Shore excursion from New Orleans

Bayou and Swamp Tour

3 Hours 45 MinutesEasyEco, Nature

Overview

Take in the natural beauty of South Louisiana in this New Orleans Swamp Tour that goes through part of Jean Lafitte Historical Park, a site rich with Louisiana wildlife and history.

You'll catch glimpses of alligators, snakes, and other Louisiana critters that roam the wetlands while learning about the area's extensive history and culture.Your New Orleans bayou tour begins after a quick motorcoach trek across the Mississippi River.

From there, you'll board a custom flat bottom swamp boat to take you through one of Jean Lafitte Historical Park's most notable sights: the Barataria Preserve.

The preserve, which spans more than 20,000 acres, offers a peek at Louisiana's famous wetlands, which are home to swamp rabbits, bats, tree frogs, water snakes, and other cool creatures, not to mention an assortment of aquatic flora and fauna.The wildlife is just one part of this New Orleans swamp boat tour.

As you progress through the preserve, your guide will reveal the history and mysteries surrounding the wetlands.

Find out how coastal erosion is affecting the area and what's being done to restore this vibrant environment.

Learn how the shrimp, crawfish, and other seafood and shellfish in the wetlands are used to create some of the state's most popular dishes, including crawfish etouffee, a thick stew-like dish composed of crawfish tails, rice, and roux (a butter/flour mixture).If you want to experience South Louisiana up close, this New Orleans tour is the best way to observe the region's wildlife in its natural habitat from a new perspective.

Wear light clothing, grab your camera, and remember not to feed the alligators!

Highlights

Get into the heart of South Louisiana's rich nature and history on our insightful Bayou and Swamp Tour
Board a custom swamp boat and explore over 20,000 acres of the mesmerizing Barataria Preserve in Jean Lafitte Historical Park
Witness local wildlife, including alligators, snakes, swamp rabbits, bats, and more, living in their natural habitat
Learn about vital preservation efforts, taste local seafood delicacies, and hear thrilling mysteries of the wetlands from your expert guide
Experience the wild side of South Louisiana before it sells out

Tour details

Excursion Duration: 3 Hours 45 Minutes
Activity Level: Easy
Excursion Size: Standard
Excursion Type: Eco, Nature
Food/Beverage: Not Included
Leaves From: The French Quarter.
Recommended Dress: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes. During warmer months, we recommend that you wear lightly colored clothing. A hat and an umbrella is also suggested.
Restrictions: Wheelchair accommodations may be available upon request at booking. This tour cannot accommodate scooters. Collapsible wheelchairs may be accommodated, but must fold up to fit behind the driver's seat. Children ages 5 and younger may attend the tour free of charge with advanced notice at the time of booking, provided that they are not occupying their own seat.

Guest Reviews

5.0 out of 5 · 8 reviews

Chilly Gator Adventure

Had a great time on the Bayou and Swamp tour. The bus was comfortable and warm, the driver was wonderful and educational on the 20-25 minute drive. The tour location has a small gift shop , clean restrooms and great drinks available for purchase before and after your boat ride. Our tour was in early February during a cold spell but the sun was out and so were a couple of alligators and other animals. The tour guide personalized the trip for us because of the small group that arrived for that time slot. We felt he stopped longer and more often to allow my grandson to move around and help look for gators. The captain also shared personal stories about recent storms and the havoc they caused and shifts in the land masses living in a city built on water causes. Wonderful time, we need to check the weather next time to make sure we are warmer in the open.

An excursion to remember!

I did this swamp tour 20 yrs ago; had to experience it again; this time w/my hubby. Well worth the time/money; fasinating watching alligators come along the side of the catamaran to eat the marshmellows from the long stick, entertained by our informative boat captain. They actually were interactive. Beautiful views of the swamp, wildlife, & greenery. Some folks were able to toss marshmellows in the water for the alligators. Was a sight to see. At the end of the tour, we held a baby alligator (12 in. long). The gift shop was nice too, Very educational; great for all ages. Recommend this relaxing trip; great photo opps.

Fun tour. Lots of gators!

This was a fun swamp tour. The guide knew where to slow the boat and spot gators. Pretty area.

Bayou a and Swamp Tour

Excellent and very informative

Bayou & Swamp Tour

Enjoyed the tour. Our guide was very informative on the area, habitat, and alligators. Friendly too. Got to feed alligators and hold a baby alligator. Nice seeing the swamp & bayou.

Great Family Excursion

From the start of this excursion our family enjoy everything, from the information about New Orleans that was given to us while on the tour bus on to route to the Boyou swamp and then while on the swamp boat tour. Everyone was surprised when we all got to hold and touch a small alligator name T-Bone. Would go back again during the sprIng / summer season.

Bayou and Swamp Tour

Shore Excursions provides excellent tours at discounted prices and the Bayou and Swamp Tour in New Orleans met every expectation. The guide was informative, welcoming, and humorous. The boat took us into the heart of the Bayou and Swamp--giving us a great first-time experience. I recommend this tour!

Great experience

We went on a larger type boat, it went slower than the air boats but it made the tour more for us because we could stand up and it wasn't as noisy or as cold!!! The guide was wonderful and we got to hold a baby alligator! Really nice tour