New Orleans: City, Cemetery & Swamp Tour with Pickup

Summary

French Quarter sounds, old tombs and wild swamp airboats from New Orleans

You’ll ride through New Orleans’ French Quarter with a local guide pointing out details you’d miss alone, wander among above-ground tombs at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, then glide deep into Louisiana swamps by boat or airboat with stories from your captain along the way. It’s lively, quiet, strange—sometimes all at once—and leaves you wanting more.

What’s the experience like?

There was this low, steady hum of jazz leaking out from somewhere near Decatur Street as we climbed onto the minibus—someone’s trumpet just floating above the morning chatter. Our guide, Cynthia, waved us over with that kind of energy you only get from locals who actually love their city. She pointed out shotgun houses and explained why they’re built so skinny (I’d never noticed before), and I kept catching whiffs of chicory coffee every time we stopped at a red light. You know how some places just smell like themselves? New Orleans is definitely one of those.

The cemetery part surprised me. St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 isn’t spooky like I expected—it’s more peaceful, almost gentle, with all those marble tombs above ground because of the water table (Cynthia said if you try to bury anything here, it’ll float right back up). There was this one moment where the sun hit a statue just right and I had to stop walking for a second. The names on the stones are French and Spanish and sometimes Creole—layers on layers. Someone left beads on a grave and it made me smile for no real reason.

After that we swapped city noise for swamp quiet. The drive out was longer than I thought but honestly, watching the city fade into marshland felt good after all the bustle. I picked the covered boat instead of the airboat (my back would never forgive me otherwise), but you still get close to everything—moss hanging low over the water, egrets standing so still they looked fake. Our captain called out when he spotted a gator (“That’s Big Al,” he said, like introducing an old friend) and told stories about growing up Cajun in these bayous. I didn’t expect to laugh so much out there—it’s quieter than town but somehow people talk more.

I keep thinking about that mix: city music in my ears one minute, then nothing but wind and water and maybe a distant splash the next. If you’re looking for a day trip from New Orleans that actually feels like New Orleans—well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New Orleans city and swamp tour

• Guided bus tour of French Quarter
• Walking tour of above-ground tombs
• Swamp tour by boat or airboat

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans City & Swamp Tour?

The full tour lasts about 3 hours in total plus around 1 hour 40 minutes on the water during the swamp portion.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from New Orleans?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can I choose between a swamp boat or an airboat?

Yes—you select either a covered swamp tour boat or an airboat when booking your spot.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The airboat option isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back or heart issues; covered boats are more accessible.

Will we definitely see alligators on the swamp tour?

Sightings aren’t guaranteed; gators hibernate in winter but are often seen spring through fall.

How long do we spend at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3?

You’ll have about 20 minutes for a guided walk through St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

Is food included during this tour?

No meals are included—the focus is on sightseeing and exploring rather than dining.

Are wheelchairs allowed on this tour?

Folding wheelchairs are allowed on the bus if guests can board independently; airboats aren’t wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in New Orleans, guided sightseeing by minibus through historic neighborhoods and past Katrina-affected areas, a walking visit to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 with your local guide sharing stories along the way, plus your choice between a covered swamp boat or high-speed airboat ride through Louisiana’s bayous before returning to town together.