On the Water in New Orleans: Riverboats, Swamp Tours, Kayaks and More

Paddle, cruise, or cast a line on the city’s many waterways

New Orleans is a city shaped by water, and getting out on it is one of the best ways to understand the city’s natural landscape. There are many ways to enjoy the water, be it the river, bayous, or lake, and even all the way down to the Gulf. Make the most of your New Orleans trip by getting to know these waters.

Jump To: Boat Rides on the Mississippi | Swamp & Bayou Tours Outside the City | Kayaking & Paddleboarding in the City | Sailing on Lake Pontchartrain | Fishing Charters | FAQs

Boat Rides on the Mississippi River 

Steamboat and Riverboat Cruises

Relax and enjoy some Southern hospitality on the steamboat and riverboat cruises. Many also offer delectable food and live music during certain sailings. While on the water, take in the view of the Mississippi River and the breathtaking Crescent City. These cruises are memorable and one of the many excursions for the whole family to participate in. The romantic ambiance also can’t be denied, making it an ideal date for couples. 
 

Three boats work the river here, and the names tell you what you are boarding. The Steamboat NATCHEZ is the only one driven by steam, with an engine room you can walk through. Its fleetmate, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS, turns its paddlewheel on diesel-electric power. Both leave from the Toulouse Street Wharf, one block from Jackson Square, with jazz cruises day and night.

The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen sails from Spanish Plaza and is the one to book for history. Its narrated Historic Cruise runs downriver to Chalmette Battlefield, with an hour ashore at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, leaving at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. An evening jazz cruise sails at 7. Be sure to check directly with the company, as schedules are subject to change.

Ride the Algiers Ferry

Although Algiers Point is accessible by car, the Algiers ferry is one of the most efficient (and honestly fun) ways to travel from the French Quarter and Downtown area to the historic neighborhood. The ferry is also a great option for families with young children, as it takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to reach the desired destination. Also, children (and adults) can have fun riding the ferry and viewing the city from afar.

Swamp and Bayou Tours Outside of the City

Swamp tours are a quintessential experience for anyone visiting New Orleans. While they are located outside of the city for the most part, don’t let the minor distance dissuade you. you can experience most swamp tours in a couple of hours and be back in time for afternoon exploration, dinner, and wherever the night may take you from there.

Airboat Tours

Airboat tours are the fastest, loudest way to see the swamp. Flat-bottomed and fan-powered, these boats skim across water too shallow for anything else, which means they reach backwater the larger tours cannot. Captains cut the engine at the good stops to point out wildlife, call in alligators, and answer questions, so plan to do your listening then. Most operators welcome visitors ages five and up, though policies vary, so check when you book.

Travel Time: Approximately 35 minutes away from the French Quarter. For more information, explore more airboat options here.

Pontoon and Flatboat Tours

In contrast to the airboat tours, the pontoon and flatboat tours go at a leisurely pace, so if one would like to learn more about the wetlands and their aquatic residents, then these are the perfect tours for relaxed exploration. These are also better options for anyone traveling with younger children who may not be old enough for an airboat tour or who may be otherwise sensitive to the sound of the engine. Many pontoon and flatboat tours run covered boats, which makes them the better pick in August heat or a sudden rain shower. Shade varies by operator and by boat, so ask when you book if you are bringing small children or planning to photograph from the deck.

Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes away from the French Quarter. Explore our guide to swamp tours here.

Kayak Swamp Tours

These tours are for those who want to explore the swamp at their own pace. Self-navigating through the swamp is a great way to become one with nature. Bask in the warmth provided by the swamp and meet the critters that live there.

Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes away from the French Quarter.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding in the City

Bayou St. John

Explore Bayou St. John through companies like Bayou Paddlesports and New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours. They offer kayaking and paddleboarding, so if you’re feeling adventurous enough to discover the area either with friends or by your lonesome, then this is for you.

City Park Lagoons

Float on City Park’s lagoons by kayak, swan boat, or gondola! Wheel Fun Rentals provides the kayaks and swan boats, while Nola Gondola offers gondola rides throughout the park. All options are fantastic for touring the park by means of water.

Sailing and Charters on Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain is a gorgeous lake for folks who want to go out and socialize on the water, and local sailing charters, ranging from cabin cruisers to traditional sailboats and pontoon boats, are available to the public, complete with a captain. It’s the perfect option for group trips like bachelorettes, birthday celebrations, or just a sunset sail with friends or family.

Fishing Charters: Inshore, Offshore, and Bayou

Want a true fishing experience? There are multiple places to fish near New Orleans, ranging anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours outside of the city depending on the type of fishing trip you’re looking to have. Inshore fishing keeps you in the calm, shallow water of the marshes, bayous, and lakes near New Orleans, usually within sight of land and rarely more than a short run from the dock. It’s the easier trip for anyone new to fishing or prone to seasickness, and the redfish, speckled trout, and black drum are the reason the region is on every angler’s list.

Looking for the big fish? Offshore deepwater fishing in the Gulf is available through a number of charters near New Orleans, with trips departing from coastal fishing towns such as Venice and Grand Isle at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Here, anglers seek out everything from big catches like tuna to amberjack, cobia, wahoo, and more. Experienced guides and captains can tailor trips for groups of all sizes and experience.

The Best Time of Year to Get Out on the Water

Worried about aquatic activities ceasing operations due to the temperature and weather? Don’t fret! These activities can be enjoyed all year round. During the fall and early spring, the weather is perfect for a leisurely boat ride. Looking for gators? Alligators are cold-blooded, so sightings follow the heat. They’re most active between 82 and 92 degrees and stop feeding below about 70, which makes April through October the reliable window. Late spring and early fall are the sweet spot. If you’re visiting during the summer, natural breeze from the water provides additional comfort, but keep an eye out for pop-up storms that may cause a change in plans.

In July and August, book a morning tour, when natural breeze from the water provides additional comfort during hotter months. Winter trades gators for cypress views and bird watching.

The winter is usually on the milder side, so boat rides can be just as enjoyable compared as other seasons. Swamp tours during this time trade gator sightings for cypress views and bird watching, and river cruises offer festive holiday brunches and other packages during that time.