It’s always our priority to provide the best experience for our customers. To help, here’s a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions. We cover what to wear, what to expect, and some tips so you can best enjoy. If you need more answers, you can check out our guide, contact usor call 504-689-2005.
Are the mosquitoes a problem on the tour?
No! In fact, we only use insect repellent perhaps once a year. The whirligigs, dragonflies and other predaceous insects do a great job of keeping the mosquito population down.
Where are you located?
We are located at 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067. It takes approximately 35 minutes to reach us in normal traffic from New Orleans. Allow 45 minutes to one hour, and you’ll be sure to be on time!
Who are our Louisiana swamp tour guides?
Like most Louisiana boys, each began hunting and fishing at an early age, and each has a deep love and appreciation of this unique environment. All of them are expert airboat captains Certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
What is the best time of day to tour the Louisiana swamps?
Choosing the best time for your swamp tour depends on your preferences. Our airboat tours are scheduled for 9:45 AM, 12:00 noon, 2:00 PM, and seasonally at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. For the most visually stunning experience, we suggest the 9:45 AM or the early evening tours. These times offer softer lighting conditions, ideal for photography, without the stark contrasts of midday sunlight and shadow.
During the cooler months, from wintertime through early spring, temperatures can vary from a chilly 30 degrees (though rare) to a comfortable 75 degrees, with an average high around 64 degrees. These seasons offer pleasant touring conditions, and when the sun shines and temperatures hover in the high 60s, you might even spot alligators basking on logs.
As the summer heat sets in, be mindful of the heat and humidity, especially during midday tours. If you’re looking to avoid the more intense conditions, planning your visit in February or early March can provide a more temperate experience. Regardless of the season, a day exploring the swamp is always a day well spent, far surpassing the confines of office life. Remember, as the saying goes, “The worst day in the swamp is still better than the best day behind a desk!”
Will we see alligators during the tour?
Alligators can be seen year-round depending on the weather. On most sunny days above 65 degrees, alligators can be seen. BUT, they are in the wild and no animal sightings are guaranteed.
What's the ideal season for a swamp tour in Louisiana?
There’s truly no off-season for experiencing the unique charm of Louisiana’s swamps, especially if you’re planning to visit New Orleans. The most enchanting periods, however, are April, late October, and early November when good weather are almost guranteed. During winter, the landscape transforms significantly; the dense summer foliage recedes, enhancing visibility of wildlife such as nutria and deer, along with a variety of migratory birds, including waterfowl and majestic bald eagles. While alligator sightings become scarce with temperatures below 70 degrees, these creatures can still occasionally be spotted basking on warmer winter days.
Beyond alligator spotting, the swamp tours offer a rich tapestry of natural beauty and wildlife, making any time a worthwhile visit. Our guestbook brims with enthusiastic reviews from winter visitors, attesting to the memorable experiences had, regardless of the season.
If your travel plans include exploring the vibrant city life of the Big Easy, consider aligning your swamp tour with the city’s peak events. Early January is a blast ringing in the New Year and celebrating the Sugar Bowl. Early spring is Mardi Gras! Late spring is festival season with the liveliness of the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Although July and August are hotter, and during Hurricane Season, hotel deals become more attractive, making it a cost-effective time to soak in the summer in New Orleans. For those planning well ahead, securing your travel arrangements a year in advance can offer the best hotel prices, especially when timed with major events like Fat Tuesday.
In conclusion, each season brings its own charm to the Louisiana swamps and the vibrant life by the Mississippi River, establishing this locale as an all-seasons destination. Whether you’re a nature lover eager to explore the natural wonders or someone keen on diving into the cultural celebrations of New Orleans, there’s never a wrong time to visit. The diverse landscapes and festivities ensure that any time of year is perfect for experiencing the unique beauty and culture of this region.
Do you offer hotel pick up in New Orleans?
Yes, we do! If you are staying at one of the hotels in the Greater New Orleans area, Airboat Adventures will pick you up right in front of your hotel door. Transportation pick up begins 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Please be waiting outside your pickup location. Drivers have a short window of time to pick up all guests.We are flexible to some extent, depending on what’s already booked when you call.
For more details on where we pickup from, visit our Transportation Info Page.
Can we tip?
Tipping your guide is not required, but it’s always greatly appreciated as a way to recognize their hard work and expertise in making your swamp tour unforgettable. Our guides happily accept cash tips, and for your convenience, they can also accept digital tips via Venmo, Cash App, or similar payment apps, as well as credit card tips.
If you prefer to withdraw cash before your tour, there is an ATM located onsite. Whether it’s a few dollars or a generous thank-you, every tip goes directly to your captain and means a lot to our crew!
Are reservations required?
Due to high demand, we strongly recommend reservations. If you arrive without a reservation, we will try to accommodate you to our best ability. To prevent this, it is easy to make reservations online or by phone ahead of time.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual attire based on weather conditions is recommended. Keep in mind, it is often cooler in a moving airboat.
What is the difference between the small and large airboat?
Our small airboat offers a more intimate tour experience with your guide and is capable of moving faster down some of the narrower canals in the swamp. We offer both premium small airboats (up to 6 passengers) and a regular small airboats (up to 10 passengers) Our larger airboat does not feel as crowded and is more suited for larger groups and parties. Our large airboats can hold up to 30 passengers.
Are there any restrictions to who can ride on the airboat?
Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, or anyone with neck/back injuries are not allowed on airboats. You must also be able to board the airboat without our assistance.
The covered pontoon boat on the other hand, is suitable for all ages, including young children & seniors. It is wheelchair & stroller friendly.
Can I bring my pet or service animal with me?
Pets are not allowed on the airboats or covered swamp tour boats due to the noise and for safety reasons. Hearing protection is provided for guests, but the airboat engines are extremely loud and can harm a pet’s hearing. Additionally, the presence of small animals on airboats can attract wildlife such as alligators, creating a potentially unsafe situation.
Service animals are only permitted on pontoon boats with proof of documentation. Airboats are not suitable for service animals because of the high noise levels and open design. For their safety and comfort, we recommend enjoying one of our covered pontoon tours, which offer a quieter and more controlled environment.
Please note that emotional support animals and pets are not permitted on any tours, and boarding facilities are not available onsite. We kindly ask guests not to leave pets in vehicles while visiting.
At Airboat Adventures, guest and animal safety are our top priorities. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to make every New Orleans swamp tour a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
How do I book a Louisiana swamp tour with Airboat Adventures?
Whenever you are ready to book your swamp tour, just give us a call! We can’t wait to show you why our airboat tours are the best in town. You can call us at 504-689-2005. We accept most major credit cards.
What is Airboat Adventures’ Cancellation Policy?
At Airboat Adventures, we understand that plans can change, and we offer Trip Protection for added flexibility when booking your swamp tour.
Without Trip Protection:
Reservations made within 24 hours of your tour time are final, and no changes or cancellations can be made within this window. No-shows are non-refundable. There is a 3% credit card surcharge on all credit card payments, which is non-refundable, and refunds for eligible cancellations may take 7–10 business days to process.
With Trip Protection (Recommended):
For just 10% of your booking total, Trip Protection allows you to reschedule or cancel your tour up to 1 hour before your scheduled departure time.
A cancellation request must be submitted in writingto cancellations@airboatadventures.comno later than 1 hour before tour time.
Please note that the Trip Protection fee (10%)and credit card processing fee (3%)are non-refundable, and only one reschedule is permitted per booking. Trip Protection applies only to the original reservation date and time.
We highly recommend adding Trip Protection for peace of mind—especially when visiting New Orleans, where weather and travel plans can change unexpectedly.
What is Airboat Adventures’ Weather Policy?
Our New Orleans swamp toursoperate rain or shine, offering a true Louisiana adventure in every season. However, guest safety is our top priority, so if there is lightning, severe weather, or unsafe conditions, we may need to delay or cancel the tour.
If Airboat Adventures must cancel due to weather, guests will be contacted directly to reschedule or receive a full refund. Light rain is common in the bayou, and our captains are experienced in navigating changing conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
For the best time to visit New Orleans and enjoy the swamps, check the forecast before your tour and dress appropriately for Louisiana’s heat and humidity. If you have questions about weather-related changes, feel free to contact our team anytime!
Will there be food and drinks available on the tour? Can we bring our own?
Yes! At Airboat Adventures, we offer a selection of snacks and drinks for purchase onsite, including beverages from our full bayou bar before or after your swamp tour. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks aboard the boat if you prefer.
We recommend bringing bottled water, especially during the warmer summer months in New Orleans, when the heat and humiditycan be intense.
Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted—only drinks purchased from our onsite bar are allowed on the airboats or pontoon tours.
Whether you’re visiting the Louisiana swamps for adventure or relaxation, we’ve got you covered with refreshments to keep you cool and comfortable during your New Orleans swamp tour!
Can private tours be arranged for special occasions?
Absolutely! We love helping guests celebrate special moments on the water. Private swamp toursare available for birthdays, engagements, bachelor or bachelorette parties, family reunions, and corporate groups. You can even customize your experience with exclusive boat access, flexible departure times, and photo or video add-ons.
Whether you’re planning a romantic proposal at sunset or a fun group adventure near New Orleans, our team can help tailor a private Louisiana swamp tour that fits your occasion perfectly. Contact our office for pricing and booking details to create an unforgettable bayou experience!
Checkout our private tour page for more information
What should I bring on the tour?
To make the most of your swamp tour in New Orleans, we recommend bringing:
Sunscreen and sunglasses (the Louisiana sun can be strong, even on cloudy days)
Bottled water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer heat and humidity
Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes in the warmer months
Comfortable clothing and footwear
A camera or phone to capture Louisiana’s incredible wildlife and scenery
We also sell drinks and snacks onsite with bar available at our facility before or after your tour.
What are the restroom facilities like on the tour?
Restroom facilities are available at our Airboat Adventures dock before and after your tour. However, there are no restroom stops during the airboat or pontoon ride itself, so we strongly recommend using the facilities before boarding.
Our modern restrooms are clean, well-maintained, and conveniently located near the gift shop and boarding area—just another way we make sure your Louisiana swamp experience is comfortable from start to finish.
How do I choose between an airboat tour and a pontoon boat tour?
Both experiences are incredible—your choice depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for!
Airboat Tours:Fast, thrilling, and great for small groups or families who want an up-close, exciting ride through the swamps. Airboats glide across shallow water and can reach areas larger boats can’t access. Perfect for guests who want a true Louisiana bayou adventure and amazing photo opportunities.
Pontoon Boat Tours: Slower, smooth, and fully covered for shade—ideal for larger groups, kids, or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Pontoon tours are also pet-friendly for service animals, making them a great option for families or those who want a comfortable way to experience the Mississippi River delta and wetlands. They are also wheelchair & stroller friendly so the whole family can explore together!
Still not sure? Give us a call and we’ll help you decide which New Orleans swamp tour is right for your group!
