About this experience
Take a thrilling airboat ride through the wetlands near New Orleans and plenty of alligators on this active, family-friendly tour. Travel over bayous and open waterways around the colorful, historic fishing village of Jean Lafitte, named after a 19th-century smuggler. Spy alligators in the wild -- as well as raccoons, native birds and large river rodents called nutria -- as your native guide provides commentary. This tour is an easy way to get out and experience the rich natural landscape around New Orleans.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 45 min–4 hr
What is included
- Native guide
- Only if transportation option is selected.
- 1 hour 45 minute airboat ride
- Albino alligator exhibit
Not included
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Self drive tour departs from 5145 Fleming Park Road, Lafitte, LA 70067
- Transportation not included with the self drive tour option.
Itinerary and highlights
Travel by air-conditioned coach from central New Orleans to the nearby fishing village of Jean Lafitte, named after an 18th-century smuggler. Home to a variety of diverse cultures, this area surrounded by Lousiana bayous has been the site of extensive logging operations, sugar and rice plantations and animal trapping enterprises over the years. Today, the people's simple way of life is a marked contrast to the hustle-bustle of New Orleans.
You will travel through the Barataria Preserve, part of the Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve system. The preserve offers a taste of Louisiana's wild wetlands, protecting 23,000 acres of bayous, swamps, marshes and forests.
In Jean Lafitte, you can get some snacks (own expense) and check out an albino alligator exhibit before boarding your airboat, a vessel that relies on an aircraft-type propeller mounted on its back to move it forward. Feel the wind in your hair as your move swiftly over the wetlands.
Your native boat captain will talk about the history and culture of the area and point out wildlife as you travel. See lots of alligators lurking in the marshes, as well as local birds, raccoons and nutria -- giant river rodents that call the bayous home.
Conclude your family-friendly escape to the Louisiana wetlands with coach transport back to central New Orleans.
From New Orleans
Meeting and pickup information
- *SELF-DRIVE - NO TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED* Upon arrival, you’ll find free parking on-site and a check-in area near the dock. Look for signs for the swamp tour or the main office building, where staff will assist you and give you a wristband with your boat number.
- *TOUR - WITH TRANSPORTATION* Gray Line Lighthouse on the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (Toulouse Street at the Mississippi River)
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Gray Line New Orleans
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In case of inclement weather, the tour may be shortened, postponed or replaced with a similar tour on a covered boat
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Sunglasses are recommended. Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Available tour options
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Large Airboat Tour: Large Airboat carries 15 to 30 guests. Self Drive - NO Transportation: The tour meets at 5145 Fleming Road, Lafitte, LA 70067. Starting point: 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067, USA
- Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes 1 Cocktail Included: NATCHEZ Jazz Punch, Sunset on the Bayou, Carnival Cocktail, CITY Sangria, Garden District Refresher or Mississippi River Mule Small Airboat Tour: Small Airboat carries 6 to 8 guests. Transportation Included: Includes Round-Trip Transport from New Orleans. Additional Inclusions: Feathered Mardi Gras mask, Themed Mardi Gras bead & Gray Line fan (summer months only) Starting point: Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes Large Airboat Tour: Large Airboat Tour with Round-Trip Transport from New Orleans. Large Airboat carries 15 to 30 guests. Transportation Included: Includes Round-Trip Transport from New Orleans. Starting point: Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Small Airboat Tour: Small Airboat carries 6 to 8 guests. Self Drive - NO Transportation: The tour meets at 5145 Fleming Road, Lafitte, LA 70067. Starting point: 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067, USA
- Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes 1 Cocktail Included: NATCHEZ Jazz Punch, Sunset on the Bayou, Carnival Cocktail, CITY Sangria, Garden District Refresher or Mississippi River Mule Large Airboat Tour: Large Airboat carries 15 to 30 guests. Transportation Included: Includes Round-Trip Transport from New Orleans. Additional Inclusions: Feathered Mardi Gras mask, Themed Mardi Gras bead & Gray Line fan (summer months only) Starting point: Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes Small Airboat Tour: Small Airboat Tour with Round-Trip Transport from New Orleans. Small Airboat carries 6 to 8 guests. Transportation Included: Includes Round-Trip Transport from New Orleans. Starting point: Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
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