The 7 Best New Orleans Swamp Tours [2024 Reviews]

Discover your wild side during a swamp tour of Louisiana bayou country! Areas unreachable by foot can be easily experienced by boat tour. A boat ride through the canopied waterways and shallow waters of the bayou offers unparalleled views of its beauty.

An experienced boat captain adds to the adventure by providing in-depth information about the bayou wildlife and the unique habitat that houses hundreds of animal species.

Louisiana is one of two states famous for its bayous, which are intricately linked to Creole culture.

Most of us non-Cajuns would refer to a bayou as a “swamp”. Regardless of what you call it, bayous (or swamps) develop in low-lying areas, where water moves slowly and tons of wildlife thrives.

Best Airboat Tours in New Orleans

Be sure to see our reviews of tours of plantations in New Orleans .

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Airboat Swamp Tours in New Orleans

  • Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans
  • High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride From New Orleans
  • Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch from New Orleans
  • Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up
  • New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat Tour
  • Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup
  • New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour

New Orleans sits within a reasonable distance from the Louisiana Bayou, which makes a swamp tour completely doable for someone visiting the area. We’ve reviewed the top rated New Orleans swamp tours and hope you find one that works for you!

New Orleans Swamp Tour Reviews

1. best small group tour: small-group bayou airboat ride with transport from new orleans.

  • Departure point : Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Departure time : 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM
  • Duration : 4 hours (approx.)
  • Includes : Small-group tour, transport by van, hotel pickup and drop-off, 1.5-hour airboat ride

We recommend this New Orleans swamp tour for those adventurers who want an intimate, small-group tour experience. Also, for those who want to avoid doing any driving on their own, this tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off (make sure to see if your hotel is within their pickup radius).

This swamp tour takes place on an airboat, which is a unique experience if you’ve never tried it before (See more detail about airboat vs. traditional boats below the tour reviews).

Your excursion begins with an hour-long ride to Louisiana bayou country in an air conditioned van. Along the journey, your experienced tour guide/driver provides commentary and shares stories about the area. The driver is well-versed in local culture and history, so prepare to be entertained and informed en route to the swamp.

Once you arrive for the swamp portion of your tour, you board an airboat that will get you up close to wildlife and local flora. The boat’s captain shares his experiences and a wealth of information about the bayou’s unique ecosystem.

Just a few of the animals you may encounter while on the water include alligators, otters, deer, and a plethora of water fowl. If seeing alligators and snakes in the wild feels a little too close to comfort, you’ll be glad to know the captain has explored every nook and cranny of the area, and your safety is his first concern.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. best adventure tour: high speed 16 passenger airboat ride from new orleans.

  • Departure point : Hotel pickup and drop-off available
  • Departure time : 8:00 AM, 10:20 AM, 12:30 PM, or 3:00 PM
  • Includes : Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, live commentary on board, 100-minute airboat tour, transport from New Orleans to boat ride departure point

We recommend this New Orleans bayou tour for those who want a little adventure while seeing seeing the Louisiana swamp country in a high speed airboat.

After being picked up from your area hotel, you’ll be transported to Slidell, Louisiana which lies about a half hour north of New Orleans. This portion of the trip is narrated by an entertaining guide, which makes the ride fly by. The boat ride portion of your bayou tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Your boat ride to the swamps and marshes will allow you to see all types of wildlife from bald eagles to alligators. These boat captains are native to the area, and thus, are very familiar with the ins and outs of the unique landscape that makes up the Louisiana bayou.

During the boat ride, you’re introduced to Honey Island Swamp, one of only a few protected wetlands in Louisiana. The tour also passes by a Cajun village.

As the boat glides along grassy, slow-moving waterways, you are practically guaranteed to see alligators sunning themselves on the shore or on fallen logs. Raccoons scamper along the reedy river shores. Other frequently sighted wildlife include mink, otter, wild boar, deer, and a variety of birds.

There is a gift shop conveniently located at the boat ride’s departure point, which is handy if you’ve forgotten a necessity like sunscreen or bug repellent. They even carry ponchos in the event the weather takes a turn for the worse.

3. Best Combination Tour: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch from New Orleans

  • Departure point: Hotel pickup included
  • Departure time : 8:00 AM
  • Duration : 9 hours
  • Includes : Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned van, 2-hour airboat ride, entrance fees to visit 2 plantation mansions, gourmet lunch with soft drinks, coffee and tea

We recommend this swamp boat tour for those who prefer to travel with a smaller group and who are looking to combine adventure with a taste of Louisiana history.

After pickup from your area hotel, you’ll be transported by van to where your airboat departs (approximately 30 minutes from the city). During your transit from New Orleans to Paradis, a friendly driver/guide will share his in-depth understanding of the area.

Once fitted with ear muffs, you’re zipped away on for an exciting airboat adventure. Your captain keeps the group intrigued by making sure you see lots of different animals and the lesser-known areas of the swamp. He makes sure his passengers are safe, while ensuring they have fun through his amusing stories. The boat rides lasts approximately 2 hours.

After touring the swamp, your van takes your group to the historic antebellum mansion, Houmas House Plantation. With its construction taking place between 1787 and 1790, Destrehan is one of the oldest homes in Louisiana.

Here you will have lunch of some authentic Cajun cuisine in the dining room decorated like it would have been in the 1700s. After lunch at “Sugar Palace”, tour-goers will experience the plantation’s main house, an on-site museum that displays original artifacts and photos of the Houmas family.

Tour the weaving room, the outdoor kitchen, and cabins which offer a glimpse into the daily lives of enslaved men, women, and children. Tours are led by guides who are attired in dress typical of that era.

4. Best Value Tour: Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up

  • Departure point: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Duration : 2 hours
  • Includes : Professional guide, all transportation

If it’s your first time in New Orleans, you’re likely somewhat overwhelmed with all there is to possibly do. However, I can’t recommend this next tour enough, even if you only have a few hours free on your schedule.

The Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up is one of the convenient, most exciting tours you could possibly take in the area!

I really appreciate the fact that our tour guide came right up to our hotel lobby to pick us up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle (if you’ve been here during the hotter months you know what a lifesaver that is!).

Right from the very beginning, they are super friendly and knowledgeable which only makes the experience that much more enriching.

They’re also there to answer any questions you may have, after offering a safety briefing. Then, it’s time to delve into the riddles that are woven into the heart of the enigmatic swamps surrounding New Orleans.

This ride on a traditional airboat captained by a bona fide swamp whisperer, is more fun than I thought one could have on murky waters such as these. As we cruised through the mesmerizing waterways, our guide would regale us with tales of these mysterious marches, the gators, and the history surrounding them.

To make the most of your time, the captain will alternate between soft cruising speeds and high-speed bursts while placing special attention to the surroundings. Everyone stays nice and safe while getting to capture amazing photos during stops along the way.

If you’re looking for something outside of your regular cookie-cutter tours, this is definitely the one for you.

5. Best Informative Tour: New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat Tour

  • Departure time : Varies
  • Duration : 100 minutes to 4 hours
  • Includes : Boat ride tour, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, stadium seating for improved views, experienced captains

If it’s your first time out on an airboat, I know you’re going to love having chosen this tour. The friendly guide only made it that much more engaging and exciting, with fun commentary and expert eyes to locate critters around us.

If that sounds fun to you, do yourself a favor and sign up for the New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat Tour .

After undergoing a safety briefing, everyone was comfortable and excited to get out on the water with our expert guide/captain! The stadium-style seats on the airboat were pretty cool, and made it easy for everyone to get an unobstructed view of the water and surrounding marshes.

As you cruise along, your guide will point out various wildlife and plants that you may find interesting. We did see plenty of gators, which I’m not sure why I was surprised by!

While I definitely have a lot of respect for the animals, I lost a lot of the fear I had surrounding them. This was probably largely due to the fact that I saw our guide give them marshmallows like they were some kind of reptilian dog!

Apparently, that’s one of their favorite snacks, but I digress. This is truly one of the most compelling tours I’ve gone on, and gave us the opportunity to see animals like bald eagles, pelicans, owls, and of course, plenty of gators.

If you’re looking to get away from the busy city and into some more peace and quiet, this is the tour for you .

6. Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

  • Departure : 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072 (hotel pickup and drop-off available)
  • Departure Time : 9:40 AM
  • Includes : Airboat tour, professional guide

I feel that the best way to experience a swamp tour is with a small group for a more intimate setting. That way, you get to hear every splash of the water, every sound of a cricket, or critter swimming near the boat.

The Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup is the perfect option, where just you and the rest of your party get to experience this amazing atmosphere! This 2-hour tour is super easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules, and is a must-do for those visiting New Orleans for the first time.

Hotel pickup is available, so we didn’t even have to book separate transportation to the swamp. Upon arrival to the Barataria Preserve, we received a safety briefing and then climbed onto a one-of-a-kind airboat!

I could tell it was a high-quality, well-built vessel with a 454 Chevy Engine that took us shockingly fast across the water! The massive fan in the back blows air up to 200 miles per hour, and our captain zoomed through, slowing down when we arrived at particularly interesting sights.

We were able to see parts of the swamp that most others aren’t even able to see, which was exciting. The way the airboat seats are set up is so everyone gets full 360-degree views which is essential in this kind of environment.

The captain is a local and they know how to view wildlife safely (for humans and gators), so you’ll be able to see the critters in a way like never before. We were informed that the chance of seeing a gator varies depending on the season, but the experts still know exactly where to go for the best chance of spotting them.

7. New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour

  • Departure : 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072

This for me is that “biggest bang for your buck” swamp tours, as it’s one of the most affordable while still providing an insanely fun time! I had no idea New Orleans swamps could be so beautiful and captivating, but I was sure shown the authentic side of this region on the New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour !

Limited to just 9 passengers, there’s no having to deal with large groups of people or fighting to hear the guide. This is a completely private tour with just you and your group, and I found it like an old friend taking us around on their airboat to show us the coolest sights around the swamps!

Of course, I don’t know anyone personally who has an airboat, but the friendliness of the captain sure made it feel that way. It doesn’t come with a hotel pickup like the other, but we found it easy to get to the Barataria Preserve where we hopped onto the airboat.

The stadium-style seating makes it easy for everyone to get a clear view of everything going on while still staying safe and secure. I wasn’t prepared for how speedy and noisy the tour was going to be, but there was a lot of laughing and excitement going on.

We saw plenty of gators, and even had one come all the way up to the boat which was initially pretty scary. After we saw a few, though, I realized that these guys seem more like scaly dog than a cold-blooded predator!

Our tour guide knew so much about the history of the area, geography, and wildlife, that it was an overall amazing tour that I’d love to go on again!

FAQ About New Orleans Airboat Swamp Tours

What is the difference between an airboat tour and flat bottom boat tour.

Airboats are propelled by enormous fans. The fans are so powerful and loud that passengers must wear ear muffs (provided by tour operators). Not only is this a fun way to tour the marshy areas surrounding New Orleans, airboat travel actually assists in navigating areas where a traditional propeller may get wrapped up in swampy reeds and grasses.

While passengers are given ear muffs to protect against the loud hum of an airboat’s giant fan, it should be noted that children or adults who are bothered by loud noises may find the sound unpleasant.

Flat bottom boats are able to accommodate larger groups and their narrow constructions allows them to make their way through tighter spots.

What should I bring for a swamp tour?

There are several essentials when visiting the swamp. Due to the humidity, insects, like pesky mosquitoes, may find their way to you, so a can of insect repellent is a good idea to have on hand.

Because you’ll be exposed to the sun for several hours, make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Packing a hat isn’t a bad idea, either. Don’t forget to hydrate. Take along plenty of water.

What is the best time of year to go on a swamp tour?

The time of year you choose to go on a swamp tour may mean compromising one thing for another. For example, if you hate the hot, muggy weather you’ll want to avoid the summer time, as that part of Louisiana can be oppressively hot and humid.

Alligators are out in droves during the summer months and tend to sneak into nests during the winter, so visiting during the cooler months may mean you see fewer of these reptiles. While gators may be more elusive during the winter months, you’re more likely to see bears or nutria during this season.

Spring offers a good mix of comfortable weather with animal sightings, as animals are out doing their thing and wildflowers are in full bloom.

There is sure to be an airboat adventure from New Orleans that will please everyone in your group. We hope our reviews help you to discover an adventure that will make lots of fun memories!

What should I wear on a swamp tour?

You should dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. So don’t wear anything that you are not OK with getting ruined. If you’re touring anytime other than during the summer months, be sure to bring a windbreaker – especially during the winter when it can get cool.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

While airboat tours are fine for all ages and abilities, some tours have a minimum age requirement of 5 – 6 years old. Pregnant women and people with back or neck problems should not take airboat tours.

How many people are on the boat?

This will vary on the size of the boat. Large airboats have seating for about 27 people, while small airboats have seating for as few as 6 people. Small airboats are more personal and can get into more places, while large airboats are more stable and comfortable.

What if it rains?

Airboat tours operate rain or shine, unless there are severe weather conditions like lightning. Check forecast before your tour and be prepared for delays or cancellations.

How long are the airboat swamp tours?

Most tours are about 4 hours and that includes the ride there and back. Some are longer if they include a plantation tour or a food tour in New Orleans .

What is the best New Orleans airboat swamp tour?

If you don’t mind spending a little extra and want a full day of adventure and sight-seeing we recommend the Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch from New Orleans . This tour combines an exciting day of seeing wildlife in the swamps along with seeing two of the plantations that show the history of the area.

What is the cheapest airboat tour in New Orleans?

If you are on a budget but would like to do a airboat tour of the swamps of New Orleans we recommend the High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride From New Orleans . This tour is on a larger boat so you don’t get the personal experience of being on a smaller boat.

Tour Guides

The Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans is our Editor's Choice for the best New Orleans airboat swamp tour.

Krysha Thayer

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The best new orleans swamp tour experiences (updated march 2024).

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Let Cool New Orleans connect you with the best New Orleans Swamp Tours and head out for adventure. Tour the famed Louisiana swamps that dominate the landscape just outside of New Orleans. Ancient and mysterious, these iconic Mississippi Delta Wetlands present an ecosystem incredibly rich in life. Haunt of the magnificent American alligator, the New Orleans swamp lands are a must-see stop on any NOLA visit.

Home to native American and Cajun folk for centuries past along with innumerable species of birds, animals, amphibians, fish, and reptiles, New Orleans’ swamps and bayous are a dense, trackless, and treacherous wilderness to the outsider. But you can join one of our expert local guides, native Louisiana Cajun swamp hunters, trappers, and fisherman, on a safe and exciting journey into this unique watery wonderland.

Cool New Orleans makes it simple to arrange a tour with the best land and water transportation options for your interests and itinerary, and our New Orleans swamp tours are perfect for visitors of all ages.

Close to the City but a World Apart Leave the busy city behind and enter a world where only bird calls break the silence as you drift on waterways that wind between moss-covered trees and through lush gardens of aquatic plants. Giant cypress and Tupelo gum trees overhang lagoons where gators sun on the banks and tall herons stalk fish in the shallows. This is a bird-watchers paradise; turtles, snakes, and aquatic mammals like nutria are also common sights according to the season.  

Conservation efforts and wildlife reserve designations have preserved much of the original natural richness of the New Orleans swamplands. Your visit is sure to be deeply rewarding no matter which of our New Orleans swamp tours you choose.

  • Honey Island – One of America’s most pristine marshland environments sets the scene with plenty of hanging moss over lily-pad covered waterways and is home to alligators, wild boars, bears, and a wide variety of birdlife.
  • Manchac Swamp – Several small Cajun country towns and many scattered waterfront fishing cabins and hunting posts occupy the Manchac, legendary home of voodoo queen Julia Brown.
  • Barataria Swamp – Home to over 200 species of birds and part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a wilderness area once used as a hideout by the notorious French pirate and smuggler Jean Lafitte.
  • Maurepas Swamp – Just 25 miles west of New Orleans, this is a flooded cypress and Tupelo gum tree swamp that also hosts beautiful American elm, red maple, and sugarberry trees along with hundreds of animal species.

Come Aboard for a New Orleans Swamp Tour Cruise in smooth, shaded comfort on a roomy traditional flat-bottomed swamp boat and wind through waterways past ancient Native American sites and Cajun fishing villages. Feel the excitement of speed over water on an airboat powered by a huge car engine and aircraft propeller. Take a small group tour for an intimate experience with plenty of time to ask your guide questions or select a larger boat for family or corporate outings.

Reservations are REQUIRED for all New Orleans Swamp Tours, so take advantage of fast and easy booking here at Cool New Orleans. Convenient pick-up services are offered from many French Quarter hotels and visitor centers. Self-drive options are also available.

Don’t miss this chance to explore the natural setting that was so important in making New Orleans the city it is today. Make your swamp tour reservations today.

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

Take a New Orleans swamp tour and wetlands adventure! See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Here, the... Read More

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure With Pickup

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure With Pickup

See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Here, the waterways are their highways. From the relaxed comfort of... Read More

Small-Group Half-Day Airboat Swamp Adventure & Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Small-Group Half-Day Airboat Swamp Adventure & Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Get ready for an exhilarating 1.5 hour airboat ride deep into secluded bayous in Cajun Country. You will see all sorts of wildlife on your... Read More

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Wandering Crystal

The 9 Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans

A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a swamp tour. Step out of the bustling city and venture into Cajun Country by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans.

There are several swamps to choose from, including the Honey Island Swamp and the Barataria Preserve in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.

Not only will you be guided through areas only accessible by boat, but you can also choose a trip on an iconic airboat or a flat-bottom traditional boat. Each boat has its pros and cons, but the tour will be unforgettable, whichever you choose.

You will learn about the swamps surrounding New Orleans and the wildlife that call the swamps home. From alligators to turtles or raccoons to wild boars – you never know what you will come across on a New Orleans swamp tour.

Remember that these are swamp tours, so alligator sightings are not guaranteed. However, you will likely see some scaley friends if you take a tour during the warmer months!

See an alligator by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans.  Alligator sticking his head out of the swamp water.

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New Orleans Airboat Ride

Take an iconic airboat ride through Louisiana’s stunning Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans: The New Orleans Airboat Ride .

The swamp tour takes you through where you will see loads of swamp wildlife, including alligators, turtles, raccoons, birds and all of the aquatic plants that bloom in the swamp.

The tour takes place on the Tidewater cypress swamp, home to shallow marshes surrounded by tupelo-gum trees and mossy cypress.

One of the bonuses of taking an airboat over a regular swamp tour boat is the air helps keep you cool while keeping the mosquitos at bay. This is what makes the New Orleans Airboat Ride the best airboat tour in New Orleans.

You will be able to get quite close to the alligators on the New Orleans Airboat Ride, which is fantastic to experience! It can get pretty hot during the day, so bring plenty of cool clothing and a hat. Otherwise, I recommend taking the morning tour to avoid the afternoon heat.

The tour guides know about all the creatures you will see on your swamp tour. The tour is fun, and you will leave falling in love with the swamp.

What are the pros of the airboat over a regular boat? You can move through areas fast to see more alligators, and the air keeps you cooler in the hot summer New Orleans heat.

They have larger and smaller airboats of either 10 to 30 people. And you can choose to get picked up from your hotel, which makes getting to the tour super easy.

Book here: New Orleans Airboat Ride

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

Explore the beautiful Honey Island Swamp by taking the New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour . The boats you take creep through the wetlands, allowing you to get up close and personal with swamp wildlife without scaring them away.

The tour will transport you across the stunning Lake Pontchartrain to the Honey Island Swamp outside Slidell.

The bus and tour with the Captain are fantastic. You will learn so much about the wetlands and see all the wildlife you can imagine. The smaller boats make it easier to go through narrower passageways through the swamp offering a more intimate and peaceful tour. Airboats are cool, but there is something special about travelling quietly through the swamps of New Orleans on a smaller boat.

I recommend a boat with a top to protect yourself from the sun. It gets pretty hot down in the Honey Island Swamp! The tour guide I had made our trip incredible, and I consider it one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans.

My favourite thing about my tour of the Honey Island Swamp was seeing the pigs! I absolutely loved Oreo the best, and I recommend checking out the post about my trip to the Honey Island Swamp Tour in New Orleans .

Book here: New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

Introducing the love of my life: Oreo the Pig!

Oreo the pig in the swamp water at the Honey Island Swamp in Louisiana

Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Boat Tour

Visit the Take the New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour to see all the alligators that call the Barataria Preserve in the Jean Lafitte Historical Park home. The preserve is wild wetlands surrounded by bayous, marshes, swamps and forests.

It is such an incredible boat tour, and the tour guides are hilarious and point out animals as you float through the swamp. They also get alligators to come as close to the boat as possible by feeding them sweet marshmallow treats. It’s so exciting to get up close and personal with wild alligators!

The bus ride passes over the Mississippi River, and you will get to listen to the driver talk about the history of each community we pass. 

And once you get onto the swamp, you are greeted by a local guide who knows the swamps’ ins and outs. Every staff member was incredibly friendly and helpful, and I cannot recommend them enough.

I saw tons of alligators on my tour, but depending on the time of year, sometimes it can be hard to spot alligators in the water, so be prepared for possible disappointment. It doesn’t seem to happen too often, though!

Book here: Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Boat Tour

Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat

Do you want to take a swamp tour in New Orleans but don’t want to share the experience with too many other people? The Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat is the tour I recommend.

You can sail the seas (okay, the swamps) of the Barataria Preserve with a local guide who will show you the best parts of the swamp. The airboat travels at high speeds through certain areas of the swamp, which is extremely fun.

Then, as you approach wildlife like alligators and to, pelicans, and so much more – the boat will slow down, allowing you to take photos as you learn about the animals in the area.

What makes this one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans? The airboat allows you to reach and explore inaccessible places on foot. Plus, the tour is family and kid-friendly and perfect for people who want to enjoy the peace of a smaller group as the boats seat a max of 9 people.

Book here: Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat

New Orleans: Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise

Visit the Manchac Swamp by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans with the Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise Tour .

Explore the swamp by taking a Cajun-style boat tour through Louisiana’s Manchac Swamp, located outside the Cajun town of Frenier.

The swamp is stunningly beautiful as moss-draped cypress trees surround its calm waters. The boat, driven by a local guide, drifts through the swamp as you learn about the history of Louisiana and the animals that live there.

Some wildlife you may encounter includes wild boars, alligators, snakes, birds and more. If you want the inside scoop on Louisiana’s Cajun history with a side of swamps and alligators, I highly recommend this tour.

This tour offers optional pickup, so book for pickup if required.

Book here: New Orleans: Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise

Alligator sunbathing on a log at the Honey Island Swamp

New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

Want to speed through Louisiana’s Barataria Preserve on an airboat? New Orleans High-Speed Airboat Ride gets to venture into areas of the swamp that traditional boats cannot visit. 

Airboats can ride in inches of water, so it is perfect to get to those hard-to-reach swampy areas with this tour.

The tour includes a captain who will control the airboat, stopping at all the best locations where you can stop and float for a bit. You may see alligators, raccoons, or even a bald eagle!

The boat moves so fast that it can be scary but is perfect for adrenaline seekers!

Book here: New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

Honey Island Swamp Tour

Spend the afternoon roaming the Honey Island Swamp alongside a wetland ecologist as they guide you by boat through the swamp. 

The Honey Island Swamp Tour is home to wildlife like alligators, turtles, crawfish and all kinds of wetland birds. My favourite was seeing the wild boars living between the moss-draped cypress trees.

The captain will point out loads of wildlife and the biome of the swamp ecosystem and what makes it unique to Louisiana. The tour starts with a narrated bus ride from the French Quarter over Lake Pontchartrain. You will still see areas affected by Hurricane Katrina all these years later.

Honey Island Swamp is truly a gem, and I cannot recommend this tour enough. Also, there are loads of hummingbirds at the meeting point before you start your tour.

Book here: Honey Island Swamp Tour

Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride

Take the Best bayou tour in New Orleans through Bayou Segnette State Park with the Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride . The tour passes through marshlands and the secluded bayou in the bayou Segnette.

The swamp is deep in Cajun Country so you will be transported via an air-conditioned van. This includes a narrated tour of the Mississippi and historic French Quarter sites.

The airboat can travel incredibly fast! Be sure to hold onto your hat as the boat speeds up through the open parts of the swamp on the hunt for wildlife sightings.

The captains often invite little alligators on board. You may even get to hold a young alligator on your tour!

Book here: Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride

From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat is a family-friendly swamp tour. The tour explores the wetlands of Lafitte in Bayou Barataria, where you may spot alligators, snakes, birds and turtles.

The boat tours range from 6 to 30 people. If you want a quiet and more personal tour, I recommend booking with a smaller airboat.

I enjoyed how the captain and tour guide talked about the wildlife and history of the swamp. He made everyone feel included and ensured everyone on the boat could see the alligators in the water.

Book here: From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

Find more things to do in New Orleans

  • The Best Ghost Tours in New Orleans
  • Top Haunted Spots in New Orleans
  • The 9 Best Vampire Tours in New Orleans
  • The Dark Side of New Orleans – Spooky Sites to See
  • The 11 Most Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
  • Nicolas Cage and His Dark Connections to New Orleans
  • The Best Cemetery Tours in New Orleans

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16 Best New Orleans Swamp Tours

best swamp tours New Orleans

Adventure deep into Louisiana’s protected wetlands on these popular New Orleans swamp tours. Explore hidden backwaters by boat or kayak, and come face to face with alligators, wild pigs, and other resident wildlife.

Stroll around elegant plantations, learning how the history of slavery has shaped the local region. Then sink your teeth into tasty favorites like Cajun sausages and crawfish for a real flavor of New Orleans hospitality.

Read on to discover some of the best New Orleans Swamp Tours .

1. Louisiana Bayous 2-Hour Swamp Tour

Louisiana Bayous 2-Hour Swamp Tour

Operated by: Cajun Pride Swamp Tours

Climb on board a traditional swamp boat for a leisurely trip through the lush Louisiana wetlands. This family adventure takes in Manchac Swamp , where meandering bayous are home to all manner of creatures. If you want to come face to face with alligators, deer, and raccoons, this is the place to come.

Float through the atmospheric moss-draped marshes, listening as your captain recounts legends and tall tales of life in the swamps. Learn about the fascinating plant life that thrives in these enchanting waterways, and discover the history of Frenier, a Cajun ghost town with links to a voodoo priestess.

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2. New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

Operated by: Cajun Encounters Tour Co.

Glide through the mysterious waters of Honey Island Swamp on this 2-hour guided New Orleans swamp tour. The small flat-bottomed boat is designed to easily cut through the narrow passages of this protected wetland, getting you up close to wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for wild boars, snakes, eagles, and of course alligators. You will have the opportunity to meet these prehistoric giants, some of which can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. During this round-trip New Orleans boat tour you will visit an authentic Cajun village to discover how local people use the swamp for food, medicine, and housing.

3. New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

airboat swamp tour in New Orleans

Operated by: Louisiana Tour Company

Hang onto your seats and whizz through the marshlands on this high-speed airboat, seeking out prime wildlife viewing spots. Powered by a giant fan, this streamlined boat can travel in shallow water, letting you explore areas beyond the range of traditional vessels.

Your captain will stop along the way so you can snap photos of raccoons, snakes, and wild pigs. The biggest thrill is entering alligator territory and staring into the eyes of these formidable beasts if you dare. Look skywards too, because this New Orleans swamp tour is also a great way to see bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys.

4. Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

Manchac swamp kayak tour near New Orleans

Operated by: New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

Paddle stealthily by tandem kayak through the Manchac and Maurepas swamps in search of resident alligators and other iconic local wildlife. This is one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans if you are looking for nature immersion because unlike motor vessels, kayaks can access narrow waterways and shallow pools.

Float through lush cypress forests as you venture deeper into the wilds of Louisiana’s wetlands, stopping for photos and to learn more about this curious landscape. No previous kayaking experience is necessary, and you will be given a short lesson before heading into the swamp with an experienced guide.

5. New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat

New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat

Get the adrenaline pumping during this high-speed adventure on board one of the fastest boats in the wetlands. The powerful vessel skims along the water giving you access to hidden corners. It features stadium seating so everyone has a great view.

Enjoy the best of both worlds on this New Orleans boat tour which combines a swamp excursion with an airboat ride for the ultimate Louisiana jaunt. Keep an eye out for gators lurking in the shallows, and wild pigs snuffling about in the marshlands. You might even see ospreys and owls swooping from above, on the hunt for dinner.

6. Experience Cajun Country: Swamp Boat Adventure and Plantations Full-Day Tour from New Orleans

Experience Cajun Country Swamp Boat Adventure and Plantations Full-Day Tour from New Orleans

Operated by: Tours by Isabelle

Delve into the intriguing Cajun and Creole cultures of New Orleans on this full-day plantation and swamp tour. Go back in time at Laura Plantation where you will be regaled with the intertwined stories of several slaves and owners who once lived there. Admire the elegant architecture before heading to Houmas House for a decadent lunch and another plantation tour.

Cross the Mississippi River using the dramatic suspension bridge, and venture deep into the remote cypress swamps by boat, learning about the Cajun people and their use of healing plants. Keep your camera handy for taking up-close photos of wildlife.

7. 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour

Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour

Operated by: New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc.

Step on board this spacious pontoon boat for a gentle ride into the heart of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve . Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged to capture the regal poses of egrets as they wade along at the marsh edge. You will want to snap shots of gleaming alligator eyes too as these powerful reptiles glide towards you through the meandering bayou.

Relax in the welcoming shade of the boat canopy while learning about swamp lore from your knowledgeable local guide. Tours last 1.5 hours, with hotel pick-ups and lunch available for an additional cost.

8. Full-Day Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans

Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans

Operated by: Louisiana Tour company

Begin your day by walking in the footsteps of 19th-century blacksmiths, slaves, and plantation owners on a 2-hour cultural New Orleans tour. Explore the stately Oak Alley Plantation which dates back to 1837 and is styled with a Greek revival theme.

Take photos of the impressive oak avenue, and listen as your costumed guide spills the beans about the lives and secrets of previous plantation inhabitants. Then drift through the small waterways on a relaxing boat tour of Barataria Swamp , in search of alligators and other wild wetland residents. Round-trip transportation is included on this New Orleans swamp tour.

9. Swamp tour and Destrehan Plantation tour

Swamp tour and Destrehan Plantation tour

The 5-hour New Orleans swamp tour will then transport you into the moss-draped wetlands for a cruise through a privately-owned wildlife refuge. Enjoy hearing about “Rougarou” the legendary Cajun werewolf, and see if you can spot more earthly creatures lurking in the shadows. Alligator sightings are common here, so keep your camera ready.

10. Oak Alley Plantation brunch and swamp combo tour

Oak Alley Plantation brunch and swamp combo tour

Operated by: Gray Line Louisiana

Get stuck into local brunch favorites such as crawfish etouffee and Cajun smoked sausage on this New Orleans swamp tour. The setting is Oak Alley , one of the most photographed plantations in the country. It has been used as a filming location for several motion pictures including Interview with a Vampire.

Explore the Big House and grounds before heading to Laura Plantation to discover the “best history tour in the US”. Then meander through the Manchac Swamp by boat for close encounters with wildlife. Your guide knows the top places to find alligators so it will be a thrilling ride.

11. Whitney Plantation and Swamp Tour Combo

Whitney Plantation and Swamp Tour Combo

Operated by: Crescent City Tours & Transportation

Enjoy an insightful tour of the Whitney Plantation in the company of an expert local guide, before heading off to check out the museum exhibits at your own pace. This is the only museum in Louisiana that focuses exclusively on the lives of slaves.

During this 8-hour excursion, you will pass by Evergreen Plantation where Django Unchained was filmed, as well as Destrehan which in 1811 was the site of one of the largest slave revolts in US history. This New Orleans swamp tour also includes a boat trip into the wetlands in search of alligators, wild boar, and eagles.

12. N’awlins Luxury: Laura, Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation with Swamp Tour

N’awlins Luxury Laura, Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation with Swamp Tour

Operated by: Nawlins Luxury Tours

This combination excursion is one of the best New Orleans swamp tours in town. Begin your day trip with a stop at one of the top plantations in the area, choosing from either Whitney, Laura, or Oak Alley. Learn about the lives of the free and enslaved inhabitants, with house tours and museum visits included.

Sit down for a hearty feast (for additional expense) at a local Cajun restaurant before climbing on board your boat for an afternoon adventure in the wetlands. The swamps are home to an incredible range of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and raccoons. Hotel pick-ups included.

13. Honey Island Swamp Private Tour with Transport from New Orleans

Honey Island Swamp Private Tour

Operated by: Honey Island Swamp Tours

Drive alongside the vast Lake Pontchartrain on your way to Honey Island Swamp , where you will spend time with an ecologist guide who will divulge insider secrets about this intriguing wilderness. This is a 4-hour private New Orleans swamp tour , so you will receive plenty of personal attention and flexibility.

The flat-bottomed boat offers lots of shade to keep you cool during summer months, so you can spend time watching deer, otters, and alligators in their natural habitat. Enjoy tall tales of bigfoot sightings and prehistoric creatures, and watch Cajun fishermen expertly catching bluegill and sunfish. Multiple departure times available.

14. Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Combo

Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Combo

Kayak through secluded wetlands far from the busy New Orleans crowds on this 8-hour combination swamp tour. You will have a short lesson on how to paddle your single or tandem kayak, so this guided excursion is suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Float silently through the peaceful mossy swamp, meeting the local wildlife during safe and thrilling encounters. Reward yourself with a seafood lunch (not included) where those brave enough can try fried alligator, gulf oysters, and frog legs. Other southern staples are available. Finish your afternoon learning what life was like as a slave at the Whitney Plantation.

15. Full-Day New Orleans City Tour and Swamp Boat Tour

New Orleans City Tour and Swamp Boat Tour

Operated by: Southern Style Tours and Transportation

Combine city highlights with wetland adventures on this 8-hour New Orleans swamp tour. Explore the streets in an air-conditioned minibus, taking in the sights and learning about local heritage from your guide. Admire the mansions along Esplanade Avenue and tuck into coffee and beignets at New Orleans City Park.

Take a spooky tour of St. Louis Cemetery for an insight into the unusual above-ground burial tradition. Then pass through the beautiful Garden District , one of the oldest African-American neighborhoods in the US.

This New Orleans tour includes a boat trip through the cypress swamps at Bayou Segnette , searching for gators.

16. Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans

Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans

Join a small group of like-minded adventurers to discover the secrets of Louisiana’s wild bayous on this family-friendly New Orleans swamp tour. Hold on to your hats as the airboat zooms through the secluded tree-lined marshes of Bayou Segnette State Park , reaching speeds of 45 mph to get the adrenaline flowing.

See if you can spot beavers, snakes, and giant river rodents known as nutria hiding in the waterways. The Captain will stop the boat for wildlife viewing and photos so you will not miss a thing on this 4-hour tour. Hotel pick-ups and air-conditioned passenger van transportation are included.

COMMENTS

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    The 7 Best New Orleans Swamp Tours [2024 Reviews] | World Guides To Travel. Krysha Thayer Last Updated: December 28, 2023. Discover your wild side during a swamp tour of Louisiana bayou country! Areas unreachable by foot can be easily experienced by boat tour.

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    Let Cool New Orleans connect you with the best New Orleans Swamp Tours and head out for adventure. Tour the famed Louisiana swamps that dominate the landscape just outside of New Orleans. Ancient and mysterious, these iconic Mississippi Delta Wetlands present an ecosystem incredibly rich in life.

  3. The 9 Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans

    The 9 Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans. By Crystal. A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a swamp tour. Step out of the bustling city and venture into Cajun Country by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans. There are several swamps to choose from, including the Honey Island Swamp and the Barataria Preserve in the Jean ...

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    The Ultimate Swamp Tour Experience, as the name implies, is here to bring you one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans. Coast through concrete jungles, swamps and bayous of New Orleans, and immerse yourself fully in the enchanting sceneries that accompany the swamp boat tours.

  5. 16 Best New Orleans Swamp Tours

    Read on to discover some of the best New Orleans Swamp Tours. 1. Louisiana Bayous 2-Hour Swamp Tour. Operated by: Cajun Pride Swamp Tours. Climb on board a traditional swamp boat for a leisurely trip through the lush Louisiana wetlands. This family adventure takes in Manchac Swamp, where meandering bayous are home to all manner of creatures. If ...