Top New Orleans Water Tours

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).

Explore one of Louisiana’s last protected wetlands on a 2-hour boat tour that includes round-trip transport from New Orleans. Depart in the morning or afternoon for Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve teeming with critters such as 'gators, wild boar, snakes and birds. Ride through the swamp dripping with lush foliage and visit a boat-accessible Cajun village with an informative local guide who sheds light on the area’s inhabitants.

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.

Experience the iconic New Orleans swamplands during a small-group airboat tour, led by a professional guide. Alternate between adrenaline-fueled high speeds and gentle cruising as you sail past fascinating flora and fauna. Capture fantastic photographs of alligators in their natural habitat, and relish the intimate atmosphere of a small-group, limited to only nine passengers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruise the Mississippi River aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS on a relaxing 75-minute sightseeing experience suitable for all ages. As you travel along the river, the captain provides engaging commentary highlighting the French Quarter, historic waterfront locations, and the role the river has played in shaping New Orleans over the centuries. Guests can enjoy multiple onboard bars, including an open-air bar on the upper deck with sweeping views of the city skyline and riverbanks. Light snacks and beverages are also available for purchase, making it easy to sit back and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a couple, this river cruise offers a scenic and informative way to take in New Orleans from the water.

Sail down this Mississippi River on a classic Paddlewheeler boat on this New Orleans river cruise. Enjoy illuminating narration from the onboard historian and stop part-way through the trip to learn about the Battle of New Orleans. Then, get back aboard the vessel and enjoy a cash bar while admiring the views.

Go for a sunset cruise aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen on this boat trip. Listen to an on-board jazz band and choose to add on a Creole-style dinner buffet as the boat sails along the Mississippi River. Take in the views from the promenade deck and sip New Orleans-inspired cocktails.

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.

Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans with a hands-on Cajun seafood boil experience. At your scenic marina on Bayou Bienvenue, we'll take you on a 1 hour nature tour explaining the local seafood culture and mechanics of the trade. Then, a master chef will guide you through the authentic techniques of boiling shrimp, crawfish, crabs, and more, sharing the stories and spices that define this beloved tradition. After mastering the art, gather around the table for a feast of perfectly seasoned seafood, corn, and potatoes, all while soaking up the vibrant culture of Louisiana. This unique culinary event is not just a lesson—it's a celebration of flavor and community.

This tour is done on a privately owned wildlife refuge, so what that means for our guests is that there are no other boats. We also do not allow hunting or fishing on our property. The guests will see the Manchac swamp as it is meant to be seen. The animals see the boats as part of their natural habitat, so they are unafraid to stay out in the open for our guests to see. Our boat captains will teach you about the animals that inhabit our swamp, as well as the way of life of the people that once called this swamp home.

Louisiana’s wild backcountry is known for its cypress swamps that are home to alligators, snakes, and turtles. Explore this area in a safe and fun way in a flat-bottomed boat that travels through the marshes. Learn more about local wildlife from the guide and look out for herons, hawks, owls, and bald eagles too. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available with certain options for added convenience.

Experience the Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve on this shaded pontoon excursion - the closest swamp tour to downtown New Orleans. Your tour guide, who was born and raised in the bayou, will teach you about Southern Louisiana’s distinctive ecology as you cruise past magnificent cypress trees and watch for native wildlife like gators and egrets.

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.

Discover one of Louisiana’s last preserved wetlands on a Honey Island Swamp boat tour. Make your own way to Slidell, then travel deep into the secluded swamp across Lake Pontchartrain to view native wildlife and discover a remote Cajun village only accessible by boat. Enjoy your expert guide's insights into Cajun culture and the lush swamps as you look out for alligators, wild boar, snakes, and native birds.

Experience the charm of New Orleans on a two-hour Sunday jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy live jazz music, stunning views from the top deck, and the option to savor a Louisiana-style buffet brunch featuring local favorites. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat offers a perfect blend of history, ambiance, and relaxation for all ages. The legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ and her sister vessel Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will sail interchangeably, depending on bookings and private events.

A trip to New Orleans isn't complete without experiencing Louisiana's local wildlife. This group boat ride takes you to the swamps and bayous, where you learn about alligators, snakes, turtles, local birds, and more—while looking out for them. Your guide knows the best areas for spotting wildlife, improving your chances of seeing various species up close. Also learn about local Cajun culture through your guide’s stories.

Discover the fragile landscapes of southeast Louisiana on this immersive nature and wildlife boat tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, delve into the coastal restoration efforts vital for the survival of wetlands, while observing alligators basking, egrets wading, and songbirds migrating. This tour offers a unique opportunity to understand the intersection of nature and policy, making it perfect for curious travelers seeking more than just scenic views. When on site, upgrade your experience to include an authentic Cajun seafood boil (groups of 3 or more, 4pm tour time only.)

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.

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.