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Nature & wildlife tours in New Orleans

THE 10 BEST New Orleans Nature & Wildlife Tours

Nature & Wildlife Tours in New Orleans

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    Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked according to revenue made by Tripadvisor on those bookings, plus the number of page views by Tripadvisor users, and the quantity and quality of reviews
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1. Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

198
By Louisiana Tour Company
Airboat Tours
2 hours
Explore the famous swamps of New Orleans on this small-group airboat tour. Cruise through the swamplands while exploring…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€103.47
per adult

2. Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up

78
By Louisiana Tour Company
Airboat Tours
2 hours
Experience the thrill of riding a 16-passenger airboat on a 2-hour New Orleans swamp tour, with informative narration provided…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€80.69
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

3. New Orleans Airboat Ride

1,150
By Airboat Adventures
Airboat Tours
2–4 hours
Experience the Louisiana bayou outside of New Orleans on this airboat ride near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€56.01
per adult

4. New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour

140
By Louisiana Tour Company
Airboat Tours
2 hours
Cruise through the Louisiana marshes on an airboat swamp tour that’s an easy half-hour drive from New Orleans. Reach speeds…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€84.49
per adult

5. New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

1,159
By Cajun Encounters Tour
Water Tours
2 hours
With alligators, hidden villages, and snakes, Louisiana’s swamps can be scary to explore on your own. On this tour, your…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€61.20
per adult

6. New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure With Pickup

54
By Louisiana Tour Company
Bus Tours
2 hours
Leave the bustling streets of New Orleans behind for a couple of hours on a family-friendly swamp tour. After transfer from…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€52.21
per adult

7. Oak Alley Plantation and Small Airboat Tour from New Orleans

43
By Louisiana Tour Company
Airboat Tours
6+ hours
Oak Alley Plantation features picturesque Oak Trees, beautiful landscaping, an elegant 1837 Greek Revival style plantation…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€165.17
per adult

10. New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

108
By Louisiana Tour Company
Private and Luxury
2 hours
Take a New Orleans Swamp Tour and Wetlands Adventure! See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€33.22
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

11. Small-Group Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

283
By Tours by Isabelle
Airboat Tours
6+ hours
Getting to the Louisiana bayous and plantations from New Orleans can be extremely difficult without renting a car, but this…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€242.07
per adult

12. New Orleans Zipline Swamp Tour

465
By Zip NOLA
Airboat Tours
1–2 hours
Zip NOLA is New Orleans' and the World's FIRST ever fully aquatic swamp zipline! With over a half mile of ziplines and suspension…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€84.49
per adult

13. 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour

178
By Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours
Day Cruises
1–2 hours
Experience the full magic of Louisiana's bayous on the closest swamp tour to downtown New Orleans. Journey down the bayou…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€27.53
per adult

15. Honey Island Swamp Tour with Pickup from New Orleans

79
By Dr. Wagner's Honey Island Swamp Tours
Half-day Tours
4 hours
Spot gators, egrets, turtles, and other Louisiana wildlife on a boat tour of the Honey Island Swamp. Cruise through a mossy…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€55.06
per adult

16. New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

557
By Cajun Encounters Tour
Water Tours
2 hours
Swamps can hold hidden dangers such as alligators, wild boars, and even snakes. This guided tour guarantees you safe travel…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€33.55
per adult
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

20. Small-Group Half-Day Airboat Swamp Adventure & Plantation Tour from New Orleans

77
By Tours by Isabelle
Airboat Tours
5–6 hours
Get ready for an exhilarating 1.5 hour airboat ride deep into secluded bayous in Cajun Country. You will see all sorts of…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€169.92
per adult

21. Bayou / Swamp Tiki Boat Tour - 15 min uber, Closest to City - BYOB - w/Bathroom

35
By New Orleans Pedal Barge
Water Tours
1–2 hours
-Our Tour(15 mins away) vs Their Tour(1 hr) -Cheaper transportation via uber -Takes up less time of your day... Don't waste…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 91% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€56.01
per adult

24. Private Carriage Tour of French Quarter in New Orleans

421
By Royal Carriages
City Tours
1 hour
Take a romantic carriage ride through the French Quarter and cover more ground than you would on foot—including Faubourg…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€284.78
per group

27. Private Airboat Ride and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

37
By Tours by Isabelle
Full-day Tours
6+ hours
A grand mélange of Cajun and Creole cultures for private groups of up to 12, starting with a private airboat tour of the…
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
€2,904.79
per group
2
Showing results 1-30 of 38
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Rhonda G
    Texas Gulf Coast, TX2 contributions
    Great day on the bayou
    We loved our tour with Ernie. He was so knowledgeable with his degree in marine biology and lifelong love of the bayou. And we saw multiple alligators because he knew their territory. And lots of birds, including a bald eagle. Fantastic day!
    Review of: Small-Group Swamp Tour by Airboat with Downtown New Orleans Pickup
    Written 7 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brandi L
    14 contributions
    Enjoyed so much more than expected. Definitely do this tour!
    This tour was incredible. I thought I would like it but I loved it. The swamp, canals, and bayou are incredible places full of beautiful animals. I loved learning more about alligators. They’re not aggressive animals (I was surprised too!), they’re as fearful of us as we are them. We got to see so many of them. We also saw turtles, so many cool birds, and learned a lot about the plants and land. It’s sad knowing there is so little natural bayou remaining. Capt Matt was awesome! Scared the heck out of everyone but was funny! Definitely do this!
    Review of: Large Airboat Swamp Tour with New Orleans Pick Up
    Written 7 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jmcochran04
    Shallotte, NC5 contributions
    Fun boat tour!
    This was a blast! Highly recommend.
    Capt. Corey was very friendly and knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Well organized.
    Review of: New Orleans Airboat Ride
    Written 15 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cheryl F
    1 contribution
    Best way to experience the swamp, bayous, marsh and canals!!
    My family had so much fun with our guide Jason during our Airboat Swamp Tour! It was the perfect mix of excitement and education. Jason was very knowledgeable and made us all feel comfortable asking questions. Plus he was a very adept airboat driver and made us feel safe even as we were going fast and having fun! We saw lots of alligators, a bald eagle feeding chicks in her nest and other birds taking flight over the water. I highly recommend this tour company and especially the guide named Jason!
    Review of: New Orleans Small Group Airboat Swamp Tour
    Written 6 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • shoegaljess
    San Antonio, TX42 contributions
    Don’t miss out!
    D is a great driver and very knowledgeable. Captain Desi was fantastic and provided a lot of education about the swamp. I’m definitely glad I booked this tour!
    Review of: New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation
    Written 5 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Penguin32
    Haywards Heath, UK532 contributions
    Amazing Time
    We weren’t sure about a swamp tour, but are very pleased we went!
    Easy transfer to the swamp.
    Had to wait for the tour so perhaps could have left a bit later than we did.
    We went on the big boat and Captain Matt was brilliant. Very informative and funny. Some strange comments from some passengers but he responded well. I am sure he has to deal with all sorts of people in these trips.
    Saw 3 Alligators, not big ones but pleased to see something!
    Highlight was the baby Alligator he introduced to us.
    Highly recommend this tour, easy pick up and return and a good tour to do in NOLA
    Review of: New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure With Pickup
    Written 4 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carson B
    1 contribution
    Swamp tour awesomeness
    Matt was our swamp tour guide and was absolutely fabulous. He did a great job. He was born and raised in the area and was extremely knowledge. He was also super funny and made the tour very entertaining.
    Our bus driver was Gary and he was great also! He gave us lots of information and history on the bus ride.
    Review of: Oak Alley Plantation and Small Airboat Tour from New Orleans
    Written 26 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amanda T
    Appleton, WI1 contribution
    Fantastic tour!
    This was a fantastic tour! The plantation is very beautiful and on the cloudy day we had, it was a great atmosphere for photos. I was a tiny bit upset that I couldn't take pictures inside the house, but I completely understand why. It's more important to preserve the history than it is for me to have pictures I most likely won't look at many times. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer questions and listen as some guests (my aunt included) told their own stories. There was plenty of time to see everything and grab a bite to eat before we went on.

    The swamp tour was absolutely fantastic! The guide was very knowledgeable and hilarious and always made sure to stop whenever anyone pointed out a gator. He also has a baby gator you can hold and he is so cute! Though they normally hibernate in January, we were able to see many gators out sunbathing since it was sunny and 80° F. I misunderstood part of the tour: I thought we would get out and explore a fishing village, but you see it from the boat.

    I highly recommend this tour!
    Review of: Full Day Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans
    Written 30 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jem572017
    Crossville, TN18 contributions
    More New Orleans history
    Joyful experience. Narration was clear with questions answered. Saw parts of New Orleans we have not seen before. Blanket was welcome since it was a cool damp night. Highly recommended!!
    Review of: New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour
    Written 5 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Annie C
    Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
    Knowledgeable Guide!
    Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, which added a great deal of value to the experience! I do like the emphasis of highlighting the shift in ecosystem health in these fragile microcosmic environs as a product of climate change, as well as natural disasters’ aftermath in relation to what we witnessed as new additions to the swamp scenery. 10/10 would recommend!
    Review of: New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure
    Written 30 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amy J
    4 contributions
    Great people help to make great memories!
    Fantastic day out of the city. Giselle was our guide and she was entertaining, welcoming, and informative all day long. Highly recommend this company and their staff.
    Review of: Small-Group Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans
    Written 5 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • emman n
    3 contributions
    Great expirience
    Great experience for adventures. Trained and reliable personnel.Nice environment. Equipment at good and operational condition.
    Review of: New Orleans Zipline Swamp Tour
    Written 23 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nlems17
    Washington DC, DC78 contributions
    Great Tour and Gator Sightings!
    Highly recommend this tour! Our captain was super knowledgeable of the area from its history to the native flora and fauna and told us lots of interesting information and stories along the way about the area. We did the covered swamp boat tour and had plenty of room to sit and move around when we saw gators and other wildlife. We were there during a relatively cold weekend in January but managed to see quite a few alligators along with turtles and several types of birds during our noon trip. There are also a few baby alligators and snapping turtles in an enclosure around the boat ramps. This tour company does not allow the holding/touching of alligators and does not lure any gators with marshmallows or other food items. We were really appreciative of the respect that the captain clearly had for the gators and the nature preserve.

    We got there easily from downtown New Orleans via Uber, but they do also provide a paid shuttle service if you’d prefer. There were ample parking spaces, clean restrooms, and picnic tables outside. The covered boats have a restroom on board, and there are also snacks for sale on the boat. Venmo, Cash App, and cash are accepted for snacks and tips.

    This was the highlight of our weekend in the New Orleans area, and we look forward to recommending the tour to friends!
    Review of: 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour
    Written 27 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emily K
    San Francisco, CA2 contributions
    A+ for our tour with AJ
    Want to do something a bit different in NOLA, get out of the noise, learn about the swamp? Do this tour. I don't kayak, neither does my boyfriend, but we figured it out. Great experience with AJ, our guide. From pick-up to drop in, paddle, pull-out and drop-off, he was a considerate host, making sure everyone was comfortable and cared for. We saw birds, and gators! AJ knows a bunch about the area and his care for the swamp and city itself was clear. These are the kind of excursions that really make a trip great.
    Pro Tip: Bring a TIP in cash, or be ready with Venmo... support local staff who make your New Orleans stay great.
    Review of: Manchac Swamp Kayak Small-Group Tour
    Written 7 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pam B
    3 contributions
    great swamp visit
    Great experience! We saw a few small alligators, lots of racoons which were very entertaining. Captian was great and very knowlegdeable. Would recommend
    Review of: Honey Island Swamp Tour with Pickup from New Orleans
    Written 10 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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