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.
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.
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.