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
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
5,338 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
C8247REkarenh,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Cajun Encounters swamp and bayou boat tour in New Orleans, and our guide Will was absolutely amazing. He was incredibly knowledgeable and it was clear he truly loves what he does. He shared so much insight about the wildlife and the ecosystem—from the plants and trees to the birds we saw along the way. We spotted raccoons, wild pigs, and a variety of birds. Even though we didn’t see any alligators, the tour was still very enjoyable and engaging from start to finish. Will made the experience memorable, and his passion really brought the bayou to life. He recommended coming back in March, and we definitely plan to do just that. Highly recommend this tour—and especially Will!
Fun experience
Denise T,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Capt David was funny, knowledgeable, and gave such a great tour. Transportation and the whole process was easy.
Bayou tour
Bailey G,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour guide, nice bus driver, everything as advertised. Not many gators this time of year but not their fault. Had a good time
Many wildlife encounters
Edith d,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Frank is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the wildlife encounters are many! We did the late afternoon and the wildlife seemed to all be out ready for viewing.
Captain Dan!!
Inspire21630239190,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyed swamp tour with Captain Dan. Saw a few alligators and other animals. Cold and drizzly, but it was fun. Recommend this trip! Had a blast.
Visiting the swamp with captain Jody was a blast!
Nebojsa J,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Visiting the swamp is a must-do when you visit New Orleans, especially if it is your first time. Bus transportation from the meeting place to the embarkation site lasted less than one hour (not 1.5 h as advertised). Well-organized staff made grouping for several boats quick and easy. We were lucky to be with Captain Jody (or Jodie?). His knowledge of the swamp, his stories, and especially his entertaining nature made the two and a half hours fly very quickly. Even more satisfying were his keen eyes, which spotted naturally camouflaged wildlife in the swamp. Unlike in the reviews I read before our trip, we had the opportunity to see the majority of the animals mentioned in the tour advertisement. What we didn't see (at least, not as we expected) is a Cajun village. A few houses seen from the boat while passing by were nowhere near "experience the life in a true Cajun village". Anyway, the beauty of nature in the swamp and an excellent guide made this experience unforgettable.
Jacob showed it’s about way more than just alligators
craftchick,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time on our swamp tour with Jacob! His knowledge of the area and the animals really added to the experience and you could tell how passionate he is about the plants and being respectful of the swamp. While the alligators may seem like the exciting draw of a swamp tour, it was the raccoons and wild pigs that really stood out.And thank you to our shuttle driver Ricky for sharing his knowledge of the area during our drive to and from the French Quarter.
Fantastic experience
Melissa R,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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
5.00Incredibly 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
5.00A lot of fun. Well organized and the guide was super and very informative. We were able to see a lot of animals and birds.
From US$70.12
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Operated by Cajun Encounters Tour Co.