Airboat Tours
2–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travelers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$59
per adult
Airboat Adventures
Airboat Adventures
4.5
Adrenaline & Extreme ToursBoat ToursEco ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Amidst the melodies of jazz, the tantalizing aroma of Creole cuisine, and the vibrant celebrations of Mardi Gras, New Orleans has a hidden treasure that many overlook - its magnificent bayous. In the late 90s, Airboat Adventures emerged as a beacon for those seeking a different kind of Crescent City experience. Offering visitors a break from Bourbon Street's bustling activities, Airboat Adventures provides a thrilling tour alternative that delves deep into Louisiana's watery heart. As dawn's golden hues kiss the Mississippi River, our team diligently readies our fleet of specialty airboats, specially crafted to navigate the shallow marshes and intricate waterways of the bayou. These airboats are the gateway to an untouched world. They effortlessly glide over water surfaces, allowing guests to get up close and personal with a diverse array of flora and fauna exclusive to this region. From the majestic alligators sunning on muddy banks to endangered birds painting the sky with their
Lafitte, Louisiana
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,338 reviews
Excellent
2,634
Very good
369
Average
120
Poor
63
Terrible
153
Aimee E
San Clemente, CA55 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We absolutely loved our experience! Ian was our guide and he was super informative, funny, and nice. There was a different tour guide who yelled the whole time and I’m so glad we didn’t get him.
We saw dozens of alligators which was the highlight, but they aren’t around all year.
I recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat that you can latch on your head, ear protection (for noise) if you want to bring your own {they provide some but they slide}, your camera, and of course sunscreen.
The cons to this trip were that the older lady who checked us in was quite grumpy and rude, and we did not get to see the baby alligator that we saw other people playing with in photos. It was not available, not sure why.
I was worried about seasickness but nobody got sick because the water was pretty calm.
Also, you really don’t need a waterproof camera - we did not get wet. Most people were using their phones or regular cameras.
There are no bathrooms or water on the boat so come ready! They do have merch, beer, water, and gifts at their store as well as a bathroom. Free and easy parking.
We saw dozens of alligators which was the highlight, but they aren’t around all year.
I recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat that you can latch on your head, ear protection (for noise) if you want to bring your own {they provide some but they slide}, your camera, and of course sunscreen.
The cons to this trip were that the older lady who checked us in was quite grumpy and rude, and we did not get to see the baby alligator that we saw other people playing with in photos. It was not available, not sure why.
I was worried about seasickness but nobody got sick because the water was pretty calm.
Also, you really don’t need a waterproof camera - we did not get wet. Most people were using their phones or regular cameras.
There are no bathrooms or water on the boat so come ready! They do have merch, beer, water, and gifts at their store as well as a bathroom. Free and easy parking.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aimee, We're so happy to hear you had a great time on your swamp tour! Thank you for recommending Airboat Adventures!
Written April 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ebennett1963
Saint Charles, MO7 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We chose to do an airboat over another boat just for the experience. We were not disappointed.
I don’t remember the name of our captain, he was the one attacked by an alligator, but he was excellent. He took us to various locations and spoke about the gators and the other wildlife.
He has so much knowledge. He was even able to call one alligator that was about 12 feet and he reached down and petted him and kissed it.
We got to see several gators up close. We could have reached right out and touched one...but we didn’t.
I highly recommend this one if you go.
I don’t remember the name of our captain, he was the one attacked by an alligator, but he was excellent. He took us to various locations and spoke about the gators and the other wildlife.
He has so much knowledge. He was even able to call one alligator that was about 12 feet and he reached down and petted him and kissed it.
We got to see several gators up close. We could have reached right out and touched one...but we didn’t.
I highly recommend this one if you go.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SouthernYankee1997
Asheville, NC117 contributions
May 2022
A really fun way to see the local wildlife. The small airboats were sold out, so I reluctantly got tickets for the large airboats, which turned out to be just fine. Our knowledgable guide took us down small channels to see smaller alligators, but he also knew where the big boys hang out. It was a very fun experience.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yuka.S.I.
1 contribution
Dec 2019
I joined this boat tour to enjoy Mississippi nature. But this tour doesn't respect nature at all. I really got disappointed.
The Mississippi nature was good. The unique scenery of the trees entangled with Spanish moss was very beautiful! I saw water birds, herons and a young alligator resting in the grass. Yes, it was a natural place where wild animals lived.
At first I was surprised the roar of a small air boats. It broke through the silence of riverside nature clearly. I thought this noise heavily aanoys wild animals. I don't understand why they are using such boats today.
And in the second half of the tour, the guide pulled out a baby alligator of 12 inches from somewhere.Then he handed the baby to us for taking a photo. The baby was passed around like a toy. I was watching where the baby was taken. At last I found the guide put it in the cooler box and closed the lid. Poor thing!! I was very sad, and it angered me. Hey, A BABY ALLIGATOR IS NOT HUMANS’ TOY!! They have right to live in nature. We humans have no right to take it out.
The natural observation tour should respect the nature and wildlife. I can’t belive that such an outdated tour is taking place in the age of eco-tourism. I hope this tour at the expense of wildlife will end, and turn into eco-tourism.
The Mississippi nature was good. The unique scenery of the trees entangled with Spanish moss was very beautiful! I saw water birds, herons and a young alligator resting in the grass. Yes, it was a natural place where wild animals lived.
At first I was surprised the roar of a small air boats. It broke through the silence of riverside nature clearly. I thought this noise heavily aanoys wild animals. I don't understand why they are using such boats today.
And in the second half of the tour, the guide pulled out a baby alligator of 12 inches from somewhere.Then he handed the baby to us for taking a photo. The baby was passed around like a toy. I was watching where the baby was taken. At last I found the guide put it in the cooler box and closed the lid. Poor thing!! I was very sad, and it angered me. Hey, A BABY ALLIGATOR IS NOT HUMANS’ TOY!! They have right to live in nature. We humans have no right to take it out.
The natural observation tour should respect the nature and wildlife. I can’t belive that such an outdated tour is taking place in the age of eco-tourism. I hope this tour at the expense of wildlife will end, and turn into eco-tourism.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're sorry to hear you did not enjoy your time with us in the Louisiana swamps. Please email us at info@airboatadventures.com with any details (confirmation number, boat number, or captain's name) if you would like to discuss this matter further. Thank you for leaving your feedback.
Written January 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
1LisaF
Philadelphia, PA18 contributions
Apr 2022
We were part of a large airboat tour with Airboat Adventures in April 2022. (They also use the website swamptours.com). The "captain" of the airboat was friendly and knowledgeable and we felt safe on the boat. We saw several alligators and a bald eagle in addition to the many plants in the "bayou." HOWEVER, this tour operator feeds the alligators marshmallows. Apparently alligators are drawn to "white" food; they think they are eggs. It is not appropriate to feed the wildlife; it is not good for the alligators or the humans. Certainly, alligators do not need to eat sugar and processed food in their natural habitat and they should not be fed by humans. When I asked the "captain" to stop feeding the alligators my request was dismissed. Upon the return to the dock, I spoke with a manager in the "check-in" area and made a suggestion that they not feed the alligators; I was treated rudely. They also have an albino alligator kept in captivity. While it might have been rescued (I do not recall), it is a sad sight. The albino alligator is kept in a small contained area with nothing but some water- nothing to stimulate it. I can think of better ways to spend my time and money.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hans N
West Milford, NJ17 contributions
Jan 2020
There are many companies providing this service, and many brochures at the hotel. We coosed one by raffle and were not disappointed. Maybe all of them more expensive for what they do and show, but all were similar. They started on time and the boat was very comfortable. The tour guide or captain was 1005 local and knew where to go to see as many alligators as possible. It was winter, so not many birds.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hans, Thanks for choosing Airboat Adventures to show you the beauty of Louisiana! We're happy to hear you got to see so many alligators! Come back and visit us!
Written February 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tour763859
19 contributions
Jun 2022
Thought we were getting a small trip with 6-8 passenger and ended up on a boat built for 12. Kenny the guide was knowledgeable as he had grown up in the marsh. the tour was half boating through Lake Borgne and a one way short trip through a wooded canal. We saw about 10 alligators some turtles and a raccoon but now where near the 23 advertised. Disappointing
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katherinemote
Colleyville, TX13 contributions
Jun 2021
This was one of our favorite tours in New Orleans! Our guide, Jay, was very knowledgeable about the area and wildlife. We saw so many alligators, even a baby alligator, up close! I do recommend booking the small group tour if you can. It was more personal and you can ask lots of questions, which Jay encouraged! He also took the time to get to know everyone in the group and made it a great, fun tour!
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spmmik53
Purley, UK644 contributions
Jun 2023
We booked a seat on one of the smaller airboats that take 6 to 8 people. Paying the extra fee is well worth it as these smaller craft can access areas that the larger craft cannot negotiate.
The 4pm tour was optimum and avoided the heat of the day.
Amazing what mother nature is achieving.
Unspoilt beauty and plenty of wild life to see.
The 4pm tour was optimum and avoided the heat of the day.
Amazing what mother nature is achieving.
Unspoilt beauty and plenty of wild life to see.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa B
Clover, SC16 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We had a great time on the airboat tour. Ronnie was our guide and he did a great job navigating us through the swamp to see way more gators then I ever thought we would see. Ronnie was funny and quick witted. He also gave a brief demonstration on how to catch a gator.
The inter coastal water ways were really pretty to see.
The airboat was really cool - I have never been on one before.
The bus driver picked us up right at our hotel, and returned us just a few blocks away.
Highly recommend the tour!
The inter coastal water ways were really pretty to see.
The airboat was really cool - I have never been on one before.
The bus driver picked us up right at our hotel, and returned us just a few blocks away.
Highly recommend the tour!
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, With the pickup option - how many people can be picked up and would they pick up at an airb&b in the area?
Written January 26, 2022
Our buses can hold up to 28 passengers. We do not offer local pickup, only hotels. They may be one close nearby that we pickup from. Also, if you want private transportation for just your group, we may be able to accommodate. Give us a call at (504) 689-2005 to discuss.
Written March 10, 2022
Carmen M
Monticello, Indiana
Hello! We're wanting to book for next weekend, but I don't know which pickup point ia closest to us. We're staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center. Could you tell me which would be closest so I can book it?
Written October 25, 2020
We were picked up in the French Quarter. If you let them know where you are staying, they will make arrangements for you.
Written October 25, 2020
Is hotel pick up / drop off through the company the only form of transportation available besides driving yourself?
Written March 21, 2019
We took our tour through Gray Line. We just had to get to the bus depot and they handled the rest.
Written March 22, 2019
JulieF510
La Verne, California
Regarding schedules and traffic on a Friday. Would it be better to do the noon or 2:45 tour, with hotel pick up?
Written April 8, 2018
We didn't experience to much traffic and we headed back on a Thursday afternoon from the tour. We rented a car so we were able to take in a mansion and the alligator tour. When they pick you up at the hotel your sitting in a bus and waiting as they pick up other hotels. We were pressed for time so it worked out better for us. Good luck and have fun. Depending on the weather noon time is smack in the heat. Just food for thought. The boat tour with the canopy was better than the airboat. We were able to get up and close to the alligators due to the quietness of the boat.
Written April 9, 2018
Can you bring alcohol on the airboats?
Written January 10, 2018
Hi Christina!
Alcoholic beverages are allowed on private boats only.
Also, no food or drinks are allowed on the shuttle.
Thank you for your inquiry!
Written January 20, 2018
I'm taking a tour at 9:30 a.m. next week. What do you recommend we wear? We expect low 70s, so I was planning on jeans, sneakers and a light jacket.
Written November 6, 2017
I agree with the other comments. It can be chilly when the boat travels at the higher speeds. Layering in always a great idea.
Written November 6, 2017
Does anyone know if they do hotel pick up the weekend before Fat Tuesday during Mardi Gras?
Written October 4, 2017
Hi, Wondering if it is possible to book the day before for one of the days in the last week of May. Would like to consider weather when booking.
Written April 17, 2017
You are able to book the day before online or by phone.
Visit us online to see available tours and book online.
Online booking for the next day is available until 4 p.m.
Call 1-888-467-9267 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. to book a tour over the phone.
Weekend tours on both small airboats and large airboats book up fast, so we recommend booking in advance to ensure you can book the time, date and boat you prefer.
Written April 17, 2017
What time does the coach pick you up from the French Quarter if taking the 10:45am air boat ride? And, what time will we get back to the FQ? Thanks!
Written February 14, 2017
Hi Rekha,
We begin our pick ups at 10:45AM. The actual tour time would be 12:00PM. Depending on the traffic, you should be returned to your hotel at approximately 2:30PM.
-Airboat Adventures
Written February 15, 2017
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