Best New Orleans swamp tours
There is no single boat that is best for everyone. A covered boat is usually the easier fit for families and mixed-age groups; an airboat is the stronger choice when speed and an open-air ride are the priority. Compare the ride, transportation and total time before you book.
New Orleans swamp tours cost $60 to $120 per person with round-trip transportation included ($60–$65 for covered tour boats; $90–$120 for airboats), or $35 to $95 per person if you drive to the dock yourself ($35 covered boat; $65–$95 airboat). Tour docks are located in the Barataria basin (35 to 45 minutes from downtown). Departures offer central coach departure from 400 Toulouse St or French Quarter / CBD hotel shuttle pickup.
How to decide
Current tour options
Schedules, live pricing, pickup details, eligibility and availability are confirmed during booking and can change by operator and departure.
Operated by Ragin Cajun Tours
From $35/ person
Good fit: a calmer, shaded swamp ride
A covered tour-boat experience offered through Ragin Cajun Tours.
Operated by Ragin Cajun Tours
From $65/ person
Good fit: a faster, open-air swamp adventure
The faster, more adventurous, open-air swamp format.
Operated by Ragin Cajun Airboat Tours
From $130/ person
Good fit: Covered boat and plantation in one outing
This covered-boat and plantation combination is being held for manual confirmation while current operator details are verified.
Operated by Gray Line
Flat rate: $131/ adult
Experience both a Louisiana swamp boat tour and the historic Oak Alley Plantation in one trip.
Quick answers
A covered boat is usually the most comfortable starting point for families and mixed-age groups because the ride is calmer and shaded. Confirm child eligibility and current operator rules before booking.
Choose an airboat for speed and an exposed, higher-energy ride. Choose a covered boat for shade, a calmer pace and easier conversation or photography.
Some departures offer transportation and others may require self-driving. Check the selected option, pickup zone and total trip duration during booking.