About this experience
Experience an unforgettable New Orleans swamp and bayou tour as you journey deep into the scenic wetlands of South Louisiana. Board a custom-built pontoon boat for a guided Louisiana swamp adventure through winding bayous, cypress swamps, and authentic Cajun fishing villages.
Led by a local Cajun guide, this immersive Louisiana swamp boat tour explores the rich history, culture, and wildlife of the bayou. Cruise through the same waterways once used by legendary pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte, who secretly smuggled luxury goods through Louisiana’s hidden swamps and marshes.
Along the way, spot wild Louisiana alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, turtles, snakes, and native bird species in their natural habitat. Learn how the region’s coastal wetlands support Louisiana seafood traditions and why these fragile ecosystems are vital to the future of the Gulf Coast.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 15 min–4 hr
What is included
- Narrated boat cruise
- Local guide
- Only if transportation option is selected.
- Local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
- Snacks and refreshments available for purchase on boat
- Self drive tour departs from 5145 Fleming Park Road, Lafitte, LA 70067
- Transportation not included with the self drive tour option.
Itinerary and highlights
TRANSPORTATION OPTION: After a short coach ride across the Mississippi River, embark on a fascinating 2-hour boat trip through the swamps and bayous 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.
TRANSPORTATION OPTION - Barataria Preserve is part of the Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve system, which preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
Enjoy your swamp cruise narrated by local captain. During winter months, wildlife sighting experiences may vary.
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
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels
- Tour vehicles are equipped for wheelchair storage. If wheelchairs collapse and fold, they can be placed in the storage compartment on the bus
- Electrical wheelchairs are permitted, but special arrangements need to be made with the supplier for a handicap-accessible bus. This must be arranged 72 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher.
- Unfortunately, electrical scooters are not permitted
- During winter months, wildlife sighting experiences may vary.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Available tour options
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Starting point: 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067, USA
- Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes Starting point: Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 1 Cocktail Included: NATCHEZ Jazz Punch, Sunset on the Bayou, Carnival Cocktail, CITY Sangria, Garden District Refresher or Mississippi River Mule Transportation Included: Includes round-trip transportation 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
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