Take a thrilling airboat ride through the wetlands near New Orleans and plenty of alligators on this active, family-friendly tour. Travel over bayous and open waterways around the colorful, historic fishing village of Jean Lafitte, named after a 19th-century smuggler. Spy alligators in the wild -- as well as raccoons, native birds and large river rodents called nutria -- as your native guide provides commentary. Your 4-hour tour includes round-trip transport from New Orleans and 1 hour and 45 minutes on the boat. This tour is an easy way to get out and experience the rich natural landscape around New Orleans.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Native guide
✔ 1 hour 45 minute airboat ride
✔ Roundtrip transportation from the French Quarter
✔ Albino alligator exhibit
✖ Food and drinks (available to purchase)
✖ Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Gray Line Lighthouse on the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (Toulouse Street at the Mississippi River)
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Travel by air-conditioned coach from central New Orleans to the nearby fishing village of Jean Lafitte, named after an 18th-century smuggler. Home to a variety of diverse cultures, this area surrounded by Lousiana bayous has been the site of extensive logging operations, sugar and rice plantations and animal trapping enterprises over the years. Today, the people's simple way of life is a marked contrast to the hustle-bustle of New Orleans.
2
Barataria Preserve
You will travel through the Barataria Preserve, part of the Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve system. The preserve offers a taste of Louisiana's wild wetlands, protecting 23,000 acres of bayous, swamps, marshes and forests.
3
In Jean Lafitte, you can get some snacks (own expense) and check out an albino alligator exhibit before boarding your airboat, a vessel that relies on an aircraft-type propeller mounted on its back to move it forward. Feel the wind in your hair as your move swiftly over the wetlands.
Your native boat captain will talk about the history and culture of the area and point out wildlife as you travel. See lots of alligators lurking in the marshes, as well as local birds, raccoons and nutria -- giant river rodents that call the bayous home.
Conclude your family-friendly escape to the Louisiana wetlands with coach transport back to central New Orleans.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• In case of inclement weather, the tour may be shortened, postponed or replaced with a similar tour on a covered boat
• Minimum age is 5 years
• Sunglasses are recommended. Please note that you are on an air-boat and may get wet.
