Top New Orleans Water Tours

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).

(5,133)

from $59

Special Offer

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

2 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.

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

1 hour 40 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(2,125)

from $35

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Airboat Swamp Tour

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.

(311)

from $67

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

5 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(6,434)

from $70

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation

4 hoursFree 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.

(1,229)

from $60

Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

4 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(2,048)

from $90

New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.2

(79)

from $26

See the New Orleans skyline from a whole new perspective.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(2,053)

from $47

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

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.1

(1,569)

from $60

Jean Lafitte 90-Minute Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

1 hour 40 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(850)

from $32

Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(927)

from $44

Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

4 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(1,731)

from $115

New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour

New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour

1 hour 40 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(755)

from $89

VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Freaky Tiki Bayou Boat Tour: Near New Orleans with Bathrooms

(881)

from $191

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

1 hour 45 minutes

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.

(114)

from $50

Likely to Sell Out

New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(3,096)

from $38

Captivating views of the New Orleans skyline

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(7,951)

from $58

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.

Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,584)

from $35

Special Offer

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.

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Special Offer

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.

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Alligator Tour

1 hour 15 minutes to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Manchac Swamp Boat Tour

New Orleans Swamp Boat Tour with Shuttle Service

(65)

from $35

Likely to Sell Out

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(23)

from $60

Oak Alley Plantation and Large Airboat Swamp Tour from New Orleans

8 hoursFree Cancellation

New Orleans Premium Six-Passenger Airboat Adventure

(739)

from $160

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Top Attractions in New Orleans

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Attractions

What are people saying about New Orleans

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.

Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide

Katharine_N, Mar 2026

Tour was cancelled but still giving 5 stars

Odd leaving a review because we got thunder/lightening stormed out and it was cancelled. I can not say enough about the communication and thought for our wellbeing that went into the decision to cancel. I highly respect the people running this tour. Our money was returned within an hour. We will try again next time in NOLA.

Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou

Chris_M, Mar 2026

Don't ride the big lizards.

Had a great time! Driver called us at our pickup as he pulled up, made it very easy, and we didn't have to worry whether we had the right bus. Drive was comfortable and cool. Pontoon boat was in good shape. The captain was knowledgeable, funny, and knew what he was doing. We saw gators, birds, and turtles, would've liked to see more, but that's how it goes. It was a bigger operation than I expected with so few reviews on Viator. They had a gift shop, but shaded waiting deck, a bar with canned beer, mix drinks (canned) , and slushies, clean bathrooms, and an albino alligator. Would definitely recommend.

Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans

DEBRA_W, Mar 2026

Plantation and swamp tour

The plantation is beautiful! The tour guide, Marcus did a wonderful job explaining the history of the house. Transportation was prompt. The ride to the plantation was long but interesting. It would have been nice to have longer at the plantation so that we could have explored more and had a sit down lunch in the restaurant. The swamp tour was amazing! Captain Be Bop is a true steward of the swamp. His knowledge of the flora and fauna was vast. He put us all at ease and made the tour very enjoyable.

Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

Carolyn_T, Nov 2025

Fantastic Day out!!

We really enjoyed this tour. Giselle was our tour guide and was fantastic. She was very informative all through the tour even we while we were travelling between locations she continued to tell us about the history of New Orleans. We started the day with an airboat ride where we met many of the alligators inhabiting the swamp and our operator was very entertaining and informative. We learnt a lot about the swamp and experienced a fun ride as well. We then headed to Laura plantation where we had a lovely guide who was extremely knowledgeable, and we learnt a lot about Lauras family history and their life on the plantation as well as some of the known history of the slaves who lived there. Houmas house was our next destination where we had a lovely buffet lunch where I (who is usually a bit fussy) was pleasantly surprised with how nice it was. The tour of the house was great which is full of antiques and interesting pieces from a bygone era. The tour guide took us through the home explaining life in this house and we then explored the beautiful gardens complete with beautiful old Oak Trees hundreds of years old and fantastic sculptures throughout to be discovered as you walk through. We even encountered peacocks, swans and turkeys along the way. The van was comfortable and the small group who were lovely was a great way to do this type of tour. We would highly recommend this tour.