Dive into the heart of 23 Louisiana Swamp Adventures.
1, From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch
After being picked up from your hotel in New Orleans in a 13-seater high-roof van, your enthusiastic historian driver-guide will take you on a scenic narrated drive out of New Orleans, preparing you for a pilgrimage back in time.
After crossing over the Mississippi River on a high bridge, you will arrive at a remote swamp to board a small airboat. With your Cajun boat captain, glide comfortably over marshes and deep into secluded bayous.
Discover the swamp’s fascinating fauna and flora, including alligators, turtles, and exotic birds.
Next, you will drive upriver through sugar cane fields to arrive at Laura Plantation. Enjoy a guided tour of this Creole plantation dating back to 1804. Hear the compelling stories of Laura's family saga, as well as stories of the West-African, enslaved people who worked on this sugar plantation.
At the end of the tour, visit the museum exhibit dedicated to "Slavery on Laura Plantation" in a restored overseer's cottage.
Back on the old River Road, you will pass by Felicity Plantation, where "12 Years A Slave" was filmed, and St Joseph Plantation, where the "Queen Sugar" TV series was filmed. Stop in front of Oak Alley Plantation to admire its parallel rows of centuries-old oak trees.
After crossing over the Mississippi River on the Sunshine Bridge, you will arrive at the iconic "Sugar Palace", Houmas House Plantation. Lunch will be served in their elegant dining room, with genuine Cajun cuisine.
Then, enjoy a guided tour of the mansion with a guide dressed in Antebellum costume. After the tour, enjoy some free time to stroll around the splendid gardens, before you return to New Orleans.
2, From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat
Climb aboard a unique airboat to explore Louisiana’s wetlands south of New Orleans in a truly unique fashion. Board an airboat just 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans, and listen to informative commentary as you zip through the bayou and squeeze into tiny canals hidden deep in the swamp.
For 105 minutes, the captains at Airboat Adventures share some of the most beautiful and secluded areas of Louisiana. Wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and birds are common sights, but you never know what else might come out to visit!
Round-trip transfers are available from New Orleans for guests without a car. Upon arrival, check in to the Airboats Adventures facilities, before departing on the airboat to zip across the swamps.
Grab a snack at the gift shop, or check out Sugar and Flour, the only albino alligators on the bayou. Picnic tables are available both inside and out, where you can relax before your airboat departure.
The boats can hold between 6 and 30 people. Opt for a small boat, with a capacity of up to 10 passengers, for a more personal tour, when the captain can spend more time with each guest.
But even the large boats, with capacity for up to 30 passengers, allow an up-close experience with the wildlife of the Louisiana swamps.
Sit back and enjoy the ride through a unique landscape, and listen as you captain feeds you fascinating bayou facts. You never know; he might haul in a ‘gator if the opportunity arises, or even let you hold a baby ‘gator!
3, Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps
Venture into the swamps of Louisiana and come face to face with beauty and the beasts of nature.
Country on a thrilling 2-hour high-speed ride.
As your tour guide takes you ever-deeper into the hidden backwaters of Louisiana, you will pass through ancient swamps, hidden lakes and meandering bayous, into a habitat better-suited for prehistoric beast than man.
With thick subtropical vegetation, birds calling as they fly overhead, and alligators stalking menacingly nearby, this adventure in the Louisiana swamplands will bring you as close to nature as you can get without leaving the airboat's comfort and safety.
4, New Orleans: Guided Swamp Cruise by Tour Boat
Embark on a high-speed adventure through the swamps and marshes just 35 minutes from New Orleans and experience the amazing scenery by airboat. Slow down or stop to take pictures and get a personal tour from your local captain.
Avail of airboats with stadium-style seating so that the person in front does not obstruct your view. Be amazed as alligators come so close to the boat that you can stare into their reptilian eyes! Encounter magnificent birdlife, including bald eagles, pelicans, ospreys and owls. Every tour is unique and you never know what will be around the next corner!
Reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, propelled by a huge fan that blows air from the back of the boat in excess of 200 miles per hour. Ride in shallow water and access areas where traditional boats cannot go.
Drift slowly past 2,000 years of Louisiana history on this boat tour. Encounter the beautiful nature and wildlife of the swamp in the company of your expert captain guide.
Set sail with your captain, a native of the Barataria Swamps with a background in alligator hunting, fishing and trapping. He will tell you all about the ecology of the swampland. You'll also learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Cajuns of the Bayou and see plenty of wildlife, including birds, snakes, turtles and alligators.
The boat passes calmly through beautiful, moss-draped trees and soft waterways for ample opportunities to take pictures. Enjoy an entertaining, educational and exciting tour with a relaxing view of this unique landscape.
Note that in the winter, gators mostly hibernate, except to soak up some sun on warmer days, but your local tour can sometimes spot a sunbathing gator for you on the tour.
5, New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride
Discover the Manchac Swamp by pontoon boat on a family-friendly adventure in the great outdoors. Embark on an unforgettable tour led by an experienced captain and marvel at Louisiana's diverse wildlife as you explore the bayous of Cajun Country.
Journey by boat, Cajun-style, for a tour through the heart of Southern Louisiana's swamplands. Navigate the meandering bayous and gaze at the moss-draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life, and the critters who make their homes here.
Listen to informative commentary from your captain as you wind your way into the bayou. Swamp critters are used to seeing the tour boats, so you'll likely catch a glimpse of various birds, snakes, deer, fish, and possibly even an alligator.
As your boat drifts through the waterways, learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp—particularly the life and habits of the American Alligator—as well as the unique history of the local Cajun town of Frenier.
6, New Orleans: Honey Island Swamp Boat Tour with a Guide
Escape the hustle and bustle of New Orleans and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Honey Island Swamp on this half-day trip into the wilds of Louisiana. Enjoy ample opportunities for nature photography and wildlife observation, with optional hotel transfers.
Glide beneath hanging moss and towering cypress trees while a wetland ecologist will share captivating stories and insights about this protected nature reserve on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
During the narrated boat tour, discover Louisiana's rich fishing heritage and the unique ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for native creatures like otters, turtles, egrets, and alligators that thrive in the swamp.
After enjoying an authentic and non-commercialized exploration of Louisiana's swamp ecology and natural history, conclude your adventure with memories of the Louisiana Bayou and its captivating wonders.
7, New Orleans: 16 Passenger Airboat Swamp Tour
Embark on an airboat expedition through the captivating bayous and marshlands of Louisiana, surrounded by the picturesque presence of cypress trees and lush landscapes that resemble scenes from a postcard. Located just 30 minutes from New Orleans.
Navigating shallow waters inaccessible to conventional boats, this adventure offers unique access to remote areas.
Capture unforgettable moments with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including American alligators, bald eagles, raccoons, wild boar, turtles, snakes, and various bird species during the warmer months. Additionally, revel in the beauty of live oak trees adorned with the mysterious Spanish moss, as well as black willow trees, swamp red maple trees, and delicate spider lilies during the tour.
This unique tour takes place entirely on private property, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind experience distinct from other operators. Despite airboats' high speeds, our top priority is your safety and comfort, therefore we provide hearing protection for your convenience.
8, New Orleans: Oak Alley or Laura Plantation & Airboat Tour
Begin your day with a visit to either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, each steeped in history and unique charm. Oak Alley, known for its iconic live oak trees, was built in the 19th century and offers a glimpse into Louisiana's plantation era. Laura Plantation, on the other hand, boasts Federal-style woodwork and Norman roof trusses, providing a different perspective on the region's history.
After your plantation tour, the adventure continues with an exhilarating airboat tour. Your knowledgeable captain will introduce you to the rich culture, wildlife, and swamps of Louisiana. These small airboats ensure a personalized experience, accommodating up to 9 passengers.
The airboat tour takes place entirely on private property, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind experience distinct from other operators. While airboats can reach high speeds, our main emphasis is on ensuring a safe and relaxed exploration, complete with hearing protection for your comfort.
The tour returns you to the vibrant French Quarter, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and thrills.
9, New Orleans: 6 Passenger Premium Airboat Swamp Tour
Explore Louisiana's captivating bayous and marshlands via an airboat adventure, conveniently located just 30 minutes from New Orleans.
Glide effortlessly through shallow waters, inaccessible to conventional boats, and seize unforgettable photo opportunities while encountering diverse wildlife, including alligators, eagles, raccoons, and more during warmer months.
Behold the enchanting scenery, featuring cypress trees, Spanish moss-draped live oaks, and delicate spider lilies.
This exclusive tour unfolds on 100% private property, ensuring a distinct experience apart from other operators. Although airboats can attain high speeds, the primary focus remains on safe and leisurely exploration, with the provision of hearing protection for added comfort.
This premium experience unfolds in an intimate airboat ride with only 6 passengers.
10, New Orleans: 10 Passenger Airboat Swamp Tour
Set out on an airboat adventure in the captivating bayous and marshlands of Louisiana, where the scenic backdrop features picturesque cypress trees and lush landscapes reminiscent of postcard scenes. Situated just 30 minutes away from New Orleans, this adventure grants access to remote areas through shallow waters that conventional boats cannot reach.
As you journey, seize countless opportunities to capture unforgettable moments through photography.
Encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including American alligators, bald eagles, raccoons, wild boar, turtles, snakes, and various bird species during the warmer months.
Additionally, bask in the splendor of live oak trees adorned with Spanish moss, along with black willow trees, swamp red maple trees, and delicate spider lilies, all enhancing the tour's natural beauty.
This tour takes place entirely on private property, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind experience distinct from other operators. While airboats can reach high speeds, our main emphasis is on ensuring a safe and relaxed exploration, complete with hearing protection for your comfort.
11, New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise W/ Optional Pick-Up
Discover the Manchac Swamp by pontoon boat on a family-friendly adventure in the great outdoors. Embark on an unforgettable tour led by an experienced captain and marvel at Louisiana's diverse wildlife as you explore the bayous of Cajun Country.
Journey by boat, Cajun-style, for a tour through the heart of Southern Louisiana's swamplands. Navigate the meandering bayous and gaze at the moss-draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life, and the critters who make their homes here.
Listen to informative commentary from your captain as you wind your way into the bayou. Swamp critters are used to seeing the tour boats, so you'll likely catch a glimpse of various birds, snakes, deer, fish, and possibly even an alligator.
As your boat drifts through the waterways, learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp—particularly the life and habits of the American Alligator—as well as the unique history of the local Cajun town of Frenier.
12, Honey Island Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation
Choose between a morning or afternoon swamp adventure in Slidell, Louisiana, and visit Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana. Tour will include round trip transportation from New Orleans, LA to our swamp tour facility.
Board the custom‐made, open‐air boat and set off on an educational ride. Admire the view as the boat quietly winds through narrow swamp passages and brings you closer to native wildlife.
Listen to your guide’s commentary along the way, which makes this an unforgettable wildlife‐spotting expedition through the myth‐laden Louisiana terrain. Glide along the water, viewing the lush greenery and abundance of wild animals, including alligators, owls, raccoons, snakes, black bears, bald eagles, and wild boar.
Enjoy a tour perfect for animal enthusiasts and a chance to see these animals up close and in their natural habitat. Take great photos and learn more about the famous regional alligator, who can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (453 kg).
Travel to a secluded Cajun village that can only be accessed by boat. Learn about the culture and ingenuity of the Cajun people who have inhabited this area and use it as a source of food and medicine.
Hear stories about the bayou lifestyle, as well as information about the region’s wetland preservation efforts, before finishing the tour and returning to Slidell.
13, New Orleans: Honey Island Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
Choose between a morning or afternoon swamp adventure in Slidell, Louisiana, and visit Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana.
Board the custom‐made, open‐air boat and set off on an educational ride. Admire the view as the boat quietly winds through narrow swamp passages and brings you closer to native wildlife.
Listen to your guide’s commentary along the way, which makes this an unforgettable wildlife‐spotting expedition through the myth‐laden Louisiana terrain. Glide along the water, viewing the lush greenery and abundance of wild animals, including alligators, owls, raccoons, snakes, black bears, bald eagles, and wild boar.
Enjoy a tour perfect for animal enthusiasts and a chance to see these animals up close and in their natural habitat. Take great photos and learn more about the famous regional alligator, who can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (453 kg).
Travel to a secluded Cajun village that can only be accessed by boat. Learn about the culture and ingenuity of the Cajun people who have inhabited this area and use it as a source of food and medicine.
Hear stories about the bayou lifestyle, as well as information about the region’s wetland preservation efforts, before finishing the tour and returning to Slidell.
Discover the Atchafalaya Basin on our Swamp Tour
Our use of small boats allows us to go deep into the swamp, offering an intimate experience that you cannot get with a large tourist boat. This is not a tourist trap. Our main goal is to educate and not just to make money. We will be exploring part of largest contiguous forested wetland in North America, the Atchafalaya Basin. As the water rises and falls, it provides different habitats for different flora and fauna, making every swamp tour truly unique. We will experience breathtaking views, gigantic cypress trees, local culture, and native wildlife. This tour is a great adventure for people of all ages.
This is not an alligator tour. We do not feed alligator.
15, New Orleans: Swamp & Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation
Cruise through the Barataria Preserve and discover the beauty of South Louisiana in a custom-built swamp pontoon, as you float through a section of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.
Discover how the seafood from Louisiana’s waters provides a wide assortment of delectable local dishes! After a short motor coach ride across the Mississippi River, take a fascinating boat trip into the Louisiana swamps and Bayous.
Native guides will reveal the mysteries of the swamps and bayous and you will get to experience the Cajun “Joie de Vivre.” Observe the nesting grounds of alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, and many species of snakes. Some wildlife is more numerous during the warmer months of the year.
Learn why the wetlands are disappearing due to coastal erosion and discover man’s effort to correct the damage it has done and to restore this vital habitat.
16, New Orleans: Swamp Tour on Covered Pontoon Boat
Embark on a voyage through the uncharted beauty of Louisiana's pristine backcountry on a boat tour with seasoned wildlife guides in New Orleans. Discover 20,000 acres of tidewater cypress swamp while encountering bayou creatures of every size, shape, and species.
Get onboard a pontoon boat that offers unparalleled flexibility, accommodating both intimate gatherings and large groups. Explore the bayou, a slow-moving swamp waterway gracing the Louisiana landscape with its abundance and charm.
Along the way, encounter a diverse array of bayou inhabitants, including alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets, herons, and ibis. If you're lucky, you might even spot majestic hawks, owls, and the iconic bald eagles.
17, From New Orleans: Airboat Adventure Tour with Transportation
Climb aboard a flat-bottomed airboat and prepare for an exploration of Louisiana's wetlands just south of New Orleans. Head 30 minutes from downtown and experience some of the most beautiful and secluded areas of the state while catching glimpses of alligators, turtles, and birds.
Set out on a 20,000-acre (8,095-ha) track of tidewater cypress swamp close to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Your boat 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 as your pilot points out a stunning variety of wildlife.
Prepare to see plenty of alligators in the warmer months (and warmer days in winter) and your guide may even feed the gators, affording you amazing photo opportunities. As you zigzag through the soggy wetlands, 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.
18, New Orleans: Manchac Swamp Wildlife Kayaking Tour
Venture beyond New Orleans to the wilds of Louisiana's bayous on a group kayaking tour of the Manchac and Maurepas swamps. No kayaking experience is necessary, as a guide teaches you everything need to know to enjoy this southern-style adventure.
Select the option of being picked up and transported to the launch site from the French Quarter of New Orleans or choose the option of meeting the group at the launch site. Get set up with your well-maintained kayak, paddle, and life vest.
Listen as your guide gives you step-by-step paddling instructions during a safety briefing. Embark on your kayaking journey through shallow and narrow waterways that are impossible to reach with a motorized vessel.
Learn about the history and importance of this crucial ecosystem. Look for wildlife that is native to these wetlands like alligators, turtles, and owls. Return to your meeting point at the end of your tour.
19, New Orleans: Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour
Join a trained and experienced guide on a scenic kayaking tour in the cypress swamps of Louisiana. This eco-friendly tour offers the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including alligators, egrets, owls, eagles, and many others. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker, this tour is suitable for all skill levels.
Your kayak tour lasts a little over 2-hours and transportation is available to and from the city of New Orleans (if Option is selected). The Manchac swamp is famous for the logging of cypress trees and the ghost town of Ruddock, Louisiana. During the tour, your knowledgeable guide will share the area's historical significance and provide detailed information about the flora and fauna that can be found there. It's a perfect day trip for anyone visiting New Orleans who wants to experience the city's natural side.
20, New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation & Airboat Combo Tour
Enjoy our Louisiana tour, which brings you from the historical sites of the Destrehan plantation to the remote swamps in Cajun Country. Narrated short scenic drive out of the city and along the shores of Lake Ponchartrain to Destrehan Plantation on the East bank of the Old River Road: a pilgrimage back in time to the Antebellum South.
First you will be brought on a tour of Destrehan Plantation where guides in period costumes will bring to life the stories of generations who lived on and worked this rich land – both owners and slaves. They will share with you every detail of this mansion's history since 1787. Enjoy some free time to walk around under a spectacular canopy of live oaks around the mansion and the slave quarters.
We then drive down to a remote swamp in Cajun Country for a thrilling high-speed 2-hour ride onboard 6-passenger airboats, comfortably gliding over marshes, deep into secluded bayous. You may even get to hold a baby alligator, feed giant catfish, or meet a nutria face to face.
21, New Orleans: High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour
Experience an airboat ride from New Orleans and discover the vast swamps that surround the city. Travel at high speeds in the airboat with plenty of photo stops along the way, as you spot local wildlife with your captain and guide.
Set off from the dock and discover an area of swamp, marsh, and lakes. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the party in the French Quarter and search for a variety of wildlife species in the area, including raccoons, wild pigs, bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys.
Keep a lookout for the alligators that lurk beneath the water. Although more common in summer months, you may spot them at any time of year.
Enjoy the thrilling adventure as you feel the wind in your hair as you ride through the waterways at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Learn more about local ecology and the lives of Cajuns that once inhabited the wetlands, before heading back to the dock.
22, New Orleans: Airboat Swamp & City and Katrina Tour Combo
Experience the thrill of a combined swamp tour and high-speed airboat ride with photo stops guided by a local captain. Our stadium-seated airboats offer close encounters with alligators.
Alligators do hibernate in the colder months, but your experienced captains know where to look for them. On average, during the winter, you have better than a 50/50 chance of seeing a gator. In the warmer months, you will see a gator.
Every New Orleans airboat tour is unique and you never know what could be around the next corner. Tour an area that is a combination of swamp, marsh, and lake, spotting anything from a Bald Eagle to a Pelican, from an Osprey to an Owl.
Powered by a 454 Chevy engine, these boats reach speeds up to 35 mph, utilizing a powerful fan to blow air at 200+ mph. Navigate inches-deep waters for a unique, inaccessible adventure beyond foot or car reach.
23, New Orleans: Bayou Swamp Tour and Oak Alley Plantation Tour
Experience 2 quintessential Louisiana features—Swampland & Plantation Home—on a guided day trip from New Orleans with hotel pick-up. Visit Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, a privately owned wildlife refuge, for a 1.5 hour narrated boat tour on a custom-made flat bottomed, covered boat. Tour Oak Alley Plantation, with entry tickets included. Built in 1837-39, the plantation is famous for its alley of 28 evenly spaced live oak trees.
Due to the length of this tour, we recommend our guests eat a hearty breakfast and pack a bagged lunch or snack. Alternatively, water, soda, coffee, snacks (alligator jerky, chips, chocolate, candy and frozen bananas) are available for purchase in the ticket office/gift shop.