New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Alligator Tour

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Alligator Tour

Active

(1302 reviews)

1h - 4h

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

Nowhere is Louisiana’s wildlife more abundant than in the swamps and bayous of New Orleans. Take a boat ride through these swamps and bayous and be on the lookout for alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles and native birds. Hear stories from your guide about local Cajun culture and the mysteries of the swamps and bayous.

Available options

Self Drive NO Transportation

Duration: 2 hours<br/>Starting point:<br/>5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067, USA

Swamp Tour with Transportation

Starting point:<br/>Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

What's included

Narrated boat cruise

Local guide

Only if transportation option is selected.

Local taxes

Detailed itinerary

TRANSPORTATION OPTION: After a short coach ride across the Mississippi River, embark on a fascinating 2-hour boat trip through the swamps and bayous of New Orleans. You will travel through the Barataria Preserve, part of the Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve system. The preserve offers a taste of Louisiana's wild wetlands, protecting 23,000 acres of bayous, swamps, marshes and forests.

Stop 2 Pass by

TRANSPORTATION OPTION - Barataria Preserve is part of the Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve system, which preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.

Enjoy your swamp cruise narrated by local captain. During winter months, wildlife sighting experiences may vary.

What's not included

Gratuities

Snacks and refreshments available for purchase on boat

Self drive tour departs from 5145 Fleming Park Road, Lafitte, LA 70067

Transportation not included with the self drive tour option.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

982 reviews

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599

4★

205

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Tripadvisor 4.1

320 reviews

5★

176

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels

Tour vehicles are equipped for wheelchair storage. If wheelchairs collapse and fold, they can be placed in the storage compartment on the bus

Electrical wheelchairs are permitted, but special arrangements need to be made with the supplier for a handicap-accessible bus. This must be arranged 72 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher.

Unfortunately, electrical scooters are not permitted

During winter months, wildlife sighting experiences may vary.

Meeting point

*SELF-DRIVE - NO TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED*

Upon arrival, you’ll find free parking on-site and a check-in area near the dock. Look for signs for the swamp tour or the main office building, where staff will assist you and give you a wristband with your boat number.

Important notes

TOUR - WITH TRANSPORTATION:
Please display your barcoded voucher as your ticket 15 minutes in advance of your tour time at our Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River. All tours and cruises depart from here, at the Steamboat Natchez dock, directly behind the JAX Brewery. All tours depart from 400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans. LA 70130.

TOUR - NO TRANSPORTATION:
The tour meets at 5145 Fleming Road, Lafitte, LA 70067. Please be there no later than 15-30 minutes prior to your tour time to allow time for check in. Note that ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber do not service the area. Bus transportation is limited and must be purchased at time of reservation.

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