Swamp touring is a must for any first-time visitor to New Orleans. These exciting excursions often go beyond city limits, but the experience is well worth the trip. 

With so many ways to explore Louisiana’s vast array of swamps and bayous, there’s a perfect fit for any type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking a thrill, a family-friendly outing, or just a relaxing day along the water, you can’t go wrong with a Louisiana swamp tour.

Swamp Boat Tours

One of the most common ways to tour Louisiana's wetlands is aboard a swamp boat. Perfect for small groups, especially those with young children, swamp boat tours can accommodate up to 20 passengers depending on the size. Aboard the boat, guests will casually weave through the water and the moss-draped trees spotting critters and creatures that call the swampland home.  Ask around for seasonal moonlight, twilight, and sunset tours for a romantic getaway along the water. 

Airboat Tours 

Airboat tours are similar to swamp boat tours, but faster and with a bit more thrill! Passengers should hold on tight as their captain steers them through the bayou for face-to-face interactions with friends of the wetlands. Whether you spy a snake or feed an alligator, touring swamps by airboat is an electrifying experience. Though they hold a smaller crowd, it packs just as much fun. Traveling with little ones? Be sure to check ahead with individual operators to learn more about their age requirements for this type of tour.

Kayaking Tours

Kayaking through the swampland is the ideal outing for adventure seekers. Centered around the unique ecosystem and scenery of Louisiana’s swamps, partners will paddle through wetlands while learning the history and importance of it. Riders will have the aid of a guided expert to guide them, and the freedom to take in picturesque views.  

Aerial Tours

See the wetlands from a completely new point of view with aerial swamp tours. It begins over New Orleans’ French Quarter and makes its way past the Mississippi River to the final destination, Lafitte, LA, to land for a closer look of the town’s wildlife and swamplands. This splurge-worthy exploration is like no other swamp tour offered. 

Walking Tours 

Airplanes are adventurous and boating is exciting, but there’s nothing quite like exploring New Orleans’ swampland by foot. Get as close or stay as far as you’d like with self-guided tours through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve.  Just 30 minutes outside of the French Quarter, walking swamp tours at Jean Lafitte give visitors the opportunity to closely interact with the park’s trees, insects, plants, and more.  

Swamp Zipline

One of Louisiana’s newest attractions, Zip NOLA is the first of its kind swamp zipline. Yep, you heard that right - the bold will fly over multiple acres of swampland and whatever creatures that may be inside it. It’s located about 45 minutes from downtown New Orleans in LaPlace. With complete views of the Maurepas Swamp, Historic Village of Frenier, Lake Pontchartrain, and the New Orleans skyline, Zip NOLA is a must see for anyone looking to explore the wild side of New Orleans.

For a full list of swamp tour companies and packages, click here. Want to experience the waters, but not sold on the swamp? Visit New Orleans City Park or Bayou Saint John for similar tour experiences within the city.