7 Top Airboat Swamp Tours in New Orleans 2023
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Welcome to the Bayou State! Louisiana is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the country, and there’s no better way to explore them than by taking one of the airboat swamp tours in New Orleans.
From the Atchafalaya Basin to the Barataria Preserve, there are a variety of tour options available to suit every interest. In this post, we’ll be highlighting some of the best airboat swamp tours in New Orleans, where you’ll have the chance to see everything from alligators and snakes to rare birds and other wildlife.
So come along with us as we take you on a journey through the heart of the Louisiana swamp!
🐊 Don’t have time to read the whole article? Small-Group Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans is the best Swamp Tour in New Orleans, with 1,114+ stellar reviews!
If you’d rather explore all your options, there are 6 more tours on this list, and they all have perfect or near-perfect 5 Star ratings.
The Louisiana swampland is an incredible ecosystem filled with amazing plants and wildlife — so you really can’t go wrong with any of the tours featured here. In short, we vetted these tours, so you don’t have to.
Without further ado, let’s get to this list of the best Airboat Swamp Tours in New Orleans, so you can book your tour already!
1. Small-Group Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
The Small-Group Airboat and Plantations Tour is an immersive journey through the history and natural beauty of Louisiana. The tour starts with a comfortable bus ride from the city, winding through picturesque countryside, passing by sprawling sugarcane fields, an impressive suspension bridge, and charming cypress-lined waterways.
Next hop onboard an airboat for a thrilling ride. Comfortably glide over marshes, across the dark, tea-coloured water, while cutting through the thick cypress trees and into deep, secluded bayous.
Your tour guide will point out the diverse array of wildlife that call the swamp home. From the American alligators basking on the banks to the graceful great blue heron wading in the shallows and the plethora of exotic birds sitting in the Cyprus trees, there is no shortage of things to look at.
After the airboat tour, the group is transported to one of the most beautiful plantation homes in the area. Explore the rich history of Laura, a Creole Plantation from 1804, and uncover the captivating family saga that took place within its walls.
Awesome experience! Loved the airboat and the lunch was so delicious! Plantation houses were beautiful as well… so informative and fun! Loved this tour!!!
— Amy_H (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Guests can step back in time, and explore the ways in which the labour of West African enslaved individuals left a lasting impact on every aspect of Creole culture, from cuisine and music to family traditions, architecture, and lifestyle.
At the Laura Slavery Museum Exhibit, immerse yourself in the personal stories of the men, women, and children who once called Laura home, and gain a deeper understanding of how the lives of the enslaved and their owners were inextricably linked.
Lunch is served just a short drive from the Laura Plantation. Prepare to indulge in a sumptuous seated lunch at the regal dining room of Houmas House.
Afterwards, embark on a historical tour of this 250-year-old grand estate. Discover the fascinating story of plantation life through an array of artworks, furniture, and antique artifacts displayed throughout the mansion.
And, don’t forget to take a stroll through the 38-acre garden that surrounds the mansion for a complete experience.
We loved that this tour gave us a little bit of everything from history, to a gorgeous plantation visit, an exciting swamp tour, and a great lunch. If you are only going to be visiting Louisiana for a few days, this tour is a perfect addition to your New Orleans itinerary.
2. Small-Group Half-Day Airboat Swamp Adventure & Plantation Tour from New Orleans
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5.5 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
The Small-Group Half-Day Airboat Swamp Adventure & Plantation Tour from New Orleans is the perfect family-friendly tour, offering a thrilling and exciting adventure for all ages.
Journey back in time and visit the storied Destrehan Plantation, nestled along Louisiana’s picturesque Old River Road. As you embark on a guided tour of the plantation, let your knowledgeable guide transport you to a bygone era as they bring to life the captivating stories of generations who once called this land home.
Be entranced as your guides share every fascinating detail of the mansion’s rich history, from tales of the lives of its owners to the stories of those who were enslaved. And, marvel at the beautifully restored Greek Revival architecture that will leave you in awe.
Experienced the trip with my family from out of town. [Our Guide] was a true NOLA native and went way beyond expectations. Loved the plantation tour and actually learned a few things about my home state. Highly recommend.
— Vicki_J (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Next, embark on an exhilarating adventure as you glide through the picturesque marshes and secluded bayous of the swamp. Your expert Airboat Captain will be your guide, sharing fascinating insights about the diverse fauna and flora of the area as you speed through the water.
Hold on tight as you experience the thrill of high-speed bursts and the serenity of gentle cruising. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to snap fantastic photos and catch a glimpse of some of the swamp’s most spectacular inhabitants, from majestic bald eagles to playful baby alligators.
You might even get the chance to feed giant catfish or come face to face with a nutria! So, be sure to join this tour for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Louisiana swamp!
3. Oak Alley Plantation and Large Airboat Swamp Tour from New Orleans
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Embark on a journey back in time as you travel just 70 miles, or about 1 hour and 10 minutes from the vibrant French Quarter. Along the way, take in the breathtaking views of the Great River Road and be enchanted by the grandeur of the antebellum mansions.
Upon arrival at Oak Alley Plantation, step back in time as you explore the grand halls of the plantation house on a 35-minute guided tour, led by knowledgeable Plantation tour guides.
After the tour, take your time to wander the picturesque grounds, and stroll the lane surrounded by 300-year-old trees, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic gem. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for a delicious sandwich to fuel your adventure.
Once you’ve had your fill of history and beauty, head to the swamp tour dock for your next thrilling adventure. Make the most of your visit to Oak Alley Plantation and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This was a great tour. The guides were great and transportation was perfect. Couldn’t have asked for a better tour… We were a family of mom, dad, and 18 year old son. It was a great value since it included transportation plus all day tours.
— Yvonne_M (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Get ready for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure as you embark on a tour that combines the best of both worlds. You’ll be treated to both an informative swamp tour and a high-speed thrill airboat ride, all in one!
First, strap on your seatbelt and hold on tight as you zoom through the swamp at high speeds on an airboat. Your captain will take you on a thrilling ride, stopping to take pictures along the way.
Then, slow down and listen closely as your captain takes you on a tour of a lifetime, sharing their knowledge of the culture, animals, and the beautiful swamps you’re surrounded by.
Be prepared to be amazed as you may even have a chance to come face-to-face with some of the local swamp life. With the expert guidance of your captain, you’ll learn about the unique and fascinating ecosystem of the swamp.
Please note that the order of the Large Airboat Swamp Tour from New Orleans tour may change based on availability and weather. But rest assured, you’ll have an unforgettable experience, no matter what.
4. Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as you’re picked up from your downtown New Orleans or French Quarter hotel. Sit back and relax as you’re driven along the mighty Mississippi River, to a secluded and mysterious swamp deep in Cajun Country.
Just a short drive away, this natural wonder awaits you, ready to be explored and discovered. Your friendly driver will keep you entertained with their captivating stories and fascinating facts about the region.
As you travel through picturesque landscapes and local towns, you’ll get a taste of the rich culture and history of the area. And just when you think it can’t get any better, you’ll arrive at the remote swamp for an unforgettable high-speed airboat tour.
Get ready for an exciting adventure as you explore the wild and untamed beauty of the swamp. Climb aboard a sleek and powerful airboat and let your knowledgeable captain take you on an exhilarating journey through the marshes and hidden bayous of Louisiana.
We had a wonderful time on this tour, start to finish. We expected to enjoy ourselves but we didn’t know how much fun it would be. Our guide was great, informative, knowledgeable and experienced. I would go on this tour again, if given the chance.
— Diane_W (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll be amazed by the skill and expertise of your captain as they expertly navigate the waters, taking you deep into the heart of the swamps.
Hold on tight as the airboat reaches thrilling speeds of up to 35 mph and take in the breathtaking views of the cypress trees, Louisiana’s state tree, and keep an eye out for the diverse array of native wildlife.
You’ll spend roughly 1.5 hours on the airboat, experiencing the thrill of the ride while also learning about the unique ecosystem of the swamp.
When your Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans tour comes to an end, you’ll return to your hotel, feeling refreshed and invigorated, with memories of your airboat adventure that will last a lifetime.
5. Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you experience the best of both worlds on this tour. You’ll soar through the swamp at high speeds on an airboat, then slow down to take in the picturesque views and snap some photos.
Your local captain will be with you every step of the way, providing a personal tour and sharing their knowledge and expertise of the area.
Climb aboard an airboat with stadium seating, ensuring that you have an unobstructed view of the surroundings. Every seat is the best seat in the house for experiencing this Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat tour and viewing the diverse wildlife.
And speaking of wildlife, yes, you will get up close and personal with gators. So close that you’ll be able to look into their reptilian eyes.
Great experience for the entire family. Fun and educational. Guides are exceptional historians and guardians of the swamps of the lower Mississippi delta.
— David_D (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Though gators do hibernate in the colder months, the experienced captains know where to look for them, and you have better than a 50/50 chance of seeing one during the winter. In the warmer months, you’re guaranteed to spot at least one.
Every New Orleans Airboat Tour is unique, and you never know what you’ll come across next. From Bald Eagles to Pelicans, Osprey to Owls, the area toured is a combination of Swamp, Marsh, and Lake, making it a truly diverse experience.
The airboats are driven by a 454 Chevy Engine that can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, propelled by a huge fan that generates air speeds of over 200 miles per hour.
The airboats can ride in inches of water and take you to inaccessible areas of the swamp, places that you can’t reach by traditional boat, foot or car. It’s a truly unique experience that you won’t want to miss.
6. New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Are you ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure? Climb aboard an airboat and set off on a journey along the Mississippi River to a remote location in Marrero, just a 35-minute drive from New Orleans.
Meet your captain, who will give you a quick briefing on the safety procedures and the capabilities of the airboat. Once everyone is ready, the captain will rev the engine, signalling the start of your tour.
The airboat is powered by a 454 Chevy engine, capable of reaching speeds as high as 35 miles per hour. Propelled by a powerful fan that generates wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour, this New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour tour is fast, loud, and exhilarating!
The beauty of the bayou and the knowledge shared about the habitat and animals that live there was made this tour memorable!! Highly recommend!
— Lorenda_N (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Your tour guide will navigate you through the swamp, showing you the best spots and making frequent stops for you to encounter the wildlife. Keep an eye out for reptilian visitors, as the alligators are known to swim up to the side of the boat and put on a show for the visitors.
After the tour of the swamp is complete, you will be returned to the original departure location, where you can make your way back to New Orleans, with memories of an unforgettable adventure.
7. Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✔️ BOOK NOW
Are you ready for a heart-pumping adventure into the heart of the Louisiana swamps? Imagine yourself being picked up from your hotel in the heart of New Orleans, and embarking on a 35-minute journey through the historic Mississippi River.
As you arrive at the departure location, you’ll be greeted by your expert airboat captain and introduced to your 16-passenger vessel. Get ready to feel the thrill of the ride as your captain revs up the powerful 454 Chevy engine and propels the airboat at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
Easy pickup at hotel. Extremely knowledgeable guide who cares about the swamps and marshlands. Very interesting narrative and yes, many alligator sightings.
— Joe_M (SEE MORE REVIEWS)
Hold on tight as you travel through the swamps, experiencing exhilarating high-speed maneuvers, gentle cruises and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Your captain will be narrating the whole time, pointing out the local flora and fauna, and providing you with a wealth of knowledge about the swamp.
Alligator sightings are common in these waters, but don’t worry, your guide is trained to ensure safety at all times.
This 2-hour tour is perfect for families and adventure-seekers alike. After the tour concludes, sit back and relax as you are transported back to your hotel in New Orleans, with unforgettable memories of your wild ride through the swamp.
Top Airboat Swamp Tours in New Orleans – FAQs
The best times to take an airboat swamp tour in Louisiana vary depending on the location and the tour operator. However, generally, the early morning and late afternoon are considered the best times for wildlife viewing. It’s also best to avoid the heat of the midday sun.
Yes, children can typically go on airboat swamp tours in Louisiana, but it’s always best to check with the tour operator for any age restrictions or policies they may have. Some tour operators may have minimum age requirements or may require children to be accompanied by an adult.
Some tour operators may have weight or height restrictions for safety reasons, but this varies depending on the tour operator. It’s always best to check with the tour operator for specific details.
On an airboat swamp tour in Louisiana, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as alligators, snakes, turtles, and birds. You may also see different types of plants and trees that are unique to the area. The specific wildlife and plants you’ll see will depend on the tour operator, location, and time of year.
Airboat swamp tours typically operate rain or shine, but some tour operators may cancel or reschedule tours in the event of severe weather. It’s always best to check with the tour operator before your tour and dress accordingly. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Yes, you can bring your own camera on an airboat swamp tour. However, it’s important to make sure that your camera is secure and protected from any potential water damage. Some tour operators may also have specific policies regarding cameras, so it’s always best to check with them before your tour.
Yes, airboat swamp tours are generally considered safe. Tour operators are required to follow strict safety guidelines and regulations, and the boats themselves are designed to be stable and easy to maneuver. However, it’s always important to listen to the instructions of your tour guide and follow any safety rules they may have.
On an airboat swamp tour in Louisiana, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as alligators, snakes, turtles, and birds. You may also see different types of plants and trees that are unique to the area. The specific wildlife and plants you’ll see will depend on the tour operator, location, and time of year.
Final Thoughts on the Best Airboat Swamp Tours in New Orleans
Louisiana is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the country, and taking an airboat swamp tour is the perfect way to explore them. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a fun and exciting adventure, there’s a tour out there for you.
So if you’re planning a trip to Louisiana, be sure to add one of our suggestions for the best airboat swamp tour in New Orleans to your itinerary. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
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