Day Trips

New Orleans: Small Airboat Swamp Tour

Glide across 20,000 acres of lush swamp on a small airboat, led by expert captains who bring the bayou’s wildlife and history to life.

Spot alligators, turtles, raccoons, deer, and a variety of birds, including hawks, owls, and bald eagles, in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a small-group experience with only 10 passengers on board, ensuring more personal interaction with your guide.

Visit indoor exhibits featuring live alligators, including a rare albino alligator, for even more close-up encounters.

Upgrade to choose a premium small airboat for a more intimate tour or add hotel pickup and drop-off for extra convenience.

1 hr 45 min airboat ride through 20,000 acres of swamp

Expert airboat captains/guides certified by the US Coast Guard

Small airboat up to 10 passengers

Ear protection

Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Downtown/French Quarter, New Orleans (as per option selected)

Premium small airboat up to 6 passengers (as per option selected)

Food & beverages

Tips and gratuities

TOTAL DURATION1 hour 45 minutes - 4 hours 15 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERAir boat
Timeline
Map
Start point
Hotel pickup from New Orleans (If option selected)
Get direction
40 min
45 km
1. Airboat adventures
1 attraction
If you choose a Small Airboat tour without transportation, your tour will begin here. Check in at the facility at least 15-20 minutes before your selected tour time.
Highlights
Indoor exhibits
2. Safety briefing and boarding the Airboat
3. Airboat Ride through the swamp
Tickets included
1 hr 45 min
4. Wildlife spotting
5. Return to dock
40 min
45 km
End point
Hotels drop-off in New Orleans (If option selected)
Get direction

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Enjoy a thrilling airboat adventure through Louisiana’s swamplands, spotting elusive wildlife amid cypress trees and marshes.

Getting started

Meet your pilot at the departure point in Lafitte (or at your hotel if you chose the pickup option). After safety instructions, hop aboard the airboat and take off into the swamp.

What to expect

Small-group swamp adventure

Zip through sprawling bayous on a fast-moving airboat with up to 10 passengers. Your guide highlights alligators, birds, turtles, and forest scenery along the way.

Features

Intimate small-boat tour: Personalized attention and easier wildlife encounters.

Expert narration: Learn about the habitats, animals, and history of the swamps.

Photo ops: Fantastic chances to capture alligators and swamp landscapes.

Premium upgrade: Choose a 6-passenger airboat or include hotel transportation for convenience.

What to bring

Dress in comfortable clothes and wear closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor activity.

Bring a camera or binoculars to capture wildlife and scenic views.

Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended for protection from the sun and bugs.

What’s not allowed

Alcohol, large bags, and bulky luggage are prohibited.

Pets cannot join the airboat tour.

Outside food or drinks are generally not permitted on-site.

Glass containers are not allowed anywhere on the property.

Accessibility

This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Not recommended for travelers with back or neck issues, heart conditions, or other serious medical concerns.

Pregnant guests are advised not to participate.

Guests must be able to board the airboat independently.

Additional information

Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult and cannot ride alone.

Hotel pickups start approximately 1 hour 15 minutes before the scheduled tour. If the driver cannot locate you, they may not return to pick you up.

Transportation is only available from select Downtown and French Quarter hotels.

The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Separate reservations do not guarantee placement on the same airboat.

Taxi and ride-share services are not available in the Lafitte area; plan transportation accordingly.

Alligators can be seen throughout the year in favorable weather, especially on sunny days over 65°F, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.