Overview
Take a thrilling airboat ride through the wetlands near New Orleans and plenty of alligators on this active, family-friendly tour. Travel over bayous and open waterways around the colorful, historic fishing village of Jean Lafitte, named after a 19th-century smuggler.
Spy alligators in the wild -- as well as raccoons, native birds and large river rodents called nutria -- as your native guide provides commentary. Your 4-hour tour includes round-trip transport from New Orleans and 1 hour and 45 minutes on the boat. This tour is an easy way to get out and experience the rich natural landscape around New Orleans.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Native guide
1 hour 45 minute airboat ride
Roundtrip transportation from the French Quarter
Albino alligator exhibit
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Gray Line Lighthouse on the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (Toulouse Street at the Mississippi River)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
If you require a wheelchair lift equipped bus, special arrangements need to be made with Gray Line New Orleans. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date.
• Wheelchair Access: If the guest needs a wheelchair lift equipped bus, then special arrangements need to be made with the supplier. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher.
• The following are not allowed on this airboat tour: (Pregnant women and children under 5 years old; People with neck or back problems; Physically disabled people; Wheelchairs; Service dogs (as alligators do swim up close to the airboats)
• Dress code is smart casual: Sunglasses are recommended. Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
What to expect
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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Travel by air-conditioned coach from central New Orleans to the nearby fishing village of Jean Lafitte, named after an 18th-century smuggler. Home to a variety of diverse cultures, this area surrounded by Lousiana bayous has been the site of extensive logging operations, sugar and rice plantations and animal trapping enterprises over the years. Today, the people's simple way of life is a marked contrast to the hustle-bustle of New Orleans.
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Barataria Preserve
You will travel through the Barataria Preserve, part of the Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve system. The preserve offers a taste of Louisiana's wild wetlands, protecting 23,000 acres of bayous, swamps, marshes and forests.
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Airboat Adventures
1 hour 30 min
In Jean Lafitte, you can get some snacks (own expense) and check out an albino alligator exhibit before boarding your airboat, a vessel that relies on an aircraft-type propeller mounted on its back to move it forward. Feel the wind in your hair as your move swiftly over the wetlands.
Your native boat captain will talk about the history and culture of the area and point out wildlife as you travel. See lots of alligators lurking in the marshes, as well as local birds, raccoons and nutria -- giant river rodents that call the bayous home.
Conclude your family-friendly escape to the Louisiana wetlands with coach transport back to central New Orleans.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Sunglasses are recommended. Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Large Airboat Ride with Transportation from New Orleans
Can I cancel Large Airboat Ride with Transportation from New Orleans for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours 45 min.
Where does it start?
Gray Line Lighthouse on the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (Toulouse Street at the Mississippi River)
What's included?
- Native guide
- 1 hour 45 minute airboat ride
- Roundtrip transportation from the French Quarter
- Albino alligator exhibit
What's not included?
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Barataria Preserve, Airboat Adventures.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Gray Line New Orleans
