Alligator Tours in New Orleans
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Where Can You See Alligators in New Orleans?
The most reliable way to see wild alligators near New Orleans is a guided boat tour of the bayous, about 30 minutes from downtown. Louisiana is home to roughly 2 million wild alligators, and Bayou Swamp Tours runs six departures daily (8 am-6 pm) on airboats and covered pontoon boats — each tour lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.
The Ride: On our airboats, where excitement is filled at every turn, experience an adrenaline rush. And if you're looking for a more relaxed tour, take a peaceful cruise on our pontoon.
The History: Discover more about the swamplands and bayous of New Orleans.
The Wildlife: Interact with all the living creatures including gators, raccoons, wild hogs, birds, and much more!
How Many Alligators Are Out There?
Wild alligators live in Louisiana — the largest population of any U.S. state — with nearly a million more raised on farms.
Source: Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & FisheriesIs the typical adult length of a male American alligator; females rarely exceed 10 feet.
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceThe year the American alligator was declared fully recovered and removed from the endangered species list — one of conservation's great comebacks.
Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceWhen Is the Best Time to See Alligators?
Alligators are cold-blooded, so sightings track the temperature. Here is what to expect by season:
| Season | Gator Activity | What You'll See |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | High — feeding resumes, courtship begins | Basking gators, active wildlife, mild 70s-80s°F days |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | High — most active in mornings and evenings | Gators swimming, babies hatching late summer |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Moderate to high — feeding before winter | Reliable sightings, thinner crowds, pleasant temps |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Low — gators brumate below ~70°F water | Midday basking on sunny days, big flocks of migratory birds |
Our Swamp Tour Options in New Orleans
We have tours for every group size!
The Adventure of a Lifetime in 3 Steps
Book Your Trip
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.
Customize Your Experience
Explore a range of options for your adventure. Whether you opt for a small airboat (6-10 passengers), a large airboat (15-27), or a covered pontoon boat tour, tailor your swamp tour to create memories that resonate with your preferences.
Step Into Wilderness
The last and final step. Just step into the adventure and enjoy immersing yourself in this priceless experience, taking in the sights and sounds that make this adventure truly unique.
Gator Tour Times
Boats leave the dock at 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm (if there is enough daylight for the 6 pm tour) — six departures daily. 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 — weekends and holidays book up fast.
You Won't Find It Anywhere Else
Expert Cajun Captains
Embark on an unforgettable New Orleans swamp tour guided by expert local Cajun Captains — an experience guests rate 4.8 stars on Google.
Our Wild Collection
Explore thousands of acres in our unique Louisiana ecosystem featuring backwater wildlife. You will find alligators, over 200 species of birds, wild pigs, raccoons and so much more!
Choose When
With six departures daily — 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm — it's easy to fit a gator tour into your New Orleans plans, with French Quarter hotel pickup available.
Request A Call To Book Now
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our Louisiana airboat tours.