Jean Lafitte 90-Minute Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 40 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the full magic of Louisiana's bayous on the closest swamp tour to downtown New Orleans. Journey down the bayou on a 90-minute Cajun adventure through the heart of Southern Louisiana on a relaxing and shaded pontoon boat ride in the protected Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve.
As you and your family glide along swamp waters, observe native plant and exotic life in a delicate yet powerful landscape that has both changed and defined Louisiana culture. View moss-covered cypress trees, evading yet beautiful water hyacinths, gators, egrets, and many more interesting creatures that call the swamp their home. Tour guides born and raised in the bayou will reveal the mysteries of the bayou as well as exclusive facts about its ecosystem. Join us and "laissez les bons temps rouler!"
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Due to limited capacity, refund requests made less than 24 hours prior to departure will NOT be considered. This includes missing the attraction for any reason. However, your ticket is transferable and valid for up to one year.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Narrated tour on restroom-equipped boat
Gratuities
Food and drinks (available for purchase)
Transportation from New Orleans
What To Expect
Once you receive your ticket online please bring your e-voucher down to the gift shop. When the voucher is successfully redeemed from the reservationists, you will be directed to your pontoon boat and greeted by your Captain. Make sure to bring your camera along to capture Louisiana's swampland in all its glory!
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Native guides will lead you through the meandering bayou in a shady, spacious pontoons boat under a relaxing breeze. Learn about the swamp's ecosystem and all of its mysterious lore while viewing the gators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and snakes that call the swamp their home. If you are coming from New Orleans and need a hotel pick up, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour offers pick-ups/drop-offs at select hotel locations for an additional fee. Please call for exact pick-up time/location options and to reserve your transport. All pickups are 1 hour prior to tour. There's a lunch option available for the 10 a.m. where you will dine at Restaurant Des Familes after your swamp adventure.
Options
Traditional Swamp Tour
Reviews
734 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome Alligator
Edward P,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoyed the boat tour, saw a lot of alligators and other wildlife . Tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable
Beautiful
Caletha W,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was enjoyable, informative, and beautiful! While the low temperature of 56 degrees limited alligator sightings, the scenery was nevertheless beautiful and pleasant.
Very lovely tour! We had...
Sam M,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very lovely tour! We had such a great time on this swamp tour. We got to see several alligators and get great pictures. The boat was really pleasant to be on and our guide was really knowledgeable and friendly. The swamp itself is so picturesque. I’d definitely do it again!
Gator tour
Adventure18674273402,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time. Our tour guide was very informative and comical. He has his laughing the whole time. He knew all the places that the gators would be and where movies were filmed. It was a lot of fun.
Our tour guide Darin was...
Veronica D,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Darin was funny. His knowledge of the swamp and animals was amazing. He made sure we were able to see as many alligators as possible.
Hokey Ride on a Canal
Diane M,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00This is not a swamp tour. It is a short boat ride on a bayou. If you're expecting the iconic cypress trees with knees, draped with spanish moss, you'll be disappointed. If you want to go on a canal and see alligators, and a few birds, you may enjoy it. Our biggest complaint was the boat captain's total disregard for wildlife. His focus was putting on a show for the passengers, not on protecting the environment. For example, he knew of a female alligator who was protecting her newly hatched babies. He intentionally brought the boat right up next to her, just so the boat passengers could witness her anguish as she hissed warnings, trying to scare the boat away. This lasted for nearly five minutes and I'm sure it's something he repeats with this female alligator on each of the numerous boat rides he conducts each day. That is not healthy for the alligator and shows a complete lack of respect. If you want a true swamp tour, I'd recommend driving a couple hours to visit the Atchafalaya Swamp and take the Cajun Country Swamp Tour in Breaux Bridge. The captains of these small boats are taught to respect the environment and all the creatures, are very knowledgeable of the animals and terrain, and you'll be in a real swamp.
Don’t hesitate! You will love this tour!
Michelle D,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Relaxing Fun and informative. Snacks of the boat for purchase. Captain was funny and entertaining! Sweet Sadie’s restaurant w down home food is close by. Gotta do both!
Pleasant and fun experience
TheresaAnderegg,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoyed the experience with my daughter. Informational and fun plus all the people there were really friendly and inviting.
Lovely Ride
Shelby L,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Darrin was wonderful, his authentic cajun accent adds character to the ride. The ride was very calm and beautiful. We saw lots of wildlife and the tour was definitely our favorite part of our trip to New Orleans! We would definitely do again!
Very enjoyable!
Sunnee M,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing, peaceful experience our guide was witty and made the experience fun and was very knowledgeable, I suggest this tour wasn't to long or to short and we got to see a few gators and it was raining out and having that boat with a roof on it made it perfect. Thank you
From $32.00
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Operated by New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc.