New Orleans: High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour

If you’re headed to New Orleans and looking for an adventure that offers more than just the party scenes, this High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour might be exactly what you need. It’s a chance to glide through the wetlands at thrilling speeds, see wildlife in their natural environment, and get a taste of local Cajun history. This tour comes highly rated — boasting a 4.9 out of 5 from over 700 reviews — and for good reason.

What we really love about this experience is how accessible it makes the swamp environment — usually a place reserved for the brave or the lucky — with the added excitement of a fast-paced airboat ride. Plus, the guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and personality, making the trip both fun and educational. The only potential downside? The tour isn’t suited for pregnant women or those with back issues, so it’s not for everyone. Still, if you’re after a mix of adventure, wildlife, and local culture, this is a solid choice.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who crave genuine wildlife encounters, enjoy high-energy activities, or want to learn more about Cajun life outside of the city. Families with kids over 48 inches tall can certainly join, but it’s primarily an adventure for those comfortable with open-air boats zooming at speeds up to 35 mph.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters are a top highlight, with chances to see alligators, raccoons, and even wild pigs.
• Expert guides deliver engaging, knowledgeable narration that keeps the tour informative and fun.
• The thrilling speed of the airboat adds an element of adventure that’s hard to match.
• Wildlife conservation and Cajun history are woven into the experience, making it educational as well as entertaining.
• Flexible duration (from 100 minutes up to 4 hours) allows for customization based on your schedule.
• Small group setting (limited to 9 participants) ensures a more personal, less crowded experience.

The moment you step onto the dock at 9706 Barataria Blvd in Marrero, just a short drive from the French Quarter, you get the sense that this isn’t your average swamp tour. Louisiana Tour Company runs this experience, and from the start, it’s clear they put a lot of thought into making it both safe and memorable.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The tour begins at a convenient meeting point — about 35 minutes from central New Orleans — making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing. Once you arrive, you’ll board a high-speed airboat that can comfortably seat nine people, giving everyone an unobstructed view of the surroundings. If you’ve booked the option with hotel pickup, your driver will be waiting to whisk you there, which is great for travelers not keen on driving.

As the boat kicks into gear, you’ll feel the wind in your hair and see the lush wetlands unfold around you. With speeds of up to 35 mph, you’ll thrill as your captain zips across waterways, allowing for plenty of photo opportunities. The ride is not just about speed; it’s about exploring areas that are usually inaccessible — marshes, lakes, and cypress swamps that hide some of the area’s most interesting wildlife.

Wildlife and Nature Encounters

One of the main reasons most people choose this tour is the chance to see wildlife up close. The reviews frequently mention sightings of alligators, some quite close, and the ability to hold a baby gator or pet a larger one if the guide is comfortable. The guide’s expertise is evident; many travelers mention how much they learned about local ecology and animal behavior.

You might also see raccoons, wild pigs, and coyotes. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to admire bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys soaring overhead. Even in winter, alligators are sometimes spotted, making it a year-round wildlife adventure.

The Guides and Their Role

The guides truly make this experience special. Numerous reviews highlight how knowledgeable and personable they are. They take the time to explain the ecology of the wetlands, share stories about Cajun life, and make sure everyone gets a good view of the wildlife. Several reviews describe guides as fun, personable, and passionate — "Our guide was really fun and knowledgeable. He gave us an excellent ride," and "Dewey our guide was the BEST!!!" are common praise.

Hearing about how the guides feed the alligators or let guests hold a baby gator adds an extra layer of excitement. It’s these personal touches that elevate the tour from a simple boat ride to an engaging, memorable experience.

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The Value and Duration

At $89 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the length and quality of the experience. The standard duration is about 100 minutes, but some options extend the trip up to 4 hours, which might include additional stops or longer wildlife viewing. For the price, you’re getting a high-speed thrill, expert commentary, and plenty of wildlife sightings. Many reviews mention how the tour surpassed expectations, with travelers feeling they got their money’s worth.

Also, the small group limit (only nine people) means there’s less noise and more personalized attention — a big plus if you like quiet wildlife moments or want to ask lots of questions.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Since the tour is performed in an open boat, it’s best to dress appropriately, especially if you’re sensitive to wind or cool weather. Hearing protection is provided, but you might still find the speed noisy. The experience isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems, as the boat can be bumpy at times. Children over 48 inches tall are welcome, but it’s wise to prepare them for the open-air ride.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to bring water or snacks if needed. Also, keep in mind that wildlife sightings depend on the season and weather — while many reviewers report seeing plenty of gators and birds, some mention that it’s more common in summer months, though sightings can happen any time of year.

The Experience’s Pros and Cons

Pros:
– High-speed thrill combined with wildlife viewing
– Knowledgeable, engaging guides who share interesting stories
– Opportunities to hold baby gators and get close to wildlife
– Small group sizes for a more intimate experience
– Flexible durations to fit different schedules

Cons:
– Not suitable for pregnant women or those with back issues
– Weather-dependent wildlife sightings; no guarantees
– It’s an outdoor experience, so exposure to wind and weather is inevitable
– Slightly long drive from the French Quarter, but worth it for the scenery

If you’re looking for an adventurous way to see Louisiana’s wetlands and love wildlife, this tour is a fantastic pick. It’s especially good for those who enjoy high-speed rides and want to learn from guides with a passion for conservation and local history. Families with kids taller than 48 inches will enjoy the excitement, but it’s not suited for very young children or people with medical restrictions.

Travelers eager for authentic wildlife encounters, or those interested in Cajun culture, will find this tour offers a nice blend of adventure and education. And, of course, if you want to feel the wind in your hair and get a fresh perspective on the Louisiana landscape, this ride delivers.

This High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour is a lively, engaging way to explore Louisiana’s bayou and wetlands. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or just looking for a memorable outdoor experience, it ticks many boxes. The combination of speed, scenery, and expert guides creates a well-rounded adventure that reviewers say exceeds expectations.

The value for the price is high, especially considering the small group size and the chance to get close to alligators and other native species. It’s a tour that’s likely to stand out as a highlight of your trip — a fun, educational, and exciting excursion that’ll get your heart racing and your camera clicking.

In the end, this experience is best suited for those who want an active, up-close wildlife adventure with a touch of local culture. If you’re comfortable in an open boat and love the idea of zipping through the Louisiana wetlands, this tour is a smart choice for your trip to New Orleans.

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you choose the option with hotel pickup, your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and bring you to the dock.

How long is the tour?
The typical duration is around 100 minutes, but some options extend up to 4 hours depending on your booking.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 48 inches tall can join the tour and are required to wear a seatbelt. Always check your child’s comfort with open-air rides.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions — wind and weather can be unpredictable. Bring layers if needed, and consider sun protection.

Will I see wildlife?
Most likely! Many reviewers highlight sightings of alligators, birds, and other animals. Though sightings depend on factors like season and weather, the guides do their best to find wildlife.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with back issues because of the open, bumpy nature of the boat ride.

If you’re after a lively way to connect with Louisiana’s natural beauty and wildlife, this airboat tour offers plenty of punch, a lot of learning, and a good dose of fun. Just be prepared to get a little wet and to enjoy every thrilling minute.

You can check availability for your dates here: