Viator Rating : 5 (2 reviews)
New Orleans
NOLA Airboat Ride: Private Bayou Adventure
Overview
Private New Orleans Airboat Adventure. Experience the Louisiana bayou up close on a thrilling airboat ride! This adventure is perfect for families and anyone who loves nature. The airboat glides through the swamps near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where a local expert will point out all the amazing things that make this place special. This is not just a tour, it’s a personal exploration into the heart of Louisiana's wetlands.
Expect to see alligators sunning themselves, turtles swimming by, and lots of different kinds of birds flying overhead. The guide knows all about the plants and animals that live here and loves to share interesting stories. The airboat even stops at the Mississippi River Airboat Embarkation Point, allowing guests to take in the views and maybe spot some river wildlife. Whether people choose a small or large airboat, they're promised an intimate adventure that brings the bayou to life.
The tour includes a local guide who knows the bayou inside and out, a thrilling airboat ride, and ear protection so the sounds of the boat don't bother. Guests have small storage space under their seat. If you select roundtrip transportation at time of booking, it is included in your tour. Food and drinks are not included, but there is a gift shop and bar on site. Gratuities are also not included. 
Highlights
Private Airboat Tour: Enjoy a more personal experience on a private airboat for your group.
See Local Wildlife: Spot alligators, turtles, birds, and other amazing animals in their natural home.
Expert Local Guides: Learn about the bayou's ecosystem from knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Easy Transportation: Get picked up from your hotel in downtown New Orleans for a stress-free trip.
Sentiment Analysis
Guests loved seeing lots of gators and other animals.
-
Many enjoyed the fast airboat ride.
-
They found the guides to be fun and knew a lot about the area.
-
The tour was exciting for both adults and kids.
Some guests said the ride was short.
-
A few felt it was hard to hear the guide.
The Journey
Mississippi River Airboat Embarkation Point
Begin your Louisiana bayou experience with a picturesque drive along the mighty Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles from the vibrant city of New Orleans. This journey culminates at the embarkation point for your airboat adventure. Here, you'll transition from the urban landscape to the wild beauty of the Louisiana swamps. Choose between a larger airboat for a lively group experience or a smaller vessel for a more intimate encounter with the natural surroundings. Feel the anticipation build as you prepare to plunge into the heart of the bayou, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of Louisiana's unique ecosystem.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Venture into the captivating Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a sprawling 20,000-acre cypress swamp teeming with life. Experience an adrenaline-pumping 1 hour and 45 minute airboat tour propelled by an aircraft propeller, gliding swiftly through the shallow marshes. Feel the wind rush past as you navigate bayous adorned with ancient, moss-draped cypress and tupelo-gum trees. Keep an eye out for alligators basking in the sun, turtles, snakes, and a variety of birdlife including egrets, herons, ibis, hawks, owls, and even bald eagles. In the cooler months, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and nutria add to the diverse wildlife sightings. Complete your visit with a stop at the indoor exhibits showcasing alligators, including a rare albino alligator, offering a comprehensive view of the area's unique reptilian inhabitants.
Know Before You Go
This private airboat adventure includes a local guide to help spot wildlife and share interesting facts. An airboat ride that offers unobstructed views and a small storage space is available under each seat. The tour also includes ear protection because the boat can be loud. Roundtrip transportation is included only if that option is selected when booking. This tour does not include food and drinks but a gift shop and bar are available on site for those looking for refreshments. Gratuities for the guide are also not included.
Hot Tip
Wear sunscreen and a hat, even on cloudy days, as the sun can be strong on the water. Bring bug spray to keep mosquitoes away. Also, try to sit near the front of the boat for the best views and to hear the guide better.
Review Summary
Customers find this thrilling airboat adventure highly praised for knowledgeable, entertaining guides who share fascinating insights on alligators and the bayou ecosystem, with frequent mentions of spotting abundant wildlife and the excitement of the ride. Positive feedback highlights family-friendly fun, memorable experiences, and value, though some note restrictions for pregnant travelers or those with health issues, loud boat noise, and no guarantees of seeing gators in winter.[1][2][3][7]
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
New Orleans
$90
New Orleans Airboat Swamp Tour with Hotel Pickup
4.9
(1818 reviews)
Duration: 255
minutes
Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans offers a thrilling adventure into the heart of Louisiana's swamps. This tour is perfect for families and adventure seekers who want to see alligators and other wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Experience the excitement of gliding through the water on a 16-passenger airboat, with the captain sharing interesting facts about the swamp ecosystem.
During the 1 hour and 40 minute tour, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other swamp creatures. The tour takes place in the Louisiana Swamp near New Orleans, providing a convenient escape from the city. Hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown New Orleans hotels make this tour even easier to enjoy.
This experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off and a professional guide who will lead the tour. What's not included is food, drinks, and gratuities. This airboat tour provides an adrenaline-fueled and educational experience suitable for all ages. This family-friendly excursion provides a unique perspective on Louisiana's natural beauty.
New Orleans
$115
Unforgettable Airboat Adventure: Explore New Orleans Swamps
4.9
(1616 reviews)
Duration: 255
minutes
Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour offers a thrilling high-speed adventure just 35 minutes from New Orleans. Limited to nine passengers, this tour provides a personal exploration of the Louisiana swamps, blending excitement with nature. A professional guide leads the way, offering insights into the unique ecosystem.
New Orleans
$89
NOLA Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour: See Alligators!
4.9
(692 reviews)
Duration: 100
minutes
New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour: Get ready for an exciting adventure just outside of New Orleans! This isn't just any swamp tour; it's a small-group experience, meaning there will be a maximum of only six or nine people on the airboat. This makes for a much more personal and intimate way to see the Louisiana marshlands. Forget crowded tourist traps, this is about getting up close and personal with nature.
Imagine gliding across the water, the wind in your hair, as the guide points out alligators lurking in the water or birds soaring overhead. The tour takes place in the beautiful Marrero Swamp. It's a chance to see the real Louisiana, away from the city streets.
What’s included? A professional guide will lead the way, pointing out wildlife and sharing stories about the swamp. Safety is key, so flotation jackets are provided for everyone. What’s not included? Food and drinks, so bring your own snacks and beverages! Gratuities for the guide are also not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.
New Orleans
$2047
Private Airboat Ride from New Orleans: Gators Up Close!
5.0
(22 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
Private Airboat Ride with Transportation from New Orleans offers an unforgettable adventure into the Louisiana Swamps. This tour takes families and small groups (up to 9 people) on a thrilling ride through the bayous, where they can see alligators up close in their natural home.
Guests will be picked up right from their hotel in a comfy, private Black Executive Van. The driver will even stop at a store so guests can grab drinks and snacks to put in the cooler provided. Then, it's a short ride to the swamp where a USCG-licensed captain is waiting. Before hopping on the airboat, there's time to use the restroom or check out the souvenir shop.
The best part is the 1 hour and 40 minutes spent on the water. The captain knows all the best spots to find gators. This isn't just a ride; it's a chance to learn about the swamp and its animals. Guests might even get to hold a baby alligator! This private airboat tour is a fun and easy way to see the real Louisiana. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, a driver/guide, and gratuities. Food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are not included but are available for purchase.
New Orleans
$65
NOLA Airboat Swamp Tour: Thrills & Wildlife!
4.9
(179 reviews)
Duration: 100
minutes
The New Orleans Large Airboat Swamp Tour offers a thrilling adventure just a short drive from the city, taking guests deep into the Louisiana Swamps near the Mississippi River. This tour combines high-speed excitement with opportunities to observe the unique flora and fauna of the region. It's designed to be a safe and unforgettable experience, guided by a knowledgeable local professional.
During the tour, guests can expect a mix of adrenaline-pumping airboat rides and relaxed moments for photography, capturing the beauty of the swamp. The airboat navigates through the waterways, offering a close-up view of the local wildlife. The professional guide shares insights about the ecosystem, enhancing the experience with educational commentary.
The tour includes a professional guide and the airboat tour itself. It excludes gratuities, food and drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off. This tour promises an immersive encounter with Louisiana's natural beauty, led by experienced professionals dedicated to providing a memorable and safe adventure.
New Orleans
$59
NOLA Airboat Ride: Swamp Tour Near New Orleans
4.7
(4873 reviews)
New Orleans Airboat Ride: Escape the city and discover Louisiana's wild side! This family-friendly airboat tour takes guests on a thrilling ride through the swamps near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Experience the beauty of moss-draped cypress trees and spot local wildlife like alligators, snakes, turtles, herons, and egrets.
What to Expect: The tour explores the bayous near the Mississippi River Airboat Tour Embarkation Point, offering amazing photo opportunities and chances to see wildlife in their natural habitat. A local guide will lead the way on a small airboat (limited to 6, 10 or up to 30 people), ensuring every guest has an unobstructed view. Ear protection is provided for comfort.
This exciting airboat ride includes a local guide, ear protection, and (if selected at booking) roundtrip transportation. Guests can bring small items, which can be stored in the small storage space under the seat, but food and drinks are not included (available for purchase at the gift shop and bar). Gratuities are also not included. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Louisiana swampland.
Nearby Events
Fillmore New Orleans
Apr 17
7:00 PMMarlon Wayans Comedy Show New Orleans
Marlon Wayans brings his stand-up comedy expertise to the Fillmore New Orleans for an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment. The multi-talented actor, writer, and producer—whose films have grossed over $1 billion globally—is known for his cutting-edge humor and satirical takes on pop culture, drawing from decades of success in comedy, television, and film. His stand-up performances are selling out nationwide as he continues to add shows every weekend, bringing the same energy and comedic brilliance that made him a household name through iconic films like Scary Movie and White Chicks.
Wayans has evolved far beyond his early days on In Living Color to become one of entertainment's most versatile performers, earning rave reviews for his recent guest appearances on shows like Bel-Air and his Netflix comedy specials. The Fillmore New Orleans, a premier live music and comedy venue in the heart of the city, provides the perfect intimate setting for experiencing Wayans' dynamic stage presence and storytelling prowess.
LSU Pete Maravich Assembly Center
Feb 14
7:30 PMLSU vs South Carolina Women's Basketball Tickets
LSU Tigers Womens Basketball vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Womens Basketball ignites the LSU Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. This high-stakes college basketball showdown features two powerhouse programs renowned for their dominance in women's hoops, drawing passionate crowds to witness elite athleticism and intense competition.
LSU Women's Basketball and University of South Carolina Gamecocks Women's Basketball boast storied legacies of national championships and record-breaking performances, making every matchup a must-see event. The iconic LSU Pete Maravich Assembly Center, home to LSU basketball since 1972 with its 13,215 seats and rich history honoring legend Pistol Pete Maravich, amplifies the electric atmosphere.
Saenger Theatre-New Orleans
Mar 04
7:30 PMPhantom Of The Opera Tickets at Saenger Theatre New Orleans
Phantom Of The Opera returns to the Saenger Theatre-New Orleans, bringing its timeless musical drama to one of the city's most iconic venues. Known for its compelling story and breathtaking production, this touring event offers audiences a chance to experience Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary score in a restored architectural masterpiece.
The Saenger Theatre-New Orleans, a historic Italian Renaissance-style venue dating back to 1927, provides an unforgettable atmosphere with its starlit ceiling and classical design. Recently restored after Hurricane Katrina, the theatre combines vintage grandeur with modern amenities, making it a premier destination for world-class musical theatre and live performances.
Smoothie King Center
Feb 05
8:00 PMNine Inch Nails: Peel It Back Tour 2026 at Smoothie King Center
Nine Inch Nails brings their legendary industrial rock sound to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans for the highly anticipated Peel It Back Tour 2026. Fans can expect a powerful, immersive live experience as Trent Reznor and his band deliver both classic hits and new material in a venue known for its electric atmosphere and state-of-the-art acoustics.
Renowned for their genre-defining albums like 'The Downward Spiral' and 'With Teeth,' Nine Inch Nails continues to push musical boundaries. The Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans, offers a dynamic concert environment with premium seating, VIP lounges, and a reputation for hosting unforgettable live events.
Baton Rouge River Center Theater
Feb 19
7:00 PMBrad Williams Live Comedy at Baton Rouge River Center Theater
Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Tour brings the acclaimed comedian's signature blend of high-energy stand-up and fearless storytelling to the Baton Rouge River Center Theater. Known for turning his unique life experiences and dwarfism into sharp, hilarious observations, Brad Williams continues to captivate audiences nationwide with his latest tour.
Brad Williams has built a remarkable career selling out theaters globally and earning rave reviews for specials like "Fun Size" and "Daddy Issues," praised by The New York Times as some of the funniest stand-up performances today. The Baton Rouge River Center Theater, a premier arts venue known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, provides the perfect backdrop for Williams' engaging and personal comedy style.
Caesars Superdome
Apr 10
6:00 PMThe Hondo Rodeo Fest with Jason Aldean & Lynyrd Skynyrd | New Orleans
The Hondo Rodeo Fest brings an electrifying blend of elite rodeo competitions and country rock concerts featuring Jason Aldean and Lynyrd Skynyrd at the iconic Caesars Superdome. This multi-day festival honors the spirit of Western culture through thrilling sports and memorable music performances, attracting fans nationwide.
The Hondo Rodeo Fest combines world-class rodeo events like Bareback and Steer Wrestling with dynamic live shows from two of country and Southern rock’s biggest names. Caesars Superdome, a landmark New Orleans venue known for its massive scale and vibrant atmosphere, offers the perfect stage for this unforgettable Western celebration.
Your Guide to the Best & Fun Things to do in New Orleans
Explore the best and most fun things to do in New Orleans with Dyvarcity! We cover everything from must-see events and cooking classes to fantastic comedy shows and unique kayak & airboat swamp tours, as well as zipline and ghost tour adventures.
View New Orleans Activities