New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Meet your guide for pickup in downtown New Orleans and head for a 2-hour boat tour in Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana. Visit a Cajun village only accessible by boat; learn about the animals and plants in the lush swamps; and get close to wildlife that are out and active with an expert local guide.
Please note that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
PLEASE NOTE: tour ONLY picks up from the location listed. Pick ups from any other location cannot be accommodated.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Pontchartrain
After pickup in central New Orleans, it's a short drive across Lake Pontchartrain to Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana.
Your guide welcomes you aboard a custom-made 22-passenger flat-bottom boat. The smaller sized, quiet boat can fit through narrow passages in the swamp foliage so that you see more and get closer to wildlife. As your guide explains the history of Louisiana’s wetlands and swamp ecosystem, be on the lookout for alligators, raccoons, owls, wild boar, nutria, snakes, turtles, black bears, bald eagles and other bird species. Get a close look at some wild gators as your guide shares facts about the toothy beasts, who can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (453 kg). Glide safely through the fertile swamplands, learning about Cajun culture and how local people have utilized the swamp for food, homes, and medicine. You even see an authentic Cajun village that is only accessible by boat. Gain an understanding of why the wetlands are slowly disappearing and about the efforts being made to preserve Louisiana's natural treasures. After a fascinating 2-hour boat tour, your guide returns you to shore.
What‘s Included
Free parking on site
Transportation from downtown New Orleans
Life Jackets for guests under 16 years old
Wildlife encounters
Live commentary on board
Professional tour guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
A processing fee of 7.9% will be added to your payment
Options
12:15PM Tour - 10:15AM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 10:15am and return is at 3:30pm
5PM Tour - 3:30PM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick up will commence at 3:30pm and return is at 8:15pm.
9:30AM Tour - 8:00AM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 8:00am and return is at 12:45pm
2:45PM Tour - 1:15PM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 1:15pm and return is at 6:00pm
Reviews
5,548 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend
lisabN2707BS,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Mark, our tour guide, was full of knowledge and great personality. We had an issue with returning our rental car, and Cajun was very accommodating with different options of where we could be picked up. Derek was a great driver. The weather was perfect and many Alligators to be seen. We also saw raccoons, turtles and other wildlife. The length of this tour was just right. Budget friendly price. We would’ve liked to see a better selection of food in their store at the site.
Loved Captain Mark
will d,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00An average experience. Bus driver Justina gave some good information but then turned on a screen. We heard loud repeated ads for liquor for 30 minutes. The boat trip was well organized and our boat captain was fun. Upon return to shore, there was a huge line so we could not buy water or snacks. Long lines to the toilets also. I would recommend this but take water and a snack. We did see some wildlife but not many birds.
Very Entertaining
Kate M,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Besides being fun and beautiful, it was also about learning the history of the swamp and the animals and flora and fauna. Loved Captain Dustin. Great personality.
Highly recommend!
A763DMfionat,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Derek was an amazing bus driver / guide. He provided many amazing food recommendations based on the areas the passengers were staying! The swamp tour was fantastic. We saw egrets, raccoons, and many gators! Chris L was a great tour guide as well! Very knowledgeable about the land and animals!
Great swamp experience
madistevens6391,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful tour with a great tour guide. Aaron was very knowledgeable while including fun personal stories. Saw a lot of critters even though it’s not the best season. You’re on the water for a long time!
Wonderful Overall Experience
MissMelis2014,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience front to back. Our bus driver Derek was a wealth of knowledge on New Orleans history and experience. Our boat captain Tony was extremely knowlegable on the swamp, eco system and the wildlife and plants that exist there. Honey Creek Island was raw and beautiful. Would definately recommend and would do it all again
Exceptional experience! Aaron was incredible!
Alain L,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Aaron (guide) was “exceptional” and a wealth of knowledge. He made this swamp tour absolutely unforgettable! The experience was interesting and exceeded our expectations! We highly recommend!
Thanks Derek
545ril,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Derek was knowledgeable and passionate about his city.
Perfect
sophietK9137WI,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Derek is amazing So funny and very helpful food suggestions
Our guide Emmett was very...
Pam H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Emmett was very whitty, knowledgable and made the tour very entertaining. Learned a lot about the swamp and a new “toothpick” ;) Highly recommend very enjoyable
From US$70.12
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Cajun Encounters Tour Co.