New Orleans Tickets

New Orleans swamp tours timings: Best hours, durations & seasons to visit

Tour timings and duration

Airboat with tourists on a swamp tour in New Orleans, surrounded by trees and water.

Airboat Adventure Tour (Small & Large Airboats)

  • Start times: 9:45am, 12pm, and 2pm
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 mins

Swamp Boat Cruise & Oak Alley Plantation Combo

  • Start times: 9am, and 11am
  • Duration: 7 hours 45 mins

Weekday vs. weekend

Tourists on a boat watch a guide feed an alligator during a swamp tour.
  • Weekdays generally offer quieter waters and lighter crowds at the swamp docks, making wildlife sightings feel more intimate and relaxed.
  • Weekends can get busy, especially in peak months, with more boats departing and higher visitor traffic, but they bring a lively, energetic atmosphere.
  • Early mornings are usually cooler (70–78°F/21–25°C), while midday departures can be warm and humid, especially from May to September.

Peak season vs. low season

Alligator in a lush Louisiana swamp during Swamp Tour & Oak Alley Plantation Tour.
  • Peak months for swamp tours run from March to May and October to November, when weather is mild and wildlife activity is strong, expect higher demand and fuller boats.
  • For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit December to February or late summer (August–September). Temperatures may be warmer, but the bayou stays lush, green, and lively.
  • Spring and fall are prime for gator sightings, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant Louisiana landscapes.

How long should I spend on a New Orleans swamp tour

Airboat adventure

Duration: 1 hour 45 mins

  • Airboats cover more ground at high speed, taking you deeper into remote areas of the marsh.
  • Choose between small boats (more personalized experience) or large boats (more budget-friendly).
  • Great for thrill-seekers or anyone wanting a fast-paced, close-up look at Louisiana wildlife.

Recommended tours:

  • New Orleans: Small Airboat Swamp Tour
  • New Orleans: Large Airboat Swamp Tour

Combined Tours

Duration: 7 hours 45 mins

  • This combined experience lets you enjoy a relaxed swamp boat ride followed by a guided visit to the historic Oak Alley Plantation.
  • It’s perfect if you want both Louisiana nature and antebellum history in a single, well-rounded outing.
  • Ideal for travelers looking for a deeper cultural experience without rushing through the day.

Recommended tours:

  • New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Things to keep track of

  • Tour departure times are fixed, so arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
  • Airboat tours may last longer because of safety briefings or seasonal schedules.
  • Weather in Louisiana can change quickly so rain showers or high humidity may affect comfort but tours typically run rain or shine.
  • Morning tours offer cooler temperatures and active wildlife, making them the most popular slots.
  • Some swamp docks operate limited schedules during winter, so seasonal adjustments to start times may occur.

Frequently asked questions about New Orleans swamp tours hours

Yes, early morning and late-afternoon departures shift slightly depending on daylight hours, especially during winter and summer.

More reads

About New Orleans swamps

Plan your visit

Getting there