Overview
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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
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
Large Airboat - No Pickup
Large Airboat: Up to 30 Passengers
Small Airboat with Pickup
Small Airboat : Up to 10 Passengers Pickup Time: Pickups start 75 minutes prior to tour time Pickup included
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
5,136 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alligators are ornery 'cause of their Medula Oblongata
natesZ8247CL,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Have always wanted to do this and did not disappoint! Glad we took water even for the earlier tour (9:45). Sunglasses and hats were lifesavers too. Larry was fantastic- made us feel right at home. Was a highlight for our family.
A lot of fun!
Beth K,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
Great Time
Josh H,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tons 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!
Don’t miss this!!
David B,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well worth it. Take the bus from the hotel because Uber and Lyft won’t go there. We saw a lot of alligators and the airboat captain was great!!
Captain Jacob was so much...
LaRosa B,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Jacob was so much fun. He knew the area well and he was informative and funny as well. I would definitely do it again.
Awesome place!!
Elyse M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent 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!
Top 10
Duane C,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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
Amazing Swamp Tour!!
Lisa R,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour guide who knew the bayou well! He was very knowledgeable about the area as well as the alligators! Our guide truly had a love for nature and the river along with the alligators in it! We got to feed the gators marshmallows off a stick which was amazing! He was very kind and friendly making sure all parties had group pictures. I highly recommend this tour for both adults and children!
Airboat
Michelle S,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So much fun!!! Jay was the BEST guide!! I would do the airboat over the pontoon! More interactive and more fun!
It is hot. Bring at...
Heather Z,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is hot. Bring at least 1 or 2 waters or gatorade. Captain Larry was funny and educational. He was great.
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