5 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours Near New Orleans
Traveling to New Orleans soon? This blog will cover the best Louisiana swamp tours nearby that you should consider booking!
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When I first visited New Orleans, a swamp tour was at the top of my agenda (after getting beignets, of course). I was most interested in spotting some alligators, but we ended up spotting some other fun creatures in addition to gators. In fact, the swamp’s raccoons and boars stole the show!
Our tour also gave us a unique look at the community living in the swamp, as our route took us past a number of houses. I can’t say I’d ever choose to live the swamp life, but it made for an exciting afternoon.
Have a look below to start your search for swamp tours, and click here for my blog on more things to do in New Orleans!
Best Louisiana Swamp Tours to Book Near New Orleans
Large Airboat Swamp Tour With New Orleans Pick-Up
This 2-hour Louisiana swamp tour includes hassle-free transportation from New Orleans. You'll be seated on a 16-passenger airboat and will reach thrilling speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
This immersive journey promises close encounters with alligators, and the captain's skilled maneuvers ensure plenty of opportunities for captivating photos during your stops. Gain insights into the rich ecosystem of the region through the knowledgeable commentary provided by your guide.
Convenience is key, with round-trip transportation provided via a comfortable, air-conditioned coach from your New Orleans hotel.
Book this tour below!
New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Tour With Transportation
Explore the untamed beauty of Louisiana's swamps and bayous on a tour showcasing alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles, and native birds. On this tour, your expert guide will share intriguing stories about the local Cajun culture and the mysteries hidden within the swamps and bayous.
A short coach ride across the iconic Mississippi River sets the stage for a mesmerizing 2-hour boat trip through these enchanting waterways.
As you navigate the Barataria Preserve, you'll be treated to a glimpse of Louisiana's wild wetlands. This expansive preserve, spanning 23,000 acres, safeguards the intricate tapestry of bayous, swamps, marshes, and forests, providing a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. Pass by the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where the preservation efforts extend to significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
Click below to find pricing for this tour!
New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure With Pickup
When you picture a Louisiana swamp tour, one image that might not cross your mind is that of a cemetery. However, given the significance of above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans, it's no surprise that this tour features a glimpse of this.
This fully narrated tour is led by local captains, and each boat includes a roof for shade, cushioned seats, adjustable windows to suit the weather, a restroom, and ample standing and walking room for an immersive experience.
As you cruise through the water, be prepared for close encounters with the vibrant local swamp life. Your knowledgeable guide will provide engaging commentary, highlighting cultural landmarks such as an Indian burial ground, a Cajun cemetery, and an ancient fishing village.
Check out the availability for this tour below!
Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat With Downtown New Orleans Pickup
Limited to just nine passengers, this intimate Louisiana swamp tour allows you to witness alligators in their natural habitat.
Zoom through the water at high speeds, then slow down for perfect photo opportunities, all while receiving a personalized tour from your knowledgeable local captain.
Even in the colder months when alligators hibernate, these experienced captains know just where to find them, offering better than a 50/50 chance of a sighting. In warmer months, encountering alligators is a guarantee.
View dates and pricing below!
Cajun Encounters
Personally, I went on my New Orleans swamp tour with Cajun Encounters, exploring the famed Honey Island Swamp on a small, flat-bottomed boat. As we were guided through gator territory, I felt hopeful that we would spot one of these swamp stars. Our chances were a little more slim than usual, with it being January. However, our guide pointed out a gator towards the end of the tour!
Along the way, we also came in contact with boars and a pack of raccoons who gathered nearby for a taste of the food our captains were tossing to them.
With pickup services from various French Quarter locations, Cajun Encounters is a convenient way to take a Louisiana swamp tour near New Orleans!
Check out their website here!
Are Swamp Tours Worth It in New Orleans?
Louisiana swamp tours are often considered worth it for those seeking a unique and immersive experience in the city's surrounding natural landscapes. Although New Orleans offers plenty of activities for foodies and spiritually-curious individuals, I highly recommend taking half a day to experience the bayou that inspired the southern charm of New Orleans!
Ultimately, whether a swamp tour is worth it depends on individual preferences and interests, but for those seeking adventure, nature, and a break from the crowded nature of Bourbon Street, it can be a highly enjoyable and memorable experience.
What Time of Year Is Best for Swamp Tours?
While the summer months offer higher chances of spotting alligators, it's important to note the intense humidity that characterizes Louisiana during this period. Visitors should consider whether the heat might be uncomfortable.
On the other hand, the colder months may bring fewer opportunities to see alligators as they tend to hibernate. However, it's worth mentioning that, even in January, sightings are still possible, as I am proof of this!
For those who don't mind a bit cooler weather and want to avoid the summer heat, the colder months can still provide a unique and enjoyable swamp tour experience.
I highly recommend booking one of these Louisiana swamp tours no matter what time of year you end up visiting. With local guides who study these gators’ patterns, they’re likely going to be successful in spotting one for you. Even if you somehow don’t end up spotting gators, you’ll still have a grand time spotting all the other wildlife of the bayou!