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Family wearing ear protection riding an airboat through a moss-draped Louisiana bayou on a New Orleans swamp tour

#1 Rated New Orleans
Swamp Tour of 2026

BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW!

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Google Rating
4.8
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Why Choose Bayou Swamp Tours?

Bayou Swamp Tours runs airboat and covered pontoon tours through the Louisiana bayous, about 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans. Six departures leave daily — 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm — every tour lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, round-trip French Quarter hotel pickup is available, and guests rate the experience 4.8 stars on Google.

The Ride: A thrilling ride on an airboat through acres of Louisiana bayous.

The History: Learn the history of the Louisiana swamplands

The Wildlife: Interact with all the living creatures including gators, raccoons, wild hogs, birds, and much more!

Choose Your Ride

We have tours for every group size!

Which Swamp Tour Boat Should You Choose?

All boats run the same 1-hour-45-minute route through the bayous. The right choice depends on your group:

Small Airboat
Capacity
6-10 passengers
Ride feel
Fast and nimble — the most intimate ride
Noise
Loud — ear protection provided
Shade
Open air
Age rules
5+ years and 48+ inches
Best for
Photographers, couples, small families
Large Airboat
Capacity
15-27 passengers
Ride feel
Fast with more seating
Noise
Loud — ear protection provided
Shade
Open air
Age rules
5+ years and 48+ inches
Best for
Groups and first-timers
Covered Pontoon
Capacity
Larger groups
Ride feel
Slow, smooth, scenic
Noise
Quiet
Shade
Full awning cover
Age rules
All ages, expectant mothers welcome
Best for
Toddlers, hot afternoons, accessibility

How Wild Is the Louisiana Swamp?

2 million

Wild alligators live in Louisiana — more than any other state — plus nearly a million more on alligator farms.

Source: Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries
200+ species

Of birds pass through Louisiana's wetlands, a key stop on the Mississippi Flyway — one of North America's largest migratory bird corridors.

Source: Audubon
100 minutes

Is roughly how often Louisiana loses a football field of coastal wetlands — see this landscape while you can.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

What Will I Learn On A Swamp Tour?

Swamp tours offer an exceptional experience unlike any other — a thrilling adventure and a unique education in the wonders of New Orleans' wetlands.

Great egret perched among green branches in a Louisiana swamp

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, and how plants and animals coexist and depend on each other.

Smiling guest gently holding a baby alligator during a New Orleans swamp tour

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.

Alligator swimming up to a tour boat to feed in the Louisiana wetlands

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.

Airboats docked along the bayou at a swamp tour launch near New Orleans

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.

Purple water hyacinth blooms covering a Louisiana wetland under a blue sky

Appreciate the Beauty of Untouched Nature

Swamp tours let you 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.

Tour Times

Boats leave the dock at 8am, 9:45am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. 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!

8:00 AM
9:45 AM
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
4:00 PM
6:00 PM

What Makes Bayou Swamp Tours Different?

Experience

Our passionate and experienced Cajun Captains combine the excitement of a New Orleans airboat swamp tour with the fascination of a backwater nature tour — an experience guests rate 4.8 stars on Google. Whether you book a small airboat (6-10 passengers), a large airboat (15-27), or a covered pontoon boat tour, every ride lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.

Wildlife

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.

Availability

With six departures daily — 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm — you can fit a swamp tour into almost any New Orleans itinerary, and round-trip French Quarter hotel pickup makes getting to the dock easy.

Check Out Our Reviews!

Our guide, Trey, was fantastic. He was so informative and took us to some amazing spots. We saw so many alligators and wildlife! 10 out of 10 experience!
Jessica R., Google review
The tour with Captain Larry was so fun and we learned so much about the bayou, the ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabit it.
Kathleen D., Google review
Our tour guide was informative and funny. He made everyone feel comfortable & encouraged questions.
Dallas B., Google review

Request A Call To Book Now

Fill out the form below, and a representative will call you within seconds to help answer any questions and book your tour.

By providing my phone number, I consent to receive SMS, calls, and emails from Bayou Swamp Tours. I agree to their Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to quit.

Top Questions about Bayou Swamp Tours

Where We're Located

Our swamp tour launch sites are located just 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans. We offer hotel pickup from most French Quarter hotels.

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