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.
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.
Options
Large Airboat with Pickup
Large Airboat: Up to 30 Passengers Pickup Times: Pickups begin 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
Small Airboat with Pickup
Small Airboat : Up to 10 Passengers Pickup Time: Pickups start 75 minutes prior to tour time Pickup included
Small Airboat - No Pickup
Small Airboat: Up to 10 Passengers
Large Airboat - No Pickup
Large Airboat: Up to 30 Passengers
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
5,146 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We had an amazing time on...
Jonathan H,Jul 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
Incredible tour - thanks, Ronni!
Tina L,Jul 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trio with Ronni as our guide was incredible! As first-timers, he made sure we got to see it all! We most enjoyed him sharing his family history in area and making sure we got to see and experience lots of gators! Thank you, Ronni! You’re the best!
Great Experience
107geneta,Jul 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great time! Our tour guide, Ronnie, was amazing and truly made the experience unforgettable. Feeding the alligators was definitely my favorite part, and Ronnie made it so much fun. He was friendly, entertaining, and incredibly knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts throughout the tour. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a fun and memorable experience!
If you've been wanting to do this... don't wait!
Kerry L,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Doing 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.
We took a large airboat...
Deepti P,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
Met all Expectations
B1847RVsamanthas,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Every single person I came in contact with was smiling fun and friendly. The boat ride was so cool and our boat guy was Amazing . Also seen so many gators 🐊 . I loved every bit of it. Met all expectations.
Our boat guide was fun...
Stephanie P,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 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!
Air boat Adventures
Isaac P,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour saw lots of alligators highly recommended for families. Would definitely be coming back.
Air boat adventure
lisa o,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Wasn'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.
A mix of peaceful and adventurous trip, totally worth it!
Mariel d,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The small airboat is the best choice if you also want the thrill of going fast through the swamp, you will get splashed!
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