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Skim the legendary bayous of Louisiana on a private airboat tour with St. Bernard Eco Tourism. Encounter alligators, migratory birds, and the mighty Lake Borgne Surge Barrier on this customizable wetland adventure.
Skim the legendary bayous of Louisiana on a private airboat tour with St. Bernard Eco Tourism. Encounter alligators, migratory birds, and the mighty Lake Borgne Surge Barrier on this customizable wetland adventure.
Book with St. Bernard Eco Tourism
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by St. Bernard Eco Tourism · Chalmette, Louisiana
Venture into the heart of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands on a Private Airboat Tour offered by St. Bernard Eco Tourism. Based in Chalmette, just outside New Orleans, this experience puts you in the driver’s seat — or comfortably alongside an expert guide — as you skim across the bayous that have shaped the region. The Louisiana wetlands here are a living, breathing ecosystem; moss-draped cypress trees, swaying grasses, and twisting waterways form a rare habitat that's home to a diverse range of wildlife.
With a maximum group size of 15, these private tours offer plenty of room to customize your ride, whether you’re focused on birdwatching, catching glimpses of alligators, or simply cruising the water toward the imposing Lake Borgne Surge Barrier — often called "The Great Wall of Louisiana." This man-made surge barrier is a stark reminder of the region’s battle against hurricanes and rising tides and adds a compelling engineering contrast to the natural surroundings.
The airboat itself is a uniquely southern mode of transportation, powered by a top-mounted fan propelling you swiftly and noisily across the shallow waters and marshes inaccessible to conventional boats. As the propeller tosses spray and the boat hums over lily pads and hidden channels, expect to encounter nutrias, herons, egrets, and sometimes the elusive raccoon or river otter.
St. Bernard Eco Tourism emphasizes education and sustainability, offering not just a ride but a window into the fragile health of Louisiana’s wetlands — one of the most ecologically significant coastal areas in the U.S. This trip provides a rare chance to understand the balance between human intervention and natural resilience. Whether you’re a local or visiting New Orleans, this airboat tour offers a refreshing, thrilling perspective of a landscape often overshadowed by the city’s vibrancy.
For outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience Louisiana beyond its famed jazz and cuisine, St. Bernard Eco Tourism delivers an authentically wild and intimate encounter with these iconic bayous.
easy.
1 hour 45 minutes.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required
Each airboat tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Expect to see alligators, migratory birds, nutrias, and sometimes raccoons or river otters.
Yes, the tour can be tailored to focus on wildlife viewing, photography, or sightseeing landmarks like the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier.
The tour accommodates a variety of ages, but please contact the company for specific age guidelines or concerns.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a rain jacket just in case.
Cancellations due to severe weather are rescheduled without penalty; for other cancellations within 24 hours, refunds are not available.
The Lake Borgne Surge Barrier was built in response to Hurricane Katrina to protect the fragile wetlands and nearby communities from storm surges.
St. Bernard Eco Tourism promotes awareness of wetland conservation, emphasizing sustainable visitation that supports local ecosystems.
St. Bernard Eco Tourism is a Chalmette, Louisiana operator focused on curated bayou and waterfront experiences that highlight local wildlife, regional culture, and celebration-style cruises. The company offers a variety of guided and private options, including airboat rides, pontoon party cruises, haunted boat tours, brunch cruises, and a dedicated event space called The Wharf on Bienvenue. Tours range from high-energy party experiences to wildlife-focused outings: Crawdaddy Cruiser combines a crawfish meal with an airboat ride and sunset views of the New Orleans skyline; Bounce on the Bayou turns a pontoon into a floating dance floor minutes from the French Quarter; and Tipsy Gator’s Booze Cruise provides a private pontoon party with music, drinks, and bites. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Gator Bait Sitdown and the Private Airboat Tour offer guided swamp cruises and airboat exploration of local wetlands, with opportunities to see alligators and migratory birds and to view the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier. Themed experiences include Wharf n’ Around NOLA for Mardi Gras-style energy and Ghosts on the Bayou for local ghost stories and voodoo lore. Brunch & Bayou Bash combines bottomless mimosas and Louisiana-inspired brunch with a private swamp party boat, while Bayou Bar Crawl pairs a pontoon party cruise with French Quarter nightlife. The operator supports private bookings and event planning at The Wharf on Bienvenue for birthdays, weddings, and gatherings. Safety, local knowledge, and customizable trip options are central to each offering. Booking options vary by trip and allow group size flexibility and scheduling needs.
Book with St. Bernard Eco Tourism