Experience New Orleans’ wild bayou country on an exciting airboat tour. This fun-filled tour includes a ride on the boat plus admission to an albino alligator exhibit and transportation from New Orleans. While on-board, enjoy lively commentary from your guide as you spot local wildlife, including alligators, nutria, and native birds, and visit the secluded fishing village of Jean Lafitte, the infamous 19th‐century smuggler.

Airboat ride on Louisiana bayous including round-trip transport from New Orleans
Ride in an airboat over wetlands surrounding fishing village of Jean Lafitte
Learn about the history and culture of communities that live on the bayous from your native guide
See alligators in the wild, native birds and giant river rodents called nutria -- plus a live albino alligator exhibit
Food and drink available for purchase before boat ride

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Transport, an alligator exhibit, and grab-and-go snacks make this an ideal family-friendly swamp tour.

What's Included

1 hour 45 minute airboat ride
Native guide
Albino alligator exhibit
Roundtrip transportation from the French Quarter

Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Gray Line New Orleans
Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Gray Line Lighthouse on the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (Toulouse Street at the Mississippi River)

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

In the morning, meet your air‐conditioned coach in the French Quarter and settle in for the ride to the town of Jean Lafitte, a historic fishing village named for a notorious 19th‐century pirate and privateer. Located deep in the wetlands at the edge of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, this town offers an authentic look at Cajun culture and local enterprise, including logging, plantation agriculture, and a rich – and often grisly – tradition of animal trapping.

Before heading out on the water, pop into the albino alligator exhibit and grab a delectable shrimp Poboy to go (own expense). Enjoy the proximity to the water surface and warm breeze as you zip through the bayou. Spot lurking alligators, snakes, raccoons and giant river rodents called nutria. Savor the moments of calm when the boat slows and your native captain shares stories and facts about the area’s history and the surrounding wildlife – and maybe even interacts with an animal or two!

Your bayou adventure ends with a return to the French Quarter by coach.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Pass By)

Barataria Preserve (Pass By)

Airboat Adventures

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 5 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
In case of inclement weather, the tour may be shortened, postponed or replaced with a similar tour on a covered boat
Minimum age is 5 years
Not wheelchair accessible
Sunglasses are recommended. Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
Near public transportation

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:What is the departure point for the Airboat Ride with Round-Trip Transportation from New Orleans?

A:The tour begins at the Gray Line "Lighthouse" Ticket Office in the French Quarter at Toulouse Street & the Mississippi River - at the Steamboat Natchez Dock (400 Toulouse Street.)

Jun 2021

Q:Is there parking near the departure point for the Airboat Ride with Round-Trip Transportation from New Orleans?

A:There are public parking lots on Decatur Street that charge hourly rates. Some require prepayment through an automated kiosk on site. The parking lot closest to the tour departure point is Jax Lot # P401, 500 Decatur St.

Jun 2021

Q:What should I wear during the Airboat Ride with Round-Trip Transportation from New Orleans?

A:Casual, comfortable attire is best. Please wear comfortable shoes! Please avoid tank tops, cut-offs or short shorts.

Jun 2021

Q:How long is the actual airboat ride?

A:The cruise is approximately 2 hours long.

Jun 2021

Q:Is the Airboat Ride with Round-Trip Transportation from New Orleans handicap accessible?

A:Due to restrictions on the airboat, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. It is also not recommended for anyone with back or next problems.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I participate in the Airboat Ride with Round-Trip Transportation from New Orleans if I am pregnant?

A:This tour is not recommended for pregnant guests.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my small child with me on the Airboat Ride with Round-Trip Transportation from New Orleans?

A:For safety reasons, this tour is for guests ages 5 and up.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring a service animal with me on the Airboat Ride with Round-Trip Transportation from New Orleans?

A:As the alligators swim directly up to the side of the airboat, animals of any kind are not allowed onboard.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Gary_V

This was a wonderful experience. We highly recommend this activity. It was relaxing and a beautiful ride on the swamp. Our guide was funny and personable. He made the ride interesting as well as entertaining He stopped to take pictures and explain some history of New Orleans. We definitely will do this activity again when we return to New Orleans.

Reviews

4.5

362 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 362 reviews

Great group event

Leslie_K, Apr 2024

We had a great time. We had a group of nine people. Everyone was in the same boat and our tour Director was very good. Would recommend it if you’re interested in alligators and wildlife out in the swamps.

Something everyone should experience!

Anthony_E, Apr 2024

I really enjoyed the unique experience that only an airboat provides for exploring the bayous and waterways. From the gentle trolling through shallow, narrow passages observing wildlife, to the excitement of skimming over the water at high speed, it was fun and informative from beginning to end. It was great to hear from the local pilots about Cajun history and stories about early use of cypress and peat moss in industry during the early 20th century, and how it affects the bayou to this day. Amazing!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

What a great review on the airboat adventure and the native guides. Thank you.

Enjoyed it but could be better!

Bonna_W, Mar 2024

My review is objective. Please, make your own informed judgment. Thought our guide was extremely nice and knowledgeable but the tour itself was average and too touristy! We’ve enjoyed and experienced a better swamp tour at the Everglades, FL. It was rustic and intimate. Bonna and Bob

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Swamp areas can differ as do guides and vessels. We regret that you did not enjoy it as much as the everglades. It is true that most guests on board are "tourists" and not locals who already are familiar with the basics of life in the bayous of Louisiana.

Great Experience!

Carol_J, Mar 2024

This tour was awesome! We went on March 10th. The weather was good. Got to see a several alligators coming out of burmation(hibernation) Our guide was also awesome! Very knowledgeable with a side of humor. Had a gator come alongside the boat, fed her marshmallows and even gave her a kiss! Super fun experience!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Wonderful - thank you.

Do it!

Kim_S, Mar 2024

Our ordering process, guide and whole experience was perfect. The guide was great. Worth the trip and price.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

We are so pleased that we made it a seamless experience.

Helluva nature exploration!

Reuben_B, Feb 2024

Worth every penny! Guide was a skilled pilot and incredibly knowledgeable about the flora/fauna of the ecosystem.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Wonderful - Isn't nature grand?

Airboat Adventure

Robbie_J, Feb 2024

We had a perfect experience! Our only wish was that we had a longer cruise. We saw almost 50 alligators, many types of birds and a turtle. Kevin was a terrific guide with lots of knowledge and a great sense of humor.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

If you saw so many of our green-natives, you have the alligator magic. And you are so right about the swamp captains, they have crazy sense of humor and love their homelands.

Fun, easy and worth it!

Judy_S, Oct 2023

Dewayne was very kind and entertaining! The airboat tour guide was amazing and we seen a LOT of gators even though the weather was getting cooler.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Terrific review. Thank you from Gray Line and Dwayne and the airboat captain.

Would definitely recommend.

Susan_B, Oct 2023

I'm really glad that I went on this trip. I would recommend it to everyone. The bus driver was very informative about the area that we drove through. After a short time in the gift shop we boarded the boat. The ride through the Swamp land was beautiful and we saw several alligators. The boat was stopped so we could see them better and take pictures. Towards the end of the ride the captain gave us some history of the swampland and how it protected New Orleans. I learned a lot about New Orleans and the area on this ride. I would highly recommend it.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

That title is a great one to recommend the tour. Thank you and we are pleased that you enjoyed your visit with us.

Great time!

rdlaughery, Oct 2023

We had a group of 4 and had a great time. Would do it again. The bus driver was personable and nice. The airboat driver was great. We saw 4 gators!

Response from Host, Oct 2023

We are thrilled that the staff and the gator were all part of a great experience.

go on a tour with Kindal- excellent storyteller and deep knowledge of the city!

Frances_K, Sep 2023

Our driver and guide, Kindal, was fantastic! He shared stories that brought the city to life on the bus ride to and from air boat tour location. The airboat tour was fun and educational thanks to our captain, I regret I cannot remember his name.

Beautiful and entertaining!

Dora_T, Sep 2023

This was definitely great experience! From the bus driver pointing out place to eat and visit… to getting there all very well organized! The airboat ride was amazing!! Beautiful scenery! And of course crocodiles!!

Amazing time

Nicole_R, Aug 2023

The entire tour was excellent. It was very informative . Loved the alligators. I learned a lot about them.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

We love to hear it was an excellent tour. Thank you

9/10

Adriene_M, Jul 2023

We would recommend- our whole family had fun (we had our 13 & 20 year old sons) . Our Captain Rich was excellent.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Adults, teens and Children all enjoy the experience and Captain Rich is a priceless asset to the tour.

Bus was 30 minutes late...

Jimmie_L, Jul 2023

Bus was 30 minutes late picking up. Had to stand extremely hot location no benches. Bus was hot had not been cooled off. Even driver had window down. Disappointed

Highly Recommended!

Yunni_T, Jul 2023

Amazing and Unique Experience. Get to see the alligators. Expected rain when going on this tour in the afternoon in July.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Usually the rain comes and goes quickly and cools you down in the Louisiana summer heat.

Lots of Gators and An Authentic Airboat experience in the Bayou

Jason_T, Jul 2023

One of the highlights of my trip to New Orleans and Louisiana. The airboat ride had that authentic swamp feel to it. High-speeds through the open bayou as well as slow speeds through the back channels of the swamps. An airboat is different than a swamp boat, keep that in mind when looking into other excursions. Both are great but the airboat ride will take you at some higher speeds. Weather permitting, you will be able to lots of gators in their natural habitat and this trip did not disappoint. Very cool. The guide made the trip enjoyable, informational, and memorable. Well done transportation to/from NOLA as well.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Jason, we are delighted that you had this trip highlight with Gray Line.

Gators on Gators on Gators

Tiffany_S, Jun 2023

Awesome experience. From start to finish!! We lost count of how many gators we saw. The guide was incredible and knowledgeable.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks so much Tiffany

Great Experience!!

Crystal_W, May 2023

We had an amazing time! The food was amazing and the music was perfect!! We went in the evening jazz dinner cruise and took some amazing sunset pictures. Would definitely recommend this excursion. We love NOLA!!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Delighted you enjoyed the riverboat cruise.

Fantastic Afternoon on the Bayou with Captain Zac

Peter_C, May 2023

Fantastic afternoon with Captain Zac. Marvellous local knowledge snd took time to point out history and the natural habitat of the bayou. Not at all rushed, took time to allow everyone photo opportunities and had some thrilling fast spurts on the straights along the various waterways. His alligator knowledge was excellent and he has s clear for his work Highly recommend day out👍

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Captain Zac and all of Gray Line appreciate your review.

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