New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

12:15PM Tour - 10:15AM Pick Up

Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 10:15am and return is at 3:30pm

2:45PM Tour - 1:15PM Pick Up

Pick Up Time: Pick ups will commence at 1:15pm and return is at 6:00pm

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

Reviews

4.90

5,331 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

4984

237

Fantastic experience
Melissa R,
Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour was absolutely fantastic! We saw an incredible variety of wildlife -plenty of alligators, tons of birds, a heap of possums, and even some boars. It was such a memorable experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting New Orleans!
Incredibly beautiful area...
Barbara L,
Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Incredibly beautiful area so close to New Orleans! Excellent bus ride with a great driver. The tour was so well organized. Our Captain Dave was so informative and fun! You could tell he loved his job and where he lives. Saw beautiful birds, wild pigs raccoons, fish jumping and beautiful scenery. And it was December! Always satisfying to see such a beautiful area protected. Well done.
Swamp excursion
Marian P,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A lot of fun. Well organized and the guide was super and very informative. We were able to see a lot of animals and birds.
Great Tour - Scenery, Animals and a Bit of Education
TJim60,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a very good tour with Captain Jake. Great scenery and wildlife. Captain Jake provided in depth explanations of the ecology, flora and fauna of the swamp/bayou, and local wildlife mixed with a bit of . All spiced with a sense of humor. Transport was in a newish bus - comfortable and clean. Driver provided some tips on things to do in NOLA, places to eat, and some comments/history about the neighborhoods we passed through.
Wonderful Experience!
Vineetha J,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience with Justin as the tour guide! I had a great time learning about the rich history. Will do this again!
Had a great time
Thomas T,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Even though the weather was cold and not many gators. Jacob our captain did a great tour. Very entertaining.
Half a century
Katina H,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Capt Wade knew about the swamp. I was able to see the alligator raccoon, hogs and turtles and so much more
This was an exceptional...
Donna G,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was an exceptional tour which started with Ricky, our bus driver. The bus was large, comfortable and Ricky may the drive to and from the the swamp informative and entertaining. He pointed out interesting things along the way. He also gave good reminders about personal belongings and where to meet the bus for the return trip. We just felt very well taken care of. Our swamp tour guide, Captain Marc was exceptional. We could tell that he loves his job and is passionate about the animals and the unique environment. We learned so much! I highly recommend this tour! Thank you, Ricky and Captain Marc!
Loads of Fun
K1308BUalyssab,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A unique and beautiful experience. Loved being able to see several animals in their natural element. Also welcomed the rain
Not What We Expected
Gloria M,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Not what we expected. The company is very big and there are several boats in the same stretch of water at the same time. The “wildlife” is actually domesticated by the food offered by the captains to attract them to the boats to please the tourists and we’ve been constantly “reminded” to leave five star-reviews and tips in a way that made us feel uncomfortable. I had a very different and more authentic experience years ago with a small tour operated by a Cajun family.