best swamp tours in louisiana

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15 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours

Louisiana’s Mississippi Delta is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States.

The swamps and bayous are home to countless species of fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals that thrive in and around its fertile waters.

In addition to its natural wonders, the area is steeped in history, going back to the era when Louisiana was a French colony; much of that influence can still be found all over the area even though it is centuries old.

With plenty of swamp and history tours, getting fascinating insights into both aspects of the region won’t be a problem.

Below are 15 of the best Louisiana swamp tours.

1. Louisiana Plantation & Swamp Boat Bayou Full-Day Combo

Starting from New Orleans, this full-day plantation and bayou swamp tour is a great way to see the natural and historical sides of Louisiana in one tour.

The experience lasts about seven hours and includes a stop at historic Laura Plantation, with its amazing oak-lined entrance and permanent history exhibit.

The plantation was once the area’s most elegant and productive, at a time when all labor was carried out by slaves.

It’s a fascinating insight into the past. You’ll get up close and personal with some toothy gators along the way as well.

2. Louisiana Bayou 2 or 3 Hour Swamp Tour

If you’d like to get a bird’s eye view of the amazing swamp ecosystem and the critters that call it home, this three-hour tour is a great way to do it while leaving most of the day open for other adventures.

Cajun country is full of alligators, turtles, and an array of beautiful wading birds. In addition to wildlife, you’ll learn about the area’s unique culture and history too.

Though the boats are noisy, the swamp animals are used to their presence, so you don’t need to worry about scaring them away.

Depending on where you’re staying, door-to-door transportation is an option.

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3. South Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

Airboats are exciting ways to zip around the swamps and bayous of southern Louisiana; if you’re up for an exhilarating and unique tour that’s less than an hour from New Orleans, then this airboat journey is a must.

Just shy of two hours long, your skillful captain will get you up close to many of the swamp’s inhabitants.

Before the trip departs, you’ll have a chance to check out some gators in captivity, including two rare albino alligators named Sugar and Flour.

There is a gift and snack shop if you’d like a souvenir or cold drink before heading out.

4. High-Performance Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Airboats are powered by massive, propeller-driven engines and can reach speeds nearing 40 miles an hour, all while skimming over water that’s often no more than a few feet deep.

Riding on these definitely gets the blood flowing and heart beating. This tour that’s less than an hour away from New Orleans will give you some great views of the gators, birds, turtles, and snakes that call the bayou waterways home.

You may see lots of fascinating birds like eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers, and, of course, alligators are the perennial favorite and surprisingly abundant.

At just a few hours long, the tour will leave your schedule free for other adventures.

5. New Orleans Swamp & Bayou Boat Tour

Louisiana’s Barataria Nature Preserve is one of the state’s natural gems and includes thousands of acres of nearly pristine swamp and bayou habitat that is a magnet for wildlife.

This tour includes sections of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park too; your local guide will fill you in on some of the more interesting points of local history and lore.

Depending on when you go, you may get to see alligator mounds, which mother gators build out of vegetation to protect and incubate their eggs before they hatch.

The tour usually lasts between three and four hours depending on the guests and weather.

6. Plantation and Swamp Tour from ‘The Big Easy’

This five-hour plantation and wildlife tour includes a stop at the scenic Destrehan Plantation that was established in the latter part of the 18th century. It is perhaps the oldest and most well-preserved example of a French-influenced, colonial-style home in the entire Mississippi River delta.

Though you’ll never be too far from New Orleans, you’ll feel like you are worlds away, and have taken a giant step backward in time.

You’ll also visit Manchac Swamp and hear blood-curdling tales about the legend of the Cajun werewolf that has supposedly stalked the swamps for centuries, occasionally devouring a hapless, camera-wielding tourist before disappearing back into the forest.

7. New Orleans Traditional Swamp Tour with Lunch

The Jean Lafitte National Park and Barataria Preserve are some of Louisiana’s most visited areas; they give visitors a great opportunity to learn about the area’s biology and history.

The tour starts mid-morning and includes a lazy pontoon boat ride, from which you’ll see an amazing array of wild animals, including some dangerous and dramatic ones like gators, snakes and snapping turtles.

Lunch is an optional inclusion during your tour; it’s a great way to rub elbows with some locals while dining on some traditional favorites unique to the area.

8. Swamp Tour to Honey Island

Lake Pontchartrain, just north of New Orleans, is one of the American Southeast’s largest lakes. It gained notoriety during Hurricane Katrina for overflowing the dykes that were supposed to contain its rising waters.

This two-hour boat tour includes visits to Honey Island and the surrounding nature preserve, chockfull of local animals, history, and more than a few local legends – many of which include the ghosts and spirits of long-dead pirates and other scoundrels.

The waters in these protected areas are full of amazing creatures – even otters that somehow survive alongside all the gators that populate the lake.

This is a great day-trip option from New Orleans and includes a trip to a historic fishing village.

9. New Orleans: Plantation Brunch & Swamp Tour

This unique tour includes bits of history, nature, and an amazing brunch that’s sure to be a big hit with food lovers.

You’ll dine at the famous Oak Alley Plantation and get to enjoy some well-known and traditional Cajun dishes, like crawfish etouffee, Andouille sausage, gumbo, and lots of fresh fruit.

After your meal, you’ll tour the plantation grounds, learn about its history, and see some areas that were featured in movies and soap operas over the years.

This full-day tour includes a stop at Laura Plantation, one of the area’s most historic plantations that includes a permanent exhibit based on the lives of its former inhabitants.

10. Downtown and Swamp Tour via Helicopter

By now you may have seen the swamps by pontoon and airboat, but if you’re up for the ultimate sightseeing adventure, consider this tour via helicopter.

Though the tour only lasts 30 minutes, you’ll get amazing views of the city’s French Quarter, Uptown, and a few of the most historically significant sites too.

The pilot will fill you in so that you can appreciate what you’re seeing. Since the tour is limited to three passengers, you’ll get more personalized service.

The tour departs from New Orleans and includes headsets so everyone can hear the pilot.

11. Eco Swamp Tour

Swamps and bayous are amazingly diverse ecosystems; this two-hour tour takes visitors through many of them, highlighting the flora and fauna residing there.

Due to its six-person limit, you’ll get an intimate look at your surroundings and will hear all about them from your local captain.

Due to its relatively short length, this tour is great for children with short attention spans; they’ll get to see some amazing creatures, many of which they may not have the chance to see ever again.

The tour’s main focus is the Pearl River and nearby Honey Island areas.

12. New Orleans History and Swamp Tour Combo

This action-packed tour of New Orleans and the surrounding swamplands is conducted aboard a high-performance airboat, giving it an exhilarating element not easily found elsewhere.

You’ll visit the city’s French Quarter, University, and many distinct and historic neighborhoods like the Garden District.

On the natural side, the tour’s stars are the eagles, turtles, snakes, and gators that make the swamps such amazing places. Many areas you’ll visit are full of wading birds like cranes, egrets, and herons that live on small fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.

The tour conveniently includes pickup and drop-off from your New Orleans hotel.

13. Swamp Tour by Boat from New Orleans

The Mississippi River Delta is one of America’s most diverse wildlife habitats; there’s no better way to experience it up close than via a swamp tour.

With its meandering waterways and mossy trees, the area has a notably prehistoric and mysterious feel. Along the way, you’ll hear some historic tales about what life was like here in centuries past.

There will be plenty of opportunities to snap pictures of the scenic swamp and its exotic wildlife, and since the tour only lasts a few hours, you’ll have a large portion of the day left to fill-up with other adventures.

14. Private Bachelor and Bachelorette Swamp Tour

Truly unique among other swamp tours, this tour is strictly the realm of bachelors and bachelorette parties. Since you can bring your own beer, how much fun you have is up to you.

The tour size is limited to 16 or less, which makes it a perfect way to spend your last few hours of freedom.

Round-trip transportation to and from local hotels is included, and you’ll get expert narration from your captain and guide.

The tours head out four times daily, so you’re able to pick the time that’s best for you. Remember you’ll be in a swamp, so dress accordingly.

15. Destrehan Plantation and Small Airboat Combo from New Orleans

This tour is limited to between six and nine guests and is a great way to see the oldest documented plantation in the state. It was also home to a violent slave revolt.

After the historical portion of your tour, which includes a trip to the plantation’s museum, you’ll enjoy a pleasant lunch if time permits.

Destrehan Plantation is one of the state’s historic icons. All entrance fees and round trip transportation is included, though lunch is an optional extra.

There’s also a great museum here dedicated to the slave revolt that you definitely won’t want to miss.

15 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours:

• Louisiana Plantation & Swamp Boat Bayou Full-Day Combo
• Louisiana Bayou 2 or 3 Hour Swamp Tour
• South Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat
• High-Performance Airboat Tour from New Orleans
• New Orleans Swamp & Bayou Boat Tour
• Plantation and Swamp Tour from ‘The Big Easy’
• New Orleans Traditional Swamp Tour with Lunch
• Swamp Tour to Honey Island
• New Orleans: Plantation Brunch & Swamp Tour
• Downtown and Swamp Tour via Helicopter
• Eco Swamp Tour
• New Orleans History and Swamp Tour Combo
• Swamp Tour by Boat from New Orleans
• Private Bachelor and Bachelorette Swamp Tour
• Destrehan Plantation and Small Airboat Combo from New Orleans

Protect Your Trip »

3 best new orleans swamp tours of 2024 (ethical options).

A local swamp tour is essential for any visit to the Big Easy.

Best New Orleans Swamp Tours

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After you’ve had your fill of beignets, strolled through spooky cemeteries and explored other highlights in New Orleans , slow down with a local swamp tour. New Orleans swamp tours offer beautiful scenery and the chance to spot alligators and other native wildlife. Plus, many of them offer transportation to and from the city.

Read on to discover the best New Orleans swamp tours by boat, kayak, and even zip line. All of the recommended tour companies either include transportation from the French Quarter and/or New Orleans hotels in their tour rate, or it is offered as an add-on service.

Note: When choosing the best tours, we looked for ethical options, as we don't condone any excursions where wildlife are fed or touched. We also chose tours with a minimum of 100 reviews and a rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.

Best Overall: Beyond the Bayou Tours – Swamp Boat Tour

Price: From $104 per person Duration: 2 hours

This small-boat, small-group (maximum of six people) tour traverses the Tchefuncte River, navigating shallow waters to isolated areas where other tours are unable to go. This means you can expect to see plenty of wildlife in their natural habitat. You won't see them begging at the boat, however, as alligators are not fed or held on any of the company's tours. Beyond the Bayou prides itself on being one of the few truly eco-friendly swamp tours in New Orleans.

Recent reviewers praise this tour, saying it provides a personalized and authentic experience. They also recommend the company's Last Wilderness Swamp & Plantation Tour , which includes a tour of Whitney Plantation, one of the best New Orleans plantations to visit.

Transportation: Transportation from the French Quarter is available for $25 per person. Hotel pickup may be available for private groups or parties of four or more people.

Check prices & availability on:

Best Kayak Tour: New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours – Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

Price: From $75 per person Duration: 2 hours

Novice kayakers will appreciate this paddle in Manchac Swamp, as it's especially suitable for beginners. During the tour, you'll wind your way through the swamp's calm waters and take a gander at the local wildlife.

For an even more memorable experience, take the early morning or evening tour to see the swamp bathed in warm light. Summer and early fall tours will give you the best chance for seeing alligators and turtles. Reviewers say you'll gain lots of insight not only about the area's ecology but also about local history.

Transportation: Transportation is available for an additional $25 per person. Shuttles depart from the Rampart Treehouse restaurant ( 740 N. Rampart St. ) downtown.

The company also runs tours of the Honey Island Swamp and a half-day kayak tour through the Shell Bank bayou.

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Best Zip Line Tour: Zip NOLA – Swamp Zipline Tour

Price: From $91 per person Duration: 1.5 hours

See the swamps from above on this adrenaline-inducing tour. The 1.5-hour experience includes five different zip lines, a spiral tree staircase and two sky bridges for prime views of the swamps (and the creatures that lurk in them) below. Recent travelers highly recommend this tour, noting they felt safe throughout. Others note that it's good for beginners.

While there is no age minimum, children must weigh at least 45 pounds to zip line; the maximum weight limit is 280 pounds. This tour is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or suffers from back pain or serious medical conditions.

Transportation: Round-trip transportation from New Orleans is available for an additional $25 per person. Otherwise, you can drive to the attraction ( 301 Peavine Road, Laplace, LA 70068 ).

Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, most swamp tours in New Orleans are considered unethical by animal welfare organizations. Many tour guides bait alligators (for close-up views and photo ops) with food such as marshmallows and chicken. As a result, the alligators can associate people with food and become aggressive, potentially endangering both themselves and tourgoers.

You can expect to pay at least $50 per person for a swamp tour that includes transportation; if you have a rental car for your trip to New Orleans, you can save some coin by driving to the tour location. Fees also vary depending on the company and type of vessel used to explore the swamps.

If alligators are your top reason for trekking to the swamp, plan for a spring or summer tour, as alligators enter a state of brumation (a modified period of hibernation) during the cold weather months.

You'll want to dress casually for your swamp tour in New Orleans – a T-shirt and shorts or lightweight pants is ideal. You'll also want to bring a light jacket in case you get chilly or it rains during your tour.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best New Orleans Tours
• The Best Walking Tours in New Orleans
• The Best Ghost & Vampire Tours in New Orleans

Tags: Tours , New Orleans , Travel , Vacations

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New Orleans Swamp Tours

Embark on a tour of the renowned Honey Island Swamp with Cajun Encounters. Glide through gator territory aboard a small, flat-bottomed boat, while our local expert captains share fascinating insights about the swamp and its natural inhabitants. For your comfort and convenience, we offer pickup services from numerous French Quarter hotels and visitor centers. Our tours are led by top experts in the field, many of whom have spent their lives on the water and hold specialized degrees, ensuring you an authentic and unforgettable experience. Discover one of America’s most unique ecosystems with us.

Our Swamp tours

Original Swamp Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a two-hour boat ride and see just how beautiful the swamp truly is.

VIP Swamp Tour | Ages 13+

Experience the ultimate VIP adventure with an exclusive boat ride on a small intimate boat through the Honey Island Swamp.

Kayak Swamp Tour

Explore an authentic and safe adventure with a personalized, hands-on kayaking tour of the Honey Island Swamp. 

Experience the ultimate VIP adventure with an exclusive two-hour boat ride on a small boat through the Honey Island Swamp.

What you'll see

Exotic wildlife.

This unique wetland is home to a fascinating array of creatures, including alligators, wild boars, raccoons, and a stunning variety of bird species such as egrets and herons. Our expert-guided tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat, offering insights into their behaviors, life cycles, and the intricate ecosystem they inhabit. Experience the thrill of encountering wildlife up close and learn about the delicate balance that sustains this vibrant environment. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious visitor, the wildlife of Honey Island Swamp promises a captivating and educational adventure.

This unique wetland is home to a fascinating array of creatures, including alligators, wild boars, raccoons, and a stunning variety of bird species such as egrets and herons. Our expert-guided tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat, offering insights into their behaviors, life cycles, and the intricate ecosystem they inhabit. Experience the thrill of encountering wildlife up close and learn about the delicate balance that sustains this vibrant environment. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a curious visitor, the wildlife of Honey Island Swamp promises a captivating and educational adventure.

Breathtaking Scenery

Honey Island Swamp is a mosaic of towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, serene waterways reflecting the sky, and lush greenery teeming with life. As you navigate through the tranquil waters, you’ll encounter vibrant wildflowers, dense foliage, and panoramic views that change with the seasons. Experience the serene and magical atmosphere where every moment offers a new perspective on nature’s splendor. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, relaxation, or adventure, the scenic beauty of Honey Island Swamp will leave you in awe.

Honey Island Swamp is a mosaic of towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, serene waterways reflecting the sky, and lush greenery teeming with life. As you navigate through the tranquil waters, you'll encounter vibrant wildflowers, dense foliage, and panoramic views that change with the seasons. Experience the serene and magical atmosphere where every moment offers a new perspective on nature's splendor. Whether you're seeking inspiration, relaxation, or adventure, the scenic beauty of Honey Island Swamp will leave you in awe.

HEAR FROM OUR CUSTOMERS

I would definitely recommend Cajun Encounters!! The booking process was super easy. We were picked up on Canal St. by our bus driver Derek. He was very sweet, funny and I love how he talked about some of the history in New Orleans. (Especially being a first timer.) Capt. Jacob did an amazing job with our swamp tour. He was very knowledgeable and experienced at what he does. I would do it all over again!

Captain Randy was absolutely fantastic! Despite getting caught in the rain, we had the time of our lives laughing hysterically throughout the entire ride. It added such a fun and unexpected element to our experience. Even though we didn't have the covered boat, we wouldn't have had it any other way - we truly had a blast. Justina, our bus driver, was so upbeat and provided a tour filled with interesting facts and information...

Absolutely loved this tour. Scott the Swamp Manager was outstanding. His boat handling skills were excellent and his commentary and knowledge of the area was exceptional. It would have meant nothing without the commentary. The health and safety considerations were a very high standard but we all had fun. He was considerate to other boats in the area and gave us very full information about the whole area.

Loved my experience! Captain Jacob was so informative and passionate about the swamp and all the beauty it held! I went for my birthday hoping to see Alligators and truly enjoy the scenery and sure enough that’s exactly what we did! We even went to the exact Bayou that was photographed to create my favorite movie (The Princess & The Frog). Even the car ride to the swamp that we coordinated with Cajun Encounters...

Absolutely amazing tour!! From start to finish, the whole experience was smooth and comfortable. Our driver Brian was full of great facts about New Orleans, and made the pick up and drop off very easy and enjoyable. Our captain Scott was incredible, so informative about the local fauna and flora. It felt like he went above and beyond to get the whole boat the best experience we could!

Capt. Steve was a phenomenal tour guide. He made a unique experience superb with his friendly nature and informative facts. He truly loves this area and respects the wildlife within it. We had an amazing time with Cajun Encounters on the swamp tour. If you’re in the area or visiting New Orleans, don’t miss it! A bus will pick you up from your hotel; our driver, Ty the Extraordinaire, shared wonderful local history...

Why book with us?

Your safety is our top priority at Cajun Encounters. We adhere to the highest safety standards and regulations, ensuring that every tour is conducted with your well-being in mind.

Flexibility

We offer multiple pickup locations around New Orleans, including the most popular spots and hotels. This ensures that starting your journey is as easy and hassle-free as possible. 

Transportation details

• You may opt to drive to the tour, or select the swamp tour option that includes round-trip transportation. Our drivers only pick-up from the locations  listed here . Requests for other locations cannot be accommodated.
• Free parking is available providing their own transportation.
• Cajun Encounters boats return to the original departure point, 55345 US-90, Slidell, LA 70461. Visit our  maps & directions  page for more details.
• If hotel pick-up was included, a Cajun Encounter coach will return guests to their original departure point.

Book Your Next Adventure Now!

• 10-12 Passenger Boat

VIP Swamp Tour

• 22 Passenger Boat
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Small boat with hotel pickup, small boat drive out.

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See the sights of Honey Island Swamp! Look at it's beautiful scenery and inhabitants by viewing our gallery of photos. more >

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See the sights of Honey Island Swamp! Look at it's beautiful scenery and inhabitants by viewing our gallery of photos . more >

Getting ready for October an the cooler weather cannot come soon enough, wildlife has been out in full force we have been seeing e… more >

Welcome to Honey Island Swamp Tours! Journey into this pristine wilderness with our native guides.

Picture the moss hanging on gnarled cypress trees as you travel into one of the wildest and most pristine river swamps in America. With the swamp tales of pirates and sightings of Big Foot in the back of your mind, you may be just a little bit nervous at first, but after your first boat ride you'll want to go back again and again! You'll be overcome by the primitive beauty of the cypress trees rising from the water...the sweet smell of wild azaleas in the air....

Honey Island Swamp is unique because it's one of the least-altered river swamps in the country. It's pretty much in its original condition, almost a pristine wilderness. Take a personalized narrated nature tour into the 250-square-mile Honey Island Swamp. Nearly 70,000 acres of it is a permanently-protected wildlife area--the Nature Conservancy's First Louisiana Nature Preserve. People from all over the world now explore this wildlife sanctuary with him.

Call (985) 641-1769 or (504) 242-5877 for Reservations between 8 am - 8 pm For After Hours requests - please complete this form and we will attempt to call you to make your booking. Reservations required.

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New Orleans Swamp Kayak Tours

Join Us On An Unforgettable Louisiana Swamp Adventure Today!

Our Most Popular 2hr Trips!

• Most Popular
•  ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Beginner Friendly!
• Hour Glass 2 – 3 hours

Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tours

The Manchac Magic kayak swamp tour is one of the best eco swamp tours in New Orleans. Beginner friendly and open to all ages, this tour explores the swamps near New Orleans by kayak with local guide!

• Private Tour!
• Flexible Timing
• Hour Glass 2 hours
• Hiking Easy
• Cruise Ship Private Motor Boat

Private Small Boat Manchac Swamp Tour

If you have been looking at going on a swamp tour, and the large crowded boats are not your thing, this is the trip for you! This is one of the most unique swamp tours in Louisiana. We use a mud boat called a “Go Devil” to get you into areas of the swamps even air boats cannot go.

• Sunrise/Sunset Tours
• Trips Daily!
• Hour Glass 2 - 4 hours

Louisiana Cypress Swamp Photography Tour

Perfect for the avid landscape photographer visiting New Orleans. This cypress swamp photography tour is offered daily just 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans.

Our Half-Day Excursions

• Extended Swamp Adventure!
• Bayou And Byways Excursion!
• Hour Glass 8 hours
• Hiking Moderate

Bayous And Byways Half Day Excursion

Bayous and Byways is Wild Louisiana Tour’s swamp and plantation country adventure. Discover the swamps and the historic plantation country in one trip! A kayak tour with stop at Oak Alley plantation all in one!

• Birding In The Marsh
• Private Tour
• Hour Glass 5 hours

New Orleans Birding Tour

Join an experienced birder and photographer for a half day guided trip to the Louisiana Marsh and swamp under an hour from downtown New Orleans.

• Kayaking For Redfish!
• Daily Trips!
• Hour Glass 6 hours

Kayak Fishing in Louisiana

This New Orleans fishing tour provides the perfect opportunity to take in the best inshore kayak fishing in Louisiana. Chase hungry redfish in the marshes of Louisiana with a kayak fishing guide!

Multi-Day Adventures

• *8 People Total*
• Fall 2024 Limited Space Left!
• Cypress Swamps In-depth Experience!
• Hour Glass 7 days

Fall Cypress Swamps Photography Workshop

Wild Louisiana Tours is happy to offer a 7-day photo excursion into the old-growth cypress swamps of Louisiana. This cypress swamp photography tour explores scenic swamp and bayou ecosystems. Landscape swamp photography is the focus of this photo tour.

Why Choose Wild Louisiana Tours?

Wild Louisiana Tours is one of the very first kayak outfitters in the state of Louisiana. A small family-run company, we specialize in New Orleans swamp kayak tours as well as guest accommodation and tour quality and information. All of our guides have been trained extensively on the natural history of Louisiana. Having toured many outdoor outfitters across the nation, we have taken what we learned and created a company that provides visitors to New Orleans a high-end outdoor experience . We know that guests expect highly informative tours and and great customer service, and that is what we aim to provide!

Over 600 Five-Star Reviews on TripAdvisor!

I've done about five or six swamp tours since i've moved to LA but this was definitely the best, the guy leading was friendly and informative and I saw so much more wildlife than I ever saw on those loud motorboats.

What a great experience! The tour was so peaceful and majestic. We got to take part in something most Louisiana visitors never get to see. The guides were great guys who made the trip so easy and fun. They went beyond our expectation with helping with the gear and guiding the tour. I will definitely be back for round two!

Josh showed us a side of New Orleans we never expected. He was so knowledgable about the natural habitat and patient ( I am a beginner kayaker). We even saw an alligator!!! Highly recommended to round out the bustle of New Orleans with the surprising serenity that surrounds it.

Very knowledgeable and helpful guide. The trip was peaceful and the kayaking simple. The variety of birds was amazing.

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Pickup Location Ace Hardware French Quarter 732 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 https://goo.gl/maps/GVGKzpD688nmGHv2A

Drive Out Location Wild Louisiana Launch

Please contact us by phone or email for any inquiries about tours and scheduling. We hope to see you on the water soon!

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McGee's Swamp Tours immerses guests from around the world into Louisiana's beautiful,

vast, and mysterious Atchafalaya Swamp by offering swamp tours and airboat rides that are entertaining, eco-sensitive and educational.

A V AILABLE TOURS:

SWAMP TOURS

90-minute tours through the swamp. Perfect for families with young children, tour groups and school field trips. Relaxing, educational, & entertaining.

AIRBOAT RIDES

Let the wind blow through your hair as you “fly” through the swamp on an exhilarating 90-minute tour! Airboats are great for reaching the deepest parts of the swamp.  

GUIDED PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

The beauty of Louisiana's swamps is world famous! Our guides will show you where the best photos can be captured! Sunrise and sunset trips are both available.

CANOE RENTALS

Self-guided canoe trips. A more adventurous way to experience the swamp! We provide the gear, you choose the trail and distance. Great for taking it slow.

ABOUT THE SWAMP

The Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, located in South Louisiana, is a 1.4 million acre wilderness, and home to hundreds of species of birds, fish, and reptiles.

MEET OUR STAFF

McGee's Cajun tour guides have one very important thing in common... a passion and love for the swamp! They take great pride in sharing this beautiful area with you.

Louisiana's swamps and wildlife are often misunderstood. If you have questions about the swamp and our tours, you're probably not the first to ask.

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

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!

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10 Best Swamp Tours in Louisiana

Want to see an alligator up close? Unless it’s the dead of winter, that’s probably not going to be a problem on a Louisiana swamp tour.

More than just an outing on the water, these experiences are educational, too. You’ll discover that these watery areas of Louisiana aren’t just beautiful but are also complex ecosystems worthy of exploration. You’ll also learn more about the Cajun culture, likely from the lips of colorful characters who call these places home.

Are you ready to head deep into the Louisiana swamps? Let’s go!

What Is a Swamp Tour? 

A swamp tour is one of the best ways to experience the real wild side of Louisiana. We’re not talking about the debauchery associated with Mardi Gras or Bourbon Street, but about Louisiana’s natural landscapes.

Taking a swamp tour means getting on a boat and getting an insider’s look from an experienced guide. The type of watercraft depends on the tour you take. Slow-cruising boats that hold a handful of passengers are the most common. 

You can also take a swamp tour in a faster-moving airboat or a smaller canoe or kayak. What these different types of watercraft have in common is a flat bottom. That’s because the water can get pretty shallow in the remote areas of the swamps.

Yes, alligators are common, except when hibernating in the coldest months. But these tours aren’t just about the gators. Among the enchanting cypress trees and Spanish moss, you’ll likely spot plenty of turtles and probably some snakes. You’ll surely see aquatic birds like herons, egrets, cormorants, wood storks, and ibises. 

The land dwellers you’re likely to encounter include raccoons, skunks, and nutria, a type of swamp rat with an interesting history. You may also spot a mink or even a wild boar.

Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the highly elusive Honey Island Swamp Monster! That’s the Cajun version of a sasquatch.

What Time of Day Is Best for a Swamp Tour?

If you’re taking a tour in the summer, we’d recommend getting an early start for a few reasons. It’s cooler, first of all, because the temperatures haven’t had time to heat to the point that can be overbearing.

Also, the visibility is better. The harsh midday sun can literally be blinding, and you won’t be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery as much.

If morning doesn’t fit very well into your travel schedule, we’d suggest waiting until late afternoon or evening, if available. The most important thing is to avoid the day’s most intense heat and the brightest sunlight.

HOT TIP If you enjoy immersive guided tours, check out the Top Rated Snorkeling Tours in Key West 🐠

How Much Does a Swamp Tour Cost in Louisiana?

Prices for the swamp tours vary, but you can generally count on paying $25 to $50 for each adult passenger. And that’s typically for a two-hour ride, but sometimes they are a bit shorter. There are usually discounts for children, and it’s often free for kids ages 2 years old and under.

These prices are for classic-style narrated swamp tours that you enjoy as part of a small group of fellow tourists. The swifter airboat tours are a bit pricier, starting at around $65 or more per passenger.

In addition, some operators have different rates for group tours or personalized excursions, which they sometimes bill as VIP packages.

Once upon a time, there were just a few swamp tours in Louisiana, but the number has grown in recent years. They all share the same basic formula for the most part, but are, of course, tailored to each specific location. These top 10 tours are the best of the best.

1. Last Wilderness Swamp Tours

Address: 33115 LA-75, Plaquemine, LA 70764

About: Capt. Dean Wilson is also a commercial fisherman and hunter, so he knows these watery woods like the back of his hand. The two-hour tour explores parts of the Atchafalaya Basin, which he describes as “the largest forested wetlands in North America.” 

Unlike some tour operators, Last Wilderness Swamp Tours doesn’t feed alligators or try to lure them in for a closer look. He prefers to observe them in their natural state from a respectful distance.

2. Cajun Pride Swamp Tours

Address: 110 Frenier Rd, LaPlace, LA 70068

About: Just 25 miles west of New Orleans, Cajun Pride Swamp Tours is a privately owned wildlife refuge in the Cajun town of Frenier. The locals call this waterway the Manchac Swamp, and it’s been their livelihood for generations.

The swamp tour is on private property, offering an exclusive experience. “Our privately owned swamp ensures that your narrated tour will not be disturbed by other boats,” Cajun Pride says. The company also offers plantation tours, or you can book a combination tour.

3. Louisiana Tour Company

Address: 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072

About: See the sights in comfort along the Barataria Swamps in Jefferson Parish, across the river from New Orleans. Besides the typical wildlife, the sights include an old family cemetery, a Cajun fishing village, and a 2,000-year-old Native American burial mound.

While some Louisiana swamp tours are more primitive, this one uses a covered excursion boat with cushioned seats, windows, and even an on-board restroom. It’s about a 35-minute drive from the French Quarter. If you prefer, Louisiana Tour Company pick you up at your hotel and take you back later.

4. Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours & Airboat Tours 

Address: 6601 Leo Kerner Lafitte Pkwy, Marrero, LA 70072

About: Pirates are something else associated with the swamps of Louisiana, and the notorious Jean Lafitte was the most famous of all. Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours has easygoing swamp tours are on open-air pontoon-style boats with benches and a bathroom.

The faster-paced airboat tours are a bit noisier, too, thanks to the roar of their 450-horsepower Chevy engines. These adventures take place in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve outside the Crescent City.

5. Honey Island Swamp Tours

Address: 41490 Crawford Landing Rd, Slidell, LA 70461

About: If you were to chance upon that legendary Bayou Bigfoot, this would likely be the place. East of New Orleans near Slidell, the Honey Island Swamp Tours is also fabled as the originator of the swamp tour industry.

They have 40 years of experience taking visitors on memorable trips along the 250-square-mile pristine swamp off the Pearl River. The place got its name from the multitudes of honey bees in the area. Keep an eye out for the bald eagles that have continuously nested here for at least a century.

6. Louisiana Swamp Tours

Address: 1209 Rookery Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

About: Farther west in Cajun Country, Capt. Wendy Thibodeaux uses a smaller motorboat that carries up to five along the magnificent waters of Lake Martin. Her tour lasts an hour and almost guarantees sightings of three kinds of herons and alligators on warm, sunny days.

Her vessel, an aluminum boat with a gas motor, is the same type that local fishermen use to harvest seafood. With family roots in the community dating to the 1700s, Louisiana Swamp Tours offers an authentic experience and a wealth of knowledge.

7. New Orleans Airboat Tours

Address: 4757 Orleans Way, Marrero, LA 70072

About: If airboats are more your speed, New Orleans Airboat Tours is a family of tour captains has been doing it longer than anyone in the business. They describe themselves as authentic “swamp people” who have always made their living by trapping the native animals for fur and food.

“The Louisiana wetlands are nature’s amusement parks,” they say. “Our swamp tours are authentic adventures – thrilling, enlightening, and, most importantly, real.” Find out for yourself just 20 miles south of downtown New Orleans. 

8. Ultimate Swamp Adventures

Address: 450 Laroussini St, Westwego, LA 70094

About: These adventures take place on Bayou Segnette, an area the locals call the West Bank. It’s west of the Mississippi River and just minutes from New Orleans.

Ultimate Swamp Adventures has two sizes of airboats here, and the bigger one holds as many as 26 passengers. They also have covered pontoon boats for a gentler cruise.

If an evening tour appeals to you, Ultimate Swamp Adventures offers start times as late as 6 p.m. during the summer.

9. Swamp Tours of Acadiana

About: This picturesque area near Lafayette is the longtime home of Capt. Bryce Fuselier. When he’s not busy being a husband and father, he’s giving tours of Lake Martin, sometimes from sunrise to sundown.

But the work at Swamp Tours of Acadiana doesn’t stop there — he also schedules nighttime swamp tours by appointment. “All I know today about Louisiana swamps and its hidden secrets were passed down by my grandfather and dad,” he says. He uses a Cajun skiff that seats six to eight people and has padded seats.

10. Airboat Tours by Arthur 

Address: 4262 Hwy 90, Des Allemands, LA 70030

About: This area is one of the original German settlements in southeastern Louisiana and is also known for its wild-caught catfish. Tour operator Arthur Matherne will gladly take you on a leisurely float through the scenic Bayou Des Allemand.

If you want something more adventurous, he’s your man for that, too. After all, the Airboat Tours by Arthur motto is “Take a Ride on the Wild Side.” As a bonus, he will show you where they filmed the famous boat scene in the classic James Bond movie “Live and Let Die.”

Are Swamp Tours in Louisiana Worth It?

Southern swamps may seem like tranquil places, but there’s a lot of activity once you get inside them. Taking a Louisiana swamp tour will open your eyes and ears to just how diverse these natural areas are.

You’ll find out how plants and animals depend on each other to survive and how their entire world is in jeopardy.  You’ll also learn about Cajun culture and the traditional way of life in a place that’s unique in so many ways.

One thing’s for sure — you’ll have a new appreciation for swamps after taking one of these top tours.

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   Swamp Tour -$25 per seat - 1.5 hrs - Lafayette - Louisiana

For a swamp tour that is more than just a boat ride.

About Cajun Country Swamp Tours

  Owner, Walter “Butch” Guchereau, grew up on a small Cajun farm located on the banks of the Bayou Teche in Breaux Bridge, La. From early on his father introduced him to the swamps of Cajun Country. By hunting, sport and commercial fishing and just plain exploring he came to know the swamps like his own backyard. Butch put himself through college by working summers on dredge boats located in Louisiana on the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River systems where he experienced the dynamic forces that have built the land of Acadiana over the last 25,000 years. He learned how the rivers, bayous, wetland areas, man’s interventions and coastal erosion are all intertwined and constantly changing. The time he has spent in the swamplands of Cajun Country coupled with college degrees in Zoology and Botany has given Butch a rich insight into the ecology of Louisiana swamps.

This knowledge has been taught to Cajun Country Swamp Tour boat captains to make your tour educational, entertaining, and enjoyable ( More than just a boat ride ). Your swamp tour is taken personally by us because we know that for many of you this maybe your only trip to Cajun Country and it is important to us that everyone’s swamp tour in Cajun Country is both pleasurable and memorable. 

Our tour boats are open Cajun crawfish skiffs powered by an extremely quiet, environmentally friendly, 4-stroke outboard motor with the water intake fixed so that shallow water muck and thick vegetation are not a problem. This very quiet motor, and the relatively small size of the swamp tour boat allows for some great wildlife viewing.

My swamp tour guides and I have spent most of our lives either learning about or earning an income from the swamps of Cajun Co untry - this is where we want to be. The swamps are our passion and Joie de Vivre (Joy of Life), and sharing a few hours with people who love and enjoy nature and the great outdoors is an enjoyable experience for us. Our personal experiences and observations along with my educational background enables us to give you an insightful eco-journey into the swamplands of the Atchafalaya Basin that is educational, enjoyable and entertaining; and just maybe with a serving of Cajun Hospitality this will not be your only trip to Cajun Country.

Located only minutes from Lafayette; an hour from Baton Rouge; 1.5 hours from Lake Charles; and 2.5 hrs from New Orleans, Louisiana... In the heart of Cajun Country!

Slide title

 For the Love of Nature!

Master tour guide , Shawn Guchereau touring since 2011 

We see alligators all year round

Tour boat for larger groups or multi-group tours. Seats 20

Gorgeous sunset tours!

upclose and personal

One of the best bird watching areas in North America

Roseate Spoonbills

Great Blue Heron 

White Egret "Plumes!"

Black-bellied whistling tree ducks

Black-Crowned Night Heron.

Awwe, It's a Baby owl :)

Turtle Drama ?

A bird eating an alligator... Whaaat???

You would've had to have been there!

Smile for the camera !

An Aww (sha) gator

AWw  (sha) gators hatch around September

 Lake Martin is zoned as a non-commercial area...there is no office or store front when you arrive. Tour guides meet all guests at the Lake Martin public boat landing for departure. Look for our blue banner next to the boat dock. Please be sure to make a bathroom stop before you arrive and also PLEASE watch your speed down Lake Martin road. Thank you:)

South entryway to the lake is closed at Prarie hwy 353. Please use front entrance at Hwy 31 to Lake Martin rd. If your gps has you turning onto prarie hwy, pass it up and it will reroute you to the front entrance. Please call us if you have any questions.

Cajun Country Swamp Tours

337-319-0010

1209 Rookery road, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana 70517

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Louisiana Swamp and Recommended Swamp Tours

Have you ever visited the swamp by boat or hiked along its walking trails? Have you ever seen Louisiana's egrets, herons, pelicans and alligators in their natural habitat?

Just a short drive from New Orleans are a number of picturesque Louisiana swamps, filled with exotic wildlife and beautiful plantlife – not to mention Cajun culture. The best swamp tours in New Orleans, featured here, offer fascinating guides who grew up in these mysterious swamps. They know how to maneuver through these ancient waterways and, just as important, they know how to weave a yarn.

Get outside the city for a couple of hours and explore the undeveloped reaches of Louisiana, dripping with Spanish moss and dotted with gnarled cypress trees. You're sure to encounter swamp wildlife like alligators, wild boar, huge cranes and other magnificent bird species, nutria, mink, racoons, turtles and snakes. You'll learn about the pirates that once hid in these wild and pristine river swamps and hear legends of swamp monsters. You may even get to hold an alligator and pose for a selfie. After your first New Orleans swamp tour, you'll want to go back again and again to keep exploring.    More Swamp History

  Best Swamp Tours In and Near New Orleans

  Cajun Style Airboat Swamp Tours

Captain Lou invites you to discover the mysteries of the Louisiana swamp on a Cajun Style Airboat Swamp Tour. Choose between a high-speed airboat adventure or a traditional tour boat excursion through pirate  Jean Lafitte’s Louisiana. Climb aboard, hold on and enjoy amazing stories told by captains born and raised on the bayou. As seen on the Travel Channel.  BOOK NOW

Swamp Adventures NOLA

For a deeper appreciation of “mere nature” go deep into the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary with Swamp Adventures. Airboats go where the big boats can’t and these captains tell tales passed down by their ancestors — stories you can’t find in books or on the Internet. This moss-draped paradise is just a short drive from New Orleans and, if you like, they’ll pick you up at your hotel.   BOOK NOW    View Coupon

New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours

Experienced guides take you on a spectacular journey through the paths less traveled for a one-of-a-kind experience in Louisiana. You can dip your paddle in one of three different locations around New Orleans. Whether you choose the bayou, the swamp our the river, adventure awaits.  BOOK NOW

Cajun Encounters Swamp Tours

To allow for a quieter and more personal experience. Cajun Encounters uses smaller boats accommodating up to 24 passengers. With vast knowledge of the swamp and its wildlife, Cajun Encounters will take you through the back bayous for a real Cajun experience. BOOK NOW

Gray Line Swamp Tours

Discover the beauty of the bayou with a tour on a custom-built swamp boat. Gray Line New Orleans, the world's leader in sightseeing, has been showcasing New Orleans to visitors from around the world since 1924. Hop on and enjoy touring New Orleans' many beautiful and interesting attractions. BOOK NOW    View Coupon

Honey Island Swamp Tours, Inc.

Nearly 70,000 acres of the Honey Island Swamp are a permanently protected wildlife area, surrounding you with the beauty of nature and the area's local creatures. Honey Island's guides truly love the swamps, have a great sense of humor and can answer all of your questions. Check out HoneyIslandSwamp.com for pictures and more information on taking a Honey Swamp Tour. Book Now View Coupon

Swamp Tours by Isabelle

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime – a Cajun Country swamp tour. You'll see wild cypress swamps, cross an impressive suspended bridge over the Mississippi River, and view vast sugarcane fields. Along the way, your guide will tell the unique story of the Cajun people's odyssey. BOOK NOW

Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours

Journey with us – Cajun-style – on a 1-hour-45-minute boat tour through the heart of South Louisiana's swamplands. Real-life adventure awaits the whole family from the comfort of your swamp boats. Explore meandering bayous filled with moss-draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life and the creatures who make their homes there. You might even meet a few swamp people!  BOOK NOW

Pearl River Eco Tours

Among majestic cypress trees and winding bayous lies South Louisiana's crowned jewel: the Honey Island Swamp. Journey through this untouched wilderness of pristine beauty and unrivaled charm. Experience the magnificence of the wildlife in their natural surroundings. BOOK NOW View Coupon

Cajun Pride Tours

Join Cajun Pride Tours for an educational adventure through the Louisiana bayou. Swamp creatures, unafraid and responsive to the boat captain's call, frequently come directly to the boat. On Manchac Swamp tours, you learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp, as well as the unique history of the Cajun town of Frenier. Choose between a 3-hour city tour, a 4-hour Manchac swamp tour or single plantation tour, or relax on a 6-10 hour combination tour.

Machu Picchu Swamp Tours

Airboat Tours by Jean Lafitte

When you climb aboard one of Jean Lafitte's airboats, you're in for a wild ride. The native captain will educate riders on the Cajun way of life while gliding down the Louisiana swamp with 450 horsepower. Sounds like fun to us!  BOOK NOW

Airboat Tour by Tours by Isabelle

This two-hour journey through Cajun Country is great for thrill seekers both young and old. Lucky riders may get to hug gators, feed catfish or come face to face with a nutria. BOOK NOW

Airboat Adventure Tour by Gray Line New Orleans

Get your Cajun on with an exciting and fast-paced ride through the marsh bayous, wetlands and waterways surrounding the town of Jean Lafitte.  BOOK NOW   View Coupon

New Orleans Airboat Tours, LLC

See the beautiful bayou waterways as you've never seen them before with the knowledgeable, storytelling captains of New Orleans Airboat Tours, LLC! Operated by three generations of fisherman, here's your chance to see egrets, gators, and swamp irises while hearing fascinating tales about Cajun history and culture.   BOOK NOW View Coupon

Riverbend Charters

Get to your swamp tour in style with a private chauffeur from Riverbend Limousine & Tours. Ride in comfort to Louisiana’s breathtaking cypress swamps for a traditional swamp tour or airboat adventure. Speak Spanish or French? They have special guides who’ll make you feel right at home.   BOOK NOW

About the Swamps

New Orleans is a city surrounded by swampland, virtually making it a low-lying island. In fact, it is second only to Death Valley as the lowest area in the country. The swamps of New Orleans are among its most beautiful attractions. The bayou is often considered a dark, foreboding territory which offers some of the wildest nature to be found on earth. Although considered mysterious by many, the swamps should be appreciated for their natural beauty and amazing plant and animal life. The list of wildlife in a cypress swamp is long (it is not uncommon to see alligators), and it is said that a list of the different shrubs and vines would fill a telephone book!

As settlement spread, fewer places were left to hunt, fish, and enjoy nature. Eventually, swamps were recognized as a retreat for wildlife and a place where Louisianians could find solitude and enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

Our area swamps have also given rise to several legends. It is said that Jean Lafitte, the noted pirate and hero of the Battle of New Orleans, made a living off pirate booty worth millions buried in the marshes. The most famous stories of all swamp lore are the reported sightings of the legendary Bigfoot (a.k.a. the Honey Island Swamp Monster.) Sightings of the shy giant have been reported as far back as the earliest recorded contact with native Indians.

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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 & Cemetery 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 & Cemetery Tour

Join our Oak Alley Plantation and 3-Hour City & Cemetery 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 
 Ages & Groups

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!

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#1 Rated New Orleans Swamp Tour of 2024

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Your Adventure Awaits!

Explore acres of authentic Louisiana swamps and waterways on a New Orleans swamp tour that gets you up close and personal with Alligators! Strap in, it’s one wild ride!

• The Ride: A thrill on the airboats and a scenic cruise on the pontoon.
• The History: Learn the story of the bayous and of New Orleans swamplands
• The Wildlife: Interact with all the living creatures including gators, raccoons, wild hogs, birds, and much more!

Our Swamp Tour Options in New Orleans

The Small Airboat

6-10 passengers

The Large Airboat

15-27 passengers

The Pontoon Boats

Traditional Covered Boat Swamp Tours

Our Pickup Service

Round trip to the French Quarter

What you will learn?

Highlights of taking a swamp tour in new orleans.

Swamp tours offer an exceptional experience unlike any other. These tours not only provide a thrilling adventure but also a unique educational opportunity. Here’s what you can learn on a swamp tour.

Unveil the Secrets of Diverse Ecosystems

Swamps are teeming with life. On a swamp tour, you'll learn about the intricate ecosystems that thrive in these watery environments. Guides explain how plants and animals coexist and depend on each other.

Encounter Fascinating Wildlife Up Close

Imagine spotting an alligator basking in the sun or a rare bird in its natural habitat. Swamp tours bring you up close with wildlife, offering insights into their behaviors and habitats.

Understand the Importance of Wetlands

Wetlands play a crucial role in our environment. On these tours, you'll discover how swamps protect against flooding, purify water, and support biodiversity.

Experience the Culture and History of the Region

Swamps are rich in history and culture. Learn about the people who live near these environments and how the swamps have shaped their lifestyles and traditions.

Appreciate the Beauty of Untouched Nature

Swamp tours allow you to witness the raw beauty of nature. You'll see landscapes and scenery that remain untouched and pristine, offering a moment of tranquility and connection with the natural world.

Swamp Tour times

Boats leave the dock at 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm (if there is enough daylight for the 6 pm tour). It is important that you be there at least 15-30 minutes before so you have plenty of time to check-in.

All tours are 1 hour 45 minutes packed with excitement. Give us a call, to join us for a swamp tour New Orleans style. We book up fast! Why book with Bayou Swamp Tours?

Bayou Swamp Tours offers the most thrilling swamp tours New Orleans has to offer. The Bayou tour company offers various options for you to choose from…

Why book with Bayou Swamp Tours?

Our passionate and experienced Captains combine the excitement of a New Orleans airboat swamp tour with the fascination of a backwater nature tour. See why we are the #1 New Orleans swamp tour. Whether you book a small boat, a large, or a pontoon boat tour, the experience our Cajun Captains provide is the best in Louisiana.

Explore thousands of acres in our unique Louisiana ecosystem featuring backwater wildlife such as alligators, over 200 species of birds, wild pigs, raccoons and so much more! Experience the murky waters of the swamp firsthand on your New Orleans (NOLA) airboat trip down the mysterious waterways.

Availibility

Swamp tours from New Orleans typically sell out weeks in advance. With us, you’ll have exclusive access to the most availability on airboat tours and swamp boats in all of Louisiana.

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Frequently asked questions.

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our Louisiana airboat tours.

What Time are the New Orleans Swamp Tours?

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Creole & Cajun Country

Experience the Sights, Sounds, and Flavors of Southern Louisiana

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“Southern Hospitality” is just what you’ll find while exploring this region’s diverse cultural, culinary, and natural attractions. Savor delectable meals, including a special cooking demonstration and dining experience at TABASCO® Pepper Sauce Factory. Travel back in time as you explore historical towns and plantations along the way, meet bayou country locals who live off the land and sea, and laissez les bons temps rouler during a thrilling excursion into the heart of Cajun and Creole country.

• Guided tour of Houmas House, Mardi Gras World and New Orleans
• Visit working rice, crawfish, shrimp and alligator farms
• Taste authentic Louisiana cuisine including a cooking demonstration and seafood boil
• Meet warm, welcoming locals who live and work in bayou country
• Explore the WWII Museum, Vermilionville and TABASCO® factory
• Swamp boat ride in search of alligators, birds, flora, and fauna

DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE BIG EASY!

Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers as you build excitement for the experience ahead! D

DAY 2: HOUMAS HOUSE/GREAT RIVER ROAD MUSEUM/SWAMP TOUR

This morning, venture into Cajun Country and enjoy a guided tour of the Houmas House Estate. The mansion sits along the Mississippi River and has been restored to the antebellum era, reflecting the opulence and wealth this sugarcane farm boasted in the 1880s. After enjoying a delicious lunch at Dixie’s café, we will take a slow-moving cruise through Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin Swamp. Keep your eye out for a large array of wildlife including alligators and osprey. Next, we will visit Cypress Cove and meet Yvette Landry and Jourdan Thibodeaux to learn of the history, tradition, and roots of Louisiana French music from those who know it best. Listen to ancestral Cajun and Creole music and stories, learn the dances of the Fais Do-Do and Mardi Gras. You may even get to play Cajun percussion instruments, like the T-Fer, or accordion as part of the band! B, L

DAY 3: FARM TOUR/HISTORIC VILLAGE/BEIGNETS

Today, we will visit a rice and crawfish farm and meet a farmer who has mastered double cropping, a technique that involves growing and harvesting both rice and crawfish in the same pond or field. This afternoon, we’ll visit Vermilionville Historic Village, where we’ll enjoy lunch and learn how to make beignets. Of course, you’ll be able to samplethis delicious Louisiana delicacy. Next, we’ll stroll through the historic village to explore the history, culture, and natural resources of the Native Americans, Acadians, and Creoles of the Attakapas region. Tonight, relax at our hotel in Lafayette and enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or a local restaurant. B, L

DAY 4: AVERY ISLAND/HOT SAUCE/COOKING DEMO/ALLIGATORS

Today, things “heat up” at the one-and-only TABASCO® Pepper Sauce factory. Enjoy- a tour of the factory and see how this famous sauce was made back in 1868 and how it is made, packaged, and delivered around the world today. For lunch our group will meet with one of TABASCO® Executive Chefs and enjoy a 4 course TABASCO® inspired Southern meal. Afterward, explore Avery Island Jungle Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, home to countless varieties of exotic plants and wildlife. This afternoon we will tour a working alligator farm. If we’re lucky, you may even be able to hold a baby alligator! B, L

DAY 5: SHRIMP/BASKET WEAVING/AUTHENTIC SEAFOOD BOIL

After breakfast, hear the tales of hardworking fishing families and be prepared to be mesmerized as we witness the captivating process behind the delectable dried shrimp, also known as Cajun popcorn. You will witness the intricate techniques used to dry and season the shrimp to perfection. Plus, enjoy the exclusive opportunity to taste the shrimp popcorn firsthand. We’ll have a delicious lunch before heading to the Bayou Terrebonne Water Life Museum to meet Ms. Janie Luster, a tribal member of the United Houma Nation. As a master palmetto basket weaver, she will show you how she makes her basket and tell us about the tribe’s culture, history, and arts. Food is Louisianans’ love language and tonight, we will experience firsthand what it’s like to be Cajun with the locals at an authentic seafood boil. Don’t worry, we will have you covered with local non-seafood dishes as well. Seafood boils are one of Houma's favorite pastimes! B, L, D

DAY 6: NEW ORLEANS/WWII MUSEUM/FRENCH QUARTER

This morning, head to New Orleans and visit the National WWII Museum. Explore the lives of American men and women during WWII through letters, recruitment posters, weapons, models, and film. We will enjoy a delicious lunch at the museum. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of New Orleans with a local guide that will include the famous French Quarter, see the stately homes of the Garden District, and view some of New Orleans’ well-known cemeteries, with elaborate sculptures and decorative artwork. Tonight, we will stay near the French Quarter, and you will have the opportunity to explore on your own and have dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby. B, L

DAY 7: MARDI GRAS/ FAREWELL

Before heading home, we will visit Mardi Gras World. Here we will take a guided tour to see how the floats are made for the famous Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans. You will even get to make your own Mardi Gras mask and have a taste of some King cake. Say goodbye to new friends and head home with incredible memories of our time in Cajun and Creole Country. B

ACCOMMODATIONS: Night 1: New Orleans Marriott, French Quarter Nights 2-3: Drury Inn and Suites Lafayette Nights 4-5: Homewood Suites Houma Night 6: New Orleans Marriott, French Quarter

• Depart: March 17, 2025
• Return: March 23, 2025

Price Per Person

• Double $2,899
• Triple/Quad $2,699
• Single $3,429

* Price includes airfare from STL/MCI (call for other gateway cities)

Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible.

Inclusions:

• Professional, English speaking Tour Director
• Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
• Luggage handling at most hotel

Deposit Information:

Each reservation requires a $250 per person deposit planning fee (exceptions may apply) to be credited toward your final payment. Some or all of your deposit may be non-refundable per our cancellation schedule noted in these Terms & Conditions below. We are happy to accept cash, check (preferred) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for your deposit.

Terms and Conditions:

Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.