The 5 Best Airboat Tours in New Orleans

1.New Orleans Airboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,891 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Ride an airboat through the cypress swamps near Jean Lafitte with guides such as Ronnie, Mark, Shane, and Captain TikTok. Choose a six to eight passenger boat for a closer, quieter outing, or a larger boat for up to 25 people. Expect about 1 hour and 45 minutes on the water, alligators, birds, wind, and no shade.

“Mark was an excellent tour guide, bringing us to some beautiful spots, including the Disney inspired area for the princess and the frog. actually got some video of him, kissing an alligator on the snout, truly a special encounter!”

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2.Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,303 reviews · 7 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $131Top rated

Leave the French Quarter by air-conditioned coach for Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation, then ride a covered pontoon through Manchac Swamp. Guides such as Dionne, Jane, John, and Captain Tom have led lively history and wildlife commentary. Expect oak trees, plantation stories, alligators, raccoons, wild hogs, and a long but varied day.

“Great guides, fabulous history lesson, and beautiful sites. House was gorgeous and swamp was fun. Must try if you have the time.”

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3.High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,380 reviews · 100 minutes - 4 hours · from $65

Ride a 16-passenger airboat through Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, about 35 minutes from New Orleans. Your English-speaking captain may slow for alligators, birds, and swamp plants, then open the throttle to 35 mph. Guides such as Captain Bebop, Dewey, Ian, and Ernie are known for lively stories and strong local knowledge.

“Ethan was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem. He did a great job explaining the gators interaction with the environment. The air boat ride was fun. This trip had good value for the price and I would highly recommend it.”

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4.High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 818 reviews · 100 minutes - 4 hours · from $89

Ride an open airboat from New Orleans into the wetlands of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. A captain such as Bobby, Rocky, Ian, or Captain Bebop leads the 105-minute trip, mixing fast runs with wildlife stops. Hotel pickup is optional, and groups are limited to nine people.

“Our guide was awesome! He was super knowledgeable on all things of the swamp, from animals to plants. He even got out and called a gator over to him to pet! it was so cool!”

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5.Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 383 reviews · 7h 30m · from $131

Travel by narrated coach from New Orleans to Oak Alley Plantation, tour the 1839 Greek Revival mansion, and explore its grounds at your own pace. Then cruise private Manchac Swamp with a local Cajun captain, watching for alligators, raccoons, and wild boars. Guides such as Dionne, Kate, John, and Brandon have made this a particularly strong choice for history and wildlife.

“It was a great day. We saw so much wildlife on the boat tour. Would have preferred a self guided tour at the plantation home. The tour group at the house was too big. A great site to visit though.”

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