New Orleans Airboat Ride
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Take a break from the hustle-bustle of New Orleans and escape to nature on this exhilarating, family-friendly airboat ride! Spot alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets and herons as you take a fast, fun ride over a tidewater cypress swamp close to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Admire moss-covered cypress and tupelo-gum trees as you explore bayous teeming with life and take advantage of incredible photo ops.
Th premium small-group tour is limited to 6 people, regular small airboat (up to 10 people) or large airboat (up to 30 people) to allow for better views of the wildlife.
Please note: If you book the self-drive option you will not receive hotel pickup. If you book the option with pickup, pickups will begin 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to tour time.
There are no rideshare or taxi services to this area. Gators are more commonly spotted in summer months.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
New Orleans
Drive-out along the Mississippi River approximately 30 miles (48 km) to the embarkation point of your airboat from your New Orleans hotel. Depending on the option you selected, board a large airboat holding 15 to 25 passengers or a small airboat limited to six to eight passengers for a more intimate, personalized experience.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Set out on a 1 hour and 45 minute tour on a 20,000-acre (8,095-hectare) tract of tidewater cypress swamp close to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Your airboat is powered by an aircraft propeller to allow a fast, fluid trip through the shallow marshes. Feel the wind on your face as you zip into bayous lined with mossy cypress and tupelo-gum trees. Prepare to see plenty of alligators in the warmer months (and warmer days in winter), some of which may be out sunning themselves on rocks! Your guide may even feed the gators, affording amazing photo opportunities. Keep your eyes open for turtles, snakes, egrets, herons and ibis. You may even catch sight of a hawk, owl or bald eagle. In the cooler months, look for white-tailed deer, raccoons and the large rodents known as nutria. Be sure to check out the indoor exhibits of alligators, including an albino alligator. Note: This tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off unless option selected at checkout.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Airboat ride
Small storage space under seat
Roundtrip transportation (if option with transport is selected at time of booking.)
Ear protection
Unobstructed views
Gratuities
Food and drinks (gift shop and bar available on site)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Large Airboat - No Pickup
Large Airboat: Up to 30 Passengers
Large Airboat with Pickup
Large Airboat: Up to 30 Passengers
Pickup Times: Pickups begin 75 minutes prior to tour time
Pickup included
Small Airboat - No Pickup
Small Airboat: Up to 10 Passengers
Private Small Airboat
Private
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
10 Passenger Airboat
Small Airboat with Pickup
Small Airboat : Up to 10 Passengers
Pickup Time: Pickups start 75 minutes prior to tour time
Pickup included
Premium Small Airboat
Small Airboat: Up to 6 passengers
Roundtrip Transportation: Pickups start 75 minutes prior to tour time.
Pickup included
Reviews
5,044 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Swamp tour
H2211ASkimberlyj,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a relaxing and beautiful tour, our guide was very entertaining and we saw lots of alligators.
This ended up being one...
Elana T,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Jake is a sleeper hit, what a great captain. Highly recommend
The swamps of Louisiana
Brett C,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great adventure. Anyone looking to see alligators in the swamps, this is the place to go. I do however, recommend the smaller 6 person boats.
We were not able to...
Kerri B,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We were not able to request the tiered boat. The low boat was difficult to enter and exit. Our guide was knowledgeable but should have been louder.
Highlight of our trip!
Randi W,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highlight of our trip! Our local guide was amazing and knowledgeable. We saw several alligators and beautiful wildlife. The scenery is very beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend!
Airboat Adventures is worth it!
Jennifer S,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My mom and I went on the swamp tour with Airboat Adventures and it was the highlight of our NOLA trip! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the swamp and surrounding areas. I learned so much from him about alligators and was glad to hear they didn’t eat anything that won’t fit whole in their stomach! The process of registering and claiming our tickets was easy and efficient - overall very professional service. The 10 person boat was clean and fun. Highly recommend Airboat Adventures.
Great experience. Guide...
Virginie J,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Very nice guide.even if everything happens in English. Beautiful discovery of bayous and crocodiles... the ride is in hovercraft in small groups. Nature is beautiful and we take the time to discover. Welcome very well organized
Book it, now!
David T,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow! Absolutely fantastic. Everything about it. 100% worth the money. I'll recommend this to EVERYONE I know. & to our guide, J, thankyou!!!
Gator Country.
Ross A,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to see the bayou country and the wildlife there. In warm weather you will see lots of gators. We did the small boat experience and it was worth it.
Spot on Swamp Tour
Susan F,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The check in was quick and easy. Our guide was fun and informational. The alligators performance was spot on!!!
From US$59.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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