7 Greatest Swamp Excursions in New Orleans in 2023

There are tons of enjoyable issues to do in New Orleans, however there are additionally loads of nice choices for day journeys outdoors of the town. Whilst you’re there, make sure to take a look at a swamp tour in New Orleans. 

Because the metropolis is situated within the Mississippi Delta, it doesn’t take too lengthy to get to a swamp from NOLA. In truth, many individuals add a swamp tour to their itinerary even when they’ve simply 3 days in New Orleans. 

In simply half-hour, you’ll find your self out within the Bayou surrounded by gators. Who is aware of — possibly you’ll even spot the elusive Honey Island Swamp Monster!

There are a number of totally different choices to select from for visiting a New Orleans swamp. On this information, we’ll take a more in-depth take a look at these swamp excursions and I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the perfect firms to go along with. I completely liked my journey to New Orleans and I’m positive you’ll too!

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What to Anticipate on a New Orleans Swamp Tour

Initially, let’s discuss the place a swamp tour in New Orleans usually goes, what you may count on to see, and reply some generally requested questions.

How Far are the Swamps from New Orleans?

The New Orleans swamps are reached in simply 30 – 45 minutes from the French Quarter.

Some excursions head north of the town to the Honey Island Swamp, some go south to the Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park and Protect, and others head west to Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Administration Space.

What Kinds of Swamp Excursions are There?

The most well-liked swamp excursions in New Orleans are by boat.

There are giant pontoon swamp boats, that are in all probability the most well-liked alternative. In the event you favor a bit extra pleasure, you may go on an airboat as an alternative.

Or maybe you’d fairly benefit from the swamp at a leisurely tempo and paddle your self round in a canoe or kayak (preserve your palms contained in the boat!).

Whichever sort of tour you select, you’ll get to discover the swamp and study all concerning the surroundings out of your educated information. (I’ve listed extra details about the several types of Bayou swamp excursions under.) 

What Animals Will You See on a Swamp Tour?

A serious spotlight of a swamp tour in New Orleans is getting up shut and private with the creatures of the swamp, corresponding to wild boars, egrets, herons, turtles, and alligators. 

In the course of the fall and winter months, many cold-blooded animals hibernate. In the event you’re actually hoping to see alligators in your swamp tour in New Orleans, you need to attempt to go to the town in spring or summer season.

Some tour operators say they will nonetheless discover alligators in winter, however there’s no assure. 

How Lengthy is a Swamp Tour in New Orleans?

Swamp excursions usually happen throughout the day and final round 2 hours. There are extra excursions at evening on weekends in the summertime months as nicely.

When reserving a swamp tour in New Orleans, you normally have the choice of getting your self there or including a pick-up service from your lodging for a further charge.

What’s The Greatest Time to Do a Swamp Tour?

You may go to the swamp year-round. Nonetheless, the perfect time to do a swamp tour is within the fall when the climate is cooler, the foliage is gorgeous, there are fewer mosquitos, and plenty of animals are round!

In the course of the summer season months, the climate is sizzling, humid, and sticky — plus, there are lots of mosquitos. BUT, the entire wildlife will likely be out and also you’ll simply spot gators, birds, turtles, and snakes.

In springtime, the climate will likely be nice with a number of flowers in bloom. A lot of the wildlife will likely be out and there will likely be fewer mosquitos than in summer season.

You may truly be part of a swamp tour in New Orleans within the winter months as nicely. Throughout this time, there will likely be quite a bit much less foliage and since alligators like the hotter climate, they are going to be more durable to identify.

Nonetheless, you’ll be capable to see deer, nutria, otters, minks, and birds. Make certain to decorate warmly this time of yr if becoming a member of an airboat swamp tour.

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What to Put on and Convey On a Swamp Tour

In the event you’re questioning what to put on on a swamp tour in New Orleans, all of it is dependent upon the climate forecast and which kind of tour you’re happening.

It is best to at all times carry a poncho or raincoat, as there’s a very good likelihood you’ll get a little bit moist on the market.

On a sizzling and sunny day, you’ll undoubtedly need to put on comfy garments like a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. Make certain to drink loads of water.

Don’t neglect to pack some sunscreen, sun shades, and a hat as nicely. It’s not a nasty thought to pack a lightweight jacket, both, particularly in the event you’re happening an airboat tour.

Within the winter months, you need to put on pants and produce a thicker jacket. Typically, it’s a good suggestion to put on gentle clothes and simply placed on just a few layers if it’s a bit colder. 

Whichever sort of tour you go on, carry alongside some bug spray. There are undoubtedly bugs within the New Orleans swamp and also you don’t need them ruining your tour!

You’ll in all probability need to doc this superior expertise, however be sure that your system is protected. Meaning taking some sort of waterproof bag in your telephone or simply bringing a water-resistant digicam with you.

One factor you need to undoubtedly go away behind is any costly jewellery. In the event you drop it within the swamp there’s a very good likelihood that you just’re not going to seek out it.

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Find out how to See the Swamp (Kinds of Excursions)

Now that you recognize a bit about what to anticipate, let’s check out the totally different sorts of swamp excursions in New Orleans that you would be able to select from:

1. By Swamp Boat

Taking a swamp boat tour is a traditional Louisiana expertise. That is a straightforward and inexpensive choice for a swamp tour in New Orleans. It’s attainable to rearrange a ship tour that features resort pick-up for round $40 (click on right here for particulars). 

Most swamp boats maintain between 20-30 individuals. A number of the businesses even have smaller boats that they use for personal swamp excursions, however these are clearly a bit dearer.

They transfer via the swamp at a leisurely tempo, which is nice for wildlife recognizing. Alongside the way in which, you’ll study all concerning the surroundings and its inhabitants out of your information. 

2. By Airboat

In the event you’re in the hunt for a extra exhilarating journey, you may go for an airboat swamp tour in New Orleans. These boats are propelled by an enormous fan on the again they usually can get cruising over 35 mph (53km)! 

Along with greater speeds, the airboats can even entry areas of the swamp the place the normal boats can’t. Because of their smaller dimension, they will enterprise deeper into the swamp. 

Airboats normally seat between 10-15 individuals. Taking an airboat tour with resort pick-up usually runs about $75. You even have the choice of paying a bit extra to go on a smaller boat. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Whereas these excursions are undoubtedly a whole lot of enjoyable, they’re not really helpful for everybody. Pregnant girls and really younger kids shouldn’t go on airboat excursions. It’s additionally not a good suggestion when you’ve got any again or neck points.

3. By Canoe/Kayak

An excellent choice for taking a swamp tour in New Orleans whereas getting some train is by paddling a canoe or kayak. This lets you get deeper into the swamps and bayous than any of the boat excursions.

Canoe and kayak excursions usually have between 2-10 individuals. These enjoyable excursions of the New Orleans swamp normally run 2-3 hours and are each enjoyable and academic. You’ll must be comparatively match and be able to rise up shut with the animals!

Occurring a canoe or kayak tour prices a bit greater than going by swamp boat, however lower than the airboat. The expertise may be very peaceable and is a good way to have a extra private expertise. Typical costs are round $75 per individual. Discover out extra right here.

4. Going Climbing

You probably have your personal wheels, you may at all times discover the swampland round New Orleans on foot. Simply head to the Barataria Protect that’s situated within the Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park and Protect. 

There’s a Customer Heart on the protect the place you may take a look at an exhibit concerning the swamp and choose up a map to go on a self-guided tour. You may learn all concerning the totally different path choices on their web site.

In addition they have free strolling excursions given by a ranger at 10 AM from Wednesday to Sunday. That is the proper choice for these trying to slot in a swamp tour in New Orleans on a price range.

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5. Ziplining

A extra distinctive and exhilarating strategy to discover the swamp is to be part of a ziplining tour. You’ll be suspended above the swamp whereas admiring the animals and the panoramic views.

You’ll get to zip alongside 5 totally different strains and cross 2 suspension bridges. Plus, you’ll be studying concerning the swamp out of your information, with an opportunity to identify turtles, alligators, boar, snakes, deer, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and birds corresponding to egrets and herons.

That is an adventurous strategy to see the New Orleans swamp! Click on right here for extra particulars.

• Firm: Louisiana Tour Firm
• Ranking: 4.8/5
• Price: Airboat Tour $65
• Tour occasions: 9:40, 12:10, 2:10, & 4:15 (Seasonal)
• Find out how to ebook: On-line 
• Assembly Level: 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA. Get instructions.

Lousiana Tour Firm is a top-recommended firm in NOLA. In the event you’re seeking to go on an amazing swamp tour in New Orleans, they’ve received you lined with each swamp and airboat excursions. Louisiana Tour Firm additionally presents a small group airboat tour which is nice. 

Their excursions function out of Marrero, which is only a 35-minute drive from the French Quarter. 

Simply throughout from their dock is a 200-year-old cemetery that’s situated round an historical Native American burial mound. You’ll undoubtedly hear some fascinating tales concerning the space in the event you join a New Orleans swamp tour with them.

Discover out extra concerning the enjoyable airboat excursions on supply, and ebook your spot, right here.

2. Airboat and Oak Alley Plantation

• Firm: Louisiana Tour Firm
• Ranking: 4.7/5
• Price: Airboat Tour and Oak Alley Plantation $150. Resort pickup/drop off is included
• Tour occasions: 8:15am
• Find out how to ebook: On-line 
• Assembly Level: 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA. Get instructions.

Spend a full day trip of the town on this combo tour which incorporates each a high-speed airboat tour within the Barataria Basin, plus a go to to the Oak Alley Plantation.

Take pleasure in a tour of the plantation residence by native guides, whereas studying concerning the occasions of slavery. Wander across the residence and discover the large grounds – residence to twenty-eight large oak bushes (therefore the title of the plantation). There’s additionally a blacksmith store and a restaurant onsite as nicely.

Within the swamplands, you’ll pace via the marshes on the airboat, however you’ll decelerate to you may correctly spot wildlife and benefit from the pure great thing about the realm.

This mixture tour is a superb day journey from New Orleans. Click on right here to study extra and ebook your airboat and Oak Alley ticket.

3. Manchac Swamp Pontoon Boat Tour

• Firm: Cajan Delight Swamp Excursions
• Ranking: 4.7/5
• Price: Swamp boat $27 for adults with pick-up service
• Tour occasions: 9:30, 12:00, 2:15 year-round; 4:15 from March 1 to October 1
• Find out how to ebook: On-line 
• Assembly Place: 110 Frenier Rd, Laplace, LA 70068, USA. Get instructions.

In the event you’d fairly cruise down the swamp at a extra leisurely tempo (fairly than zipping by on an airboat), take a look at this tour which is aboard a pontoon boat (swamp boat).

If you wish to study the distinction between crocodiles, alligators, and caymans, make sure to enroll in a swamp tour in New Orleans with Cajun Delight! Their guides are knowledgable and humorous, which solely provides to the expertise.

One factor that units these guys other than different New Orleans swamp excursions is that they really have their very own non-public swamp (Manchac Swamp). The wildlife is protected right here so the animals aren’t shy. 

You actually can’t go mistaken with this tour because it’s nice worth for cash! To study extra concerning the $27 tour with Cajan Delight (and to ebook tickets), click on right here.

4. Kayak Excursions of the Swamp

• Corporations: NOLA Kayak Swamp Excursions and Wild Louisiana Excursions
• Price: Round $75

You’ll must be considerably match for this sort of NOLA swamp tour, however it’s a whole lot of enjoyable. Paddle your means via the swamp and rise up near the wildlife (preserve your palms contained in the boat!).

The two-3 hour leisurely paddle is a straightforward one that everybody can take pleasure in. With the slow-moving bayou, it’s a calming kayak journey full of data, nature, and wildlife. No expertise is important.

It is a distinctive strategy to discover the swamp. Kayak excursions can be found round Manchac Swamp and Honey Island. Take a look on the excursions accessible with New Orleans Kayak Swamp Excursions and Wild Louisiana Excursions.

5. Honey Island Swamp Tour

• Firm: Honey Island Swamp Excursions
• Ranking: 5/5
• Price: $29, or $58 with pickup/drop off out of your resort
• Tour occasions: 9:00, 11:30 and a pair of:00pm
• Find out how to ebook: On-line
• Assembly Level Location: 41490 Crawford Touchdown Rd, Slidell, LA 70461, USA. Get instructions.

Hop aboard a small swamp boat and cruise via the wetlands of Honey Island Swamp. This protected nature reserve is situated north of New Orleans on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain.

In the course of the 2-hour tour, you’ll encounter egrets, herons, otters, alligators and extra. You’ll cross by conventional Cajun villages whereas listening to native tales of fishermen and swamp pirates…

A go to to the Honey Island Swamp is among the greatest issues to do in New Orleans and makes for a enjoyable couple of hours. Click on right here to study extra and ebook your spot. In the event you want return transport, click on right here for that tour.

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6. Airboat Adventures at Jean Lafitte

• Ranking: 4.8/5
• Price: Massive boat $59; Small boat $89. $30 additional for round-trip transport
• Tour occasions: 9:45, 12:00 and a pair of:00 (year-round), 4:00 & 6:00pm (seasonal)
• Find out how to ebook: On-line or by telephone at 504-689-2005
• Assembly Level: 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067, United States. Get instructions.

In relation to airboat swamp excursions in New Orleans, Airboat Adventures is unquestionably the most effective decisions. They’re situated simply minutes from the Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park and Protect so that you could be out within the swamp in beneath an hour from the town heart.

Their small boats maintain 6-8 passengers whereas the bigger ones can match 15-30. The additional price for a small boat tour is price it for a extra up shut and private expertise and the power to entry hard-to-reach areas within the swamp. 

Earlier than you embark on their tour, you may loosen up of their good air-conditioned constructing that has a present store together with drinks and snacks for buy. Benefit from the views from their outside patio, and make sure to meet Sugar — their uncommon albino alligator! Click on right here to ebook this airboat journey.

7. Go Ziplining By means of the Maurepas Swamp

• Firm: Zip NOLA
• Ranking: 4.9/5
• Price: $89
• Find out how to ebook: On-line
• Assembly Level: 301 Peavine Rd, Laplace, LA 70068, United States. Get instructions.

This must be one of many coolest swamp excursions in New Orleans! Hook your self in and zip throughout 5 totally different strains whereas dangling over the Maurepas swamp.

After getting accustomed to your tools and a security briefing, you’ll begin the journey from a 60-foot excessive platform. Try the superb views of the swamp, Lake Ponchartrain, the city of Frenier and the New Orleans skyline.

You’ll have an opportunity to identify a number of wildlife as nicely, together with alligators, deer, boar, armadillos, snakes, egrets, and extra. Take a look at this ziplining tour and ebook your spot.  

In Conclusion

As you may see, there are many incredible choices for taking a swamp tour in New Orleans. Whether or not you determine to paddle your self round in a kayak, hop on a swamp boat with an enormous group, or zip via the bayou on an airboat, you’re positive to have an amazing expertise.

In the event you’re heading to Crescent Metropolis, make sure to add a swamp tour to your checklist of issues to do! It’s enjoyable partying on Bourbon Avenue and all, however it’s even higher after a day of exploring the swamp and studying about all of the superb wildlife that calls it residence.

So, are New Orleans swamp excursions price it? Completely! The worth for cash is superb and the expertise is one you gained’t neglect.

Some photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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