From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

Orleans Parish, New Orleans



Glide over the swamps of New Orleans by airboat and experience the bayou landscape like never before. Explore the wetlands of Lafitte in Bayou Barataria, looking for alligators, turtles, native birds, and more.

Louisiana Swamp Airboat Tour near New Orleans for Wildlife Enthusiasts

Explore the wetlands south of New Orleans on a 105-minute airboat tour through Louisiana’s bayou, suitable for nature lovers and families with children over 5.

Tour Highlights

  • Glide over Louisiana swamps on a unique airboat
  • Navigate narrow canals hidden deep in the swamp
  • Meet Sugar and Flour, the only albino alligators on the bayou
  • Spot wildlife including alligators, turtles, and native birds
  • Discover secluded areas of Louisiana’s wetlands

Tour Description

Departing 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans, board an airboat for a guided tour that combines adventure and education. Captains provide informative commentary as you zip across the swamps and squeeze through narrow canals. Expect to see alligators, turtles, birds, and other wildlife native to the bayou.

Airboat Adventures offers the option between small boats (up to 10 passengers) for a more intimate experience and larger boats (up to 30 passengers) for bigger groups. All boats allow close encounters with Louisiana swamp wildlife. On arrival, check in at the facility where you can visit the gift shop, enjoy snacks, and see the albino alligators Sugar and Flour. Picnic tables are available inside and outside the building to relax before your tour.

Round-trip transfers from New Orleans are available for guests without a car. During the tour, your captain may demonstrate bayou techniques and possibly bring you closer to a baby alligator if conditions allow.

What’s Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected)
  • Airboat tour
  • Captains with US Coast Guard certification
  • Local captain and guide
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities

What’s Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase at the onsite gift shop and bar)

Important Information

  • Tours may be canceled in hazardous weather conditions
  • Airboats are open and fast; the operator is not responsible for damage to cameras or video equipment from water, splashes, or rain
  • This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 5 years old, or people with neck or back problems

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring sun protection and insect repellent. Book early, especially in warmer months, to secure your preferred boat size and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will explore Louisiana's wetlands on a 105-minute airboat ride, spotting wildlife like alligators, turtles, and native birds while navigating narrow swamp canals.
The tour departs from Lafitte, located about 30 minutes south of downtown New Orleans.
Certified captains skilled in navigating the wetlands operate the airboats on this tour.
Yes, you can spot alligators, including the unique albino alligators named Sugar and Flour, during the tour.
The tour lasts approximately 105 minutes as it explores various parts of the Louisiana wetlands.
Yes, the tour is ideal for wildlife lovers interested in observing native species in their natural swamp habitat near New Orleans.
Check the official website for current hours and availability before planning your visit.
It is recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring sun protection and insect repellent for the outdoor swamp environment.
The tours take place approximately 30 minutes south of downtown New Orleans, in the Lafitte area.
Airboats are operated by certified captains and generally safe, but check with the tour provider for any age or health restrictions.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again