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‘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)
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
Small Airboat - No Pickup
Small Airboat: Up to 10 Passengers
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
Large Airboat with Pickup
Large Airboat: Up to 30 Passengers
Pickup Times: Pickups begin 75 minutes prior to tour time
Pickup included
Large Airboat - No Pickup
Large Airboat: Up to 30 Passengers
Reviews
4,489 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience. My...
Scottie P,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience. My kiddos loved it and our guide was great (I forgot his name though). Highly recommend the small boat tour.
Fun!
Jamie L,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00The airboat was super cool. The kids loved it. They were able to feed them gators marshmallows too! They thought that was awesome.
Awesome experience
Janna M,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience for our entire family (teens 13-15) Saw lots of gators and a few turtles. The scenery is beautiful. Our guide was funny and super knowledgeable.
Great experience, worth...
Bryan M,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience, worth the money. Captain Tik Tok was top notch!!!my kids had a blast. Very good at explaining everything and answering all our questions.
Experiencing the bayou
Michele C,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00This adventure was exactly what I had hoped for as we got to see so much and the guide was very informative but not overwhelming with too much narration. It rained hard. Be sure to bring a rain poncho even if it looks clear when you leave. Despite rain, it was a really wonderful experience. Also of note, you wear ear protection and have to take off your hat so don't bother bringing one just for the boat. Glad I was not wearing earrings because of the headphones. Also, casual and comfy clothes without too many loose parts (long skirts, long drapery sleeves, etc) recommended. The wind really whips clothes around when you are at high speed. We paid more for the small boat/fewer passenger experience and it was totally worth it.
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Operated by Airboat Adventures