New Orleans Airboat Ride
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
New Orleans, USA
- 2 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- A must for any nature-lovers in New Orleans
- Pick a morning or afternoon departure to suit your schedule
- Choose one of the small-group options for a more intimate experience
- Optional hotel pickup and drop-off available with select bookings
What's Included
- Airboat ride
- Local guide
- Roundtrip transportation (if option with transport is selected at time of booking.)
- Ear protection
- Small storage space under seat
- Unobstructed views
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks (gift shop and bar available on site)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Choose a morning or afternoon tour and meet your airboat at the embarkation point in the town of Lafitte, an historic fishing village named for notorious 19th‐century pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) from New Orleans. Prearranged coach pickup is also available from your downtown New Orleans or French Quarter hotel. Hotel pickups begin 75 minutes prior to your chosen tour time.
Upon arriving at the airboat launch site, board a large airboat holding 15 to 25 passengers or a small airboat limited to six to eight passengers. Hold on tight as your airboat takes off into the tidewater cypress swamp near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Enjoy close proximity to the water from your seat in the flat‐bottomed airboat. As you zip through the bayou, check out signature cypress trees dripping with moss and massive tupelo‐gum tree rising straight from the water.
Depending on the season, you may spot alligators basking in sun on the shore or lurking in the water. Rest assured that the swamps are teeming with wildlife year‐round. Spot turtles, snakes, raccoons, nutria and many native birds – you may even spot a bald eagle!
Your airboat tour ends at the embarkation point. Before leaving this iconic Cajun town, pop into the local albino alligator exhibit or grab a delectable shrimp Po' boy to go (own expense). Then drive or board your coach back to New Orleans. Note: This tour does not include hotel pick‐up or drop‐off unless hotel pickup and drop‐off is selected at checkout. If you have selected hotel pickup and drop‐off please specify your hotel details at the time of checkout or advise the local operator directly after booking.
Upon arriving at the airboat launch site, board a large airboat holding 15 to 25 passengers or a small airboat limited to six to eight passengers. Hold on tight as your airboat takes off into the tidewater cypress swamp near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Enjoy close proximity to the water from your seat in the flat‐bottomed airboat. As you zip through the bayou, check out signature cypress trees dripping with moss and massive tupelo‐gum tree rising straight from the water.
Depending on the season, you may spot alligators basking in sun on the shore or lurking in the water. Rest assured that the swamps are teeming with wildlife year‐round. Spot turtles, snakes, raccoons, nutria and many native birds – you may even spot a bald eagle!
Your airboat tour ends at the embarkation point. Before leaving this iconic Cajun town, pop into the local albino alligator exhibit or grab a delectable shrimp Po' boy to go (own expense). Then drive or board your coach back to New Orleans. Note: This tour does not include hotel pick‐up or drop‐off unless hotel pickup and drop‐off is selected at checkout. If you have selected hotel pickup and drop‐off please specify your hotel details at the time of checkout or advise the local operator directly after booking.
New Orleans (Pass By)
1
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- Operates in all weather conditions (sunny or rainy); please dress appropriately
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Reservations booked separately will NOT be guaranteed to be on the same boat
- Taxi & Ride Share services not available in our area
- We offer a full refund in case of inclement weather that is unsafe to operate tours (lightening/ thunderstorms/ high wind). We still operate in the rain.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jenna_B
This was one of the highlights of the trip!! We got to see a lot of gators, and the bayou is absolutely beautiful! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to have a bit of a nature break form the busy city. Also our tour guide, Corey, was phenomenal!
Reviews
4.7
based on 5,146 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Jonathan_H, Jul 2026
We had an amazing time on our swamp tour in New Orleans. The fan boat ride was exciting, the scenery was beautiful, and our guide was very informative and made the whole experience even better. We got to see a lot of alligators up close, which was definitely the highlight of the tour. I’d highly recommend this to anyone visiting New Orleans and looking for something fun and memorable to do.
Kerry_L, Jul 2026
Doing this was on our bucket list and it did not disappoint. Beyond the gators... which there were many, Captain Larry was full of info and insight about other flora and fauna.
Deepti_P, Jul 2026
We took a large airboat tour, Very good tour. From the point we booked they constantly kept us informed of the time, directions. Friendly staff and got to see lots of alligators.
Stephanie_P, Jul 2026
Our boat guide was fun and knowledgeable! We saw lots of gators, learned a lot about the area and history, and all had a really good time!
Isaac_P, Jul 2026
Excellent tour saw lots of alligators highly recommended for families. Would definitely be coming back.
lisa_o, Jul 2026
Wasn't what I expected. Didn't really feel like we where in the swamp, just enlets off the river. Didn't see very many animals but I know you can't control that. Ejoy3d speaking with our side and like riding the air boat. Over all disappointed.
Mariel_d, Jul 2026
The small airboat is the best choice if you also want the thrill of going fast through the swamp, you will get splashed!
Beth_K, Jun 2026
We have been traveling across the country for the past 2 months and this was by far one of our favorite tours! It was fast, beautiful and fun being up close to wild alligators. Our guide made this tour a lot of fun! We took a small air boat tour.
Josh_H, Jun 2026
Tons of fun. From speeding across the water to feeding alligators with sticks. It was a great way to spend 2 hours. My son and I will definitely do it again. Captain Ronnie was a blast!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're happy to hear that Captain Ronnie showed you a good time on your swamp tour. Thank you for letting Airboat Adventures show you the beauty of Louisiana!
Please come back and visit us soon!
LaRosa_B, Jun 2026
Captain Jacob was so much fun. He knew the area well and he was informative and funny as well. I would definitely do it again.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that Captain Jacob showed you a good time on your swamp tour.
Please come again!
Elyse_M, Jun 2026
Excellent company to adventure with guides are knowledgeable and experienced!! Had a blast loved the green screen photos, the scenery and a very smooth boat ride!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that your Captain showed you a good time on your swamp tour!
Duane_C, Jun 2026
We had an amazing time on this airboat swamp tour! The ride was exciting, and the scenery was beautiful. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the trip both fun and educational. We saw plenty of wildlife, including alligators and birds, and learned a lot about the swamp ecosystem. The staff was professional, and the whole experience was well organized. This was one of the highlights of our trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Louisiana swamp adventure!
Don’t remember his name but we was on boat 18
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi there!
We're happy to hear that you got to see many alligators as well as other swamp wildlife and that your captain show you a wonderful time on the swamp.
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures!
Please come again.
Michelle_S, Jun 2026
So much fun!!! Jay was the BEST guide!! I would do the airboat over the pontoon! More interactive and more fun!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Wow, thanks for such a great review! We're happy to hear that Captain Jay showed you a good time on your swamp tour.
Please come again!
Heather_Z, Jun 2026
It is hot. Bring at least 1 or 2 waters or gatorade. Captain Larry was funny and educational. He was great.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for leaving your review and a helpful tip!
We're happy to hear that Captain Larry showed you a good time on your swamp tour. Please come again!
Christopher_S, Jun 2026
Mark was fantastic. Our party had an absolutely great time with him. Would definitely recommend giving this tour a go.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're glad to hear that your party had a great time on your swamp tour! Be sure to come back next time you're in New Orleans!
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures.
Stephen_K, Jun 2026
Amazing experience!! Shane was a fantastic guide and he gave us a wonderful tour of the bayou. We saw a number of alligators and other wild life!! Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that Captain Shane showed you a good time on your swamp tour and y'all got to see many alligators.
Please come again!
GenaampDan_B, Jun 2026
The best part of our trip!! Our guide was so fun & informative. We saw a lot of gators & the guide got them to come up on the airboat a little ways but never felt we were in danger. On the open water we met a boat & guide asked if we wanted to get wet, we said yes, so got sprayed a little bit other than that we didn’t get wet. There was 8 of us & we all wanted to book another ride!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're happy to hear that you got to see so many alligators! Thank you for letting Airboat Adventures show you the beauty of Louisiana.
If you want to be kept updated about our specials and see pictures from tours, follow us on Facebook or check out the blog on our website.
Be sure to come back next time you're in New Orleans!
Mitch_T, Jun 2026
This was an amazing airboat ride! Our captain Jay was freaking awesome! We fed alligators! The Bayou was soo beautiful!! It was way longer than an airboat ride we've done in Florida, and we saw many more alligators than the previous ride. Highly recommend the smaller boat, much more thrilling ride!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're happy to hear that Captain Jay showed you a good time on your swamp tour and y'all got to see many alligators. Please come again.
Thank you for letting Airboat Adventures show you the beauty of Louisiana!
Erich_A, Jun 2026
Very fun tour with a native of New Orleans (Steve) who swam in these waters before there were so many alligators. We got to see where Captain Hook got his hand bitten off! The highlight was when Steve fed the Alligators marshmallows and the alligator almost jumped in the boat to try and get it! Crazy!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Wow, thanks for such a great review!
We're happy to hear that you got to see so many alligators. If you want to be kept updated about our specials and see pictures from tours, follow us on Facebook or check out the blog on our website.
Come back and visit us soon!
Amber_A, Jun 2026
This was a great experience and definitely worth the time! Our guide was tons of fun and made sure we had a blast!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that your Captain showed you a good time on your swamp tour!
Come back and visit us soon!
Juliana_B, Jun 2026
The flexibility of our pickup location was great. The afternoon ride we booked was cancelled due to inclement weather but we were called and they offered to move us up to the earlier time slot which was really awesome of them. It was a short bus trip from Canal street and when we got there they had drinks (water, soda, alcohol) that you could purchase before your ride. We got on the airboat and our captain Jacob was super cool, knowledgeable and skilled. I won’t spoil the surprises he had in store but it was a great time and we would recommend this to anyone heading to New Orleans. They provide hearing protection which I highly recommend using while the engine is running. 10/10!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Wow, thanks for such a great review, Juliana!
We're happy to hear that Captain Jacob showed you a good time on your swamp tour. If you want to be kept updated about our specials and see pictures from tours, follow us on Facebook or check out the blog on our website.
Be sure to come back next time you're in New Orleans!
Thank you again for recommending Airboat Adventures.
Felisha_J, Jun 2026
This was better than what I expected . Our tour guide was great and we were able to see several gators.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're glad to hear that your party had a great time on your swamp tour! Please come again.
Thank you for letting Airboat Adventures show you the beauty of Louisiana!
STEPHANIE_P, Jun 2026
We had a great experience with our tour guide, Jacob! We saw several “swamp puppies” which made the experience fun and lively. From hotel pick up, to airboat hub, to the ride, everything was organized and a well oiled machine! I highly recommend for families looking for a great experience outside of the hustle and bustle of town!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hey Stephanie! Thanks so much for the great review!
We're glad to hear that your party had a great time on your swamp tour and got to see many alligators. If you want to be kept updated about our specials and see pictures from tours, follow us on Facebook or check out the blog on our website.
Thank you again for recommending Airboat Adventures.
Larry_H, Jun 2026
Excellent airboat ride, very well organised throughout, we paid for a smaller boat for a more personal experience, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us all the history and took us to some of the best places to see the crocs 😀
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures.
We're happy to hear that your Captain showed you a good time on your swamp tour and your party got to see many alligators.
Come back and visit us soon!
Johnene_E, Jun 2026
It was so fun!!! I can take airboat ride off my bucket list!!! Mark was our guide and driver!! He was THE BEST!! He made the trip so fascinating!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're happy to hear that Captain Mark showed you a good time on your swamp tour!
Thank you for letting Airboat Adventures show you the beauty of Louisiana.
Joseph_B, Jun 2026
Great experience and loads of information about the area.
Our airboat #4 captain Bret was a lot of fun.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that Captain Bret showed you a good time on your swamp tour!
Sarah_M, Jun 2026
The swamp tour was the perfect Louisiana excursion! We saw lots of alligators and got to enjoy the incredible beauty of the swamp. Our guide was a true swamp and gator expert who made sure everyone had a fun, entertaining, and memorable experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for letting Airboat Adventures show you the beauty of Louisiana. We're happy to hear that you got to see so many alligators!
Come back and visit us soon!
Elizabeth_J, May 2026
Captain Cory was great. Funny! The gators showed up for us in a big way. Scenery was amazing. The airboat was loud, I imagine the pontoon boats are much quieter but it was so cool when he hit an open spot and got on the gas. Loved this experience! Wear sunscreen please!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that Captain Cory showed you a good time on your swamp tour!
If you want to be kept updated about our specials and see pictures from tours, follow us on Facebook or check out the blog on our website. Please come again!
JoMarie_W, May 2026
Fun and exciting. Had a great guide that provided a lot of information on the trip. We really enjoyed it. Was different and unique!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that your Captain showed you a good time on your swamp tour!
Tanika_W, May 2026
We booked this adventure to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation. This was my daughter's Princess and the Frog dream come true!
Our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. He might just be the Gator Whisperer. We had 7 alligators approach the boat!
I definitely would recommend this experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that y'all got to see may alligators and that your Captain showed you a good time on your swamp tour.
Please come back visit us soon!
From $59.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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