New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

If you’re craving an authentic taste of Louisiana’s wetlands without leaving the city’s outskirts, the High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride offers a lively and wildlife-packed experience. This tour takes you through the marshy waterways just a short drive from New Orleans, giving you a close-up look at the swamp’s inhabitants while zipping at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. With experienced guides, stunning scenery, and a chance to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife, it’s a genuine adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

What makes this airboat ride particularly appealing is the personalized experience provided by stadium-style seating and the enthusiasm of guides like Kenny, Ernie, and Bebop, who are known for their humor and knowledge. However, it’s worth noting that the open-air nature means you’ll get wet if the weather turns rainy, and the ride might not be suitable for those with neck or back issues. This tour is perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to add a dash of excitement to their New Orleans trip.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Get up close with alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, and diverse bird species like eagles and pelicans.
• Speed and Adventure: Reach high speeds on a shallow-water boat that can access areas traditional boats can’t reach.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Kenny and Bebop are praised for their humor, knowledge, and personal touch.
• Unobstructed Views: Stadium-style seating ensures everyone has a clear line of sight.
• Authentic Experience: Learn about Cajun life and wetlands history directly from local guides.
• Value for Money: At $65, the tour offers a memorable wildlife experience with knowledgeable commentary and the thrill of high-speed riding.

An In-Depth Look at the Airboat Tour Experience

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The tour kicks off with your choice of pickup from various central locations in New Orleans, making it convenient whether you’re staying downtown or in nearby neighborhoods. After a 45-minute bus ride, you arrive at the Louisiana Tour Company’s swamp dock, the launching point for your adventure. This transportation aspect is a key part of the experience, especially since it ensures you get to and from the wetlands comfortably and safely.

The main event is the 100-minute airboat ride in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. What makes this part special is the ability to access areas unreachable by traditional boats. The shallow waters and narrow channels reveal a side of Louisiana that many travelers only see in pictures. Your guide, often the local captain, will slow down or stop at points to give you time for photos and to get a closer look at wildlife.

What You Can Expect on the Water

Onboard, the stadium-style seating means everyone has a clear view, which is especially appreciated by reviewers who mention how close the alligators come to the boat — sometimes so close you can stare into their reptile eyes. Expect to see alligators basking on logs, sometimes right next to the boat, and other creatures like raccoons and wild pigs in the surrounding marshes.

Birdlife is abundant, with sightings of bald eagles, pelicans, ospreys, and owls. One reviewer noted how the guide made the experience interactive and fun, even holding a baby alligator, which adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for families with children.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

Multiple reviews highlight guides like Ernie, Bebop, and Jason, describing them as funny, knowledgeable, and passionate. They aren’t just there to steer the boat; they provide insights into swamp ecology, Cajun history, and wildlife behaviors. The personal stories and humor make the trip engaging and memorable. One guest praised Ernie for his passion and for teaching about the alligators, while another called Bebop “amazing” for his friendly and interactive approach.

Speed and Thrill Factor

The boat can hit speeds of up to 35 mph, giving you a rush that’s both fun and exhilarating. The powerful fan propels the boat rapidly over the shallow waters, making sharp turns and swift zips that keep adrenaline levels high. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed the speed and the dynamic nature of the ride.

What About the Weather?

Since the tour takes place in an open boat, rain can be an issue. A few reviews mention that if it rains, you will get wet, though rain ponchos are available at the gift shop. It’s also important to consider that pregnant women or those with neck/back problems should think twice before booking, given the open, bumpy ride.

Additional Practical Details

The tour lasts from 100 minutes to 4 hours, depending on what options you select. The actual airboat cruise is approximately 100 minutes, which is a good length to see wildlife without feeling rushed. The tour price of $65 offers good value considering the exclusivity of the experience and the guide’s expertise.

You’re not just riding; you’re learning. Guides share stories about Cajun life and swamp ecosystems, adding depth to what might otherwise be just a high-speed thrill. The access to areas that other boats cannot reach means you get a more intimate view of Louisiana’s wetlands.

The Verdict: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This airboat ride is best suited for those who want a combination of adventure and authentic wildlife viewing. Families with older children will especially appreciate the interactive and exciting nature of the trip. Wildlife enthusiasts will benefit from the guides’ keen eyes and wealth of information. If you’re after a thrilling ride with plenty of wildlife sightings in a scenic setting, this tour checks all the boxes.

Conversely, if you’re sensitive to weather or have health restrictions related to neck or back issues, you might want to consider the timing or look for alternative activities. Still, the value for money and the personalized experience make this a standout option for many visiting New Orleans.

Final Thoughts: Why Book This Tour?

In a city famous for its jazz, cuisine, and culture, this airboat ride offers a different, rawer side of Louisiana. It’s a chance to see wildlife up close, learn about the local Cajun lifestyle, and enjoy a high-speed adventure that’s both educational and fun. The knowledgeable guides and the intimate nature of the tour mean you’re not just a passenger — you’re part of the swamp’s story.

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, family groups, and anyone eager to see the natural beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands. The market price of $65 is a fair deal for the rich, hands-on wildlife encounters and the thrills of the ride. Whether you’re visiting New Orleans for a few days or a bit longer, this tour offers a memorable break from the city’s hustle, providing genuine insights into the swamp’s ecosystem and the chance to see some impressive creatures in their natural habitat.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, if you select that option, there is hotel pickup and drop-off available from various central locations in New Orleans. Be prepared for a 30-minute pickup window and to be ready in front of your hotel at the designated time.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts between 100 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the chosen options. The actual airboat ride itself is approximately 100 minutes.

What should I wear? Since the boat is open, wear casual, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for getting a little wet. Rain ponchos are sold at the gift shop if rain is forecasted.

Are children allowed? Yes, children must be at least 48 inches tall and wear a seat belt. The ride offers a fun experience for families, but keep in mind the open water and speed.

Can I see alligators up close? Yes, many reviewers mention how close the alligators come to the boat, sometimes so close you can stare into their eyes. Guides make sure wildlife is observed respectfully.

What wildlife might I see? Expect to see alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, and a variety of bird species such as bald eagles, pelicans, and owls.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women? No, due to the open, bumpy nature of the boat ride, pregnant women or those with neck or back problems should avoid.

What is the seating like? The boats feature stadium-style seating for unobstructed views, ensuring everyone has a good perspective on the wildlife and scenery.

How is the guide’s knowledge? Reviews rave about guides like Kenny, Bebop, and others, highlighting their humor, passion, and ability to share interesting facts about the swamp and its inhabitants.

In brief, this high-speed airboat ride combines adventure, wildlife, and local culture, making it an exciting addition to any trip to New Orleans. It offers a genuine glimpse into Louisiana’s wetlands, delivered by passionate guides and experienced captains. Whether you’re seeking thrills, wildlife encounters, or just a different perspective on the bayou, this tour is well worth considering.