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.
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.
Options
2:45PM Tour - 1:15PM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 1:15pm and return is at 6:00pm
9:30AM Tour - 8:00AM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 8:00am and return is at 12:45pm
5PM Tour - 3:30PM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick up will commence at 3:30pm and return is at 8:15pm.
12:15PM Tour - 10:15AM Pick Up
Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 10:15am and return is at 3:30pm
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6,212 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Yay
153shaes,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Do noooot go to new orleans without hitting this swamp tour bro you havent seen it if you havent seen the swamp :) Cornell and Wade G absolutely crushed and were incredibly informative and funny.
Unforgettable Bayou Adventure with Ricky and Zander!
michaelkW5550IZ,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What an unforgettable experience! A huge thank you to Ricky, our bus driver, and Zander, our swamp tour guide, for making this tour so enjoyable from start to finish. Ricky kept everyone entertained and engaged on the ride, while Zander brought the swamp to life with his humor, knowledge, and storytelling. The tour itself exceeded my expectations. We saw alligators, raccoons, and a variety of other wildlife in their natural habitat. The boat moved faster than I expected in certain areas, which added a fun speed-ride element and made the experience even more exciting. I learned a great deal about the bayou ecosystem, the local community, and the unique culture of the people who call the swamp home. It was the perfect blend of education, adventure, and entertainment. If you’re visiting New Orleans and looking for a memorable experience beyond the French Quarter, I highly recommend this swamp tour. Great guides, great wildlife sightings, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Zander was amazing!
C1518TJsamp,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the experience with Zander he was fantastic! Great knowledge, great personality
Amazing swamp tour!
ndkingry,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great swamp tour with Zander. We saw turtles, osprey, raccoons and of course lots and lots of GATORS! 10 of 10 recommended.
Captain Chris Rocks!
63lindseyz,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Chris was wonderful! Very informational and personable. We laughed a lot and saw tons of cool animals. Wish we could still go by the camps. Thanks for putting on a wonderful experience 🎉
We in the swamp
chrismH2383EP,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was super fun! From being picked up by Cornell to the incredible tour with our guide captain Scott AKA the swamp ninja, the entire experience was super memorable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great Swamp Tour
R5391CCmelissal,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the New Orleans Swamp Tour. We saw many alligators, beautiful birds, raccoons, and ducks. Our driver Cornell gave a lot of info on the way there and on the way back that was interesting. It was a great time and would recommend going!
Swamp tour is a must!!
jenniferfU8985XG,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! Our captain, Scott (aka Swamp Ninja), did a great job! We saw lots of wildlife, and he was very informative and accommodating. Would definitely recommend!
Swamp ninja was a perfect host. A mix of southern Louisiana spirit with a hint of refined moonshine insight on the swamp
rinoldip,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Swamp ninja is da man. Obi Swamp Kenobi
Awesome
dakotao17,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was incredible, very informative and there’s so many little critters to see! Swamp Ninja was very fun and very knowledgeable. He’s definitely the guide to get!
Related Experiences
Operated by Cajun Encounters Tour Co.