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

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

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

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

Reviews

4.90

5,326 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

4979

237

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.
Very interesting and both...
HEATHER A,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very interesting and both the bus driver and boat Captain knew a lot of history of the areas we went to
Super Fun Guides and a Beautiful Environment
Taylor T,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour had super fun guides both on the bus and on the boat. We had Derek as a bus driver and he was awesome. We went to a restaurant he recommended in the city also and it was amazing! Captain Jody was a classic New Orleans character with dry humor and some great facts. The environment was beautiful and we got to see some really unique creatures in their habitat.
Highlight of our NOLA Trip
Julian C,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
So much fun! Our bus driver Justina got us there safely and quickly while explaining what we were passing through and giving us recommendations of places to eat and visit. Our boat driver Randy made the swamp tour one of the highlights of our entire trip. He was a skilled driver, clearly quite knowledgeable about the area, its ecosystem, and its history, and very funny as well. All in all an unforgettable memory - you won’t regret going!
A great experience
jessicanW769HE,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Derek was our driver to the tour and he was great; very informative. Emmett was the boat captain. He had a lot of interesting information and was very nice. We had a great time.
Fantastic trip Justina...
Jackie D,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic trip Justina the driver was so helpful, pleasant and very informative. Captain Jody was friendly , funny but also very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this tour.
1st timer, will return!
David M,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Captain Jody was entertaining and a fantastic guide! Justina got us back and forth safely from the French Quarter to the site. Recommendations: bring mosquito repellent 👍
Bus Driver Justina
Chrisok55,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very knowledgeable, personable and humorous. I especially enjoyed that she gave a tour during our route and shared her personal experience with Hurricane Katrina. Organized and safe on the road. Would totally recommend.