Plan Your Visit to New Orleans Swamps

Know before you go

Restrooms: Clean restrooms are available at the swamp dock/boarding area before and after the tour.
Refreshments & snacks: You can purchase bottled water, soft drinks, and light snacks at a gift shop or snack counter near the dock.
Gift shop: On-site gift shops offer souvenirs, Cajun-themed items, and swamp-tour memorabilia.
Pickup service: Round-trip transportation is available from downtown New Orleans or the French Quarter.
Accessibility: The airboat tours are not wheelchair accessible.

New Orleans swamp tours are a great family activity, especially on covered swamp boat tours, which offer a calm, smooth ride ideal for children and first-time visitors.
Kids will love spotting alligators, turtles, herons, and wild hogs, and captains often share fun facts about the bayou’s wildlife and Cajun culture.
Airboat tours are more thrilling but children under 5 years old must accompanied by adults at all times.
Before departure, captains give clear safety instructions and keep a close watch on guests throughout the tour, making the experience safe, engaging, and worry-free for all ages.

You will have to present your voucher and a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Alcohol, large bags, bulky luggage, and glass containers are not allowed on the airboats.
Pregnant guests or those with back, neck, or heart issues are advised not to take the airboat tours.
Ear protection is provided on airboats due to engine noise.
Guests must be able to board the airboat on their own.
Pets are not permitted on airboat tours.

You’ll find several restaurants and cafés near the pickup and drop-off points in New Orleans if you’d like to dine before or after your experience:

French Quarter: Antoine’s serves classic French-Creole dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou, and signature soufflé potatoes. Muriel’s specializes in New Orleans staples such as seafood gumbo, turtle soup, and shrimp and grit.
Downtown New Orleans: Willa Jean offers modern Southern comfort dishes like biscuits with fried chicken, shrimp and grits. Mother’s Restaurant serves Ne Orleans home-style fare including po’boys, jambalaya, and their signature “Ferdi Special.”

At the Oak Alley Plantation:

Oak Alley Restaurant & Café: If you’re joining the Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour you’ll have free time at the plantation grounds where you can purchase food at the Oak Alley Restaurant & Café. They offer classic Southern dishes, snacks, desserts, and beverages.

New Orleans Ghost Tours: Ready for a little thrill? Stroll through haunted streets and old cemeteries while local guides spin stories of voodoo queens, wandering spirits, and the city’s creepiest legends. With lanterns glowing and shadows everywhere, it’s a fun, spooky dive into New Orleans’ supernatural side.
Steamboat Natchez Cruise: Hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez and glide down the Mississippi to the sound of live jazz, breezy river views, and classic Southern food. Whether you go during the day or cruise under twinkling evening lights, it’s one of the most relaxing ways to soak in the charm of New Orleans.

Visitor tips

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat since the Louisiana sun can be strong on open-airboats and uncovered plantation grounds.
Since airboats can get windy and loud, hold onto loose items and use the ear protection provided by the operator.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, especially if you’re visiting Oak Alley Plantation, where you’ll be walking on dirt paths and historic grounds.
Bug spray is useful, especially in warmer months when mosquitoes are more active around the swamp.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Food and drinks aren’t provided on any of the swamp tours, so eat before your tour.
If you’re taking the Oak Alley plantation tour, bring a little cash or card for snacks, souvenirs, or food from the plantation restaurant.

Frequently asked questions about visiting New Orleans swamps

When is the best time to visit the New Orleans swamps?

The swamps are beautiful year-round, but spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) offer the most comfortable weather and the most active wildlife. If you want fewer crowds and lower prices, winter (December–February) mornings and late-summer (August–September) weekdays are usually much quieter.

What should I wear on a swamp tour?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little breezy or damp since airboats create strong winds, and swamp boat decks can get wet. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Are the tours safe for children?

Yes, both airboat and swamp boat tours welcome families, although airboats have age restrictions depending on the operator. Kids love spotting gators, turtles, and birds, and guides make the trip fun, safe, and educational for all ages.

Do I need to bring anything for the tour?

It’s smart to bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a charged phone or camera for photos. Ear protection is provided on airboats, but you can bring your own if you prefer.

Are swamp tours wheelchair accessible?

Most New Orleans swamp tours are not wheelchair accessible, as airboats and swamp boats require stepping down into narrow seating areas. The Oak Alley Plantation portion of the combo tour also includes uneven paths and steps, so accessibility is limited there as well.

Is transportation included in my ticket?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included or is an option for all the swamp tours. Just make sure to arrive at your pickup point at least 15 mins early since shuttles leave promptly.

What happens if it rains?

Swamp tours run rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe. Light rain is common in Louisiana (especially June–September) and often adds a mysterious, misty charm to the bayou.