Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

New Orleans , United States

Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

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(1790 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the thrill of riding a 16-passenger airboat on a 1 hour and 40 minute New Orleans swamp tour, with informative narration provided by the captain. See alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat during the adrenaline-fueled ride. This family-friendly tour includes the convenience of hotel transport from downtown hotels.

Available options

12:30 pm Pick Up

2:10pm Tour: 16 passenger airboat with pickup from downtown New Orleans hotels; hotel pickups are from 12:30PM to 1:00PM.<br/>Pickup included

3:00 pm Pick Up

4:15pm Tour: 16 passenger airboat with pickup from downtown New Orleans hotels; hotel pickups are from 3:00PM to 3:30PM.<br/>Pickup included

10:20 am Pick Up

12:10pm Tour: 16 passenger airboat with pickup from downtown New Orleans hotels; hotel pickups are from 10:20am to 10:50am<br/>Pickup included

8:00 am Pick Up

9:40am Tour: 16 passenger airboat with pickup from downtown New Orleans hotels; hotel pickups are from 8am to 8:30am<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Detailed itinerary

This 2-hour swamp tour of New Orleans starts with pickup from your downtown hotel. After a 35-minute drive along the Mississippi River by air-conditioned van, you'll arrive at your destination.

Meet your airboat captain and settle into your seat on the 16-passenger vessel, then prepare for a wild ride into the swamp.

Powered by a 454 Chevy engine and propelled by huge fans, the airboat travels at speeds up to 25 miles per hour (40 kph). The captain performs exhilarating high-speed maneuvers, cruises at gentle speeds, and makes plenty of photo stops while narrating on the wildlife and local flora. Alligator sightings are common in these waters, but your guide is trained to ensure safety at all times during this family-friendly outing. After your tour concludes, relax with transport back to your hotel in New Orleans.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

1,016 reviews

5★

956

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

774 reviews

5★

733

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Due to safety concerns, pregnant women are not allowed on this tour

All children must be at least 48 inches

When traveling with multiple passengers, you must make one booking with all passengers to insure that you are on the same boat. If you did not book together, you are not guaranteed to be together.

Service animals are permitted but not recommended due to the volume of noise on the boat and threats of surrounding wildlife.

Emotional support animals are not permitted.

Please note you are not guaranteed to see a gator. They hibernate in winter months but are easily spotted in spring, summer, and fall.

Folding wheelchairs are allowed on the bus, but the driver is not allowed to pick up a person to help them gain entrance. The customer must get into the minibus by themselves or with assistance from family or friends.

• Airboats are not handicapped accessible. There are no lifts or ramps available for use. Guests must be able to get on or off of the boat themselves or with the help of someone in their party.

Important notes

• Participants with back problems are not permitted on an airboat
• Participants with heart complications or other serious medical conditions are not permitted on an airboat
• Pregnant women are not permitted on an airboat
• Airboats are not handicapped accessible. There are no lifts or ramps available for use. Guests must be able to get on or off of the boat themselves or with the help of someone in their party.
• Service animals are permitted but not recommended due to the volume of noise on the boat and threats of surrounding wildlife.
• Emotional support animals are not permitted.When traveling with multiple passengers, you must make one booking with all passengers to insure that you are on the same boat. If you did not book together, you are not guaranteed to be together.
• Please note you are not guaranteed to see a gator. They hibernate in winter months but are easily spotted in spring, summer, and fall.

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes