Top New Orleans Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

Explore the enchanting bayou of New Orleans on an exciting airboat ride through the cypress swamps near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this family-friendly tour offers close encounters with alligators, turtles, and native birds in their natural habitat. Participants can choose from morning or afternoon departures, with small-group sizes (6 people max) for a more intimate experience. Enjoy the thrill of gliding across the water while learning about Louisiana's unique ecosystem. Transportation options include self-drive or convenient hotel pickup, ensuring a hassle-free adventure. - Family-friendly airboat tour through Louisiana's cypress swamps - Observe alligators, turtles, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat - Small-group experience for personalized attention from local guides - Morning and afternoon departure options with hotel pickup available

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.

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.

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).

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.

See the heart of Southern Louisiana's swamplands up close on a boat ride through Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve. Transfers from New Orleans are included for a hassle-free experience, and you'll learn about local wildlife and Cajun culture during the tour. Hear facts about the local ecosystem, from the moss-covered cypress trees to the area's famous alligators.

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.

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.

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.

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. Upgrade your experience to include an authentic Cajun seafood boil (groups of 3 or more, 4pm tour time only.)

Take the party to the bayou on New Orleans’ only pedal bike bar boat. Gather a group of friends or your bridal or bachelor party, and bring your own beverages to celebrate in a totally unique, only-in-N’awlins way. Help move the boat by pedaling right at your bar seat, or simply soak in the riverside scenery while raising a glass.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans with a delightful Jazz Brunch aboard the Creole Queen Riverboat. Enjoy live music as you cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River, savoring a mouthwatering brunch featuring classic dishes like Chicken & Andouille Gumbo and New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp. Choose to indulge in bottomless mimosas or Cajun Bloody Marys while soaking in stunning views of the New Orleans skyline. - Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise with live jazz music on weekends - Brunch options available, featuring delicious Southern cuisine - Optional bottomless cocktails for an additional charge - Board from 10:00 AM, cruise departs at 11:00 AM and returns at 12:30 PM

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.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a private kayak and canoe small-group tour through Louisiana's historic Manchac Swamp. A local naturalist guides you, providing explanations of historical information and the native ecosystem. Paddle through this slow-moving bayou, once home to the ghost town of Ruddock, and a passage for historic New Orleans explorers. Discover the swamp's rich history and diverse wildlife, creating an immersive and educational outdoor experience.