NEW ORLEANS
The best of New Orleans.
The 15 most popular swamp & bayou tours in New Orleans. What each one is really like, what it costs, and who runs it.
Ride from New Orleans to Honey Island Swamp on a small boat, spot wildlife, learn Cajun culture, and see a village only reachable by water.
Most Popular“Very informative. An enjoyable day. Saw birds and alligators. Learned about the history of the swamp/bayou.”
Speed through the Lafitte bayou on an airboat, guided by locals, with cypress swamp views, wildlife spotting, and albino gator exhibits.
“So much fun, the tour guide was excellent, he had great stories, and the swamp was exceptionally beautiful”
Swap the city for Oak Alley or Destrehan plus a private Manchac Swamp pontoon ride with wildlife spotting and photo-friendly commentary.
“Both the plantation and swamp tour guides were excellent . They were all very knowledgeable and helpful.”
Drive to Slidell for a 2-hour Honey Island Swamp boat tour with a small open-air boat, wildlife spotting, and Cajun culture stories.
“Extremely informative and scenic! We really enjoyed our tour with Wade G. He is a really great tour guide.”
High-speed airboat thrills through the Louisiana bayous near New Orleans, with expert captains, alligators, and birds. Pickup options available.
“I wouldn't change a thing!!! this was the best part of my trip!”
Roofed swamp boat tour in Marrero through Barataria Preserve with Cajun cemeteries, burial mounds, wildlife, and narrated stories.
“Fun trip. Great guide recommended. Educational and peppered with lots of humor. Got to hold a baby gator.”
New Orleans airboat tour with hotel pickup, 2 hours on the water, expert guides, and frequent photo stops in the Barataria wetlands.
“Excellent experience to tour the swamps. Our guide Duwey was knowledgeable and went above and beyond looking for alligators for us to see. Highly recommend this tour.”
Small-group airboat swamp tour from downtown New Orleans: thrilling speed bursts, wildlife spotting, and a guided ride through Barataria Preserve.
“The airboat trip was so fun!! Our guide Bobby was very informative and could answer all our questions. We saw lots of animals and had a great day!”
Pontoon through Lafitte’s cypress swamps with a live guide. Look for alligators, birds, turtles, and more, with pickup options.
“We were excited for the swamp tour with our kid but felt a bit let down. We saw only 5–6 alligators and 2 raccoons during the whole ride. Being a group tour, we’re not sure if smaller private tours offer better sightings. The heat was intense and tough to handle without enough water—come prepared. The…”
Guided Manchac Swamp pontoon cruise with optional New Orleans pickup. Spot alligators and learn Cajun stories for about $35.
“I loved our tour guide. He was very informative and had an amazing personality!”
Boat cruise from the French Quarter through Barataria Preserve for wildlife spotting and Cajun stories. About 2 hours on water.
“This is a easy 2-hour tour of the bayous and swamps. tlThe boat is quite stable and has a cover overhead to protect from sun and weather. Wildlife is much more active in the warmer months, March thru October. Sunny days are best. A good outing for kids. Bring your camera, bug spray and a…”
New Orleans airboat and plantation day: cypress swamps wildlife ride, Laura Plantation stories, Houmas House lunch, and guided gardens.
“Besides it raining all day. The airboat tour was fun except the rain. We enjoyed our tours it would be better to attend when it isn’t raining all day so you could walk around. Our host was great and full of knowledge. Thank goodness the other people that were with us were extremely knowledgeable about…”
New Orleans combo day trip: narrated Manchac Swamp boat tour with gators and wildlife, plus guided Oak Alley Plantation visit.
“The best part was when we could hold a baby alligator”
New Orleans swamp boat tour with hotel pickup. 2 hours on the Barataria Preserve, guided wildlife spotting, history, and comfy covered boat.
“Great tour of the stamp and history. Caption Eernie was great. Saw some gators birds etc..would do again in smartphone when more active. Ride to and from Excursion was great on time and comfortable.”
Paddle tandem kayaks through the Manchac and Maurepas swamps near New Orleans. Small group, guided lesson, wildlife spotting.
“Guide was awesome and extremely knowledgeable. Really enjoyed the tour. Would definitely recommend and do it again.”
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