Option 1
Small Airboat
- Capacity
- 6 to 10 passengers
- Ride feel
- Fast, loud, and open air
- Who can board
- Age 5+ and 48 inches or taller
- Best fit
- Couples, photographers, and small families
Small airboat swamp tour New Orleans (6 to 10 passengers)
A Small-Group Airboat Ride
The small airboat carries 6 to 10 passengers on an approximately 1 hour 45 minutes bayou route. It is a fast, loud, open-air ride, and ear protection is provided. Every rider must be at least age 5 and at least 48 inches tall. Wildlife sightings vary with weather, season, and conditions. Call 504-618-1692 or use the request-a-call form to check availability.
Check Small Airboat Availability
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Why Choose the Small Airboat?
This small group swamp tour New Orleans travelers can book is designed for couples, photographers, small families, and others who want fewer passengers. A fan boat is another name for an airboat. The boat carries 6 to 10 guests, so you share the ride with a smaller group.
The small airboat follows the same approximately 1 hour 45 minutes swamp route as the large airboat and covered pontoon. You are choosing passenger count and ride feel, not a different swamp or better wildlife sightings.
Small-group setting: 6 to 10 passengers on a fast, open-air airboat.
Airboat sound: The engine is loud while moving, and ear protection is provided.
Booking help: Call 504-618-1692 or request a call so the team can match your party with available seats.
Airboat Age, Height, and Ear Protection Rules
Every small or large airboat rider must meet both minimums: at least 5 years old and at least 48 inches tall. Ear protection is provided and should be worn for the loud, open-air ride.
Choose the covered pontoon if anyone is under either minimum, is expecting, needs standard-width wheelchair boarding, or prefers a quiet ride under a full awning.
Wildlife Sightings Vary on Every Departure
Captains look for alligators, birds, and other bayou wildlife on every trip. Sightings vary with the weather, season, water conditions, and the animals themselves. No alligator or wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
The small passenger count does not change the route or promise better sightings than another boat. All six departures are good choices, so select the time that works for your plans.
Departures, Check-In, and Transportation
There are 6 scheduled departures: 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. The 6 pm departure is subject to daylight. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your departure for check-in.
The dock is approximately 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans. Optional paid round-trip pickup is available from the French Quarter, New Orleans City Center, and Eastern Garden District. Call 504-618-1692 to add pickup or get self-drive directions.
Booking office: Bayou Swamp Tours collaborates with hand-picked tour operators and Coast Guard certified captains.
Current rate: Rates vary by date, boat, and add-ons. Call 504-618-1692 for today's rate and availability.
A quick decision guide
Small Airboat, Large Airboat, and Covered Pontoon
All three boats follow the same approximately 1 hour 45 minutes route. Choose based on group size, ride feel, and who can board.
1Start with the ride feel, then check who can board.
Option 2
Large Airboat
- Capacity
- 15 to 27 passengers
- Ride feel
- Fast, loud, and open air
- Who can board
- Age 5+ and 48 inches or taller
- Best fit
- Groups wanting more airboat seats
Option 3
Covered Pontoon
- Capacity
- Larger groups
- Ride feel
- Quiet, smooth, and fully shaded
- Who can board
- All ages; expectant mothers welcome
- Best fit
- Guests wanting quiet, shade, or inclusive boarding
All three choices follow the same route. Scan each option for the details that matter to your group.
| What matters | Small Airboat | Large Airboat | Covered Pontoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6 to 10 passengers | 15 to 27 passengers | Larger groups |
| Ride feel | Fast, loud, and open air | Fast, loud, and open air | Quiet, smooth, and fully shaded |
| Who can board | Age 5+ and 48 inches or taller | Age 5+ and 48 inches or taller | All ages; expectant mothers welcome |
| Best fit | Couples, photographers, and small families | Groups wanting more airboat seats | Guests wanting quiet, shade, or inclusive boarding |
Compare New Orleans Swamp Tour Boats
We have tours for every group size!
Small Airboat Departure Times
Tours depart at 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. The 6 pm departure is subject to daylight. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for check-in.
Every departure follows the same approximately 1 hour 45 minutes route. Call 504-618-1692 or request a call to check small-airboat seats.
8:00 AM
9:45 AM
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
4:00 PM
6:00 PM(when daylight allows)
Ready for a Small-Group Airboat Ride?
6 to 10 Passengers
Choose the smallest shared airboat option for fewer passengers and an intimate ride feel.
Clear Eligibility Rules
Every rider must be at least age 5 and at least 48 inches tall. Ear protection is provided.
Phone-First Booking Help
Call 504-618-1692 or use the request-a-call form so the team can match you to an available departure.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our Louisiana airboat tours.
The small airboat carries 6 to 10 passengers. Call 504-618-1692 or request a call to confirm availability for your party size and preferred departure.
We describe this as a small-group or small-airboat experience for 6 to 10 passengers. That wording accurately explains the intimate ride feel without presenting it as a separate product.
Capacity and group feel are the main differences. The small airboat carries 6 to 10 passengers, while the large airboat carries 15 to 27. Both are fast, loud, open-air rides with the same eligibility rules and the same approximately 1 hour 45 minutes bayou route.
No. Every airboat rider must be at least 5 years old and at least 48 inches tall, and expectant mothers should choose the covered pontoon. The covered boat welcomes all ages and offers a quiet, smooth ride under a full awning.
Yes. Airboats are loud while moving. Ear protection is provided for the open-air ride.
Wildlife sightings vary with weather, season, water conditions, and animal activity. No alligator or wildlife sighting is guaranteed, and the small boat does not promise better sightings than another boat.
Yes. Optional paid round-trip pickup is available from the French Quarter, New Orleans City Center, and Eastern Garden District. Call 504-618-1692 to add pickup.
Rates vary by date, boat, and add-ons. Call 504-618-1692 for today's rate, available specials, and seats on your preferred departure.
Plan Your Small-Group Swamp Tour
Full Boat ComparisonCompare small airboats, large airboats, and covered pontoons in more detail.Read more →Airboat Tours in New OrleansLearn what to expect from the general airboat experience.Read more →Small vs Large AirboatsCompare the two airboat sizes and decide which fits your group.Read more →Airboat Eligibility RulesReview the age and height minimums and covered-boat alternative.Read more →Hotel Pickup GuideSee pickup areas, timing, and transportation details.Read more →Best Time for a Swamp TourChoose a departure based on daylight, weather, and your schedule.Read more →What to WearPrepare for an open-air ride with practical clothing guidance.Read more →Tour Duration GuidePlan for the ride, travel time, and early check-in.Read more →Alligator Tour GuideLearn how season and conditions affect wild alligator activity.Read more →