New Orleans Swamp Tours

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.

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.

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!

Very likely. Our captains know where the gators hang out and they're spotted on the vast majority of tours. That said, these are wild animals in their natural habitat, so sightings can never be 100 percent guaranteed. Weather matters. If it's very cold or very hot, gators are less active and harder to spot.

It depends on the tour. Some of our private swamp tours allow BYOB (no glass bottles). Others have bars on site where you can grab a drink before or during the tour. A few tours don't allow alcohol at all. If drinking on the water is important to your group, let us know when you're booking and we'll point you to the right tour.

In summer, earlier tours tend to be best before alligators retreat to the shade during peak heat. In winter, midday tours can be better since gators come out to sun themselves on warmer afternoons. Your captain knows the daily patterns and will do their best to find wildlife, though sightings can never be guaranteed.

It depends on the day. Some captains may have baby alligators available to hold, but this is not guaranteed and does not happen on every tour. Swamp tours are a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, not a zoo experience. Come with an open mind and enjoy whatever the bayou brings you.

The airboat portion of the tour is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes on the water. Pontoon boat tours run about 90 minutes. If you are taking the shuttle from New Orleans, plan for about 4 hours total including the round-trip drive to and from the bayou.

Absolutely! Tipping 15-20% of your tour cost is standard and greatly appreciated — similar to what you'd tip at a restaurant. Our guides are passionate locals who rely on tips as a significant part of their income. A great guide can make your experience unforgettable. If they do, let them know!

Tours run rain or shine. If you show up in the rain, your guide will be there. We only cancel if conditions become dangerous, and in that case you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.