A boat tour in New Orleans is your front-row seat to the quiet, untamed world of Louisiana’s swamps. As you drift past moss-draped cypress trees and hidden bayous, you’ll spot wildlife and hear the stories that shaped life along the water. This New Orleans swamp boat tour pairs the beauty of the bayou with a deep sense of place you can only experience from the water.
✔️ Explore Louisiana’s natural wetlands
Glide through quiet bayous, cypress groves, and marshes on a calm flat-bottomed boat designed for easy wildlife viewing. It’s the most relaxing way to experience the true Louisiana wilderness.
✔️ See alligators, turtles & native birds
Keep an eye out for American alligators lounging on the banks, turtles sunning on logs, and graceful birds like herons and egrets hunting in the reeds.
✔️ Learn from expert local captains
Your captain will point out wildlife, explain swamp ecology, and share stories of Cajun culture that bring the Louisiana wetlands to life.
✔️ A peaceful alternative to high-speed tours
These boat tours travel at a gentle pace, making them ideal for families, older travelers, and anyone who wants a quieter swamp experience.
✔️ Two top experiences in one trip
Enjoy a guided swamp boat ride followed by a visit to Oak Alley Plantation which is one of the most photographed and historically significant estates in the region.
✔️ Round-trip transportation included
Sit back and relax. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off from central New Orleans, making the day smooth and hassle-free.
Your journey begins at the dock, where you’ll meet your captain and board a covered, slow-moving swamp boat designed for comfort and great visibility. The seating is open and relaxed, giving you an easy view of the shoreline, the treetops, and the still, glassy water as you push away from the dock.
Unlike high-speed rides, this boat moves gently through the wetlands, letting you take in the scenery without noise or rush. You’ll drift between moss-draped cypress trees, slip past winding waterways, and explore areas that feel untouched, quiet, and incredibly atmospheric.
Your captain knows exactly where the wildlife tends to gather. As the boat slows near the edges of the swamp, keep your eyes open for American alligators warming themselves on the banks, egrets picking through the reeds, turtles sunning on logs, and the occasional wild boar or raccoon near the tree line. Every trip brings different sightings, which is part of the adventure.
Your captain will share legends, personal memories, and the cultural traditions that make Louisiana’s swamp communities so unique. From the role of the wetlands in Cajun life to the challenges of preserving these ecosystems, the stories add depth and meaning to every twist in the waterway.
Because the boat is stable and unhurried, it’s easy to take photos and videos without worrying about sudden movement. Wide-open marshes, mirrored water reflections, and ancient trees create natural backdrops that look straight out of a postcard.
Your also includes a visit to Oak Alley Plantation. You’ll walk beneath its famous 300-year-old oak canopy, tour the historic home, and explore exhibits that detail the stories of the plantation and the people who lived there.
See Louisiana’s most famous residents up close as they glide through the water or rest along the banks. Captains know exactly where gators like to hide.
A swamp boat moves slowly and steadily, making it much easier to spot wildlife and take photos. It’s also quieter and more comfortable, which is great for families, seniors, and anyone who prefers a calmer experience on the water.
While wildlife sightings can vary, alligators are commonly seen throughout the year. The captains know the bayou well and often steer toward areas where gators like to rest or warm up.
Yes, most swamp boats have a covered roof that provides plenty of shade. It keeps the ride comfortable even in the middle of the day, and light rain usually won’t interrupt the tour.
Absolutely, this ride is one of the most family-friendly swamp experiences in New Orleans. The slow speed, stable seating, and calm waters make it easy for kids to enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife safely.
The swamp boat ride typically lasts around 1 hour 40 minutes. With the Oak Alley Plantation visit included, expect your full experience to take several hours from pickup to drop-off.
The boats travel on very calm, flat water. If you're sensitive, choosing a seat closer to the center of the boat usually feels the most stable.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the boat to keep the area clean and wildlife uninterested. However, you’ll find refreshments available at the dock or during your plantation visit.
Combine a private swamp adventure with a historic plantation tour in one seamless 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
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.
