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)

rgladhart

Sep 2023

Captain EJ was great. Very knowledgeable, good music. Good vibe on the whole trip. Saw lots of gators and some other wildlife. If you’re in the area it’s a must!!

Response from Host

Sep 2023

Hi! 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!

Patricia_H

Sep 2023

Seeing the animals up close was an amazing experience. There were beautiful views and time was given to enjoy the scenery. Expect to get wet!!

Response from Host

Sep 2023

Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that your guide showed you a good time on your swamp tour!

Holly M

Sep 2023

We really enjoyed our small boat tour today. We saw lots of gators, raccoons, and other animals. Our Captain was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He made the trip even better!! (Hate we forgot his name but we were on boat 2 on the 2:00 tour) Would highly recommend this company!

Response from Host

Sep 2023

Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures. We're happy to hear that our Captain showed you a good time on your swamp tour!