New Orleans Airboat Ride

Overview

Take a break from the hustle-bustle of New Orleans and escape to nature on this exhilarating, family-friendly airboat ride! Spot alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets and herons as you take a fast, fun ride over a tidewater cypress swamp close to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Admire moss-covered cypress and tupelo-gum trees as you explore bayous teeming with life and take advantage of incredible photo ops.

Th premium small-group tour is limited to 6 people, regular small airboat (up to 10 people) or large airboat (up to 30 people) to allow for better views of the wildlife.

Please note: If you book the self-drive option you will not receive hotel pickup. If you book the option with pickup, pickups will begin 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to tour time.

There are no rideshare or taxi services to this area. Gators are more commonly spotted in summer months.

City: New Orleans

Sat 19 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

Sat 19 Apr

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide

Airboat ride

Small storage space under seat

Roundtrip transportation (if option with transport is selected at time of booking.)

Ear protection

Unobstructed views

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions (sunny or rainy); please dress appropriately
Minimum age is 5 years
Reservations booked separately will NOT be guaranteed to be on the same boat
Taxi & Ride Share services not available in our area
We offer a full refund in case of inclement weather that is unsafe to operate tours (lightening/ thunderstorms/ high wind). We still operate in the rain.

What To Expect

New Orleans

Drive-out along the Mississippi River approximately 30 miles (48 km) to the embarkation point of your airboat from your New Orleans hotel. Depending on the option you selected, board a large airboat holding 15 to 25 passengers or a small airboat limited to six to eight passengers for a more intimate, personalized experience.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Set out on a 1 hour and 45 minute tour on a 20,000-acre (8,095-hectare) tract of tidewater cypress swamp close to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Your airboat is powered by an aircraft propeller to allow a fast, fluid trip through the shallow marshes. Feel the wind on your face as you zip into bayous lined with mossy cypress and tupelo-gum trees. Prepare to see plenty of alligators in the warmer months (and warmer days in winter), some of which may be out sunning themselves on rocks! Your guide may even feed the gators, affording amazing photo opportunities. Keep your eyes open for turtles, snakes, egrets, herons and ibis. You may even catch sight of a hawk, owl or bald eagle. In the cooler months, look for white-tailed deer, raccoons and the large rodents known as nutria. Be sure to check out the indoor exhibits of alligators, including an albino alligator. Note: This tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off unless option selected at checkout.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (1000)

Brionna_B

Mar 2025

If you have a long layover or late night flight this is a perfect excursion! Absolutely loved this tour with Jay! He was amazing! Got to see many gators 10/10 recommend!

Response from Host

Mar 2025

We're happy to hear that you got to see so many alligators! Thanks for leaving your review!

Tinabina_13

Mar 2025

Was a great time and we loved our guide! There were so many huge gators. Alcohol and snacks were available and decently priced.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Glad to hear you enjoyed your tour! Come back and visit us soon!

Claudine_M

Mar 2025

This was a fantastic time. Captain Danny was informative & funny. Even though I had always wanted to see the Bayou, I was nervous about the alligators at the beginning. If you’re anything like me- DO IT! All my fears were put aside as fun ensued. My husband & I are in our 50s/60s & took the small airboat & LOVED the ride! So cool- fun turbulence, corner turns, & light water splashing in our faces. I brought a light puffer jacket so wind or cold didn’t affect me. I recommend doing this if you tend to be on the colder side. It was a warm day but got a little chilly heading back but was glad I remembered a jacket. I gained such a heart for these creatures who are wonderful to spot & watch. So many photo opportunities of nature and wild life. And even though I was a bit nervous at the beginning, I had fun feeding an alligator a marshmellow twice!

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Hey Claudine! Thanks so much for the great review! We're so glad you had fun and we hope you'll tell your friends or come back and see us. If you want to be kept updated about our specials and see pictures from tours, follow us on Facebook or check out the blog on our website!