Option 1
Airboat
- Noise
- Loud while moving; ear protection is provided
- Shade
- Open-air
- Ride feel
- Faster and cooler in motion
- Jacket when cool
- Especially useful
- Phone or camera
- Use a secure strap, grip, or storage option
What to wear and bring on a New Orleans swamp tour
The short packing answer
Wear comfortable clothes you would be comfortable wearing on the water. Leave loose jewelry and watches behind, bring sunscreen on sunny days, and add a jacket or warmer layer if it is cool—especially for an airboat. Daytime mosquito spray usually is not needed. Call 504-618-1692 to book.
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Pack for Comfort on the Water
What to wear on a New Orleans swamp tour starts with comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes. The tour is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes on the water, so choose clothes that match the forecast and feel comfortable for sitting on a boat. There is no need for special tour clothing.
For daytime tours, mosquitoes rarely come out during the day, so the site guidance is to leave spray at home. Bring sunscreen when it is sunny, and use the boat comparison below to decide whether an extra layer makes sense for your ride.
Wear: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes you do not mind wearing on a boat deck are a practical recommendation, not a boarding rule. Whatever you choose, secure footwear that stays on is sensible.
Cool weather: Bring a jacket or warmer layer, especially if you are taking an airboat or departing in the morning.
Optional sun coverage: A hat and sunglasses can be useful on sunny days.
What to Bring on Your Swamp Tour
What to bring on an airboat in New Orleans is simple: plan for the weather and secure the items you carry. This swamp tour packing list depends on the boat you choose, not on a promise about conditions on the water.
Sunscreen: Bring it on sunny days.
Jacket or layer: Bring one when the forecast is cool; it is especially useful for an open-air airboat moving through the bayou.
Phone or camera: You can bring one. Use a secure strap, grip, or storage option, particularly on an airboat, and keep it put away when you are not using it.
What to Leave Behind
A few items are better left with your other belongings so you can focus on the ride and the scenery.
Loose jewelry and watches: Leave them behind.
Daytime mosquito spray: Mosquitoes rarely come out during the day, so site guidance is to leave spray at home for daytime tours.
Unsecured camera or phone gear: If you bring a device, secure it rather than carrying it loosely.
Plan for Your Group and Arrival
The dock is about 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans. Plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure for check-in.
Kids, expectant mothers, and guests who use a standard-width wheelchair should review the live airboat age and height requirements before choosing a boat. That page explains the current airboat rules and covered-pontoon guidance without assuming every group has the same boarding needs.
The booking office collaborates with hand-picked operators and Coast Guard-certified captains. Call 504-618-1692 or use the request-a-call form if your group has a question before booking.
A quick decision guide
What to Pack for an Airboat vs. Covered Pontoon
Both boat styles follow the same approximately 1 hour 45 minutes bayou route. Choose your layer and gear setup based on the ride feel.
1Start with the ride feel, then check who can board.
Option 2
Covered pontoon
- Noise
- Quiet
- Shade
- Full awning shade
- Ride feel
- Slower and smoother
- Jacket when cool
- Still useful when the forecast is cool
- Phone or camera
- Keep devices secure while sightseeing
All three choices follow the same route. Scan each option for the details that matter to your group.
| What matters | Airboat | Covered pontoon |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Loud while moving; ear protection is provided | Quiet |
| Shade | Open-air | Full awning shade |
| Ride feel | Faster and cooler in motion | Slower and smoother |
| Jacket when cool | Especially useful | Still useful when the forecast is cool |
| Phone or camera | Use a secure strap, grip, or storage option | Keep devices secure while sightseeing |
Choose the Boat That Fits Your Day
We have tours for every group size!
Six Daily Swamp Tour Departures
Tours depart at 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. The 6:00 PM departure runs when daylight allows. Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for check-in.
Every departure follows the same approximately 1 hour 45 minutes bayou route. The dock is about 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
8:00 AM
9:45 AM
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
4:00 PM
6:00 PM(when daylight allows)
Packed and Ready to Plan?
A Clear Packing Plan
Wear comfortable clothes, add sunscreen on sunny days, and bring a jacket when it is cool—especially for an airboat.
Boat Details That Matter
Airboats are loud with ear protection provided; covered pontoons are quiet, shaded by a full awning, and smoother.
Help Before You Book
Call 504-618-1692 or request a call for help choosing a boat and 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.
Yes. Life jackets are provided on the boats for kids and adults, so guests do not need to bring their own. Call 504-618-1692 or use the request-a-call form with specific sizing or child questions.
For daytime tours, leave spray at home. Mosquitoes rarely come out during the day.
You will be on the water, so dress for comfort. Conditions vary, and Bayou Swamp Tours does not make a guarantee that every guest will or will not get wet.
Wear comfortable footwear that stays on. Closed-toe shoes you do not mind wearing on a boat deck are a practical recommendation, not a hard rule.
An open-air airboat can feel cooler in motion. Bring a jacket or warmer layer if the forecast is cool, especially for a morning airboat departure.
Yes. Use a secure strap, grip, or storage option, especially on an airboat, and keep your device secure when you are not using it.
Keep Planning Your Swamp Tour
Airboat Age and Height RequirementsReview airboat rules and covered-pontoon guidance for kids, expectant mothers, and standard-width wheelchair boarding.Read more →Airboat vs. Covered PontoonCompare noise, shade, ride feel, group needs, and boat options.Read more →How to Choose a New Orleans Swamp TourPlan your boat, timing, transportation, and booking details.Read more →Best Time for a Swamp TourMatch one of the daily departures to your New Orleans itinerary.Read more →Mosquitoes on Daytime ToursPlan practical bug protection for the season and conditions.Read more →Rain and Cancellation PolicyDress for the forecast and review how weather decisions are made.Read more →