Top New Orleans On the Water

New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.2

(88)

from $26

Explore New Orleans’ surrounding ecosystem with an escape from the city to the Louisiana swamp. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to a swamp on private land, with all logistics taken care of. Board a state-of-the-art air boat for a memorable nature experience. Your guide takes you through the swampy waterways and shares information about the plants, wildlife, and history of the area.

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Airboat Swamp Tour

Lose yourself in the atmospheric depths of the New Orleans swamps and wetlands on an exhilarating 2-hour boat tour, led by a professional guide. Cruise past ancient wonders and listen to legends surrounding a 2000-year-old Indian burial mound and an atmospheric Cajun cemetery. Scour the Barataria Swamps for sightings of fascinating wildlife such as snakes, turtles and ferocious alligators, and learn about the area’s history and geology from your knowledgeable guide. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation by luxury vehicle fro your New Orleans hotel.

(314)

from $67

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural splendor of New Orleans’ mystifying swamps and wetlands on a New Orleans swamp tour and wetlands adventure. Relax in the luxurious interior of a New Orleans swamp tour boat as you cruise past cultural highlights like a Cajun cemetery, an Indian burial mound and a traditional fishing village. Scour the scenery for fascinating flora and fauna like snakes, turtles and alligators while listening to interesting commentary from your professional guide.

(1,238)

from $60

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

Experience New Orleans’ wild bayou country first-hand on an exciting, family‐friendly airboat ride. This boat tour winds through the mossy cypress swamp near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, named for the 19th-century pirate and smuggler. While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from a local guide as you admire lush, forested shoreline and spot local wildlife. Gators appear most commonly in the summer months, so keep your eyes peeled.

(2,145)

from $35

Travelers cruise through a cypress swamp on a flat-bottomed airboat.

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

New Orleans Airboat Ride

Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).

(5,137)

from $59

Special Offer

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Jean Lafitte 90-Minute Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

Enjoy an only-in-New-Orleans experience when you embark on a paddle-wheel boat tour of the mighty Mississippi River. In the evening, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, and admire views of the city from the water's edge. This cost-saving package additionally includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected), plus live jazz music to set the mood.

(854)

from $32

Captivating views of the New Orleans skyline

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

Delve into the atmospheric beauty of New Orleans’ vast swamplands on an exciting 2-hour small-group tour by airboat. With a knowledgeable guide, cruise past fascinating flora and fauna, scouring the picturesque scenery for sightings of alligators and other rare creatures. Experience the exhilaration of traveling at high velocity as your driver alternates between gentle cruising and high-speed bursts. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to only 9 passengers.

4.1

(7,981)

from $58

New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour

New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour

Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

(761)

from $89

4 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Uncover the mysteries of the swamps surrounding New Orleans on an exhilarating airboat tour of the area, led by a professional guide. Cruise along the picturesque waterways in search of ferocious alligators and other rare wildlife while listening to illuminating commentary from your guide. Feel your adrenaline levels surge as your driver accelerates to high speeds, and capture fantastic photographs during regular stops. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

(1,734)

from $115

Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

4 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

(2,060)

from $90

See the New Orleans skyline from a whole new perspective.

Swap the hustle and bustle of New Orleans for the natural beauty of the Louisiana bayou—and leave the crowds behind—on this small-group airboat tour through the swamps near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Explore the lush landscape from the water, look out for native wildlife including alligators and turtles, and learn about the region’s unique ecosystem. Along the way, hear stories and insights from a local guide.

4.4

(2,054)

from $47

New Orleans Premium Six-Passenger Airboat Adventure

New Orleans Premium Six-Passenger Airboat Adventure

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

Welcome aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! Enjoy a relaxing, family-friendly Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Mississippi River. Listen to live New Orleans jazz music followed by Captain's narration as you cruise past iconic French Quarter landmarks, historic riverfront sites, and beautiful city views that bring more than 300 years of New Orleans history to life. Indulge in a Creole-inspired brunch while sipping cocktails or other beverages from one of our full-service onboard bars, including the popular City Skyline Bar on Deck 4, featuring panoramic views of the river and downtown New Orleans. A snack bar is also available with popcorn, sodas, and other casual favorites. Perfect for families, couples, and groups, this New Orleans Jazz Brunch Cruise is one of the best ways to experience the city’s live music, local cuisine, and scenic river views all in one unforgettable experience.

(29)

from $103

New Orleans Riverboat Jazz Brunch Cruise

New Orleans Riverboat Jazz Brunch Cruise

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

5.0

(1)

from $44

See the skyline of New Orleans from a whole new perspective.

Freaky Tiki Bayou Boat Tour: Near New Orleans with Bathrooms

4.1

(1,571)

from $60

Pedal or kick your feet up and let the captain and motor do the work.

1 hour 45 minutes

Experience Louisiana’s wild bayou country on an exciting, family-friendly airboat tour. This tour includes a ride on a small airboat (maximum 13 passengers) that zips through the tree‐lined marshes at speeds up to 45 mph (72 kph). While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from your guide as you view lush scenery and local wildlife, including alligators, nutria, and native birds. Pickup and drop-off from downtown New Orleans and French Quarter hotels included.

(114)

from $50

Likely to Sell Out

Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans

Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience different sides of Louisiana and its complicated history on this plantation tour and swamp boat ride from New Orleans. On this full-day journey, visit Oak Alley Plantation or Destrehan Plantation (depending on the time chosen), where you learn about antebellum life. Next, head into the marshy swampland for a boat ride and some wildlife spotting. Enjoy guided commentary as you snap photos of alligators, raccoons, snakes, and native birds.

(533)

from $130

Special Offer

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover the atmospheric swamps surrounding New Orleans on a fascinating airboat tour, led by a professional guide. In a group of 16 or less, climb aboard an airboat destined for the rich flora and fauna of the swamplands. Enrich your natural knowledge as you listen to intriguing commentary from your guide; scour the scenery for sightings of alligators; and feel your adrenaline levels surge as you accelerate and reach high speeds.

New Orleans Large Airboat Swamp Tour

Step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a fun 2-hour Dinner Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi River! Enjoy live jazz music and signature cocktails as you cruise past iconic French Quarter landmarks, historic riverfront sites, and stunning city views. Savor a Creole-inspired dinner menu while enjoying beverages from one of the full-service bars onboard, including the City Skyline Bar on Deck 4, offering panoramic views of the river and downtown New Orleans. A snack bar is also available with popcorn, sodas, and other casual favorites. Perfect for couples, friends, groups, and special occasions, our Dinner Jazz Cruise delivers an unforgettable evening of New Orleans sights, cuisine, and music all in one experience!

(199)

from $65

Likely to Sell Out

Jazz Dinner Cruise aboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans

Jazz Dinner Cruise aboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans

Visit a former plantation and ride through the swamp during this two-in-one tour. Start with a visit to Oak Alley Plantation for a tour of the antebellum mansion. Follow the oak-shaded paths to the blacksmith shop during your free time. Lunch is available to purchase at the restaurant on-site. Next, head to the dock for your swamp tour. Search for alligators and other wildlife and stop for photo ops while aboard an airboat. Round-trip hotel transport provided from New Orleans.

5.0

(2)

from $60

Oak Alley Plantation and Large Airboat Swamp Tour from New Orleans

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

(740)

from $160

Create memories that will last a lifetime on the mighty Mississippi River and experience the royal treatment about the Steamboat Natchez. Your experience begins with a complimentary Champagne cocktail and front-row access to the night’s entertainment, the Dukes of Dixieland. For dinner, indulge in a buffet dinner as you listen to live jazz performance. Take the chance to tour the historic vessel after dinner.

(989)

from $90

VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option

New Orleans City Tour: French Quarter, Garden District & Cemetery

(882)

from $191

Jean Lafitte 90-Minute Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

(2,597)

from $40

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Top Attractions in New Orleans

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What are people saying about New Orleans

Harold_M, Jun 2026

Nice little trip through the bayou.

We had a really nice time. It was a great little trip into nature including seeing a number of alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. The guide was entertaining and knowledgeable as to where to look for alligators. He was even able to call one out to meet the boat and swim around us for a while. Well worth the time and money. We highly recommended.

Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide

Colleen_M, May 2026

Magical

Kayaking on Manchac is magical. The calm of the water, the quiet of the surroundings, watching wildlife in its element was a treasure. We had a smaller alligator within about 2-3 feet from our canoes, completely unfazed by our presence. Our guide, AJ, was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive throughout our tour. It was nice to step away from the bustle of the city and surround ourselves in the wetlands.

Small Airboat and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Holly_B, May 2026

An all-around great day!

Wonderful day spent exploring Oak Alley.. and tons of fun on the swamp. Oak Alley is a bit heavy historically.. but important. They make amazing mint juleps, too. Winding down in the swamp afterwards was perfect. Seeing all those alligators in a unique ecosystem was so interesting.

New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour

Sarah_n, Apr 2026

Great Day on the Bayou

Really fun experience with the small group airboat! Saw lots of alligators and learned a TON from our guide about the water, the trees, the alligator life cycle, local birds, etc. The dock is really easy to find and there’s a snack shack with awesome merch and restrooms available. I’m recommending Louisiana Swamp Tours to my friends who visit New Orleans!

Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

Lucky_B, Apr 2026

Must try while in NOLA

This a unique way to experience NOLA. It’s off the beaten path away from the city full of tourists. You get to be in the “wild” and nature just outside the city. If you want to getaway from the bustle of the city and be in the calm of the water and cypress trees, this is for you! Josh was our tour guide. He did a great job and we really enjoyed our time! He was chill and friendly!

New Orleans Premium Six-Passenger Airboat Adventure

Shannon_M, Apr 2026

Must do.

By far my favorite activity of the whole trip. Got out of the city and saw the other side of Louisiana. The swamp was beautiful. Our guide was awesome. We saw many sizes of the alligators. The boat ride was much smoother than I expected. Be prepared for weather. This is an outside activity.

Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

Donna, Feb 2026

Great tour that I can highly recommend

Great tour which gives you a tour of the swamps and to learn about the history of the sugar plantations. Isabelle was great to communicate with prior to the tour and Robert our tour guide was wonderful. He was full of knowledge and information and really looked after us. I can highly recommend this tour.

New Orleans Large Airboat Swamp Tour

Lisa_P, Dec 2025

Worth the money--fav experience in NOLA so far

We weren't sure what to expect. We booked the large boat because it was cheaper. I wish I could remember the name of our guide. He was good. We saw tons of gators. We even saw a mama with about 12 babies. Our Screenagers complain about everything, and even they thought it was a good tour.

New Orleans City, Cemetery and Swamp Full-Day Tour

Dan_S, Dec 2025

City Cemetery and Swamp Tour

Excellent tour. We went on this tour December 3rd. Our bus driver was amazing. He was warm and friendly and knew everything about the City. The tour goes all over the City so you see a lot and get to know the lay of the land. This was great for our first time in NOLA. It was a little too cold for the swamp tour, but again we had a great guide which made it fun. We also saw one alligator swimming around, which was special since they are should hibernating now. I loved the tour but would recommend the swamp portion in warmer weather.

Airboat Swamp and Destrehan Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Matt_J, Sep 2025

A Fabulous Tour Guide Made it a Special Day

I cannot record this tour highly enough. Rene collected me from my hotel and drove me and the other members of the tour to the location of the airboat ride. On the journey to the swamp Rene, our tour guide was very engaging, very informative and exceptionally knowledgeable about many aspects of New Orleans and its history. The airboat tour of the swamp was great fun. The boat captains knew exactly where to find different gators and kept us all very entertained with information about the gators, the swamp and its wildlife. After the airboat tour, Rene drove us to the Destrehan Plantation and again was a fountain of great knowledge and insights. Upon arriving at Destrehan we were given a tour by a member of the Destrehan team, who was also very knowledgeable and made for a thoroughly informative tour. After this tour, Rene joined us and shared lots more fascinating insights, which added huge value to what was already an enjoyable day. On the journey back to our hotel, Rene continued to entertain us, share great information about where to go and what to do in New Orleans. A fabulous tour made extra special by the knowledge and personality of Rene. Highly recommended

Airboat Ride with Optional Transportation from New Orleans

Melissa_C, Jul 2025

Fun & Fantastic NOLA Swamp

This trip was so much fun and the memories will last a lifetime. Great bus ride with historical and interesting facts (Thank you Robert!). Cool drinks on a deck overlooking the water and a fun store with the Albino alligator. And the most exciting swamp boat ride!! Seeing so many alligators was highlight of my trip (Thanks Mark).