Fan Boat Tours in New Orleans
Fan boats (also called airboats) are flat-bottomed boats powered by a giant fan on the back. They skim across the swamp at speed, reaching areas that regular boats can't. It's one of the most thrilling ways to explore the Louisiana bayou.
Tours for this experience
Best ValueSignature 16-Seat New Orleans Airboat Swamp Tour
Our Signature 16-seat airboat is the #1 choice for New Orleans swamp adventures. The perfect balance of thrills, intimacy, and value. It's our most-booked tour and the one we recommend to first-time visitors.
Very PopularNew Orleans Small Airboat Swamp Tour
Small Airboats seat no more than 10 people and get deeper into the bayou than the larger boats. Fast, loud, and thrilling — with a smaller group, you'll feel every bit of it.
Family FriendlyNew Orleans Super-Sized Airboat Swamp Tour
The 30-passenger Super-Sized Airboat packs the most powerful engine on the bayou. Fast, loud, and thrilling, it delivers serious thrills at the best airboat price in New Orleans.
PremiumNew Orleans Premium VIP Airboat Swamp Tour
The ultimate VIP swamp experience. With only 6 guests, you'll enjoy an intimate, exclusive tour that reaches hidden areas larger boats can't access. Perfect for photographers, couples, or anyone wanting the most personalized Louisiana bayou adventure.
PremiumPrivate Airboat Charter - Exclusive Swamp Tour
Book the ENTIRE airboat for your private group! Choose from four boat sizes to match your party. Perfect for families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate outings, birthdays, or anyone who wants an exclusive Louisiana swamp experience.
Book Your Fan Boat Tour
Book online or chat with us for personalized recommendations.
Book Your Fan Boat TourFrequently Asked Questions
What is a fan boat?+
A fan boat (also called an airboat) is a flat-bottomed boat with a large propeller fan mounted on the back. The fan pushes air to move the boat, so it can skim across shallow water, mud, and vegetation that would stop a regular boat. They're fast, loud, and a blast to ride.
Are fan boats and airboats the same thing?+
Yes, exactly the same. 'Airboat' is the more common term in Louisiana, but 'fan boat' is what many visitors call them. Same boat, same experience.
How many people fit on a fan boat?+
We offer fan boats in several sizes: 6-seat VIP ($124), 10-seat small group ($94), 16-seat signature ($75), and 30-seat super ($64). The smaller the boat, the more intimate the experience.
Why Choose Gators & Ghosts?
We're locals, not a faceless booking site. Every tour is curated by experts who actually live in New Orleans.
3,000+ Five-Star Reviews
Real guests, real reviews. Thousands of families and groups have trusted us with their New Orleans trip — and told their friends about it after.
Family-Owned Since 2008
Aunt and nephew team — not a corporate chain. We'll give you an honest recommendation even when it means suggesting a less expensive tour.
One-Stop Shop
Swamp tours, ghost tours, plantations, city tours — one place to compare, book, and ask questions instead of juggling a dozen browser tabs.
Talk to Local Experts
Not sure which tour to pick? Chat with us or call (504) 226-5433 — real locals who'll point you in the right direction.
French Quarter Location
Walk in, say hi, ask us anything at 728 St. Louis Street. If plans change day-of, we're right here in the Quarter — not in another state behind a 1-800 number.
Curated by Insiders
Every tour on our site is hand-chosen. We know the operators, we've done the tours, and we only sell what we'd recommend to friends.