Adventure brief
Large Airboat Tour
Head just outside New Orleans for a 1-hour 45-minute airboat ride through Louisiana’s wild wetlands. Join New Orleans Airboat Tours for a large group adventure where real swamp life and alligator country come alive.
About 35 minutes from downtown New Orleans, New Orleans Airboat Tours invites adventure seekers to leave the city behind and ride deep into Louisiana’s vast wetlands. This isn’t a theme park ride—it’s a genuine, adrenaline-charged journey through the bayous where real swamp people have lived for over 150 years. Their Large Airboat Tour accommodates up to 21 passengers, making it an ideal trip for families or groups ready to dive into authentic Cajun Country.
The airboat glides at speed over the cypress-lined marshes, lifting you above dark waters riddled with submerged logs and sawgrass. The landscape is a living mosaic of ancient bald cypress knees and Spanish moss hanging from sprawling trees. Wildlife is abundant here—keep your eyes peeled for alligators lurking at the surface, egrets preening in the shallows, and nutria scurrying along the banks.
What sets this company apart is the deep-rooted connection of the family who runs it. Three generations have harvested the swamp—hunting alligators, fishing for crabs, and trapping fur-bearing animals—carrying on traditions that many only see on TV. Their expertise and stories bring a rare authenticity to the tour.
Weather can shift quickly, so dress for the elements and be ready with sunscreen or rain gear. Mosquitoes won’t bother you once on board, but sturdy footwear and a hat are wise. This 1 hour and 45-minute trip delivers raw, hands-on insight into an ecosystem that’s both fragile and fiercely alive.
For travelers craving an immersive encounter with Louisiana’s untamed wetlands, New Orleans Airboat Tours offers a seamless mix of thrilling speed, natural wonders, and Cajun heritage that stands apart from the usual tourist crowds.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Dress for changing weatheressential
Bring layers and rain protection since the wetlands’ weather can shift unexpectedly during your tour.
- 02Wear secure, comfortable footwearinfo
Closed-toe shoes or sandals with firm grip work best for loading and unloading the airboat safely.
- 03Leave valuables behindwarning
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or loose items that can get lost in the marsh during the ride.
- 04Confirm age and health restrictionsessential
Children must be 5 or older; pregnant riders and those with neck or back injuries cannot board for safety reasons.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Sunscreen
Protects exposed skin during sunny, open-water portions of the tour.
spring|summer|fallEssentialHat with brim
Shields your face from sun and glare reflecting off the water.
summer|spring|fallEssentialLight rain poncho
Useful during sudden showers while on the water.
spring|summerClosed-toe shoes
Offers secure footing when boarding and exiting the airboat.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Quiet backwater channels less travelled by tour boats, Secluded spots where blue herons nest undisturbed
Local fauna
American alligator, Nutria (invasive swamp rodent)
Historic heritage
The family running the tour descends from generations of swamp hunters maintaining a shared legacy of trapping and harvesting in Louisiana’s wetlands.
Mindful exploration
New Orleans Airboat Tours supports sustainable swamp stewardship by educating visitors about the delicate balance of wetland ecosystems and responsible wildlife interaction.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Wide shot from the bow of the airboat capturing cypress and open water, Close-ups of alligators basking on logs, Shallow marsh edges with reflections and bird activity
- Subjects
- Swamp landscapes, Wading birds, Cypress trees with hanging moss
- Best times
- Early morning for soft light, Golden hour before sunset, Overcast midday for even exposure
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Can children join the airboat tour?
Yes, children age 5 and older are welcome on the tour, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
Are there any health restrictions for riders?
Tour guests who are pregnant or have neck or back injuries are not permitted to board for safety reasons.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The tour continues through light rain, so bringing or purchasing a poncho at the site is recommended.
Do mosquitoes affect the tour?
Mosquitoes are not a problem once you are onboard the airboat and generally do not interfere with the tour.
Is parking available at the tour location?
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available for guests at the airboat tour site in Marrero.
Can I tip my guide?
Yes, if you feel your guide did an excellent job, tips are appreciated and encouraged.