New Orleans’ waterways offer practical ways to explore the city’s essence, from wildlife-rich swamps to historic riverbanks. The best boat experiences combine comfort, value, and authentic local insights.
The Creole Queen Weekend Jazz Cruise stands out for its excellent live music and Mississippi River views during a manageable 1.5-hour journey. Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the private Sunset Tiki Boat Tour, which provides an intimate French Quarter perspective. For history buffs, the Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp combo tour efficiently packs two classic Louisiana experiences into one day.
Below we detail our favorite New Orleans water tours, ranked by value and experience quality.
Key Points
- The top-rated swamp tours in New Orleans offer wildlife sightings, educational insights, and flexible options ranging from $27 to $65 per person.
- The city’s jazz cruises provide an immersive experience with live music, scenic views, and dining options, with prices from $39 to $177 per person.
- Combination tours that include both swamp and plantation experiences are available, offering convenience and accessibility with pickup and drop-off services.
- Tour prices vary, with many offering lowest price guarantees, free cancellation policies, and group pricing options to cater to diverse travelers.
- Across the different tour options, customer reviews praise the engaging storytelling, scenic views, and educational insights provided by the knowledgeable guides.
New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure
The New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich natural heritage.
Starting at $35 per person, this 1 hour and 40-minute guided tour showcases the area’s Cajun cemetery, Indian burial mound, and fishing village.
Travelers can expect to spot various wildlife, including snakes, turtles, and alligators, while learning from the knowledgeable local guide.
The tour emphasizes the importance of the delicate swampland ecosystem and addresses environmental challenges like wetland loss and hurricane impact.
With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, this immersive experience provides both entertainment and educational value for visitors seeking to explore New Orleans’ unique natural landscapes.
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New Orleans: Creole Queen Weekend Morning Jazz Cruise
Although the New Orleans: Creole Queen Weekend Morning Jazz Cruise may be just one of many boat tours available in the city, it offers a uniquely immersive musical experience along the Mississippi River.
Priced from $39 per person, the 1.5-hour cruise features live jazz performances and views of the New Orleans skyline and French Quarter.
While an optional Creole-style brunch is available, passengers can also purchase classic New Orleans cocktails.
The wheelchair-accessible cruise is suitable for families, with children under 5 admitted for free.
Based on over 100 reviews, the cruise earns a 4.3/5 rating, with highlights including the accommodating staff and enjoyable music and food.
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Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou and Wildlife
Arguably one of the most immersive ways to experience New Orleans’ unique ecosystem is the Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou and Wildlife. Priced at $35 per person, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies.
The 1.5 to 2-hour pontoon boat ride provides opportunities to spot alligators, snakes, turtles, and various birds in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable captains share insights into the local wildlife and ecosystems while prioritizing safety.
With an overall rating of 4.6 from over 1,000 reviews, this tour is a must-try for nature enthusiasts seeking an intimate glimpse into the vibrant bayou landscape.
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New Orleans: Private Sunset Tiki Boat Tour
For an unforgettable evening on the water, the New Orleans: Private Sunset Tiki Boat Tour offers a captivating experience.
This 2-hour private tour takes guests through the city’s waterways, providing stunning views of the illuminated skyline. Priced at $930.32 for up to 18 guests, the tour allows you to bring your own drinks and snacks and enjoy the Bluetooth speaker for music.
The tour includes a captain and crew, with payment for their services to be made separately.
Important considerations are that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, and smoking is prohibited on the boat.
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Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise With Private Tour and Open Bar Option
The Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise offers a captivating evening on the waters of New Orleans.
Starting at €177.17 per person, the experience features a complimentary Champagne cocktail, a guided tour, a gourmet buffet, and a live jazz performance.
With early boarding, reserved seating, and private access to the boat and engine room, this VIP package caters to an intimate group of up to 20 travelers.
While reviews are mixed, many guests praise the attentive service, the educational captain’s tour, and the overall enjoyment of the ambiance and entertainment.
The open bar and local cuisine options also receive favorable mentions, though some comment on inconsistencies in food quality and service.
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New Orleans: Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise With Optional Pickup
Visitors to New Orleans can enjoy the serene beauty of the Manchac Swamp with a guided cruise. Priced from $27 per person, the 1.5-4 hour tour takes guests on a family-friendly adventure through the moss-draped cypress trees.
Travelers can spot local wildlife, including alligators, birds, snakes, and deer, while learning about Cajun culture and Louisiana’s wetlands from the knowledgeable captain.
With optional hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a convenient and memorable way to explore the unique ecosystem.
Reviewers consistently praise the engaging guides and captivating wildlife experiences, making this swamp cruise a must-do activity during a New Orleans visit.
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New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
Those seeking a self-guided adventure through the lush Louisiana wetlands can opt for the New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour.
Priced at $37.75 per person, the tour offers a Lowest Price Guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Guests receive an instant mobile ticket and explore the Honey Island Swamp, one of the last preserved wetlands in Louisiana.
The approximately 2-hour tour provides guided commentary on Cajun culture and wildlife sightings, including alligators, wild boar, and birds.
While not wheelchair accessible, the self-transport option allows flexibility, and customer reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides.
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New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise With Optional Lunch
For those seeking a more immersive historical experience in New Orleans, the Creole Queen History Cruise offers a captivating journey along the Mississippi River.
Priced from $42 per person, the 2.5-hour cruise features a narrated tour focusing on the Battle of New Orleans. Guests can also opt for a guided tour of the Chalmette Battlefield and an onboard lunch menu featuring local favorites like shrimp pasta, roast beef po-boys, and jambalaya.
While the paddlewheeler is wheelchair accessible, the battlefield tour is not.
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New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure With Transportation
Travelers seeking an immersive journey into the lush Louisiana swamps can embark on the New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure. This 4-hour excursion features a guided boat tour through the bayous, offering the opportunity to spot alligators, turtles, herons, and bald eagles in their natural habitats.
The tour includes round-trip transportation and starts at €58.11 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Knowledgeable guides, like Captain Ernie, share insights on local history, geology, and wildlife behavior, enhancing the educational experience.
With an overall 4.8-star rating from 769 reviews, this tour provides a unique and memorable exploration of the Louisiana wetlands.
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New Orleans: Swamp Tour on Covered Pontoon Boat
Visitors can explore the picturesque Louisiana swamps on the New Orleans: Swamp Tour on Covered Pontoon Boat. This 1.5 to 3-hour tour costs $35 per person and provides the opportunity to spot alligators, snakes, turtles, and various birds in the 20,000-acre tidewater cypress swamp.
The family-friendly tour is led by professional guides who embody Cajun culture. The spacious pontoon boat is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate intimate gatherings or large groups.
Pickup is available from downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter, though cab and Uber services aren’t available near the tour’s meeting point.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 152 reviews, this swamp adventure is a must-do for those seeking an authentic Louisiana experience.
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Jean Lafitte 90-Minute Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
The Jean Lafitte 90-Minute Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour provides a captivating glimpse into the untamed beauty of Southern Louisiana’s wetlands.
Guided by local experts, this pontoon boat excursion takes visitors through the iconic cypress-lined bayous of the Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve.
Along the way, travelers can spot native wildlife like alligators and egrets amidst the lush, verdant landscape.
The tour concludes at the original meeting point, allowing guests to extend their experience with an optional lunch at a nearby restaurant.
With a maximum of 20 travelers per tour, this intimate experience offers a scenic and educational adventure through the region’s unique swamp ecosystem.
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New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride and Historic Plantation Tour
One of the most popular excursions from New Orleans is the guided tour that combines a historic plantation visit with a swamp boat ride. Priced from $124 per person, this 7.5-hour adventure allows travelers to explore either Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation and take a boat ride through the Manchac Swamp.
The plantation tours offer insights into the properties’ histories and daily life, while the swamp boat ride provides opportunities to spot alligators and learn about the Rougarou werewolf legend.
With an overall 4.7/5 rating based on 259 reviews, this tour offers excellent value for money and is accessible for wheelchair users, though the plantations have limited second-floor access.
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New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour With Transportation
Departing from centrally located pickup points in the French Quarter, this 2-hour swamp and bayou boat tour offers travelers an immersive experience exploring Louisiana’s Honey Island Swamp.
With a starting price of $70.12 per person and a lowest price guarantee, the tour provides round-trip transportation, a guided visit to a Cajun village, and encounters with local wildlife like alligators and birds.
Aboard a custom-made flat-bottom boat, experienced guides share insights on Cajun culture and swamp ecology.
Travelers can take advantage of flexible payment options and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
With a 4.9-star rating from over 4,600 participants, this tour promises an enjoyable and informative adventure.
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New Orleans: Guided City Drive and Steamboat Cruise
Combining a guided city drive and a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, this tour offers travelers a comprehensive introduction to the history and culture of New Orleans.
The 2.5-hour sightseeing bus tour covers top attractions like the French Quarter, Garden District, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, providing informative narration along the way.
Guests then board the historic Steamboat Natchez for a 2-hour jazz cruise, where they can enjoy live music and views of the city skyline.
With a 4.8 rating from over 1,300 reviews, this experience is a popular and highly-rated way to experience the best of New Orleans in one convenient package.
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Honey Island Swamp Boat Tour
For those seeking a deeper exploration of Louisiana’s natural wonders, the Honey Island Swamp Boat Tour provides a captivating 2-hour journey through the lush and secluded Honey Island Swamp, located just north of New Orleans on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including egrets, herons, otters, and alligators, as the knowledgeable guide narrates tales of swamp pirates and local lore.
With an overall rating of 4.9 from 698 reviews, this family-friendly activity offers an affordable and immersive experience in the bayou, starting at $34.00 and bookable through Viator.
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New Orleans: Airboat or Pontoon Boat Cruise With Transfers
Visitors can take an exhilarating ride through the serene bayous and marshes surrounding New Orleans with the New Orleans: Airboat or Pontoon Boat Cruise With Transfers.
This high-speed 16-passenger airboat ride lasts between 100 minutes and 4 hours, offering an immersive swamp experience with a 4.8/5 rating.
Alternatively, the 1.5-3 hour swamp tour on a covered pontoon boat provides a more leisurely cruise, with a 4.5/5 rating.
Both options offer the chance to spot local wildlife and explore the unique Louisiana landscape.
Prices range from $35 for the pontoon boat tour to $65 for the airboat ride, with the option to combine a swamp tour with a visit to Oak Alley Plantation for $155.
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Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour From New Orleans
The Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour From New Orleans provides visitors an immersive experience exploring the region’s natural wonders and historical significance.
Priced at $109 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour offers free cancellation and flexible rescheduling.
With a duration of around 7 hours 45 minutes, the experience includes a guided swamp boat ride to spot alligators, raccoons, and native birds, as well as a visit to either Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation to learn about antebellum life.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, wildlife sightings, and overall educational value, though some note limited areas shown during the plantation tour.
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New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip
Setting out on a captivating day trip from New Orleans, travelers can explore the grandeur of Oak Alley Plantation and enjoy the enchanting Louisiana bayous.
This 7-hour tour, priced from $105 per person, offers a guided tour of the historic plantation and a narrated boat cruise through the region’s wildlife-rich waterways.
With pickup and drop-off from designated hotels, the tour is both convenient and informative, providing insights into Cajun and Creole culture.
Though not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour comes highly rated, with positive feedback highlighting the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences, regardless of weather conditions.
Secure your spot early, as this popular tour is likely to sell out.
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Honey Island Swamp Boat Tour With Transportation From New Orleans
Experience the untamed beauty of Louisiana’s Honey Island Swamp on this captivating half-day tour from New Orleans.
The tour includes a relaxing ride from your downtown or French Quarter hotel and a guided cruise through the cypress trees and hanging moss, where you’ll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife like otters, turtles, egrets, alligators, and more.
Knowledgeable and entertaining guides provide educational insights into the local culture and history, earning the tour an impressive 5.0 rating from 338 reviews.
With efficient transportation, engaging wildlife observations, and consistently positive customer feedback, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders of the Bayou.
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New Orleans: Sunday Steamboat Jazz Cruise With Brunch Option
For a quintessential New Orleans experience, travelers can set sail on the Sunday Steamboat Jazz Cruise with Brunch Option. This 2-hour cruise aboard the historic Sternwheeler Steamboat Natchez offers a lively jazz soundtrack and a delectable brunch menu.
Guests can enjoy classics like chicken and sausage gumbo, shrimp and grits, and biscuits with preserves, all while taking in the sights of the French Quarter from the river.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 and consistently positive reviews, this cruise is likely to sell out, so travelers should book early to secure their spot.
The cruise departs from the heart of the French Quarter and provides climate-controlled indoor areas and outdoor seating.
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Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour From New Orleans
Travelers seeking a comprehensive New Orleans experience can opt for the Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour, which offers an immersive journey through the region’s rich history and natural wonders.
The approximately 8-hour combo tour includes a visit to the iconic Oak Alley Plantation and a swamp boat experience, with pricing starting at $125.00.
The tour features guided explorations of the plantation house, grounds, and onsite facilities, providing insight into 19th-century life and the experiences of enslaved individuals.
The swamp boat tour showcases the area’s diverse wildlife, with engaging and informative guides leading the way.
While the transportation logistics have received mixed reviews, the overall tour experience is highly rated by guests.
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New Orleans: Evening Jazz Boat Cruise With Optional Dinner
Those seeking a more intimate New Orleans experience can embark on the Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner.
Priced at $55 per person, this 2-hour cruise on the Mississippi River offers live jazz performances, classic New Orleans cocktails, and an optional Creole-style dinner.
Highlights include scenic views of the city skyline and French Quarter, as well as the opportunity to dance after the meal.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible and allows children under 5 to join for free.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 from over 800 reviews, this cruise provides excellent value and an enjoyable musical experience on the water.
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Freaky Tiki Boat Party Bayou Tour
The Freaky Tiki Boat Party Bayou Tour offers a unique and exciting way to explore the bayou around New Orleans. This approx. 1 hour 45-minute cruise provides instant mobile ticketing and English-language service.
Guests can enjoy the scenic riverside views and spot wildlife while relaxing on the only pedal bike bar boat in the city. The tour includes comfortable seating, pedal stations, and a restroom.
Participants can bring their own beverages and connect their music through an aux cord. Safety is a priority, with life jackets provided.
The tour departs and returns to a beautiful marina with easy access and amenities. This experience is ideal for group celebrations and pre-wedding events.
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New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Cruise Day Trip
For those looking to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the region, the New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Cruise Day Trip provides an engaging and comprehensive experience.
Priced at $125 per person, this 8.5-hour excursion includes a guided tour of the iconic Oak Alley Plantation and a sightseeing adventure through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickup from over 200 locations, the trip offers flexibility and convenience.
Travelers have praised the professionalism of the guides and the insightful perspectives on plantation life, both for owners and enslaved individuals.
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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise
Paddlewheeler cruises along the Mississippi River have long captivated visitors to New Orleans, and the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise stands out as a premier option.
Starting at $42 per person, this 2.5-hour experience offers a Lowest Price Guarantee and flexible booking policies, including free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours prior.
Onboard, guests can enjoy narration from a licensed historian, a cash bar, and even a stop at the Chalmette Battlefield.
The cruise highlights local history, from the Lemoyne Brothers to Hurricane Katrina.
With positive reviews praising the engaging storytelling and scenic views, this cruise delivers an educational and immersive glimpse into New Orleans’ rich past.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat Tours?
Generally, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on boat tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as policies may vary. Some tours may have restrictions or offer on-board refreshments for purchase.
Are the Boat Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat tours are generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps or lifts provided to assist passengers in boarding and disembarking. It’s best to check with the tour operator ahead of time to ensure accommodations meet the specific needs of the passenger.
Do the Boat Tours Provide Any Wildlife Viewing Guarantees?
Many boat tours don’t offer wildlife viewing guarantees, as animal sightings depend on unpredictable factors. However, some tours may increase the chances of seeing wildlife like alligators or birds by visiting specific habitats and using experienced guides.
Are the Boats Covered for Protection From the Sun and Rain?
The boats are typically covered, providing protection from the sun and rain. Most tours offer both open-air and covered seating options, allowing passengers to choose their preferred level of sun exposure during the journey.
What Is the Duration of the Boat Tours and Are There Any Schedule Changes?
The duration of boat tours varies, typically ranging from 1 to 3 hours. Schedules may change seasonally or due to weather, so it’s best to check with the tour operator for the most up-to-date information before booking.
The Sum Up
New Orleans offers a variety of boat tours and cruises that showcase the city’s unique culture and natural surroundings. Whether it’s a swamp tour, jazz cruise, or sunset tiki boat ride, there’s something for all to enjoy on the waters around the Big Easy. These excursions provide a fun and immersive way to experience the city’s rich history and scenic landscapes.