Bring the Bayou to Life with Airboat AdventuresJust 22 miles south of New Orleans, Bayou Barataria awaits your visit. On board one of Airboat Adventures’ boats, you’ll weave among narrow, cypress-lined waterways, hear the hoot an owl, and experience a tranquility that makes the hustle and bustle of the city feel very far away.
Airboat Adventures is a family-run company. The family has lived and worked as commercial fishermen in the bayou for generations. The owner first offered swamp tours in 2000 to share his slice of heaven: the ancient cypress bayou of Barataria Preserve. Airboat Adventures has expanded greatly since then, but each expert tour guide shares this deep respect for the bayou.
Today, Airboat Adventures operates airboats that accommodate six to 30 passengers and pontoon boats that carry up to 72 people. For a thrilling, heart-pumping ride, book an airboat tour. You’ll zip into the heart of the bayou, allowing ample time to carefully explore its nooks and crannies, spot wildlife, and take amazing photos. For larger groups or families with small children, hop aboard the covered pontoon boat and glide silently along the waterways. No matter which tour boat you choose, you’ll discover the bayou is teeming with wildlife. If you’re a birdwatcher, you’re likely to check egrets and herons, ibises and owls, and perhaps a bald eagle off the list. You’ll spot turtles resting on logs and hear the chorus of frogs and toads. Along the water’s edge, be on the lookout for white-tailed deer and nutria — beaver-like rodents native to South America.
Alligators are stars of the show in the bayou, with some reaching 17 feet in length! Louisiana has more gators than any other state with an estimated two million of them in the wild. If you’re a betting person, the odds of seeing an alligator, especially on a warm day, are in your favor. In fact, some gators seem to recognize and approach the boats. Their toothy grins definitely make Instagram-worthy shots! Just don’t get too close!
Along with spotting wildlife and some of the 400 species of plants in the swamp, the guides — who’ve been plying these waters their whole lives — share cultural insights, the area’s history, and personal stories about living in this important ecosystem. A tour with Airboat Adventures isn’t just about sightseeing; it's about gaining an understanding of the swamp’s importance for protecting wildlife, supporting the local people and their livelihood, and buffering the mainland against major storms. Far from a dry, just-the-facts tour, the entertaining guides make learning fun for all ages.
When you’re ready to escape the urban jungle, arranging a tour with Airboat Adventures couldn't be easier. Whether you’re looking for your own private airboat or a leisurely group tour, you can book online or give them a call. Tours run year-round, seven days a week. The number of daily tours and departure times vary by season. Getting to Airboat Adventures in the historic fishing village of Lafitte is easy, as well. The drive takes about 45 minutes from New Orleans. Alternatively, Airboat Adventures provides transportation from hotels in the Greater New Orleans area.
Once you arrive at Airboat Adventures, you’ll find an air-conditioned reception area with a souvenir and snack shop. Steps away, a covered patio bar provides an ideal spot to gather after you disembark. After all, you haven’t been on some ordinary, run-of-the-mill tour; you’ve been on an adventure — and that’s cause for celebration!
