Airboat ride through Jean Lafitte wetlands with alligators
An airboat runs on a propeller mounted on its back, not a motor in the water.
An airboat tour through Jean Lafitte wetlands near New Orleans with a native guide, where you ride across 23,000 acres of bayous and marshes spotting alligators, raccoons, birds and nutria. The boat uses an aircraft-type propeller to move swiftly over shallow water. Transportation from central New Orleans is available on some options. The airboat ride itself lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. Children from age 5 are welcome, and you'll get wet on the water.
Step-by-step itinerary
Airboat ride through Louisiana wetlands
- Travel by coach from New Orleans
- Pass through Barataria Preserve
- Arrive in Jean Lafitte village
- Visit albino alligator exhibit
- Board airboat for wetland tour
- Spot alligators and wildlife
- Return by coach to New Orleans
The experience
You start in central New Orleans and travel by air-conditioned coach to Jean Lafitte, a fishing village named after an 18th-century smuggler, about 30 minutes away. The village sits surrounded by Louisiana bayous and swamps that have shaped the region for centuries: logging, sugar and rice plantations, and animal trapping gave way to the simple way of life you see today. Before boarding the airboat, you can visit an albino alligator exhibit and grab snacks at your own expense.
The airboat itself is the draw. It has an aircraft-type propeller mounted on its back instead of a traditional motor, which lets it move swiftly over shallow bayous and marshes where deeper boats can't go. You'll feel the wind as the boat cuts across the water. Your native boat captain talks about the history and culture of the area and points out wildlife as you travel: alligators lurking in the marshes, local birds, raccoons, and nutria, the giant river rodents that live in the bayous. The ride covers the Barataria Preserve, part of the Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve system, protecting 23,000 acres of wetlands. The whole airboat experience lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.
After the ride, you return to central New Orleans by coach if you booked transportation with your tour. The boat can get you wet, so bring a change of clothes or wear something you don't mind dampening. In bad weather, the tour may be shortened or moved to a covered boat instead. The tour suits families and all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or serious heart conditions.
What’s included
- Native guide providing commentary on history, culture and wildlife.
- 1 hour 45 minute airboat ride through the Barataria Preserve.
- albino alligator exhibit before boarding.
- transportation from central New Orleans (available on select options only).
Options for this experience
6 optionsSee 3 more options
Information
Lasts 1h 45m–4h, runs every day, 7 start times, from US$ 59 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated today
Operated by Gray Line New Orleans
Is this one for you?Pick the transportation add-on if you're arriving without a rental car. Choose self-drive if you have one and want to set your own departure time.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I book just the airboat ride without transportation from New Orleans?
Yes. Small and large airboat options are available without transportation. You'll drive yourself to the departure point at 5145 Fleming Park Road in Lafitte, Louisiana. Transportation from central New Orleans is optional and available on other booking choices.
What wildlife will I actually see on the airboat ride?
Alligators are the main draw and you'll see plenty of them in the marshes. You'll also spot raccoons, native birds, and nutria: large river rodents that live in the bayous. The captain points out animals as you travel through the Barataria Preserve.
How long is the airboat ride itself?
The airboat ride lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. If you add transportation from New Orleans, the full tour runs between 1 hour 45 minutes and 4 hours depending on pickup location and travel time.
What should I wear or bring for the airboat ride?
Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, since airboat spray is common. Sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from wind and water. Bring a change of clothes or a towel if you're concerned about dampness.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
In inclement weather, the tour may be shortened, postponed, or replaced with a similar tour on a covered boat instead of the open airboat.
Airboat ride through Jean Lafitte wetlands with alligators
1h 45m–4h · EN
from US$ 59 per person