Gator Tours in New Orleans
Our gator tours take you into the Louisiana swamp where alligators live in their natural habitat. It's nature, not a zoo -- wildlife encounters vary by season and weather, and sightings aren't guaranteed. But your Cajun guide knows where to look, and most trips see gators, birds, turtles, and more.
2,500+ Reviews
See Gators in the Wild
All Ages Welcome
Very PopularSmall Group
New Orleans Small Airboat Swamp Tour
adventurous soulsFamiliesFirst-Time Visitors
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.
About 1 hour 45 minutes Maximum 10 people
Best ValueShuttle Available
Signature 16-Seat New Orleans Airboat Swamp Tour
Thrill-SeekersFirst-Time VisitorsNature Lovers
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.
About 1 hour 45 minutes 16 passengers maximum
PremiumSmall Group
New Orleans Premium VIP Airboat Swamp Tour
CouplesPhotographyNature Lovers
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.
About 1 hour 45 minutes Maximum 6 guests only
Family FriendlyShuttle Available
New Orleans Super-Sized Airboat Swamp Tour
FamiliesFirst-Time VisitorsNature Lovers
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.
About 1 hour 45 minutes 30 passengers per boat (multiple boats available for large groups)
Family FriendlyBest Value
New Orleans Covered Pontoon Boat Swamp Tour
FamiliesFirst-Time VisitorsNature Lovers
EVERYONE can ride on this swamp tour! Our Covered Pontoon Boat Swamp Tour is a laid-back, shady ride through the bayou, perfect for families with small children, pregnant women, elderly guests, or anyone who wants a peaceful wildlife experience. The most affordable swamp tour we offer.
About 90 minutes Up to 72 passengers
Book Your Gator Tour
Book online or chat with us for personalized recommendations.
Book Your Gator TourFrequently Asked Questions
Will I see alligators on the tour?▼
These are wild animals in their natural habitat, so sightings aren't guaranteed. That said, Louisiana's swamps are home to over 2 million alligators and our captains know where they tend to be. Most trips do see gators, especially March through October. Winter months are slower since gators are less active in cold weather.
Can I hold a baby alligator?▼
Sometimes. Some captains have rescue baby gators on board, but it's not guaranteed and depends on the operator and season. Don't book expecting it -- think of it as a bonus if it happens.
Is it safe?▼
Yes. You're on a boat the entire time, and your captain is a licensed professional. Alligators are wild animals but they're observed from a safe distance. These tours have been running safely for decades.
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 2009
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.