New Orleans Large Airboat Swamp Tour

Exploring the Louisiana swamps with a large airboat tour can be a captivating experience, especially if you’re after a mix of wildlife sightings and a bit of adrenaline. This particular tour, offered by Louisiana Tour Company, has garnered glowing reviews and boasts a perfect 5-star rating from over 140 travelers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned swamp explorer, it’s worth considering for a fun, insightful adventure just outside New Orleans.

What we really like about this experience is the knowledgeable guides who keep the ride lively and informative, and the stunning scenery that makes every moment feel like a small adventure. Plus, the fact that it combines a scenic drive along the Mississippi River with an exciting airboat ride means you get two different perspectives on the Louisiana landscape. That said, a potential downside is the distance from downtown New Orleans, which might require some planning for transportation.

This tour appeals most to travelers who love wildlife, unique landscapes, and a little thrill. It’s also suitable for groups wanting a more personal experience with a small-group setting—just 16 people max—making sure everyone gets a good view and plenty of time for photos. If you’re looking for an authentic swamp adventure that’s both fun and educational, this one could be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personal attention and good sightlines.
• Wildlife sightings, especially alligators, are a highlight and frequently praised.
• Knowledgeable guides add humor, safety, and insights that enhance the trip.
• Variety of scenery with high-speed bursts and gentle cruising make the ride dynamic.
• Value for money is high, with good reviews noting the experience exceeds expectations.
• Booking well in advance (about 24 days ahead) is recommended due to its popularity.

What to Expect from the New Orleans Large Airboat Swamp Tour

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

The tour begins with a drive along the Mississippi River, heading toward the Barataria Preserve area—an accessible gateway into the Louisiana wetlands. This initial part isn’t just a scenic drive; it’s an opportunity for photos and a chance to spot some alligators in their natural setting, with the guide stopping at strategic points. The guides are known for making stops that allow for wildlife viewing and photo opportunities, which many travelers find makes the experience feel personal and relaxed.

The centerpiece of the tour is the airboat ride itself, which can carry up to 16 passengers in stadium-style seating. This ensures everyone has an unobstructed view and space to enjoy the ride. Powered by a robust 454 Chevy engine, the boat reaches speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, adding a touch of excitement to your exploration.

What makes the airboat ride special is its ability to access parts of the swamp that other boats or vehicles can’t reach, thanks to its flat-bottomed design and powerful fan. Expect to encounter various flora and fauna, with frequent sightings of alligators and sometimes even other wildlife like coyote or bald eagles, as some reviews mention.

The Atmosphere and Experience

Many reviews highlight the fun and engaging nature of the guides. For example, one reviewer called their captain “amazing”—a mix of professionalism, humor, and knowledge that makes the ride memorable. Guests often mention how safe and comfortable they felt, even if it was their first time on an airboat.

The ride itself alternates between high-speed bursts—which provide thrills—and gentle cruising, offering moments to relax, take photos, and soak in the scenery. The stops serve as perfect opportunities for capturing the lush, swampy landscape and observing wildlife up close.

Wildlife Sighting and Photography

One of the biggest draws is watching alligators in their natural environment. Several reviews celebrate how many they saw and how close they got to the creatures—some even got to hold a baby gator! The wildlife sightings are often described as “abundant,” and the scenery provides fantastic photo moments, especially during the calmer parts of the ride.

The Guides: Professionals with Personality

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides make all the difference. They are often described as funny, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Guides like Dewey, Rocky, and Ernie are repeatedly praised for their engaging storytelling and ability to keep the group entertained and safe. This personal touch makes the experience feel less like a tour and more like a fun outing with friends.

The Value for Money

At $65 per person, this tour is generally considered a good deal, especially given the length (about 1 hour 40 minutes) and the quality of the experience. Some reviews mention that it felt like more than just a boat ride—an immersive look into Louisiana’s natural environment with plenty of wildlife encounters and scenic beauty.

While food and drinks aren’t included, and there’s no hotel pickup, the overall value is enhanced by the memorable guides, the wildlife sightings, and the stunning views you’ll capture. Booking ahead, usually about 24 days in advance, is recommended since the tour is popular and often sells out.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes—enough time to enjoy the swamp without it feeling rushed.
• Group size: Limited to 16 travelers, which promotes a more personal experience.
• Accessibility: All children must be at least 48 inches tall; pregnant women are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Meeting point: Located at Louisiana Tour Company, Marrero, LA—about 45 minutes from downtown New Orleans, so plan your transportation accordingly.
• Weather: The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you get a full refund or the chance to reschedule.

Downsides to Keep in Mind

The main consideration is the distance from New Orleans. If you’re staying centrally, you’ll need to arrange transportation to the meeting point in Marrero, which could add some planning time. Plus, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women for safety reasons, so it’s not a family-friendly option for expecting mothers.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This swamp tour is perfect for:

• Wildlife enthusiasts eager to see alligators and other native animals.
• Adventure seekers looking for a faster, more dynamic boat ride.
• Photographers wanting to capture scenic views and wildlife in a natural setting.
• Small groups who enjoy a personalized experience with engaging guides.
• Travelers who don’t mind a short drive outside of the city to access authentic Louisiana wetlands.

If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and fun outdoor experience that balances scenery, wildlife, and excitement, this tour hits all those marks.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 1 hour 40 minutes, including the drive to the swamp and the airboat ride itself.

Is transportation from New Orleans provided?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. The meeting point is at Louisiana Tour Company in Marrero, LA, which is roughly 45 minutes from downtown.

Can I see a lot of alligators?
Yes, many reviewers have highlighted seeing numerous alligators, ranging in size from tiny to large. Wildlife sightings are a frequent and celebrated part of the experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
All children must be at least 48 inches tall to participate. Pregnant women are not allowed on the tour for safety reasons, so it’s more suited for older children and adults.

What should I bring?
While not explicitly stated, it’s wise to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a camera. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor weather, and consider a waterproof case for your electronics.

What happens if the weather’s bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This large airboat swamp tour around New Orleans offers a compelling mix of scenery, wildlife, and excitement, all wrapped in the expertise and personality of passionate guides. Its small-group format makes it feel intimate, while the access to otherwise hard-to-reach swamp areas provides a real sense of adventure.

It’s best suited for those who love wildlife, photography, or simply want to experience Louisiana’s wetlands with a bit of adrenaline. While it’s a bit of a trek from the city center, many find the trip worth it for the rich scenery and the story-filled guides. If you’re craving an authentic swamp adventure that’s fun and educational, this tour ticks all the boxes.

In short, if you enjoy wildlife encounters, scenic boat rides, and friendly guides, this experience will likely be a highlight of your trip to New Orleans. Just remember to book early, plan your transportation, and come prepared for a memorable Louisiana adventure.