Airboat decision guide
Small vs Large Airboat Tours in New Orleans: What Actually Changes?
Both Gray Line airboat options use the same 3-hour-45-minute transported-tour format and advertise speeds up to 40 mph. The biggest published differences are boat capacity and current price, which can meaningfully change how intimate the ride feels.
Facts last checked August 9, 2026
Short answer
Choose the small airboat if a smaller passenger group matters enough to justify the higher fare. Choose the large airboat if you want the same published duration, transportation, minimum age and high-speed format at a lower current price.
Key Decision Factors & Booking Choices
At a glance
Small Airboat Adventure
Duration: 3h 45m total (transport included)
Transportation: Round-trip coach from 400 Toulouse St included
Historical Focus: Fast bayou cruising & close-up marsh access
Walking / Mobility: Ages 5+; not wheelchair/stroller accessible
Ticket Format: Small-group airboat ticket (6–12 passengers) with coach transfer
Inclusions: Round-trip coach transportation, 1h 45m airboat ride, hearing protection
Departure Point: 400 Toulouse St (French Quarter) — fixed coach departure
Cancellation: Non-refundable; all sales final per Gray Line operator terms
Pricing: $119.00 flat rate per passenger (includes round-trip coach from 400 Toulouse St)
Verified live inventory · Hand-off to operator FareHarbor checkout
Large Airboat Adventure
Duration: 3h 45m total (transport included)
Transportation: Round-trip coach from 400 Toulouse St included
Historical Focus: High-speed airboat thrill at lower fare
Walking / Mobility: Ages 5+; not wheelchair/stroller accessible
Ticket Format: Standard airboat ticket (15–27 passengers) with coach transfer
Inclusions: Round-trip coach transportation, 1h 45m airboat ride, hearing protection
Departure Point: 400 Toulouse St (French Quarter) — fixed coach departure
Cancellation: Non-refundable; all sales final per Gray Line operator terms
Pricing: $90.00 flat rate per passenger (includes round-trip coach from 400 Toulouse St)
Verified live inventory · Hand-off to operator FareHarbor checkout
Key Comparison: Small vs Large Airboat Swamp Tours
Side-by-side comparison
Choose Small Airboat if…
- ✓You care about a smaller passenger group
- ✓You are willing to pay more for the smaller-capacity format
- ✓You want the more intimate of the two published Gray Line airboat options
Choose Large Airboat if…
- ✓Price matters more than having the smallest group
- ✓You are comfortable with a 15-27 passenger airboat
- ✓You want the same published duration, transportation and minimum age at a lower current fare
What to know before booking
- •Small does not mean private: the operator lists 6-12 passengers.
- •The large boat carries 15-27 passengers.
- •Both tours are open-air, loud, high-speed rides and may be shortened, postponed or replaced with a covered-boat tour in inclement weather.
- •Current prices can change; confirm the FareHarbor checkout before purchasing.
- •Neither published option is wheelchair or stroller accessible, and both list health-related cautions.
Quick answers
Questions people ask before choosing
Is the small airboat in New Orleans worth the extra cost?
If having an intimate group of 6 to 12 passengers matters to you, the small airboat gives everyone easier sightlines and quicker captain interaction. Both boats travel at the same speeds (up to 40 mph) and cover similar bayou waterways, so choose the large airboat if saving approximately $29 per ticket is preferred.
How many passengers are on a small airboat vs a large airboat?
Small airboats hold between 6 and 12 passengers. Large airboats hold between 15 and 27 passengers.
Can kids ride airboats in New Orleans?
The published minimum age for both Gray Line small and large airboat adventures is 5 years old. Children under 5 are not permitted on airboats due to noise and safety rules; families with toddlers or babies should choose a covered tour boat instead.
Is round-trip transportation included for airboat tours?
Yes, both published Gray Line airboat tours include round-trip motorcoach transportation from 400 Toulouse Street in the French Quarter to the swamp launch site, taking approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes total.
How we checked this comparison
We compare the operator's current published details rather than guessing from generic tour descriptions. Prices, schedules, restrictions and operating details can change, so final booking details should always be confirmed at checkout.