glide across open marshes and twist through narrow bayous at exciting speeds. The wind rushes past as you zip between cypress trees, skim over shallow waters, and explore pockets of the swamp most boats can’t reach.
Your captain knows the hidden spots where wildlife likes to linger. Expect to slow down near areas where American alligators rest along the banks, turtles sun themselves, and wading birds, like herons and egrets, hunt in the reeds. Every tour promises different wildlife moments.
As the boat eases into quiet coves, your guide will share local legends, bayou history, and fascinating facts about Louisiana’s fragile ecosystem. You’ll learn how the wetlands shape both wildlife and local culture.
Airboats can reach places regular vessels can’t, giving you a front-row look at scenery that feels untouched and wild. With wide-open skies, moss-draped trees, and mirror-like water, every stop offers a photo-worthy moment.
There’s nothing like seeing an alligator’s eyes peek above the water as your airboat drifts nearby. Your captain keeps everything safe while getting you close enough for great photos.
Most airboat tours run for 1.5 hours. This gives you plenty of time to explore the bayou, spot wildlife, and enjoy a mix of fast-paced glides and slow scenic moments.
Yes, kids can absolutely join, and most tours are very family-friendly. Children are required to wear life jackets, and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The captains are trained to make the ride fun and safe for all ages.
Morning tours tend to offer the most wildlife activity, especially during warmer months. Cooler temperatures make gators and birds more active on the water’s surface.
Most New Orleans airboats are not wheelchair accessible due to the step-in design and narrow seating.
Most tours run in light rain, and the bayou can actually be beautiful with a bit of mist. However, severe weather, like thunderstorms, may cause delays or cancellations for safety.
You might feel a bit of spray when the boat picks up speed, but it’s usually light and refreshing. If you prefer to stay completely dry, pick a seat farther from the edges.
Restrooms are available at the dock before departure, but there are no bathroom breaks once you head into the swamp. It’s best to go right before your group boards.
You can usually bring water to stay hydrated. Larger meals or beverages aren’t allowed on the boat for safety reasons.
You’ll have a good chance of spotting American alligators, herons, egrets, turtles, and plenty of marsh birds. Wildlife sightings vary with the season, but every tour offers a unique look at Louisiana’s wetlands.
Intimate airboat tour for up to 10 passengers, offering a personalized wildlife and swamp experience.
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
High-speed airboat adventure through Louisiana’s wild swamps with guaranteed wildlife thrills.
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
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
