From
$37
per person
New Orleans Covered Pontoon Boat Swamp Tour
The Swamp Tour Everyone Can EnjoyEVERYONE 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.
Tour Highlights
- ✓EVERYONE can ride - no restrictions!
- ✓Most affordable swamp tour
- ✓Perfect for families with infants and toddlers
- ✓Gentle, peaceful ride through the bayou
- ✓Stay cool and comfortable while you explore
Getting to the Swamp
🚐$30/person round-trip shuttle from your hotel
🅿️Free parking if you drive yourself
⏱️25-40 minute drive from French Quarter
🏨Pickup at French Quarter & downtown hotels
Round-Trip Shuttle Service
Convenient pickup from your French Quarter or downtown hotel
$30
per person
Driving Yourself?
The swamp launch is approximately 25-40 minutes south of the French Quarter. Free parking available at the dock.
What Guests Are Saying
“My mom and I did this together and we had a blast. It was very fun and very interesting and we received a lot of knowledge on gators, a preserve vs wild and bringing them back from near extinction. Our captain was very knowledgeable, funny, and had great stories to share. I recommended going on this tour.”
★★★★★— TripAdvisor Reviewervia TripAdvisor
“Lenny was very knowledgeable and helpful when booking the tour! Would definitely book again.”
★★★★★— Robbyn A.via TripAdvisor
“I worked with Lenny to book tours for my company while we were in town for a conference. Lenny was amazing and accommodating. He helped me pick the right tours and even arranged transportation to the swamp!”
★★★★★— Tarah K.via Google
About This Tour
EVERYONE can ride on this swamp tour. The Covered Pontoon Boat has no age limits, no weight limits, and no physical requirements, making it the perfect choice for families with infants, pregnant women, elderly guests, or anyone who prefers a gentler pace. While our airboats have restrictions, the pontoon welcomes all.
Settle into shaded, covered seating as your Cajun captain guides you through cypress forests draped in Spanish moss. The ride is quiet enough to hear the splash of a turtle sliding off a log and the call of a great blue heron lifting from the bank. You might be surprised how much wildlife you encounter on these calm bayou waters. Bring your camera and a bottle of water, and enjoy the ride.
If you have little ones, mobility concerns, or simply want a peaceful day on the bayou without the intensity of an airboat, this is your tour. It is also the most affordable swamp tour we offer, making it ideal for large families and groups.
What's Included
- ★Expert Cajun captain
- ★Guide shares stories about the bayou and its wildlife
- ★Covered, shaded seating on the pontoon boat
- ★Kids 4 and under ride for one dollar (must sit on parent's lap)
- ★Self-drive to dock or add our optional shuttle service
Not included in this tour▼
- —Gratuities
Transportation details▼
Pickup areas: French Quarter, CBD / Warehouse District, Garden District
We pick up from most hotels in these areas. Your exact pickup point will be confirmed by email - it may be your hotel entrance or a nearby landmark within a short walk.
Rideshare/Uber to the swamp is not recommended — We strongly discourage using Uber, Lyft, or taxis. The launch areas are rural and not well-serviced by rideshare. While it's easy to get a ride from New Orleans to the bayou, finding a return ride can be difficult—guests have been stranded in the past.
After you book:
- •Pre-Confirmation Email — You'll receive an order request confirmation right away
- •Full Confirmation — Within 24 hours, we'll send your complete confirmation with all tour details
- •Pickup Details — Your confirmation includes your pickup time and location (if you added shuttle)
- •Day Of Tour (Shuttle) — Be ready outside your pickup location at the START of your pickup window. Stay put until the shuttle arrives - you might be first or last on the route.
- •Day Of Tour (Driving) — Arrive at the dock at least 15 minutes early for check-in. Give yourself extra time for traffic - boats leave on time.
- •Questions? — Call or text (504) 226-5433 anytime - we're real humans, not a call center
Shuttle is added during checkout — select it when choosing your tour date.
Driving Yourself
Our swamp launches are about 25-40 minutes south of the French Quarter. If you choose to drive, free parking is available at the dock. You'll receive the exact address in your confirmation email after booking.
Booking Separately?
We use 4 different docks depending on tour type and availability. Guests who book separately are not guaranteed to be on the same boat or even the same dock. If you're hoping to be with friends or family booking separately, please contact us immediately after booking so we can try to coordinate.
What to Bring
- ●Bottle of water
Departure Times
8:30 AM (hotel pickup)9:45 AM10:45 AM (hotel pickup)12:00 PM12:45 PM (hotel pickup)2:00 PM2:45 PM (Mar-Oct, hotel pickup)4:00 PM (Mar-Oct)4:45 PM (select summer weekends, hotel pickup)6:00 PM (select summer weekends)
Meeting Point
Swamp Dock (25-40 min south of New Orleans)
Specific address provided in confirmation email
We work with 4 different docks in Jean Lafitte, Marrero, Luling, and Westwego. Which dock we send you to depends on your tour, transportation needs, and availability. To avoid confusion, we'll send your specific dock address in your confirmation email.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the swamp tour?▼
You have two options: 1) Book our shuttle service ($30/person round-trip) which picks you up from your French Quarter or downtown hotel, or 2) Drive yourself (free parking at the dock). The swamp launch is 25-40 minutes from the French Quarter. We'll send exact directions in your confirmation email.
Can I use Uber/Lyft to get to my swamp tour?▼
We strongly discourage using rideshare services. While getting a ride TO the bayou is usually easy, the launch areas are rural and not well-serviced by Uber/Lyft. Guests have been stranded waiting for a return ride. We recommend our shuttle service or driving yourself.
What's included in the shuttle service?▼
Our $30/person shuttle includes round-trip transportation from your French Quarter or downtown New Orleans hotel to the swamp launch and back. The shuttle is air-conditioned and comfortable. Pickup times are coordinated with your tour departure.
Where does the shuttle pick up?▼
We pick up from hotels in the French Quarter and downtown New Orleans. If your hotel is outside this area, we'll arrange a convenient central pickup point. After booking, you'll receive specific pickup instructions and timing.
What if I'm booking separately from friends/family?▼
We use 4 different docks depending on tour type and availability. If you book separately, you're not guaranteed to be on the same boat or even the same dock. Please contact us immediately after booking if you need to coordinate with other guests.
Do I need to add shuttle service for combo tours?▼
Combo tours include transportation! Our Gators, Ghosts & Vampires combo and Swamp & Plantation combo packages include round-trip transportation from the French Quarter. No need to add shuttle service separately.
What's the difference between an airboat and a fanboat?▼
They're the same thing! Airboat and fanboat are two names for the same type of boat. These flat-bottomed vessels are powered by a large fan mounted on the back, which is why some people call them fanboats. In the New Orleans swamp tour industry, airboat is the standard term, but you'll hear both. No matter what you call it, you're in for a thrilling ride through the Louisiana bayou.
What's the difference between airboat and pontoon tours?▼
Airboats are faster and more thrilling — great for adventure seekers. Pontoon boats are slower and quieter, making them better for photography, conversation, and families with young children. Both see the same wildlife!
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page
Important Information
EVERYONE can ride on the Pontoon Boat! No age restrictions, no weight restrictions, no physical restrictions. This is the perfect tour for pregnant women, elderly guests, those with back/neck issues, or anyone who prefers a gentler experience.
Activity Level
Seated covered pontoon boat tour. Board via a small step from the dock. No walking required during the tour.
Availability at a glance
Today
9:45 AMLots of room
12:00 PMLots of room
2:00 PMLots of room
4:00 PMLots of room
Tomorrow
9:45 AMLots of room
12:00 PMLots of room
Book This Tour
Need Help Booking?
Have questions or need a last-minute spot? We respond in minutes.
Tour Photos
Get Insider Tips & Exclusive Deals
Join 5,000+ travelers who get our best offers first.
You Might Also Like
Explore more adventures in New Orleans
From$130
per person
Gators, Ghosts & Vampires of New Orleans Combo
Two Legendary Experiences, One Epic DayAbout 9 hours (with a long break between activities)
See Availability
TrendingFrom$75
per person
Signature 16-Seat New Orleans Airboat Swamp Tour
The classic New Orleans airboat experience.About 1 hour 45 minutes
See Availability
TrendingFrom$94
per person
New Orleans Small Airboat Swamp Tour
Further Into the BayouAbout 1 hour 45 minutes
See Availability
From$35
per person
21+
Apparitions & Libations Haunted Pub Crawl
The French Quarter's Most Haunted Bars, After DarkAbout 1 hour 45 minutes
See Availability3,000+ Five-Star Reviews
Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor
Family-Owned Since 2009
Serving New Orleans since 2009
Talk to Local Experts
Real New Orleans locals, not a call center