Airboat Swamp Adventures with New Orleans Steamboat Company
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours total including transport
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness needed; able to board and remain seated on an airboat for about 1.5 hours
Overview
Glide across Louisiana’s wetlands by airboat with the New Orleans Steamboat Company. Encounter alligators, raccoons, and native birds while learning about the bayou’s rich natural and cultural history on this high-speed swamp tour.
Large Airboat Swamp Adventure Tour
Ages 5+ • 3 Hours & 45 Minutes • 15-27 Passengers • Thrilling Family Wildlife Fun!
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About This Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating airboat adventure through Louisiana's stunning wetlands, where you'll encounter wild alligators, raccoons, and vibrant birdlife. Glide over bayous at thrilling speeds, then pause for captivating insights from a local guide. This unique tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty surrounding New Orleans.
Alligator and Louisiana Wildlife Viewing from a Unique Airboat
Duration
3 Hours and 45 Minutes: includes round-trip transport from New Orleans and 1.5 hours on the boat
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour time.
About
Take a thrilling airboat ride through the wetlands near New Orleans and plenty of alligators on this active, family-friendly tour. Travel over bayous and open waterways around the colorful, historic fishing village of Jean Lafitte, named after a 19th-century smuggler. Spy alligators in the wild -- as well as raccoons, native birds and large river rodents called nutria -- as your native guide provides commentary. Your 4-hour tour includes round-trip transport from New Orleans and 1.5 hours on the boat. This tour is an easy way to get out and experience the rich natural landscape around New Orleans. The large airboat holds 15-27 passengers. The small airboat holds 6-8 passengers.
What's Included
- Entry or admission fee
- 1 hour 45 minute airboat ride
- Commentary from native boat captains
- Albino alligator exhibit
- Round-trip transportation
- Gators---up close!
- Marshy bayous and open waterways
- Fast & thrilling ride
- Cruise the fishing community of Jean Lafitte
- Small and large boat options available
Exclusions
- Tip or gratuity
- Food and drinks
Please Note
- Public transportation nearby
- In case of inclement weather, the tour may be shortened, postponed or replaced with a similar tour on a covered boat
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Sunglasses are recommended. Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Not recommended for people with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- If you require a wheelchair lift equipped bus, special arrangements need to be made with Gray Line New Orleans. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date. • Wheelchair Access: If the guest needs a wheelchair lift equipped bus, then special arrangements need to be made with the supplier. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher. • The following are not allowed on this airboat tour: (Pregnant women and children under 5 years old; People with neck or back problems; Physically disabled people; Wheelchairs; Service dogs (as alligators do swim up close to the airboats) • Dress code is smart casual: Sunglasses are recommended. Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
Adventure Tips
Bring Sunglasses and a Hat
Wind and sun exposure are significant on the airboat, so eye protection and headcover are recommended.
Prepare to Get Wet
Splashes from the airboat are common—wear quick-dry clothing and consider waterproof cases for electronics.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure at 400 Toulouse St to ensure smooth boarding from Woldenberg Park.
No Strollers or Wheelchairs on Airboats
This trip requires boarding without assistance; it isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible due to safety and design of the vessel.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Wild alligators
- Colorful wading birds including herons and ibis
History
The fishing village of Jean Lafitte is named after a 19th-century pirate and smuggler, adding a colorful layer to the swamp’s cultural landscape.
Conservation
Tours emphasize sustainable wildlife viewing to minimize disturbance to fragile wetland ecosystems crucial to Louisiana’s environmental health.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare and wind while on the open airboat.
Water-resistant Jacket
A light jacket shields against wind and occasional swamp spray.
spring specific
Insect Repellent
Help keep mosquitoes and biting insects at bay during warmer months.
summer|fall specific
Waterproof Phone Case
Keep your phone safe from splashes for snapping photos on the water.