An iconic Louisiana experience is taking a swamp tour. As well as hundreds of amphibian and reptile species, Louisiana’s bayous and marshes provide opportunities to encounter bears, beavers, foxes, nutrias, and raccoons.
According to reviews from past visitors and professional judgment, the following swamp tours in Louisiana have been deemed the best. Moreover, a few of the suggested tour operators provide transport and are situated near New Orleans.
1. Champagne’s Swamp Tours – Swamp Boat Tour: Breaux Bridge
Along with alligators and other wildlife, hundreds of bird species can be seen on the Cypress Island Nature Preserve at Lake Martin. There are chances to get up close and personal with some of these amazing animals on this tour. Guides are frequently recognized for their expertise in the local flora and animals.
Reservations can be made directly with the company and are mandatory. Located in Breaux Bridge, some fifty miles southwest of Baton Rouge, the Champagne’s Swamp Tours storefront opens daily at eight in the morning (except on certain holidays). Wheelchairs can board the company’s boats.
- Price: Adults from $28; kids from $23.50
- Duration: 1.5 hours
2. McGee’s Louisiana Swamp & Airboat Tours – Swamp Tours: Henderson
On this journey, take in a close-up view of the distinctive environment of the Atchafalaya Basin. Reviews praise the interpreters’ perceptive and engrossing storytelling, noting that the tour is ideal for families with young children. Tours leave at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., three times a day.
Not only do swamp boat cruises accommodate up to 48 passengers, but there are also smaller airboat rides and seasonal sunset tours available. McGee’s headquarters are in Henderson, which is 45 miles west of Baton Rouge.
- Price: Adults from $35; kids from $25
- Duration: 1.5 hours
3. Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tours – Traditional Swamp Boat Tour: Henderson
The largest river swamp in the United States is the Atchafalaya Basin, surpassing even the Florida Everglades in size. Its roughly one million acres of bayous, swamps, and lakes are home to a wide diversity of swamp animals. The breathtaking scenery and the amiable, knowledgeable personnel are frequently praised by visitors. Plus, you get to see even more of the basin on the swamp boat tour than on the company’s airboat tours, which bear the same name.
- Price: From $39
- Duration: 1.5 hours
4. Ultimate Swamp Adventures – Covered Pontoon Swamp Boat Tour: Westwego
On this trip, which includes captains knowledgeable about the local way of life and culture, cruise Bayou Segnette. Past visitors report seeing several birds and alligators, and they find the guides to be very informative and amusing. All year round, there are numerous daily tour options. At 9:45 a.m., noon, and 2:00 p.m., they leave, plus an extra at 4 p.m. beginning time in the months when there is enough evening sunshine.
For an extra charge, shuttle service is offered from hotels in New Orleans; it starts approximately one hour before scheduled departure times. Up to 68 persons can be accommodated on the spacious covered yachts. Airboat rides are also available from Ultimate Swamp Adventures, which is situated in Westwego, roughly ten miles from New Orleans.
- Price: Adults from $32; kids from $15
- Duration: 2 hours
5. Louisiana Tour Company – New Orleans Swamp Tour by Tour Boat: Marrero
Take a comfortable covered boat ride through the Barataria Preserve’s marshes. Boats are furnished with comfortable seating, bathrooms, and guides who will provide you with entertaining and educational commentary while you search for wildlife and attractions like as a historic Native American burial mound and a Cajun fishing hamlet.
For a surcharge, hotel pickup in New Orleans is offered. Hotel pickups begin around 90 minutes before the start time of the boat rides, which depart at 9:40 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 2:10 p.m. daily with a seasonal 4:15 departure time. Apart from swamp trips, the company provides plantation and airboat tours as well.
- Price: From $35 for adults; $15 for kids
- Duration: 2 hours
6. Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours – Swamp Airboat Tour: Marrero
This top-rated trip takes you aboard a powerful airboat across the swamps, bayous, and canals of southern Louisiana. Visitors typically appreciate the wealth of wildlife observations as well as the knowledgeable commentary provided by the guides.
Tours depart daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. from several airboats operated by Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours. Wintertime hours are different. For an extra cost, there is transportation from a few New Orleans locales to the company’s Marrero base. Pickup from hotels begins up to ninety minutes before tour departure times. Note: This tour is not available for children under five.
- Price: From $98
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
7. New Orleans Kayak Tours – Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour: Ponchatoula
While many swamp excursions use motorized boats to traverse Louisiana’s rivers, this tour explores the serene Manchac Swamp on kayaks. All skill levels of paddlers can enjoy this expedition because of the tranquil waters of the swamp. Travelers typically value the informative commentary provided by the guides in addition to the regular sightings of animals. Ask your tour guide about Manchac Swamp’s eerie past if you’re interested in the paranormal. It’s said that a voodoo priestess haunts the area.
Seasonal variations in departure hours are possible, although 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. are standard times. The departure time is extended to 4:30 p.m. from March to September. For an extra $25 for each person, there’s transportation from New Orleans (the Rampart Treehouse/10 pizzas).
- Price: From $59
- Duration: 2.5 hours
8. Cajun Encounters – VIP Swamp Tour: Slidell
This small-group tour travels through the Honey Island Swamp in a flat-bottom boat that can navigate through constricted spaces. Throughout the trip, guests will come into close contact with river otters, bears, alligators, and a variety of birds, such as bald eagles and great horned owls. The boat guides are always interesting and educational, and the tour participants love the variety of visible plant and animal life.
There are multiple daily tour options. At an extra cost, Cajun Encounters, which is situated near Slidell on the West Pearl River, also provides pickup service from a number of hotels in the French Quarter and from its tour office in New Orleans, which is located at 941 Decatur Street. Please take note that children under the age of 13 are not allowed on this tour, however, they are welcome on the larger swamp tours offered by the firm.
- Price: From $94.99
- Duration: Two hours
9. Airboat Adventures – Small Boat Tours: Lafitte
Among the greatest swamp tours in the vicinity of New Orleans, this small-group outing can hold up to 10 people and offers a plethora of opportunities to see birds, reptiles, and other swamp inhabitants. A lot of riders say they love the fast-paced rides, the knowledgeable guides, and of course, all the abundant wildlife that’s on show.
Airboat Adventures offers a $30 per person shuttle service between its Lafitte location and hotels in New Orleans. Passengers on airboats must be at least five years old. Additionally, the company provides tours in its larger pontoon boats and airboats.
- Price: From $89
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Conclusion:
Exploring the swamps of Louisiana is a truly mesmerizing and unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the unique ecosystem and rich cultural heritage of the region. Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or a peaceful immersion in nature, the top 9 swamp tours in Louisiana for 2024 offer something for everyone.
From airboat rides to guided kayak excursions, each tour provides an opportunity to delve deep into the heart of the swamps, marshes, and bayous, discovering hidden treasures and encountering fascinating wildlife along the way.
FAQ’s
Q1. What can I expect to see on a swamp tour in Louisiana?
Swamp tours in Louisiana offer the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, turtles, and sometimes even otters and wild boar. You'll also have the opportunity to explore lush marshlands, cypress forests, and winding bayous, gaining insight into the unique ecosystem of the region.
Q2. Are swamp tours suitable for children and families?
Many swamp tour operators welcome families with children of all ages. However, it's essential to check with the specific tour company regarding age restrictions, safety guidelines, and the duration of the tour. Some tours may offer special packages or discounts for families, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for everyone.
Q3. What types of swamp tour experiences are available?
Swamp tours in Louisiana come in various forms, including guided airboat rides, pontoon boat tours, kayak adventures, and walking tours. Each type of tour offers a different perspective on the swamp ecosystem, so choose the one that best suits your interests and comfort level.
