best bayou tours new orleans

The 7 Best New Orleans Swamp Tours [2024 Reviews]

Discover your wild side during a swamp tour of Louisiana bayou country! Areas unreachable by foot can be easily experienced by boat tour. A boat ride through the canopied waterways and shallow waters of the bayou offers unparalleled views of its beauty.

An experienced boat captain adds to the adventure by providing in-depth information about the bayou wildlife and the unique habitat that houses hundreds of animal species.

Louisiana is one of two states famous for its bayous, which are intricately linked to Creole culture.

Most of us non-Cajuns would refer to a bayou as a “swamp”. Regardless of what you call it, bayous (or swamps) develop in low-lying areas, where water moves slowly and tons of wildlife thrives.

Best Airboat Tours in New Orleans

Be sure to see our reviews of tours of plantations in New Orleans .

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Airboat Swamp Tours in New Orleans

• Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans
• High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride From New Orleans
• Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch from New Orleans
• Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up
• New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat Tour
• Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup
• New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour

New Orleans sits within a reasonable distance from the Louisiana Bayou, which makes a swamp tour completely doable for someone visiting the area. We’ve reviewed the top rated New Orleans swamp tours and hope you find one that works for you!

New Orleans Swamp Tour Reviews

1. best small group tour: small-group bayou airboat ride with transport from new orleans.

• Departure point : Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure time : 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM
• Duration : 4 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Small-group tour, transport by van, hotel pickup and drop-off, 1.5-hour airboat ride

We recommend this New Orleans swamp tour for those adventurers who want an intimate, small-group tour experience. Also, for those who want to avoid doing any driving on their own, this tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off (make sure to see if your hotel is within their pickup radius).

This swamp tour takes place on an airboat, which is a unique experience if you’ve never tried it before (See more detail about airboat vs. traditional boats below the tour reviews).

Your excursion begins with an hour-long ride to Louisiana bayou country in an air conditioned van. Along the journey, your experienced tour guide/driver provides commentary and shares stories about the area. The driver is well-versed in local culture and history, so prepare to be entertained and informed en route to the swamp.

Once you arrive for the swamp portion of your tour, you board an airboat that will get you up close to wildlife and local flora. The boat’s captain shares his experiences and a wealth of information about the bayou’s unique ecosystem.

Just a few of the animals you may encounter while on the water include alligators, otters, deer, and a plethora of water fowl. If seeing alligators and snakes in the wild feels a little too close to comfort, you’ll be glad to know the captain has explored every nook and cranny of the area, and your safety is his first concern.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. best adventure tour: high speed 16 passenger airboat ride from new orleans.

• Departure point : Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure time : 8:00 AM, 10:20 AM, 12:30 PM, or 3:00 PM
• Includes : Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, live commentary on board, 100-minute airboat tour, transport from New Orleans to boat ride departure point

We recommend this New Orleans bayou tour for those who want a little adventure while seeing seeing the Louisiana swamp country in a high speed airboat.

After being picked up from your area hotel, you’ll be transported to Slidell, Louisiana which lies about a half hour north of New Orleans. This portion of the trip is narrated by an entertaining guide, which makes the ride fly by. The boat ride portion of your bayou tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Your boat ride to the swamps and marshes will allow you to see all types of wildlife from bald eagles to alligators. These boat captains are native to the area, and thus, are very familiar with the ins and outs of the unique landscape that makes up the Louisiana bayou.

During the boat ride, you’re introduced to Honey Island Swamp, one of only a few protected wetlands in Louisiana. The tour also passes by a Cajun village.

As the boat glides along grassy, slow-moving waterways, you are practically guaranteed to see alligators sunning themselves on the shore or on fallen logs. Raccoons scamper along the reedy river shores. Other frequently sighted wildlife include mink, otter, wild boar, deer, and a variety of birds.

There is a gift shop conveniently located at the boat ride’s departure point, which is handy if you’ve forgotten a necessity like sunscreen or bug repellent. They even carry ponchos in the event the weather takes a turn for the worse.

3. Best Combination Tour: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch from New Orleans

• Departure point: Hotel pickup included
• Departure time : 8:00 AM
• Duration : 9 hours
• Includes : Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned van, 2-hour airboat ride, entrance fees to visit 2 plantation mansions, gourmet lunch with soft drinks, coffee and tea

We recommend this swamp boat tour for those who prefer to travel with a smaller group and who are looking to combine adventure with a taste of Louisiana history.

After pickup from your area hotel, you’ll be transported by van to where your airboat departs (approximately 30 minutes from the city). During your transit from New Orleans to Paradis, a friendly driver/guide will share his in-depth understanding of the area.

Once fitted with ear muffs, you’re zipped away on for an exciting airboat adventure. Your captain keeps the group intrigued by making sure you see lots of different animals and the lesser-known areas of the swamp. He makes sure his passengers are safe, while ensuring they have fun through his amusing stories. The boat rides lasts approximately 2 hours.

After touring the swamp, your van takes your group to the historic antebellum mansion, Houmas House Plantation. With its construction taking place between 1787 and 1790, Destrehan is one of the oldest homes in Louisiana.

Here you will have lunch of some authentic Cajun cuisine in the dining room decorated like it would have been in the 1700s. After lunch at “Sugar Palace”, tour-goers will experience the plantation’s main house, an on-site museum that displays original artifacts and photos of the Houmas family.

Tour the weaving room, the outdoor kitchen, and cabins which offer a glimpse into the daily lives of enslaved men, women, and children. Tours are led by guides who are attired in dress typical of that era.

4. Best Value Tour: Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up

• Departure point: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Duration : 2 hours
• Includes : Professional guide, all transportation

If it’s your first time in New Orleans, you’re likely somewhat overwhelmed with all there is to possibly do. However, I can’t recommend this next tour enough, even if you only have a few hours free on your schedule.

The Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up is one of the convenient, most exciting tours you could possibly take in the area!

I really appreciate the fact that our tour guide came right up to our hotel lobby to pick us up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle (if you’ve been here during the hotter months you know what a lifesaver that is!).

Right from the very beginning, they are super friendly and knowledgeable which only makes the experience that much more enriching.

They’re also there to answer any questions you may have, after offering a safety briefing. Then, it’s time to delve into the riddles that are woven into the heart of the enigmatic swamps surrounding New Orleans.

This ride on a traditional airboat captained by a bona fide swamp whisperer, is more fun than I thought one could have on murky waters such as these. As we cruised through the mesmerizing waterways, our guide would regale us with tales of these mysterious marches, the gators, and the history surrounding them.

To make the most of your time, the captain will alternate between soft cruising speeds and high-speed bursts while placing special attention to the surroundings. Everyone stays nice and safe while getting to capture amazing photos during stops along the way.

If you’re looking for something outside of your regular cookie-cutter tours, this is definitely the one for you.

5. Best Informative Tour: New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat Tour

• Departure time : Varies
• Duration : 100 minutes to 4 hours
• Includes : Boat ride tour, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, stadium seating for improved views, experienced captains

If it’s your first time out on an airboat, I know you’re going to love having chosen this tour. The friendly guide only made it that much more engaging and exciting, with fun commentary and expert eyes to locate critters around us.

If that sounds fun to you, do yourself a favor and sign up for the New Orleans High Speed 6-9 Passenger Airboat Tour .

After undergoing a safety briefing, everyone was comfortable and excited to get out on the water with our expert guide/captain! The stadium-style seats on the airboat were pretty cool, and made it easy for everyone to get an unobstructed view of the water and surrounding marshes.

As you cruise along, your guide will point out various wildlife and plants that you may find interesting. We did see plenty of gators, which I’m not sure why I was surprised by!

While I definitely have a lot of respect for the animals, I lost a lot of the fear I had surrounding them. This was probably largely due to the fact that I saw our guide give them marshmallows like they were some kind of reptilian dog!

Apparently, that’s one of their favorite snacks, but I digress. This is truly one of the most compelling tours I’ve gone on, and gave us the opportunity to see animals like bald eagles, pelicans, owls, and of course, plenty of gators.

If you’re looking to get away from the busy city and into some more peace and quiet, this is the tour for you .

6. Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

• Departure : 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072 (hotel pickup and drop-off available)
• Departure Time : 9:40 AM
• Includes : Airboat tour, professional guide

I feel that the best way to experience a swamp tour is with a small group for a more intimate setting. That way, you get to hear every splash of the water, every sound of a cricket, or critter swimming near the boat.

The Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup is the perfect option, where just you and the rest of your party get to experience this amazing atmosphere! This 2-hour tour is super easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules, and is a must-do for those visiting New Orleans for the first time.

Hotel pickup is available, so we didn’t even have to book separate transportation to the swamp. Upon arrival to the Barataria Preserve, we received a safety briefing and then climbed onto a one-of-a-kind airboat!

I could tell it was a high-quality, well-built vessel with a 454 Chevy Engine that took us shockingly fast across the water! The massive fan in the back blows air up to 200 miles per hour, and our captain zoomed through, slowing down when we arrived at particularly interesting sights.

We were able to see parts of the swamp that most others aren’t even able to see, which was exciting. The way the airboat seats are set up is so everyone gets full 360-degree views which is essential in this kind of environment.

The captain is a local and they know how to view wildlife safely (for humans and gators), so you’ll be able to see the critters in a way like never before. We were informed that the chance of seeing a gator varies depending on the season, but the experts still know exactly where to go for the best chance of spotting them.

7. New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour

• Departure : 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072

This for me is that “biggest bang for your buck” swamp tours, as it’s one of the most affordable while still providing an insanely fun time! I had no idea New Orleans swamps could be so beautiful and captivating, but I was sure shown the authentic side of this region on the New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour !

Limited to just 9 passengers, there’s no having to deal with large groups of people or fighting to hear the guide. This is a completely private tour with just you and your group, and I found it like an old friend taking us around on their airboat to show us the coolest sights around the swamps!

Of course, I don’t know anyone personally who has an airboat, but the friendliness of the captain sure made it feel that way. It doesn’t come with a hotel pickup like the other, but we found it easy to get to the Barataria Preserve where we hopped onto the airboat.

The stadium-style seating makes it easy for everyone to get a clear view of everything going on while still staying safe and secure. I wasn’t prepared for how speedy and noisy the tour was going to be, but there was a lot of laughing and excitement going on.

We saw plenty of gators, and even had one come all the way up to the boat which was initially pretty scary. After we saw a few, though, I realized that these guys seem more like scaly dog than a cold-blooded predator!

Our tour guide knew so much about the history of the area, geography, and wildlife, that it was an overall amazing tour that I’d love to go on again!

FAQ About New Orleans Airboat Swamp Tours

What is the difference between an airboat tour and flat bottom boat tour.

Airboats are propelled by enormous fans. The fans are so powerful and loud that passengers must wear ear muffs (provided by tour operators). Not only is this a fun way to tour the marshy areas surrounding New Orleans, airboat travel actually assists in navigating areas where a traditional propeller may get wrapped up in swampy reeds and grasses.

While passengers are given ear muffs to protect against the loud hum of an airboat’s giant fan, it should be noted that children or adults who are bothered by loud noises may find the sound unpleasant.

Flat bottom boats are able to accommodate larger groups and their narrow constructions allows them to make their way through tighter spots.

What should I bring for a swamp tour?

There are several essentials when visiting the swamp. Due to the humidity, insects, like pesky mosquitoes, may find their way to you, so a can of insect repellent is a good idea to have on hand.

Because you’ll be exposed to the sun for several hours, make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Packing a hat isn’t a bad idea, either. Don’t forget to hydrate. Take along plenty of water.

What is the best time of year to go on a swamp tour?

The time of year you choose to go on a swamp tour may mean compromising one thing for another. For example, if you hate the hot, muggy weather you’ll want to avoid the summer time, as that part of Louisiana can be oppressively hot and humid.

Alligators are out in droves during the summer months and tend to sneak into nests during the winter, so visiting during the cooler months may mean you see fewer of these reptiles. While gators may be more elusive during the winter months, you’re more likely to see bears or nutria during this season.

Spring offers a good mix of comfortable weather with animal sightings, as animals are out doing their thing and wildflowers are in full bloom.

There is sure to be an airboat adventure from New Orleans that will please everyone in your group. We hope our reviews help you to discover an adventure that will make lots of fun memories!

What should I wear on a swamp tour?

You should dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. So don’t wear anything that you are not OK with getting ruined. If you’re touring anytime other than during the summer months, be sure to bring a windbreaker – especially during the winter when it can get cool.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

While airboat tours are fine for all ages and abilities, some tours have a minimum age requirement of 5 – 6 years old. Pregnant women and people with back or neck problems should not take airboat tours.

How many people are on the boat?

This will vary on the size of the boat. Large airboats have seating for about 27 people, while small airboats have seating for as few as 6 people. Small airboats are more personal and can get into more places, while large airboats are more stable and comfortable.

What if it rains?

Airboat tours operate rain or shine, unless there are severe weather conditions like lightning. Check forecast before your tour and be prepared for delays or cancellations.

How long are the airboat swamp tours?

Most tours are about 4 hours and that includes the ride there and back. Some are longer if they include a plantation tour or a food tour in New Orleans .

What is the best New Orleans airboat swamp tour?

If you don’t mind spending a little extra and want a full day of adventure and sight-seeing we recommend the Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch from New Orleans . This tour combines an exciting day of seeing wildlife in the swamps along with seeing two of the plantations that show the history of the area.

What is the cheapest airboat tour in New Orleans?

If you are on a budget but would like to do a airboat tour of the swamps of New Orleans we recommend the High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride From New Orleans . This tour is on a larger boat so you don’t get the personal experience of being on a smaller boat.

Tour Guides

The Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride with Transport from New Orleans is our Editor's Choice for the best New Orleans airboat swamp tour.

Krysha Thayer

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The Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans

Looking for something wild in new orleans.

Venture beyond Bourbon Street to see the REAL Louisiana. See Louisiana’s iconic bayous and swamps with Airboat Adventures. Our personal New Orleans Swamp Tours are kid-friendly, family-friendly adventures!

New Orleans Swamp Tours & Airboat Rides

We are proud to boast some of the most exciting swamp tours in Louisiana! Airboat Adventures is just 45 minutes from the French Quarter. We’re open year-round, seven days a week. We’ll even pick you up from any hotel in the Greater New Orleans area!

Airboat Swamp Tours To Remember

Are you planning a trip to south Louisiana? Complete your Bayou State experience with a Louisiana swamp tour. Taking a tour with Airboat Adventures is taking a step back in time. See the original Louisiana before the hustle and bustle of modern life. Meet the TRUE Louisiana natives—the alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Encounter the essence of Louisiana.

Make sure to bring your camera!

JOIN US FOR AN AUTHENTIC NEW ORLEANS SWAMP TOUR

Tour 20,000 acres of cypress swamps and surround yourself with exotic creatures and otherworldly scenery. Our Louisiana alligator tours provide great fun and hands-on learning for all ages. Don’t miss your chance for a New Orleans Swamp Tour! Private airboat tours are available as well. Click here to book now.

Small Airboat Adventure

Our small boat tours offer a more intimate airboat experience. They’re perfect for families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or couples on getaways!

Large Airboat Adventure

Our large boat tours offer an awesome group experience with up to 30 of your best friends! Don’t have a huge group? You can still book this option for however many are in your party!

Pontoon Boat Adventure

Your New Orleans Bayou and Wildlife Tour chariot is waiting – our pontoon boats give you and your party all the flexibility in the world as we can accommodate small and large groups for bayou tours. Great for couples, families, friend groups and corporate groups.

Premium Small Airboat

Our location.

If you’re going to do a swamp tour in New Orleans… do it in style! Make yourself at home in our air-conditioned building. Stop by the gift shop for some souvenirs, ice cream, chips, candy and soft drinks. Enjoy the beautiful views from our outdoor patio and enjoy a frozen drink from our bar or see some of the alligators in our indoor habitat. Don’t miss a glimpse of Sugar, our rare albino gator!

#AIRBOATADVENTURES

Want to see more? Follow along on Instagram @airboatadv!

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The highest rated airboat tour in New Orleans is located just 25 minutes from downtown ... but we're just about as far as you can get from a prefab, artificial experience.

We are the real Swamp People!!!

The Louisiana wetlands are nature's amusement parks ... and our swamp tours are authentic adventures – thrilling, enlightening and, most importantly, real .

For well over 150 years, the swamp and bayous of Louisiana have been our family's backyard. For three generations, we have been family-owned and operated. Our family and our captains are all childhood friends who have grown up making their living in the swamp. Just like the alligators, wild boar, raccoons, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and many other bird species you’ll see on our tour, we are creatures of the swamp.

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NEW ORLEANS TOURS

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We Truly Are...Beyond the Bayou

Beyond the Bayou

Swamp, plantation, and cultural tours in southern louisiana.

New Orleans and Cajun Country Adventures

As Featured in:

Experience authentic louisiana nature & culture.

• Clock 2 hours

Swamp Boat Tour

Explore the Tchefuncte River, see Lake Pontchartrain, Recreational River, Marsh and Swamp.

We offer our signature swamp tour Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

• All-Day Adventure
• Lunch Included!
• Clock 10 hours

Last Wilderness Swamp & Plantation Tour

Experience Louisiana’s bountiful wetlands, Cajun cuisine, and the moving stories of the enslaved on the grounds of an antebellum plantation.

The tour is only offered on Wednesdays. For private tours, call to book.

• Full-Day Tour
• Includes breakfast & lunch!
• Call To Book
• Clock 12 hours

12 Hours in Cajun Country

On this small group adventure into Louisiana’s famed Cajun Country, count on our signature swamp ecotour, authentic local cuisine and a zydeco music experience!

Available for Private tour call to book

What Makes Us Different

Small group adventures with local experts.

At Beyond the Bayou, we have taken the guesswork out of finding the most educational and genuinely local experiences in Louisiana. We live here in New Orleans and have spent years scouting out the most exciting activities this state has to offer. Planning these trips has been a blast, and we can’t wait for you to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of this vibrant culture with us. Check out our tours, and we’ll see you…Beyond the Bayou.

We're Seeing Stars! Here's What Our Guests Say:

My family and I (6 of us - adult children and parents) booked the private boat tour and had a fantastic time. Jake is extremely knowledgeable about the area and was also a pleasant and chilled out driver and host. We saw some gators, turtles and an array of beautiful birds. We didn’t see another boat during the entire 2 hours and felt very lucky/smug not to be on a big boat tour with all the other tourists. Highly recommend!

Our group was very small which made things very individualized. The plantation tour had been recommended to us so it was great to make a full day of it with the swamp kayaking.

We had a blast using Beyond the Bayou and would use them again in a second. Our tour guide was wonderful and knowledgeable and the trip was so much fun. Highly recommend!

We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip with our guide, Andrew. He was knowledgeable and interesting and our time on the bayou was one of the highlights of our trip. I really recommend taking this tour, it was great!

I definitely recommend booking this tour. The small group size made it really easy to interact with the guide, Andrew. Being a life-long resident of Louisiana, he is really knowledgeable about the terrain & wildlife - and he's very personable!

This was an awesome tour! No feeding the animals, just observing them. We saw turtles, snakes, alligators, and herons. Andrew was very knowledgeable and took the time to point out different wildlife and let us get a good look at everything. I'm looking forward to coming back in September!

Andrew, our guide, is locally born and raised with a great range of knowledge about the bayou environment. Full of information and committed to creating an eco-adventure that is meant to expose you to this wondrous place with the least impact as possible. Great morning in the bayou on a hot July day! Lots of flora and fauna to see!

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Swamp Tours New Orleans

Which tour is best for you.

This post is a review of the best New Orleans swamp tours available to you, including airboat tours, canoe, and kayak trips as well as nighttime and free options.

Since 2010, we have operated walking tours in New Orleans, serving tens of thousands of visitors to the city each year.

And, many of our guides bring groups from New Orleans to the 3 main swamps around New Orleans.

We see the good, the bad, and the exceptional of all of the swamp tour companies out there.

An in this video, Andrew, a tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot New Orleans, goes over everything you need to know when considering one.

And the number one question we get asked is whether a swamp tour is worth it or not.

The answer is most likely a resounding yes.

Just check out what some of the roughly 40k members of our New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook Group have to say.

Aside from alligators, the swamps are teeming with wildlife, including wild boars, raccoons, snakes, bald eagles, herons, egrets, mink, and turtles.

Another highlight of these excursions is the flora and fauna, particularly gliding through the moss-covered cypress trees.   

And if you are considering adding a swamp tour to your itinerary, then you will quickly see that there are many companies to choose from as well as options to explore the swamps.

Most swamp tour companies operate in either the Honey Island Swamp or the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, both of which are between a 30-45 minute drive from the French Quarter.  

Click on the map to enlarge it.

A couple of others operate in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, approximately 30-minute drive west of the Quarter.

You could choose a flat-bottomed swamp boat , which is the most common option. Swamp boats can accommodate between 15-28 people. 

Or you can go on an airboat tour, which is a smaller, faster boat with a large fan attached to it. 

Alternatively, you can go by kayak or canoe or you could even go on a hike. 

There is even a nighttime swamp tour that operates on Thursdays through Sundays from June through September.

TIP: If you are considering the New Orleans Pass  or the Sightseeing Pass , tourist concession cards, then keep in mind that both include swamp tour experiences at no additional cost. 

You may also be interested in our review of  plantation tours  as well as riverboat cruises .

• Swamp Boat Tours
• Kayak + Canoe Tours
• Swamp Hikes
• Swamp/Plantation/City Tour Combos
• Things to do in New Orleans

SWAMP BOAT TOURS

There are numerous companies offering tours of the surrounding swamps via swamp boats.

A flat-bottomed boat generally carries approximately 22 people, though some offer smaller (and more expensive) swamp boat tours.

Expect to pay at least $20/adult and $13/child (though there are occasional price cuts) if you drive up to the swamps on your own.

If you add hotel pick-up, then expect to pay at least $42/adult and $21/child for transportation from downtown New Orleans.

Tours last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and this is consistent among all companies.  

These large boats offer an easy and relatively affordable way to experience Louisiana's bayous and swamp. 

CAJUN ENCOUNTERS

This company is probably the largest most well-known and best-reviewed outfit. They operate in the Honey Island Swamp.  

They are our choice for an operator because their size means that they usually can fit you in.  

They use 22 passenger swamp boats for their public tours and have 10 passenger swamp boats for private bookings.

They offer online booking, which is not something that many other companies offer (which we find annoying).  

They also offer a seasonal night swamp tour from May through September.

They will pick up from just about any hotel in downtown New Orleans. They have an excellent review profile, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Read our post reviewing all of Cajun Encounters tours .

Tour Start Times:

If you choose to be transported, then the pick-up times are as follows:

NOTE:  The 6 pm tour may not be available at all times throughout the year.

• Adults | $32.75
• Kids | $21.75
• Purchase tickets .
• Adult | $59.75
• Kids | $38.75
• Child tickets are for 3-12 years old.
• 2 and under are free.

Cajun Encounters  also offers combo tickets  that combine swamp, plantation and city tours.

CAJUN PRIDE

Like Cajun Encounters, this company is focused on swamp and bayou tours.

Cajun Pride is unique from other companies in that they operate in their own private swamp , which they claim means that your boat will be alone on the water.

In addition to their large swamp boats (28 passengers), they also offer a smaller boat (16 passengers).

They have a good review profile on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).  

Since their tours are the Maurepas Swamp to the west of the city, this company may be a good option for those who are also planning a trip to one of the plantations .

One bonus is hotel pick-up from most New Orleans hotels.  

Read our detailed post reviewing all of Cajun Pride tours .   

Available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.

Ticket Prices  (online prices are shown)

• $27 - Adults
• $16 - Child (4-12)
• More info and to book online .
• $49 - Adults
• $25 - Child (4-12)

VIP Small Boat Tour (16 passengers)

• $50 - Adults
• $30 - Child (4-12)
• Not Currently Available
• $70 - Adults
• $40 - Child (4-12)

Tour Start Times

• Daily all year @ 9:30 am, 12 noon, + 2:15 pm
• 4:15 pm runs March 1 - October 1

Cajun Pride does offer a number of other great tours, including a combination ticket for $105 for Adults and $60 for Children where you get a swamp tour and a visit to either Laura Plantation or Oak Alley Plantation. 

Learn more about Oak Alley Plantation at Oak Alley Plantation Tickets, Tours, and Reviews .

JEAN LAFITTE SWAMP TOURS

Much like its competitors, this company operates in the Jean Lafitte Swamp, providing swamp and airboat rides around the area.

They offer their tours with or without transportation to and from the departure point, allowing you to save money by using your own car if you'd like.

Their prices are comparable to most of the other options on our list and they offer a total of 4 tours per day (10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM & 4 PM).

The main advantage of choosing this service is that their children's tickets are very affordable.

• $29 - Adults
• $12 - Child (under 13)
• $52 - Adults
• $26 - Child (under 13)

TIP: This tour is available for free with transportation from the French Quarter with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass .

If you plan on doing a lot of different things in the city, this could be a great way to save money on a swamp tour.

HONEY ISLAND SWAMP TOURS (DR WAGNER'S

This outfit also focuses on just swamp and bayou tours. As their name makes clear, they operate in the Honey Island Swamp.  

They claim that they use small swamp boats, but they appear to use the standard 20-passenger swamp boats. They provide two options, drive-up and hotel pickup .

They also have a good review profile .  

***Online purchases are only possible on Viator***  If you visit Dr. Wagner's website to book, you will need to fill out a form to request a tour and they will call you to confirm.  

They appear to only accept cash or checks and not credit cards.

• $25 - Adults
• $15 - Child (under 13)
• Purchase here .
• $54 - Adults
• $34 - Child (under 13)
• Daily all year @ 9 am, 11:30 am + 2 pm
• Departures from New Orleans are 7:45 am and 12:30 pm.
• 4:30 pm runs seasonally

GRAY LINE SWAMP TOURS

Gray Line is a national brand with a licensee in New Orleans. Gray Line offers tours with large swamp boats as well as airboat tours.

They only offer tours with transportation from the French Quarter, which depart from their ticket office on Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River ( map ).   

There are no hotel pick-ups.  

They have a very good review profile .

Swamp and Bayou Tour  Prices

• $55 | Adults
• $50 | Seniors
• $29 | Kids 6-12
• Book online here .

This product is also part of their Swamp/Plantation combo ticket . 

Departure Times

• Nov 1 - Dec 31 - 11 am & 1 pm Daily
• Jan 1 - Feb 29 - 11 am &  1 pm Daily
• Mar 1 - Oct 31 - 8:45 am, 10:45 am, 12:45 pm & 2:45 pm Daily
• Nov 1 - Dec 31 - 10:45 am & 12:45 pm Daily

Additional Companies:

Ultimate Swamp Adventures

If you are considering purchasing  the New Orleans Power Pass , keep in mind that this company's swamp tour is included in the price.  

It only includes the tour and not the ride to the swamp, which you could arrange with Ultimate Swamp Adventures for an additional $15.  

Cajun Critters

Like the other companies listed above, this company offers 2-hour swamp boat tours. This outfit heads into the Jean Lafitte Swamp, due south of the French Quarter.  

AIRBOAT SWAMP TOURS

There are a few companies that offer airboat tours; They are faster than swamp boats and can be more thrilling, but they are more expensive.

The biggest advantage of airboat tours is that they are usually smaller than swamp boats and therefore can get deeper into the swamps, especially when the rivers and bayous are at low tide.

There are restrictions on who could take these tours, including pregnant women, children under 5, and those who are physically disabled or have neck or back problems.

We include a few options below, but for a full comparison, read our post on airboat tours in New Orleans .

Louisiana Tour Company

Unlike its competitors, this company offers services both with or without transportation to the departure point.

If you’re looking to save money on travel expenses, this might be your best bet. 

We like that they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour time.

Some of their airboat tours include hotel pick-up as well.

This is easily one of the most affordable and popular airboat tours on our list, and they operate only 35-40 miles outside of downtown New Orleans.

Duration w/ Transport: 3 ½ - 4 hours.

Large (up to 16 passengers)

• Tour times:  9:40 am, 12:10 pm, 2:10 pm, 4:15 pm
• Arrive on your own - $60/Adults | $56/Children
• Hotel pick-up - $80/Adults | $76/Children

Small (6-9 passengers)

• Arrive on your own - $75 per person
• Hotel pick-up - $95 per person

NOTE: This company also offers a selection of combo packages which include tickets to plantations and tours of New Orleans. 

With a rating of between 4 ½ - 5 out of 5 stars on both Get Your Guide and TripAdvisor, it’s pretty clear that most people really enjoy the service provided by this company ( read reviews here ).

Guests indicate that their tour guides are very friendly and informative, providing a lot of details about the swamps and bayous in the area and giving customers a great look at the wildlife.

Visitors also appreciate the thrill of traveling through the swamps at incredibly fast speeds.

AIRBOAT ADVENTURES TOURS

This outfit operates in the Jean Lafitte Swamp. They offer drive-up and hotel pickup pricing.

Like many of the swamp tour companies, they seem to not take online bookings directly.  

Prices online are not consistent, and it looks like their drive-up price for a large air-boat is the cheapest on Viator. They receive excellent reviews .

Self-drive to swamp

• This price is only for their 9:45 am tour.
• $89 - small airboat ( book here )

Hotel pick-up

• $79 - per person for large
• $109 - small airboat
• Hotel pick-up is run by Grayline.
• They offer a seasonal 4 pm and 6 pm tour
• Hotel pickup times are approximately 1 hour before the listed departure times.

Other Companies Offering Airboat Tours:

• Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours
• Big Easy Swamp Adventures
• Cajun Style Swamp Tours

KAYAK AND CANOE SWAMP TOURS

Arguably the best way to explore the swamps and bayous around New Orleans is in a kayak or canoe.

No other method can get you deeper into the swamps than by small craft.  

However, you will lose range, as you will not have the benefit of a high-speed engine.  

And if you are concerned about the danger of alligators, you shouldn't be. Alligators avoid humans unless confronted and surprised.  

Kayak and canoe tours are usually a bit more expensive than swamp boats, but cheaper than airboats.

New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

With an experienced guide at the helm, New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tour offers picturesque 2 – 2.5 hour narrated kayak trips through locations such as Manchac Swamp, the Pearl River, Honey Island Swamp, and Cane Bayou.  

Groups of 2 - 12 are easily accommodated, with private tours available for larger groups.

Prices start at $59/person, and transportation can be arranged when booking, for an additional fee ($20/person roundtrip from two locations in the French Quarter, or $40/person round trip from your hotel or other specified location)

Tours currently launch at 2 pm and 4:30 pm, and your guide will notify you via email or cell of the launch site. New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours .

Canoe and Trail Adventures

Rated 5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor! Enjoy a 2-3 hour kayak or canoe tour through one of the last undeveloped bayous that feed into Lake Pontchartrain, while getting immersed in the ecosystem of Louisiana.

Locally owned and operated, your tour fee includes kayak/canoe rental, safety gear, waterproof cases (for phones/cameras/bags), light snacks and water, and an experienced guide.   

Groups average 10 paddlers, although larger groups are welcome – please contact the company directly for private tours and deals.

Prices are $65/Adult and $49/Child (6-12).

Transportation is usually available to/from New Orleans for $15/person, but it is currently either not being offered or very limited in availability.

Tours go out Monday, Wed, Thurs, and Friday at 10 a.m. (for those needing transportation) and 11:00 a.m for those driving.

Tuesday tours are at 11 a.m. and do not include transportation.   Canoe and Trail   Tel 504-233-0686 

Wild Louisiana Tours

Offering 2 – 3 hours of “Manchac Magic” kayak and canoe tours, experienced tour guides will lead guests on a relaxing, educational journey down the Manchac wetlands.

Discover the bayous and waterways that many of New Orleans' founding fathers explored, and examine the ruins of Ruddock, LA, a now-deserted logging community.  

www.wildlouisianatours.com  

Kayak-Iti-Yak

Kayak - Iti - Yak offers a 2 and 3-hour daily tour of Bayous St John and Bienvenue, as well as a 4-hour “Pontchartrain Paddle,” guaranteed to burn off all those beignets!  www.kayakitiyat.com  Tel  985-778-5034

Jean Lafitte National Park Service

While canoeing and kayaking through the Park are definitely great ways to explore this area, the Barataria Preserve in Marrero is currently impassable, due to the overgrowth of aquatic vegetation.

Be sure to check the Park's website for more information. www.nps.gov/jela  Tel 504-589-2133

An extremely cost-effective way (if you have a car) to experience the swampland near New Orleans is to take advantage of the National Park Service, which leads hikers through the Barataria Preserve , a southern unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve located about a 30-minute drive south of the French Quarter.  

The Park Services operates a visitor center with exhibits highlighting the development of the swamp area.  

You can pick up self-guided maps here and join a regularly scheduled park ranger hike from here.

You can also pick up self-guided maps to explore on your own. A description of the hikes can be found here.

Barataria Preserve Unit, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072 ( map ) (504) 689-3690 (ext. 10)

In addition to this option, you can also visit Bayou Sauvage for free and see a lot of incredible native species.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service provides both a map of the bayou and a list of the types of birds you can see in the area.

Whether you're interested in bird watching or you want to see other animals such as alligators, this is a wonderful opportunity to get a close look at local wildlife in their natural habitat.

You'll find Bayou Sauvage just east of New Orleans, but if you want to experience the natural beauty of Louisiana without leaving city limits, consider a trip to City Park.

Visitors are welcome to check out the Couturie Forest for free.

You can expect to see various types of native birds, trees, and fish in a location that has several trails for walking and hiking.

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Louisiana Tour Company

Guided swamp tours in new orleans.

Louisiana Swamp Tours, City Tours, Plantation Tours & More

The Most Exciting New Orleans Swamp Tours For Over 24 Years!

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 1hr & 40mins

Swamp Tour by Tour Boat

Climb aboard our enchanting swamp tour boat and embark on a thrilling adventure through the mystical Barataria Swamps. Get ready to be spellbound by the hauntingly beautiful cypress trees and the playful antics of curious gators — it’s a journey you won’t soon forget!

• Hour Glass 1.5hrs

Airboat Swamp Tour

Experience the BEST swamp tour in New Orleans! The area toured is a combination of swamp, marsh and lake. The swamp is such a diverse ecosystem that you may see anything such as a bald eagle, a pelican, an osprey, or even an owl. Book online today!

• Hour Glass 3.5hrs

3 Hour New Orleans City & Katrina Tour

Join us on a 3-hour journey through the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where you’ll soak in the city’s rich culture, and gain insight into the resilience and recovery of the community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, making history come alive in every step!

• Hour Glass 6.5hrs

Destrehan Plantation & Swamp Combo Tours

Step into history at Destrehan Plantation, then venture deep into the heart of Louisiana’s enchanting swamps on our exciting combo tour, where you’ll encounter alligators and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the bayou. Book online today!

• Hour Glass 7hrs & 15mins

New Orleans City & Swamp Combination Tours

Explore New Orleans’ vibrant city & mysterious swamps! If you are interested in experiencing all that New Orleans has to offer, the City/Katrina Tour and Swamp Airboat Tour is the perfect combination tour and ultimate Louisiana adventure. Book online today!

• Hour Glass 8.5hrs

Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Combo Tours

Step back in time among the majestic oaks of Oak Alley Plantation before diving into the enchanting depths of Louisiana’s swamps, where alligators and Spanish moss create a truly unforgettable combo tour experience. Book online today!

• Hour Glass 9hrs

Oak Alley Plantation + 3 Hour New Orleans City & Katrina Tour

Join our Oak Alley Plantation and 3-Hour City & Katrina Tour for a captivating journey through New Orleans, where the elegance of the plantation and the resilience of the city’s spirit combine for an unforgettable adventure! Book online now!

• Hour Glass 5hrs & 45mins

Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Step into a world of Southern splendor on our Oak Alley Plantation Tour, where the stately oaks, grand architecture, and rich history blend together to create an unforgettable journey into the heart of Louisiana’s captivating past! Book online now.

• Hour Glass 2hrs

New Orleans Ghost Tours

Disease, disaster, sinister spirits, and murder most foul! Join us on our walking tour for historically accurate tales of local haunting and vampire lore. Experience a Spine-Tingling Journey Through the City’s Eerie History! Book online today.

Cajun Invasion Seaplane Tour

Experience the thrill of soaring above the enchanting Louisiana bayous on our Cajun Invasion Seaplane Tour, where you’ll embark on an adventure that blends the flavors of spicy Cajun cuisine with the serenity of a scenic seaplane flight!

About Louisiana Tour Company

A local, family-owned business since 1989.

Join us for the most exciting city, plantation, swamp and high-speed airboat tours while discovering the wild side of Louisiana! You’ll be given first-class treatment on our swamp tours in Louisiana. We pride ourselves on being the best we can be. Ninety Nine percent of our guests tell us our tours were the highlight of their visit to New Orleans and French Quarter. With all the attractions here in New Orleans, that tells us we did a excellent job!

Experienced Guides 
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Experienced guides 
& licensed boat captains.

Top-Rated Tours 
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Top-rated tours 
& guided adventures.

Tours For All 
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Tours for all 
ages & groups.

Memorable, Fun 
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Memorable, fun 
& affordable, explore all louisiana tours, airboat tours, seaplane tours, swamp tours, ghost tours, plantation tours, combo tours, group tours, 

top-rated guided louisiana tours near new orleans.

This was definitely our favorite part of our trip to Nola. Our guide, Erik, was really knowledgeable about swamps and gators and made this a truly memorable experience!

It was an amazing experience! The boat ride itself was a thrill, seeing all the different animals in their natural habitat was impressive! The swamp was beautiful and spooky at the same time with the overhanging trees and Spanish beards. We saw alligators, raccoons, birds, swamp cows.

From beginning to end, a delightful day. The Oak Alley tour was very informative. Our swamp tour was truly outstanding. Captain Ernie is personable, knowledgeable, and an all-around terrific captain. I cannot recommend this tour and this company enough!

We had a great time. Our guide was great, answered our many questions, and seemed genuinely interested in giving us the best tour possible. The airboat was pretty comfy and good fun.

Great tour very knowledgeable guide. Friendly and very prompt on pick up time. Guide was very funny and had a lot of personal knowledge about New Orleans.

Had a great time. Seen a bunch of alligators and learned a lot about an area. Ian was a great guide and was very knowledgeable about everything in the area.

We loved the whole thing! The bus driver was so nice, the plantation was lovely. But the highlight of our day was the airboat!! Ian was our guide and he was so knowledgeable about everything in the area!! Showed us so many things in nature from the cypress trees to the gators and all in between!! Highly recommend!!

My boyfriend and I really enjoyed the swamp experience. Our boat tour guide Ernie was full of information and a good sense of humor. I definitely recommend the tour to anyone thinking about it.

Captain Ernie was incredibly knowledgeable and an awesome host for the large airboat tour. We love learning new things and did!

We were picked up at Jackson Square and had a friendly air conditioned ride to the lovely Oak Alley Plantation and then a Airboat Swamp tour. The four of us enjoyed the staff and all the beautiful views and loved our Airboat Swamp tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and Airboat tour was lots of fun. Highly recommend!

The 9 Best Swamp Tours in New Orleans

A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without a swamp tour. Step out of the bustling city and venture into Cajun Country by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans.

There are several swamps to choose from, including the Honey Island Swamp and the Barataria Preserve in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.

Not only will you be guided through areas only accessible by boat, but you can also choose a trip on an iconic airboat or a flat-bottom traditional boat. Each boat has its pros and cons, but the tour will be unforgettable, whichever you choose.

You will learn about the swamps surrounding New Orleans and the wildlife that call the swamps home. From alligators to turtles or raccoons to wild boars – you never know what you will come across on a New Orleans swamp tour.

Remember that these are swamp tours, so alligator sightings are not guaranteed. However, you will likely see some scaley friends if you take a tour during the warmer months!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please see my  Privacy Policy  for more information.

New Orleans Airboat Ride

Take an iconic airboat ride through Louisiana’s stunning Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans: The New Orleans Airboat Ride .

The swamp tour takes you through where you will see loads of swamp wildlife, including alligators, turtles, raccoons, birds and all of the aquatic plants that bloom in the swamp.

The tour takes place on the Tidewater cypress swamp, home to shallow marshes surrounded by tupelo-gum trees and mossy cypress.

One of the bonuses of taking an airboat over a regular swamp tour boat is the air helps keep you cool while keeping the mosquitos at bay. This is what makes the New Orleans Airboat Ride the best airboat tour in New Orleans.

You will be able to get quite close to the alligators on the New Orleans Airboat Ride, which is fantastic to experience! It can get pretty hot during the day, so bring plenty of cool clothing and a hat. Otherwise, I recommend taking the morning tour to avoid the afternoon heat.

The tour guides know about all the creatures you will see on your swamp tour. The tour is fun, and you will leave falling in love with the swamp.

What are the pros of the airboat over a regular boat? You can move through areas fast to see more alligators, and the air keeps you cooler in the hot summer New Orleans heat.

They have larger and smaller airboats of either 10 to 30 people. And you can choose to get picked up from your hotel, which makes getting to the tour super easy.

Book here: New Orleans Airboat Ride

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

Explore the beautiful Honey Island Swamp by taking the New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour . The boats you take creep through the wetlands, allowing you to get up close and personal with swamp wildlife without scaring them away.

The tour will transport you across the stunning Lake Pontchartrain to the Honey Island Swamp outside Slidell.

The bus and tour with the Captain are fantastic. You will learn so much about the wetlands and see all the wildlife you can imagine. The smaller boats make it easier to go through narrower passageways through the swamp offering a more intimate and peaceful tour. Airboats are cool, but there is something special about travelling quietly through the swamps of New Orleans on a smaller boat.

I recommend a boat with a top to protect yourself from the sun. It gets pretty hot down in the Honey Island Swamp! The tour guide I had made our trip incredible, and I consider it one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans.

My favourite thing about my tour of the Honey Island Swamp was seeing the pigs! I absolutely loved Oreo the best, and I recommend checking out the post about my trip to the Honey Island Swamp Tour in New Orleans .

Book here: New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

Introducing the love of my life: Oreo the Pig!

Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Boat Tour

Visit the Take the New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour to see all the alligators that call the Barataria Preserve in the Jean Lafitte Historical Park home. The preserve is wild wetlands surrounded by bayous, marshes, swamps and forests.

It is such an incredible boat tour, and the tour guides are hilarious and point out animals as you float through the swamp. They also get alligators to come as close to the boat as possible by feeding them sweet marshmallow treats. It’s so exciting to get up close and personal with wild alligators!

The bus ride passes over the Mississippi River, and you will get to listen to the driver talk about the history of each community we pass. 

And once you get onto the swamp, you are greeted by a local guide who knows the swamps’ ins and outs. Every staff member was incredibly friendly and helpful, and I cannot recommend them enough.

I saw tons of alligators on my tour, but depending on the time of year, sometimes it can be hard to spot alligators in the water, so be prepared for possible disappointment. It doesn’t seem to happen too often, though!

Book here: Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Boat Tour

Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat

Do you want to take a swamp tour in New Orleans but don’t want to share the experience with too many other people? The Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat is the tour I recommend.

You can sail the seas (okay, the swamps) of the Barataria Preserve with a local guide who will show you the best parts of the swamp. The airboat travels at high speeds through certain areas of the swamp, which is extremely fun.

Then, as you approach wildlife like alligators and to, pelicans, and so much more – the boat will slow down, allowing you to take photos as you learn about the animals in the area.

What makes this one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans? The airboat allows you to reach and explore inaccessible places on foot. Plus, the tour is family and kid-friendly and perfect for people who want to enjoy the peace of a smaller group as the boats seat a max of 9 people.

Book here: Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat

New Orleans: Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise

Visit the Manchac Swamp by taking one of the best swamp tours in New Orleans with the Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise Tour .

Explore the swamp by taking a Cajun-style boat tour through Louisiana’s Manchac Swamp, located outside the Cajun town of Frenier.

The swamp is stunningly beautiful as moss-draped cypress trees surround its calm waters. The boat, driven by a local guide, drifts through the swamp as you learn about the history of Louisiana and the animals that live there.

Some wildlife you may encounter includes wild boars, alligators, snakes, birds and more. If you want the inside scoop on Louisiana’s Cajun history with a side of swamps and alligators, I highly recommend this tour.

This tour offers optional pickup, so book for pickup if required.

Book here: New Orleans: Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise

New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

Want to speed through Louisiana’s Barataria Preserve on an airboat? New Orleans High-Speed Airboat Ride gets to venture into areas of the swamp that traditional boats cannot visit. 

Airboats can ride in inches of water, so it is perfect to get to those hard-to-reach swampy areas with this tour.

The tour includes a captain who will control the airboat, stopping at all the best locations where you can stop and float for a bit. You may see alligators, raccoons, or even a bald eagle!

The boat moves so fast that it can be scary but is perfect for adrenaline seekers!

Book here: New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

Honey Island Swamp Tour

Spend the afternoon roaming the Honey Island Swamp alongside a wetland ecologist as they guide you by boat through the swamp. 

The Honey Island Swamp Tour is home to wildlife like alligators, turtles, crawfish and all kinds of wetland birds. My favourite was seeing the wild boars living between the moss-draped cypress trees.

The captain will point out loads of wildlife and the biome of the swamp ecosystem and what makes it unique to Louisiana. The tour starts with a narrated bus ride from the French Quarter over Lake Pontchartrain. You will still see areas affected by Hurricane Katrina all these years later.

Honey Island Swamp is truly a gem, and I cannot recommend this tour enough. Also, there are loads of hummingbirds at the meeting point before you start your tour.

Book here: Honey Island Swamp Tour

Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride

Take the Best bayou tour in New Orleans through Bayou Segnette State Park with the Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride . The tour passes through marshlands and the secluded bayou in the bayou Segnette.

The swamp is deep in Cajun Country so you will be transported via an air-conditioned van. This includes a narrated tour of the Mississippi and historic French Quarter sites.

The airboat can travel incredibly fast! Be sure to hold onto your hat as the boat speeds up through the open parts of the swamp on the hunt for wildlife sightings.

The captains often invite little alligators on board. You may even get to hold a young alligator on your tour!

Book here: Small-Group Bayou Airboat Ride

From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat is a family-friendly swamp tour. The tour explores the wetlands of Lafitte in Bayou Barataria, where you may spot alligators, snakes, birds and turtles.

The boat tours range from 6 to 30 people. If you want a quiet and more personal tour, I recommend booking with a smaller airboat.

I enjoyed how the captain and tour guide talked about the wildlife and history of the swamp. He made everyone feel included and ensured everyone on the boat could see the alligators in the water.

Book here: From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

Find more things to do in New Orleans

• The Best Ghost Tours in New Orleans
• Top Haunted Spots in New Orleans
• The 9 Best Vampire Tours in New Orleans
• The Dark Side of New Orleans – Spooky Sites to See
• The 11 Most Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• Nicolas Cage and His Dark Connections to New Orleans
• The Best Cemetery Tours in New Orleans

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The best new orleans swamp tour experiences (updated may 2024).

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Let Cool New Orleans connect you with the best New Orleans Swamp Tours and head out for adventure. Tour the famed Louisiana swamps that dominate the landscape just outside of New Orleans. Ancient and mysterious, these iconic Mississippi Delta Wetlands present an ecosystem incredibly rich in life. Haunt of the magnificent American alligator, the New Orleans swamp lands are a must-see stop on any NOLA visit.

Home to native American and Cajun folk for centuries past along with innumerable species of birds, animals, amphibians, fish, and reptiles, New Orleans’ swamps and bayous are a dense, trackless, and treacherous wilderness to the outsider. But you can join one of our expert local guides, native Louisiana Cajun swamp hunters, trappers, and fisherman, on a safe and exciting journey into this unique watery wonderland.

Cool New Orleans makes it simple to arrange a tour with the best land and water transportation options for your interests and itinerary, and our New Orleans swamp tours are perfect for visitors of all ages.

Close to the City but a World Apart Leave the busy city behind and enter a world where only bird calls break the silence as you drift on waterways that wind between moss-covered trees and through lush gardens of aquatic plants. Giant cypress and Tupelo gum trees overhang lagoons where gators sun on the banks and tall herons stalk fish in the shallows. This is a bird-watchers paradise; turtles, snakes, and aquatic mammals like nutria are also common sights according to the season.  

Conservation efforts and wildlife reserve designations have preserved much of the original natural richness of the New Orleans swamplands. Your visit is sure to be deeply rewarding no matter which of our New Orleans swamp tours you choose.

• Honey Island – One of America’s most pristine marshland environments sets the scene with plenty of hanging moss over lily-pad covered waterways and is home to alligators, wild boars, bears, and a wide variety of birdlife.
• Manchac Swamp – Several small Cajun country towns and many scattered waterfront fishing cabins and hunting posts occupy the Manchac, legendary home of voodoo queen Julia Brown.
• Barataria Swamp – Home to over 200 species of birds and part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a wilderness area once used as a hideout by the notorious French pirate and smuggler Jean Lafitte.
• Maurepas Swamp – Just 25 miles west of New Orleans, this is a flooded cypress and Tupelo gum tree swamp that also hosts beautiful American elm, red maple, and sugarberry trees along with hundreds of animal species.

Come Aboard for a New Orleans Swamp Tour Cruise in smooth, shaded comfort on a roomy traditional flat-bottomed swamp boat and wind through waterways past ancient Native American sites and Cajun fishing villages. Feel the excitement of speed over water on an airboat powered by a huge car engine and aircraft propeller. Take a small group tour for an intimate experience with plenty of time to ask your guide questions or select a larger boat for family or corporate outings.

Reservations are REQUIRED for all New Orleans Swamp Tours, so take advantage of fast and easy booking here at Cool New Orleans. Convenient pick-up services are offered from many French Quarter hotels and visitor centers. Self-drive options are also available.

Don’t miss this chance to explore the natural setting that was so important in making New Orleans the city it is today. Make your swamp tour reservations today.

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

Take a New Orleans swamp tour and wetlands adventure! See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Here, the... Read More

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure With Pickup

See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Here, the waterways are their highways. From the relaxed comfort of... Read More

Small-Group Half-Day Airboat Swamp Adventure & Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Get ready for an exhilarating 1.5 hour airboat ride deep into secluded bayous in Cajun Country. You will see all sorts of wildlife on your... Read More

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• New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

Top Rated Kayak Tours in New Orleans!

Join us for an eco-adventure with a new orleans swamp & plantation tour today, some of the best new orleans tours, maurepas swamp wildlife management area / manchac wildlife management area.

• Most popular, open year round!
• Great for Beginners!
• Transpo avail
• Hour Glass 2-2.5 Hours

Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

The Manchac Swamp tour is a secluded, calm, and pristine tour. If you are searching for a gorgeous, natural, and picturesque kayak swamp tour – this is your tour!

• Transportation Included
• Hour Glass 6 Hours

Extended Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

Are you desiring a less-crowded, more unique and quiet way to explore Manchac’s natural habitat?  This is a kayak tour for the adventurer, an opportunity to go a little bit further at a relaxed pace, share some food and see a whole lot more.

• Cajun Food Stop
• Transpo Included
• Hour Glass 8 Hours

New Orleans Whitney Plantation & Swamp Kayak Tour Combo

New Orleans Plantation Tour and Kayak Swamp Tour Combo is a rich cultural and ecological experience! Learn the history and importance of this unique ecosystem on an intermediate paddle through Manchac Swamp.

Honey Island Swamp / Pearl River Wildlife Management Area

• Only Open During Summer
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Honey Island Kayak Swamp Tours

The Honey Island Swamp Kayak Tour is a funky backwoods kayak tour experience. Broken down house boats, rope swings, and known for its bigfoot of the south, the Honey Island Swamp Monster. Enjoy a beginner/intermediate paddle through this famous swamp!

• Only open during summer
• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Honey Island Extended Swamp Adventure

This tour is for the adventurous type looking to really submerse themself into the swampy landscape of Southeastern Louisiana.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

• Only 15min from the French Quarter
• Plant a cypress tree add-on...

New Orleans Kayak Rental – Self Guided Swamp and Bayou Experience

A relaxing kayak rental allows you to explore Bayou Bienvenue.

• Tandem and Single Kayaks
• Life Jackets provided
• Paddles provided
• Backrests provided
• Hourly rental blocks
• Plant a cypress tree on your experience.
• Rent a Fishing pole
• Rent a crab pot
• Only 15 mins from the Quarter!
• Hour Glass 1 hour 45 min

BYOB Swamp Tour Party Cruise

• Alligators, turtles, Blue Herons & More.
• Seats up to 25
• Life Jackets, Motor & Captain Provided
• Vinyl surround & heater onboard (during winter)
• Bluetooth Speakers & Party Lights
• Bigger Dance Floor than other boats
• Bottle service and champaign party guns available!
• Public Tours… Meet some new friends
• Private Tours available
• Only 15mins from the French Quarter
• Daily Tours
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Hooked on the Bayou: New Orleans Kayak Fishing Charter

Embark on the ultimate fishing adventure that New Orleans has to offer. Discover the exhilaration of our top-notch fishing excursions, where state of the art pedal drive kayak/SUPs  and new fishing gear await your arrival. Our team of expert guides is not only friendly but also adept at following the ever-changing patterns of fish in the marsh. Let us transform your fishing journey into an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

• Chevron down Cancellation/Refund Policy

When purchasing directly through our website, you are guaranteed the best cancellation policy!

• 100% refund for tour cancellation due to hazardous weather

100% refund is issued if cancellation is greater than 48 hours before your tour time.

50% refund is issued if cancellation is less than 48 hours before your tour time if rescheduling is not possible.

No refund is issued for no calls/no shows the morning of the tour

Explore All Tours

Create memories on a  New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tour   as you explore the beauty of the Louisiana swamps and the New Orleans plantations like the Whitney Plantation tour with the help of our eco-guides.

We aim to provide the best kayak experience for each and every bachelor / bachelorette party, family couple or solo traveler that comes our way. Your experienced guide takes you on an small group swamp tour  you won’t forget!

We make sure that you are having an amazing time on and off the water.  Safety and fun  are our top priorities. Enjoy the  spectacular swamp scenery  of the  Manchac Swamp tour  and the  Honey Island swamp tour while learning about the unique surrounding ecosystem from our amazing guides. The Gulf Coast ecosystem is the largest and fastest disappearing land mass on the planet. Come and enjoy these bayous, rivers and swamps with us while you still can and learn what you can do to help save them!

Which swamp tour is the best?

We have explored and put to the test all of the swamps around Nola.  We decided to focus on two swamps!  Manchac/Maurepas and Honey Island Swamp.  Not sure which one to do?  Find out which swamp tour is the best!   Does your New Orleans bachelor or bachelorette party activities and ideas need help? New Orleans tour locations vary and are dependent on water levels and weather. We provide all necessary gear.   Ages 8+ and all abilities.

New Orleans things to do and Ramblings

Advantages & benefits of kayak fishing.

Kayak fishing is becoming a popular hobby quickly. Why? Because it offers many benefits for your fishing and your health. Economical Kayak fishing is getting more popular because it’s cheaper than fishing from a boat. Owning a boat can be expensive with the initial cost, upkeep, insurance, gas, and repairs. These high costs can keep…

Top 3 Team Bonding Activities in New Orleans: Pedal, Paddle, and Cycle Your Way to Team Unity

New Orleans, a city pulsating with culture and history, also shines as a prime spot for corporate team bonding. Here, we explore the top three team bonding activities in the Big Easy. From pedal barges to kayak tours, each offers an unforgettable experience, now enhanced with the fun addition of “Swamp Bingo.” 1. Nola Pedal…

Honey Island Swamp Monster Poem

In the heart of Honey Island’s mist, Where cypress trees and shadows twist, Lurks a creature of legend and lore, A swamp monster from the folklore. With eyes that gleam in the moon’s soft light, And a presence that whispers through the night, It roams the marsh, silent and grand, A mysterious being in a…

• Chevron down Which experiences are best for kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans?

These experiences are best for kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans:

• Manchac Swamp Kayak Small-Group Tour
• Honey Island Kayak Swamp Tour
• Shell Bank 1/2 Day Kayak Tour
• Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Combo
• Chevron down What are the best places for kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans?

These places are best for kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans:

• Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Epic location with National Geographic Beauty
• Honey Island Swamp Kayak Tour A great summer spot with rope swing and swimming hole.
• Shell Bank Bayou Kayak Tour An extended area to kayak with picturesque trees.
• Chevron down Which places provide the best kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans for kids and families?

These are the best places for kid-friendly kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans:

• New Orleans Swamp Zipline and Kayak Tour
• Honey Island Swamp Kayak Tour
• Chevron down Which places provide the best kayaking & boating in New Orleans for groups?

These are the best places for groups seeking kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans:

• Manchac Kayak Swamp Tours
• Nola Pedal Barge Kayak Swamp Tours
• Louisiana Kayak Swamp Tours
• New Orleans Swamp Zipline Tour
• Chevron down Which places provide the best hidden gems for kayaking & canoeing in New Orleans?
• Shell Bank 1/2 Day Kayak Swamp Tour
• Hidden Adventure Tours
• Honey Island Swamp Kayak Tours
• Chevron down What are some of the best kayak tours in the USA?
• Cave Point Paddle and Pedal – Caves, Bluffs, Shipwrecks and Lighthouses in the Great Lakes.
• Austin Kayak Bat Bridge Tours – Bats, City Skylines and a non-motorized Lake in the heart of Austin, Texas.
• Brew City Kayak – Bar hopping fun on the Milwaukee River.
• Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours – Houston Kayak Tours on the Buffalo Bayou.

Bayou Tours in Louisiana That You Won’t Forget

Looking For Some Good Ol’ Fashioned New Orleans Fun?

Are you ready to experience one of the best excursions New Orleans has to offer? Adventures of Jean Lafitte offers personal Alligator Tours through Louisiana’s beautiful backcountry. Gather your whole crew and come experience the “road less traveled”! Worthwhile New Orleans Alligator Tours, Bayou Tours, & Pontoon Boat Rides

We boast some of the most entertaining bayou tours in Louisiana! Adventures of Jean Lafitte is located approximately 40 minutes from New Orleans, and is open 7 days a week for your convenience. Don’t have transportation? Don’t fret, we got you and your crew. We offer round trip transportation from any hotel in the Greater New Orleans area for a small additional fee.

Bayou Tour Packages

Here at Adventures of Jean Lafitte, we give you options for your slow boat tour. Don’t have transportation to our location? We offer a package with round trip transportation. If you want more details about the different packages we provide, you can visit our Bayou Tours page or give us a call! We are able and prepared to handle questions and parties of all sizes. Our pontoon boat tours leave daily so all you have to do is choose a time that works for you and prepare for a wild experience. Our booking, reservation, and pick-up hotline is 504-323-0570.

Wildlife Tour Packages

You’ll be touring 20,000 acres of tidewater cypress swamp. During your 1 hour 30 minute tour you’ll have opportunities to see alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets, herons and ibis, and we sometimes see hawks, owls and bald eagles.

All tour packages have the option of hotel pickup for your group’s convenience!

Tour Details

Our One-of-A-Kind Location

Our air conditioned indoor facility equipped with candy, soft drinks, ice cream, chips and beautiful views offers the perfect spot to hang out. We even have Southern Louisiana’s only albino alligator, named Sugar! She is most definitely sugar and spice and everything nice. Please bring cash if you plan on buying something from the gift shop, as it is cash only.

#AdventuresOfJeanLafitte

Want to see more? Follow along on Instagram @advofjeanlafitte!

[email protected]

504.421.3059

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AWAITS!

MEET CAPTAIN GEORGE

For an unforgettable experience, make us your next travel destination! Take a 2 - 2.5 hour authentic tour in the beautiful bayous of St. Bernard Parish !  Our small, casual, family owned and operated tours have a personal touch and are conveniently located about twelve miles from the French Quarter in New Orleans, at De Pope Tavern . Take a break from the City action for a few hours to come relax on the bayou, hear about local life, and take in the beautiful atmosphere. Your Captain, a lifetime resident of The Parish, will guide you through the beautiful waterways, where you will see various wildlife that inhabit the area, camps on the bayou, learn about our culture, ecosystem and more. You are sure to hear about your Captain's personal experiences working and playing on these waters throughout his life in this community. Perfect for a family outing or a party! Our bayou tour is one of many things to do in historical St. Bernard Parish. A day can easily be spent here, learning about our rich culture and history, and trying the great flavors of our local restaurants. Check out www.visitstbernard.com and come see how we live!

Captain George C. Allnet, IV is a lifetime resident of St. Bernard Parish.  He has been fishing, trawling and crabbing in the local waters throughout his life.  He began working as a deckhand on Mississippi River tugboats at the age of 17, and by the time he was 20 years old, he became a licensed Captain, driving along the Intercoastal Waterway, Mississippi River and Mississippi Sound.  A few years after Hurricane Katrina, Captain George began working as a swamp tour guide and realized his true passion!  He enjoys meeting and interacting with new people and showing visitors the local culture.  This inspired him to establish a tour boat company in his hometown of Violet, Louisiana, where he can tell personal stories as he takes visitors through the waters on which he grew up.  Come have some fun on a tour with Captain George and enjoy an authentic, informative experience!

WELCOME TO HAPPINESS BAYOU TOURS!

De Pope Tavern

6201 E. St. Bernard Hwy.

Violet, LA 70092

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION

Sunday - Saturd ay

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

12:3 0 p.m. - 2 :3 0 p .m.

3:0 0 p.m. - 5 :0 0 p .m.

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Experience the unique beauty of our southern louisiana habitat.

There's a reason South Louisiana is called "Sportsman's Paradise". Our unique natural environment and abundance of wildlife make New Orleans & the surrounding areas a premiere destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From airboat tours through the swamp and kayaking down the bayou, to hikes through beautiful forested parks, come experience our one-of-a-kind natural habitat.

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The 16 best new orleans tours.

Maximize your time in the Big Easy with these top New Orleans tours.

The Best New Orleans Tours

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Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River with Steamboat Natchez.

To get the full experience of a city like New Orleans , there's no better way than to follow a local's advice. With the help of traveler reviews, U.S. News tracked down some of the best guided New Orleans tours that will give you a true lay of the land – from walks through famous cemeteries and tales of haunted mansions to finding the best beignets and live street music.

Steamboat Natchez – New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $16 Duration: 2 hours

Cruise down the Mississippi River on a historic, paddle-wheel riverboat during this two-hour tour. As you take in the sights along the riverbank, you'll hear commentary from the captain while live jazz music is performed. You also have the option to upgrade your ticket to include lunch. Reviewers are complimentary of the family-friendly cruise, calling it relaxing. They are also impressed by the live jazz music. However, a few travelers advise against booking the lunch option, describing the food as average.

Tickets start at $39 per adult and $16 per child ages 6 to 12. Children ages 2 to 5 ride free. Tours are generally offered Monday to Saturday at 11 a.m. An evening cruise is also available.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

Two Chicks Walking Tours – Garden District Walking Tour

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Take a stroll through one of New Orleans' most picturesque neighborhoods and soak in the area's rich history on Two Chicks' Garden District Walking Tour. On this two-hour tour, guides take you by local mansions, including Buckner Mansion (featured in "American Horror Story: Coven") while regaling you with history about the homes and neighborhood. Reviewers enjoy the storytelling and humor of Two Chicks' tour guides, as well as their vast local insight.

Tours are typically offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets cost about $30 per person. Two Chicks' other tours include guided walks through the French Quarter .

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

Witches Brew Tours – New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour

Price: Adults from $29; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

Get your adrenaline pumping and your ghost radar up on this two-hour walking tour through the French Quarter's most haunted areas. Guides take a maximum of 28 people along for the ride, while recounting stories of famous ghosts and local witchcraft. The tour also includes a stop at New Orleans' most haunted house (belonging to Madame Delphine LaLaurie), which was featured in the TV show "American Horror Story: Coven." Along with the beautiful scenery and architecture, reviewers love the tour guide's local knowledge and stories about the area.

Tours are available daily in the morning, afternoon and evening at various times. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $20 for kids ages 6 to 12. If you're craving more, check out the company's Voodoo, cemetery and French Quarter tour.

Destination Kitchen – New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter

Price: From $76 Duration: 3 hours

Satisfy your inner foodie (and stomach) on this three-hour food tour from Destination Kitchen. A local guide takes you to some of the French Quarter's most famous restaurants for six or seven food tastings. Some of the dishes sampled may include jambalaya, muffuletta and pralines. In addition to the eclectic tastings, travelers commend the knowledgeable guides and the history they share. Reviewers are also impressed by the generous portion sizes.   Tickets start at $76 per person and include all food tastings (cocktails can be purchased separately). Tours are available daily in the morning and afternoon. Destination Kitchen also offers a version of this tour that includes a cooking class.

Courtesy of Airboat Adventures

Tours with Airboat Adventures give travelers a close-up look at New Orleans' famous swamps.

Airboat Adventures – New Orleans Airboat Ride

Price: From $59 Duration: 2 hours

Experience the wild side of Louisiana on a New Orleans Airboat Ride. For nearly two hours, you'll zip through the Lafitte National Preserve and bayous while keeping your eyes peeled for the swamp's resident animals, including alligators, herons, ibises and turtles. Visitors love being close to wildlife and seeing the animals' natural habitats. They also compliment the friendly guides for their entertaining and informative commentary.

Tickets start at $59 per person on a large airboat (up to 30 passengers) and $89 per person on a small airboat (up to 10 passengers). Children ages 5 and younger and pregnant women are not permitted to ride. Tours are offered several times daily. Keep in mind: The departure point for the boat tour is located approximately 30 miles from downtown New Orleans. You can arrange your own transportation or pay extra for round-trip transportation provided by the company.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Confederacy of Cruisers – Creole New Orleans Bike Tour

Price: From $44 Duration: 3 hours

Hop on a bike and let Confederacy of Cruisers show you a new side of New Orleans. With the help of a local expert, you'll bike 6 miles at your own pace (tours generally last three hours), cruising through the historic Bywater and Faubourg Marigny neighborhoods, down Esplanade Avenue and through Treme. Reviewers appreciate that the route takes you beyond the typical sights. Meanwhile, other participants love the tour's leisurely pace and the ease of riding the company's cruiser bicycles.

Tours are generally offered seven days a week in both the morning and afternoon, though there are no tours on summer Tuesdays. Tickets start at $49 per person, which includes the bike rental. If you plan on bringing your own bike, tickets start at $44. Tours are capped at eight people. The company also offers culinary and cocktail bike tours.

View & Book Tickets: Confederacy of Cruisers

Royal Carriages – New Orleans History & Haunts Carriage Tour

Price: From $70 Duration: 1 hour

For a hair-raising tour of the French Quarter, consider this nighttime mule-drawn carriage ride. The one-hour tour details the city's purportedly haunted past and features landmarks like the LaLaurie Mansion, the Gardette-LaPrete Mansion and Muriel's Restaurant. Reviewers praise the guides for their humorous storytelling and say this is the perfect activity for tourists.

The small-group tours, which are capped at eight participants, are offered multiple times daily; exact departure times vary by season. Tickets cost $70 per person. You'll meet carriages in front of Jackson Square . Travelers also have the option to book private carriage rides, as well as daytime tours of the French Quarter.

City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $10 Duration: 1.5 hours

Create your own adventure with the help of City Sightseeing's Hop-On Hop-Off tour. Along the 90-minute route, you'll stop at some of New Orleans' top attractions , including the National WWII Museum , Frenchmen Street and the Garden District, for a total of 19 stops. You're welcome to get off the double-decker bus at any stop and get on again at your leisure; buses service each stop every 30 minutes. Reviewers appreciate the convenience and ease the bus provides for touring the city and applaud the knowledgeable onboard guides, who provide commentary throughout the journey. However, a few reviewers note that the quality of the guides can vary widely.

Tours are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. One-day tickets start at $46 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Packages that include multiday hop-on, hop-off tours plus walking tours of different neighborhoods, are also available.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Randy P. Schmidt | Courtesy of Kayak-iti-Yat

Kayak-iti-Yat offers a relaxing, yet active, way to see New Orleans.

Kayak-iti-Yat Original Kayaking Tours of New Orleans – Big Easy Bayou Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2 hours

See Bayou St. John from the water on Kayak-iti-Yat's Big Easy Bayou Tour. If you want to relax, this is the tour for you as you'll spend most of the two-hour trip leisurely paddling by architectural must-sees and interesting landmarks, including homes built in the late 1700s. Along the way, guides will give you the rundown on local trivia and historical lore. In addition to the engaging and informative guides, reviewers also enjoy the tour's laid-back pace.

Tickets start at $49 per person. Tours are generally offered Wednesday through Monday in the morning and evening. If you're looking for more fun on the water, the company also offers a paddle of the full length of Bayou St. John.

View & Book Tours: Kayak-iti-Yat

Wild Louisiana Kayak Swamp Tours – Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tours

Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, eagles, snakes, egrets, herons and owls as you paddle through Manchac Swamp on this two-hour kayak tour. The swamp, which was once used as a logging waterway, features slow-moving currents, making this an ideal trip for beginners and children. Reviewers gush about the beautiful cypress trees and many animal sightings, and say guides are experts in the swamp's history and ecology.

Tours can be booked daily at 10:15 a.m. as well as 1 and 4 p.m.; an 8:15 a.m. tour is also available in the summer months. Tickets start at $59 per person and include use of the kayaks, life vests and necessary gear. Note that the swamp is located about 30 miles northwest of the French Quarter. For an additional charge, you can use Wild Louisiana's shuttle to get to and from the city. Wild Louisiana also offers kayak fishing trips and photography tours, among other options.

Cajun Encounters – Daily Swamp Tour

Price: Adults from $32.75; kids from $21.75 Duration: 2 hours

See the Big Easy's Honey Island up close on one of Cajun Encounters' swamp tours. This two-hour tour will take you through wildlife territory on a flat-bottomed boat for up-close views of Louisiana alligators, boars, snakes and egrets – all with a minimal impact on the environment. Reviewers enjoy the adventurous feel of the tour and the company's experienced guides.

Tickets start at $32.75 for participants ages 12 and older and $21.75 for children ages 4 to 11; infants 3 and younger ride free. For an additional charge, the company also provides round-trip transportation from select locations within downtown New Orleans. Tours are offered daily multiple times in the morning and afternoon. Cajun Encounters also offers city bus tours, plantation tours and sunset swamp tours, among others.

Buzz Nola – Garden/Quarter Combo Bike Tour

Price: From $50 Duration: 3 hours

Cycle your way through the city and see the best of the Garden District and the French Quarter with the help of Buzz Nola. This three-hour guided bicycle tour takes you through two of the most popular areas of the city, with historical trivia and interesting tidbits about New Orleans' early beginnings shared along the way. The tour also includes a visit to an above-ground cemetery. Reviewers rave about their guide's storytelling, as well as how much ground they covered in a short time.

Tours are typically available daily at 10 a.m. and/or 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50 per person and include bicycle and helmet rental, as well as water. Riders must be at least 12 years old. Need some help riding? Sign up for the company's electric bike tour instead.

Courtesy of Doctor Gumbo Tours

Visitors will sample New Orleans' staple cuisine while learning about the city's history and culture on Doctor Gumbo's Food History Tour.

Doctor Gumbo Tours – Food History Tour in New Orleans

Price: From $75 Duration: 3 hours

See the role food has played in shaping New Orleans' past and present with Doctor Gumbo's Food History Tour. During this three-hour walking tour, you'll taste classic and signature dishes (think: gumbo, po'boys and muffulettas) at up to five restaurants in the French Quarter. In addition to the food, tour guides share a variety of local stories and historical trivia – a highlight for participants. Travelers are also complimentary of the venues and the dishes.

Tickets start at $75 per person. Tours are generally offered Wednesday through Sunday at 1 p.m.; private excursions run Monday and Tuesday. If you're looking to further enrich your experience (and trivia skills), Doctor Gumbo also offers a cocktail history tour, as well as a combo food and cocktail history tour.

Gray Line – New Orleans Craft Cocktail Walking Tour

Price: From $68 Duration: 2.5 hours

If you want to experience all the French Quarter has to offer in the cocktail department, allow Gray Line to assist. This 2 1/2-hour tour will take you through the famous neighborhood with stories (and samples) of three cocktails, stopping at places like the Carriageway Bar and Pirate's Alley Café & Old Absinthe House. Additional drinks are available throughout the tour for purchase. Tourgoers especially like the diversion from a traditional pub crawl and that Gray Line includes history and culture trivia.

Tickets start at $68 per person; participants must be 21 or older. Tours are offered daily at 4 p.m. Gray Line offers additional walking tours, as well as ghost, plantation and swamp tours, among others.

New Orleans Secrets – Magazine Street Foodie Tour

Price: From $125 Duration: 3 hours

During this three-hour tour, you'll venture to four savory restaurants and one dessert boutique in the Garden District. Along the way, you'll enjoy six menu items and a pint of local beer or soda. Reviewers praise the beauty and charm of the Garden District, and are not disappointed by the quality or quantity of food. What's more, tour sizes are capped at nine people, making for an intimate experience, according to reviewers.

Tours are offered Thursday through Monday at 11 a.m., with an additional 3 p.m. tour on select days. Tickets cost approximately $125 per person. New Orleans Secrets also offers history, swamp and ghost tours.

View & Books Tickets : New Orleans Secrets

Tours By Steven – Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Walking Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $22 Duration: 2 hours

Stroll by celebrity homes, famous filming locations and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 on this two-hour walking tour of the Garden District. Along the way, your guide will share information about the district's distinct architecture and history, as well as the unique burial customs of the city's famous cemeteries. Reviewers appreciate the personable tour guides and say the experience made them appreciate the district's unique architecture and history.

Tours typically run daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets for participants ages 12 and older start at $30; children ages 6 to 11 can join for $22. The company also offers walking tours of the French Quarter and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours
• The Best New Orleans Ghost Tours
• The Best New Orleans Plantation Tours
• The Best New Orleans Swamp Tours
• The Best New Orleans Walking Tours
• The Top Mississippi River Cruises
• The Top Things to Do in Texas
• The Top Things to Do in Arkansas
• The Top Things to Do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Tags: New Orleans , Tours , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Louisiana Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything we do on lands and waters managed within the National Wildlife Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered, to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.  Refuge staff use a variety of resource management techniques to maintain, recover, or enhance plants and wildlife and the habitats on which they rely at Bayou Sauvage. Prescribed burning; water management; mowing; using biological control to reduce invasive species invasive species An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Learn more about invasive species ; and marsh grass and tree planting are ways we help native plants and wildlife to thrive on the refuge. 

Urban and Community Engagement Program

As part of the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program (UWCP),Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge is a designated Urban National Wildlife Refuge due to its location in the city of New Orleans. The refuge offers urban dwellers an opportunity to experience wildlife and the habitats that support them close to home. The Urban Wildlife Refuge Program at Bayou Sauvage reaches beyond refuge boundaries and into communities to promote sustainability and equity and to provide opportunities for New Orleanians to connect with nature. 

The UWCP was created to improve access to nature for Americans who live in or near cities by fostering strong, meaningful partnerships with communities to address inequalities in conservation. Through working with others, the refuge seeks to develop equitable & accessible programs and projects to connect and serve our local communities. Learn more about the strategies and successes of the UWCP .

At the core of the urban program are eight Standards of Excellence. These measurable indicators of success are also commitments to racial equity, social and environmental justice. The standards are:

• Know and relate to the community.
• Use stepping stones to engage people in nature.
• Build partnerships.
• Be a community asset.
• Ensure adequate long-term resources.
• Provide equitable access.
• Ensure visitors feel welcome and safe.
• Model sustainability.

We partner with many organizations to develop programs and projects with and for the community. Community partners include: City of New Orleans, Civic Studio, Common Ground, Healthy Gulf, Limitless Vistas, Song CDC, SOUL, The Urban Conservancy,  UNO Coastal Education Program, and Water Leaders Institute, 

Management and Conservation

Wildlife Surveys: Refuge managers conduct ground and aerial wildlife surveys and vegetation surveys to monitor plant and wildlife populations and habitat use.  

Water Management: Most of the refuge is located inside massive hurricane protection levees, built to hold back storm surges and prevent flooding in the low-lying city of New Orleans. The levees interrupt natural water flow patterns and challenge refuge managers to maintain productive wetland habitats in this altered environment. A network of pumps and flap gates provides a means to regulate water levels to encourage the summer growth of emergent grasses that later provide food for waterfowl during the winter. 

Forest Restoration: Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 inundated the refuge with several feet of water and severely damaged the mature hardwood forest at Bayou Sauvage’s Ridge Trail area. Many of the trees that remained standing, could not survive the salinity brought by storm surge. This shady mature forest of oak trees and other hardwoods had formerly sheltered neotropical migratory birds and many other wildlife species. Restoring the Ridge Trail with hardwood trees is ongoing and the song of warblers is returning. 

Marsh Restoration : Each year, Christmas trees from households in New Orleans get recycled to support life in the marsh. Bundles of trees are airlifted as a National Guard training exercise, and placed in the marsh to reduce erosion.

Prescribed Fire: Prescribed fire mimics formerly naturally occurring disturbance by fire within refuge habitats. Burning at the refuge helps to maintain plant and wildlife diversity and abundance and is conducted in accordance with a fire management plan.  

Invasive Species Management: Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats and compete with our native plants and wildlife. Monitoring and control of invasive species invasive species An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Learn more about invasive species using best management practices is an integral part of refuge management. Non-native species we control include feral hogs, nutria, salvinia, water hyacinth and Chinese tallow. 

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan. 2009

Our Projects and Research

Restoration of the Ridge Project: This post-Hurricane Katrina project is restoring a mixed hardwood forest which suffered extensive damage due to saltwater and wind. Since 2005, local schoolchildren and community volunteers have been planting trees and native plants, and removing invasive species invasive species An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Learn more about invasive species at this site. An interpretive boardwalk trail explores this area.

Some research activities are allowed on national wildlife refuges with a special use permit issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the refuge are compatible with the refuge’s congressionally mandated wildlife conservation goals. Special use permits may limit the scope, timing and location of the activity, as determined by the refuge where the activity would take place. Universities, students, and other organizations wishing to conduct research on the refuge should fill out a special use permit application and submit it by email to the Refuge Manager. Please allow 30 working days to process the permit. The research special use permit is valid only when approved and signed by a refuge official.

Research and Monitoring Special Use Application  ( FWS Form 3-1383-R ) For research and monitoring activities by students, universities, or other non-FWS organizations.

Law Enforcement

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains a law enforcement presence on National Wildlife Refuge lands for wildlife and public safety. Our refuge law enforcement officers protect fish, wildlife, plants and other natural, cultural and historic resources by fostering understanding and instilling in the visiting public an appreciation of refuge resources, laws, and regulations.

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We do not guarantee that the websites we link to comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.