New Orleans · NEW ORLEANS SWAMP TOURS

The 15 Best New Orleans Swamp Tours

49 tours  ·  from $32

Covered boat or airboat, Barataria or Manchac, with pickup or on your own wheels. The 15 below sort the swamp trips by price, by how far out of the city they go and by how much noise you are prepared to make.

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation - Honey Island Swamp by quiet, flat-bottom boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, New Orleans Swamp Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

1.New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,399 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $70Our pick

Ride from the French Quarter to Honey Island Swamp for a two-hour wildlife cruise aboard a quiet, 22-passenger flat-bottom boat. Guides such as Captain Steve, Scottie, Marc, and Jody point out alligators, raccoons, birds, wild boar, and swamp life, while sharing Cajun culture and wetland history.

“Cpt Scottie was a blast. Informative friendly with just the right amount of information and humour. Driver was a star( sorry can't remember her name) friendly and professional . Highly recommend this tour. Maybe pick a time when it's warmer to see big gators.”

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Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans - Oak Alley’s 28 oak trees and plantation story
Cruises & Boat Tours, New Orleans Plantation Tours, New Orleans Swamp Tours, Oak Alley Plantation Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

2.Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,303 reviews · 7 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $131

Ride from the French Quarter to Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation, then cruise a private Manchac-area swamp on a covered pontoon boat. Local guides such as Dionne, Jane, Robert, and Captain Justin have led especially memorable outings, but guide assignments vary.

“Great to view animals from the boat. Justin boat captain was entertaining and knowledgeable. Cute boat landing store.”

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New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour - Boarding the 22-passenger flat-bottom boat
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New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

3.New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,824 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $37

Drive to Slidell for a two-hour Honey Island Swamp cruise on a quiet, open-air boat carrying up to 22 people. Guides such as Jody, Emmett, Dustin and Wade G. share Cajun stories, wetland facts and wildlife tips as you look for alligators, birds, raccoons and wild boar.

“Capt. Wade G. was great! He clearly loves showing us a bit of his backyard and is very good at what he does. What an unforgettable experience.”

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New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure - What the 100-minute boat ride is like
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New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

4.New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,855 reviews · 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Ride a covered swamp boat through Barataria Preserve with local captains such as Ernie, Dewey, or Trey. Expect narrated views of alligators, birds, fishing villages, burial grounds, and wetland plants. Boats have cushioned seats, restrooms, adjustable windows, and room to stand.

“Discover a swamp microsystem unlike any other, where water and flat land are locked in a quiet, constant negotiation”

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Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans - From downtown New Orleans to the swamp
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Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

5.Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,832 reviews · 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Ride a 16-passenger airboat through the Barataria wetlands, reaching 25 mph before easing into quiet wildlife viewing. Guides such as Ernie, Kenny, Beebop, and Duwey explain swamp life and search for alligators, birds, turtles, and bald eagles. Round-trip downtown hotel transport is included.

“Driver is super knowledgeable and interactive. He knew where they like to hang out and quite familiar with the main alligators. He even had a baby alligator we all got to hold.”

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Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup - Barataria Preserve and the search for alligators
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Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

6.Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,621 reviews · 4 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Leave downtown New Orleans by air-conditioned vehicle and ride a small airboat through Barataria Preserve. Your captain mixes fast runs with quiet wildlife stops, shares swamp lore, and may bring a baby alligator for you to see. Groups are limited to nine, with pickup and drop-off included.

“If going on a swamp tour is on your list of things to do in New Orleans, going on a small group airboat is the way to go! Great fun!”

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New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise W/ Optional Pick-Up - Why the transportation option can be worth choosing
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New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise W/ Optional Pick-Up

7.New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise W/ Optional Pick-Up

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,587 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Ride a pontoon boat through Manchac Bayou with a local captain, spotting alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, turtles, birds, and moss-draped cypress trees. Guides such as Danny, Dustin, and Tom add Cajun stories and humor. Choose hotel pickup from New Orleans or drive to Cajun Pride Swamp Tours.

“Brilliant fun on an uncharacteristically cold November morning. The pick up from Rick was bang on time and he kept us entertained with some interesting info about the area on the way. When we got to the bayou, the staff lowered our expectations about seeing any alligators because of the weather. However, our boat cap'n Danny was having none of that! When we slipped off into the swamp, he agreed that the chances of seeing any were low because of the cold but said he'd make sure we got to see at least one. Danny was well-informed and and funny as we snaked our way along the bayou pointing out…”

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Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou - Finding alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds
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Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou

8.Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,452 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Explore a 20,000-acre cypress swamp near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park on a 90-minute pontoon ride. Your local captain points out alligators, turtles, birds, and more, with hotel pickup available from selected New Orleans stops. Expect a calm ride, live commentary, and possible wildlife feeding.

“I did not enjoy the guided tour. The tour guide was racist. He gave the white people marshmallows to throw but when I asked for one he straight up told me no. I will never book this again. I wish I could get my money back.”

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New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Alligator Tour - A two-hour cruise through Barataria Preserve
New Orleans Swamp Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Alligator Tour

9.New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Alligator Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,307 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes to 4 hours (approx.) · from $35

Ride from the French Quarter, or drive to Lafitte, for a narrated two-hour pontoon cruise through Barataria Preserve. Local captains such as AJ, EJ, and Bob share Cajun stories while you watch for alligators, egrets, raccoons, turtles, snakes, and nutria.

“This was one of the best tours! The bus driver Alton was informative, super polite and friendly. We learned more from him than on our history tour. Our swamp guide Bob?? Was also great. Very informative and safety conscious. Great tour!”

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New Orleans: Bayou Swamp Tour and Oak Alley Plantation Tour - Hotel pickup requires serious punctuality
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New Orleans: Bayou Swamp Tour and Oak Alley Plantation Tour

10.Bayou Swamp Tour and Oak Alley Plantation Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,147 reviews · 7h 30m · from $125

Spend about 7.5 hours with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, combining a 1.5-hour Manchac Bayou boat ride with a guided visit to Oak Alley Plantation. Expect alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, live oaks, plantation history, and lively commentary from drivers such as Big Joe.

“Great experience, I got to hold a baby alligator and that’s something I thought I’d never do. Big Joe was great driving us around and pointing out beautiful historical sites and interesting facts. Would absolutely recommend 10/10”

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New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation - What You See at Barataria Preserve
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New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation

11.New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,008 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Ride from your downtown New Orleans hotel to the Barataria Swamps for a narrated boat trip with a local captain. Expect cushioned seats, a roof, adjustable windows, a restroom, and chances to see alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds. Captains such as Ernie, Dewey, and Bobby are known for lively stories.

“Great service, picking us up, tour timely, return coach ready. Captain Ernie was knowledgeable & entertaining but spent a lot of time bellyaching about “ the world we live in”.”

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Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour - Cypress corridors and narrow swamp channels
Canoes & Kayaks, New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, New Orleans Swamp Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

12.Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 973 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Leave central New Orleans for a two-and-a-half-hour paddle through Manchac and Maurepas swamps. Your guide teaches basic strokes, then leads a group of up to eight through narrow cypress-lined channels where motorboats cannot go. Guides such as MJ, AJ, Ali, and Nick are known for strong nature knowledge.

“AJ our tour guide was fantastic. We had a very casual kayak trip around the Manchac area. Saw gators, many different birds, including a Barred owl, and had a great time. We booked a 2:00 pm trip so keep in mind if you have dinner reservations back in the city you probably don’t want to book anything until 7:30. We got caught in football traffic on the way back in.”

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New Orleans Zipline Swamp Tour - The guides make the first attempt easier
New Orleans Swamp Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zip Lines

New Orleans Zipline Swamp Tour

13.New Orleans Zipline Swamp Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 929 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Head to Frenier near Lake Pontchartrain for a guided zipline course above Maurepas Swamp. You’ll use five lines, two suspension bridges, and a spiral cypress staircase, with guides such as Cheyenne, Matt, Gio, and Courtney helping beginners feel secure. Transportation from New Orleans can be arranged for an extra fee.

“Guides are kind, encouraging, and engaging. The experience is far outside my comfort zone, but the guides help you through it and it is really a fun experience. Would 100%do it again.”

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New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour - Pickup from New Orleans and the road west
New Orleans Airboat Tours, New Orleans Plantation Tours, New Orleans Swamp Tours, Oak Alley Plantation Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour

14.Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 906 reviews · 8h 30m · from $160

Travel from New Orleans to Oak Alley Plantation for a guided house tour, oak-lined grounds, and slavery-era interpretation, then ride an open airboat through Barataria Basin. Captains such as Ernie, Dewey, and Bee Bop are known for spotting alligators and explaining the swamp. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“Fabulous day, interesting to learn about the sugar cane plantation and insight into slavery, really knowledgeable, guides. We followed this with a swamp tour with Dewey as our guide. What an awesome experience. Dewey was fun, engaging, and nothing too much trouble, he took us to where he knew the gathers would be and he didn’t disappoint, we even held a baby gator! Great day !!”

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From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat - At the Lafitte base: alligators, snacks, and a practical start
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From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

15.From Lafitte: Swamp Tours South of New Orleans by Airboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 792 reviews · 105 minutes - 4 hours · from $59

From Lafitte, ride a fast, open airboat through secluded bayou channels for 105 minutes. Guides such as Steve, Ronnie, Larry, and Jay are known for local wildlife stories and close alligator sightings. Choose a boat for up to 10 people or a larger vessel, with hotel pickup available from New Orleans.

“Excellent trip, Larry was great, really knowledgeable and took us straight to a group of Alligators who came very close and allowed him to feed them. We saw blue Heron too and Egret and Osprey too!”

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New in New Orleans Swamp Tours

★ 5.0New Orleans City and Swamp Helicopter TourFrom $3219 reviews
★ 4.6Single Plantation and Pontoon Swamp Day TripFrom $1408 reviews
★ 4.5Manchac Swamp Wildlife Kayaking TourFrom $848 reviews
★ 4.9BYOB Tiki Boat Bayou Party and Wildlife TourFrom $8526 reviews
★ 4.7Airboat Swamp & City and Katrina Tour ComboFrom $1406 reviews
★ 4.9Airboat Swamp Adventure with TransportationFrom $9041 reviews
★ 4.36 Passenger Premium Airboat Swamp TourFrom $9520 reviews
★ 4.716 Passenger Airboat Swamp TourFrom $6556 reviews
★ 4.610 Passenger Airboat Swamp TourFrom $8533 reviews
★ 5.0Airboat Tour of Louisiana SwampsFrom $13013 reviews
★ 5.0Manchac Swamp Extended 4-Hour Kayak Tour with Pickup29 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Plantation and Swamp Tour in New OrleansFrom $13777 reviews
★ 4.7Honey Island Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with TransportationFrom $7078 reviews
★ 5.0Freaky Tiki Boat Bayou Tour: Near New Orleans with Bathrooms97 reviews
★ 4.9Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp TourFrom $90114 reviews

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