Airboat Swamp Adventure with New Orleans Steamboat Company
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours total, 1.5 hours on boat
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to board airboat independently and tolerate bumpy rides.
Overview
Speed through Louisiana’s bayous on a thrilling airboat ride with local guides from New Orleans Steamboat Company. Get face-to-face with alligators and uncover the history of Jean Lafitte’s fishing village.
Small Airboat Swamp Adventure Tour
Ages 5+ • 3 Hours & 45 Minutes • 6-12 Passengers • Thrilling Family Wildlife Fun!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience an exhilarating airboat adventure through Louisiana's wetlands, where you'll zoom across bayous at thrilling speeds. Encounter alligators, raccoons, and native birds while a local guide shares captivating stories. This family-friendly tour offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant wildlife and history surrounding the historic fishing village of Jean Lafitte.
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 3.75 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.
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.
- Dress code is smart casual: Sunglasses are recommended.
- Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
Adventure Tips
Wear Sunglasses and Water-Resistant Clothing
Expect spray from the airboat; sunglasses help protect your eyes and water-resistant gear keeps you comfortable.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Be at Woldenberg Park 15 minutes before departure to allow for smooth boarding and ticket verification.
Bring a Waterproof Camera or Case
Capture wildlife and action shots without worry about water damage during the high-speed ride.
Not Recommended for Some Health Conditions
Guests with back, neck, heart issues, or pregnant travelers should avoid this tour due to ride intensity.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Alligators
- Raccoons
History
Jean Lafitte village is named after the 19th-century smuggler and privateer who operated in the area, adding rich local lore to the environment.
Conservation
Tours emphasize respectful wildlife viewing and minimizing disturbance to this sensitive wetland ecosystem critical to Louisiana’s biodiversity.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunglasses
Protects your eyes from sun glare and water spray during the ride.
Waterproof Camera or Phone Case
Allows capturing sharp images in wet conditions without risking damage.
Light Rain Jacket
Useful during sudden rain showers common in shoulder seasons.
spring|fall specific
Bug Repellent
Keeps mosquitoes and biting insects at bay in the wetland environment.
spring|summer|fall specific