Your Best Louisiana Summer Experience Isn’t By Car, It’s on an Airboat  

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the Pelican State, look no further. The best way to see Louisiana isn't by car — it's on an airboat tour. Airboat Adventures, located in Jean Lafitte, just 30 minutes south of New Orleans, Louisiana, features multiple pickup points in New Orleans and offers an exceptionally unique Southern summer experience.  

It’s the ultimate opportunity to venture beyond the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street for a special outdoor excursion. Participants can see Louisiana’s iconic bayous and swamps on a personalized New Orleans swamp tour. These tours are both kid-friendly and family-friendly, and Airboat Adventures has been operating and running tours for over 20 years.  

Tours take place just 45 minutes away from the French Quarter, but travelers don’t need to worry about transportation, because Airboat Adventures will pick you up from any hotel in the Greater New Orleans area. This excursion feels like stepping back into a simpler, more nostalgic time. Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the “original Louisiana” — including an abundance of wildlife. This can include alligators, birds, and other native animals. 

What to Expect While Taking the Tour 

You’ll explore amongst the nearly 20,000 acres of cypress swamps while being surrounded by the “real natives” of this region, the creatures who call the swamp home. Admire scenery that makes you feel like you’re on another planet as you explore a tract of tidewater cypress swamp close to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve with your chariot — a flat-bottomed airboat that’s powered by an aircraft propeller. You’ll zip through the shallow marshes and bayous, which are lined with mossy cypress and tupelo-gum trees in a dreamy, one-of-a-kind transportation experience. 

There are various tours available. The Small Airboat tours, which accommodate up to 10 passengers, feel like a more intimate experience. This can be an excellent option for small groups, such as families, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or couples on romantic getaways. The Large Airboat Tours accommodate up to 30 passengers per trip. You can book out the entire boat, or just join in as part of a larger tour experience with however many folks are in your group. 

The Pontoon Boat Tour can accommodate up to 72 guests. This experience takes place on a larger, covered pontoon boat — and is excellent for small and large groups. The Premium New Orleans Airboat Tour is conducted on small airboats, offering a more intimate experience. These are limited to six passengers, and you feel relaxed and private. Those who seek a completely private experience can book a private boat tour.

The Kinds of Wildlife You’ll See

From alligators sunning themselves on rocks in the warmer months (and sometimes on those warmer winter days) as well as snakes, turtles, herons, ibis, hawks, owls, and even bald eagles — there’s an incredible amount of wildlife to admire on the tour. 

This family-owned and operated company is one of the most respected ecotourism businesses in the state of Louisiana. Each tour is overseen and narrated by experienced guides who offer more than dry, basic facts. These folks share personal anecdotes and cultural experiences for rich and educational excursions featuring personal insights with a deep respect for Louisiana’s unique ecosystems.

If you’re seeking other small towns to explore in Louisiana, be sure not to miss these charming spots (one for each month of the year!). If you love the idea of this airboat experience and you’re seeking additional inspiration on airboat tour operators in The Pelican State, learn more about this business that hosts sunset boat rides through the Atchafalaya for a one-of-a-kind moonlit adventure.