New Orleans: High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour

If you’re in New Orleans and craving an adventure beyond the vibrant French Quarter, a High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour offers a unique way to explore the wetlands surrounding the city. This tour combines adrenaline-pumping speeds with opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, all while learning about the Cajun communities that have long called these waters home.

What we love about this experience is how it manages to be fun, informative, and a little wild all at once. You’ll get the wind in your hair as you speed across the marshes, spotting gators, raccoons, and even wild pigs. Plus, the guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable manner that makes the tour both entertaining and educational. A potential consideration is the open nature of the boat—if you’re not fond of getting wet or exposed to the elements, this might be something to keep in mind.

This tour is ideal for thrill-seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to escape the city’s hustle for a taste of Louisiana’s natural beauty. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate storytelling combined with a high-speed adventure.

Key Points

• High-speed thrill combined with wildlife spotting offers a dynamic experience.
• Knowledgeable guides provide engaging stories about the wetlands and Cajun history.
• Wildlife encounters are frequent, with sightings of alligators, birds, raccoons, and more.
• The tour duration varies from 100 minutes to 4 hours, offering flexibility for different schedules.
• Small group size (up to 9 guests) ensures a more personal experience.
• Price point of $89 reflects both the adventure and the access to inaccessible areas.

Discovering the Wetlands by Airboat

The main attraction of this tour is, of course, the airboat ride. Traveling at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, the boat slices through the marshes and lakes, offering exhilarating moments and perfect photo ops. The open-air design of the boat lets you truly feel the wind and the spray of water—it’s part of the fun, and many reviews mention how this adds to the sense of adventure.

Your captain—who is also your guide—will point out wildlife and share stories about the area. Reviews highlight guides like Dewey, Rocky, and Ian, who are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. For instance, guests fondly recall guides feeding alligators, holding baby gators, and answering plenty of questions about local ecology and Cajun history.

Some reviews mention a few hiccups, like boats hitting trees or mechanical issues, but overall, guides handle these situations professionally, turning them into part of the story. The boat rides are designed to be as safe as possible, with hearing protection provided and children needing to be at least 48 inches tall for seatbelt safety.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at a dock located at 9706 Barataria Blvd in Marrero, about a 35-40 minute drive from the French Quarter—a straightforward trip that’s well worth the effort. Most options include hotel pickup, which adds convenience, especially after a long sightseeing day.

Next, there’s a 45-minute coach ride to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a significant site where your adventure truly begins. The highlight here is the 105-minute airboat ride across wetlands, marshes, and lakes. The guide’s commentary enriches this part, sharing insights about wildlife, local history, and Cajun lifestyles.

Post-tour, transportation takes you back to the starting point or to designated drop-off locations across New Orleans—ranging from hotels in the French Quarter to the Convention Center. This makes it easy to plan your day around the tour.

The Wildlife and Scenic Highlights

Guests consistently praise the diversity and abundance of wildlife encountered during the ride. Expect to see lots of alligators—some as large as 12 feet—alongside native birds like pelicans, ospreys, and the bald eagle. Raccoons, wild pigs, and coyotes are also frequent sightings, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

A standout feature mentioned in reviews is the guides’ ability to feed alligators and even let guests hold a baby gator—an unforgettable moment that adds a tangible sense of connection to nature. The scenery itself—marshes, lakes, and thick greenery—provides a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for photos and memories.

The Value for Money

At $89 per person, the tour offers excellent value, considering the length, access to remote areas, and the chance to see wildlife up close. The inclusion of hotel pickup (if selected) makes the experience even more convenient, eliminating the hassle of transportation.

Many reviews highlight how much they learned about the ecology, wildlife, and Cajun history—adding an educational layer to the adventure. The small group setting also enhances the personal feel, ensuring everyone gets good views and plenty of interaction.

Experience Duration and Flexibility

With durations ranging from 100 minutes to 4 hours, this tour can be tailored to your schedule. The shorter option is perfect if you want a quick escape from the city, while the longer trips offer a more thorough exploration of the wetlands. Check availability for start times, as this varies by season and demand.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive prepared for the open boat: wear quick-drying clothes, bring sunglasses, and consider a hat for sun protection.
• Hearing protection is provided, but don’t forget your camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• Children must be at least 48 inches tall to sit and wear a seatbelt.
• This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems due to the boat’s motion.
• Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience strikes a good balance between adventure and education, making it perfect for families, wildlife lovers, or anyone wanting an authentic Louisiana experience outside the busy city. The guides’ passion and expertise shine through, creating a personal connection to the environment. Plus, the possibility of seeing elusive alligators and feeding them is a big draw that makes each trip special.

It’s important to note that this is a high-speed open boat; if you’re uncomfortable with getting wet or exposed to nature’s elements, you might want to consider other options. But for those who love a thrill and the chance to see animals in their natural habitat, this tour delivers in spades.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For just $89, this airboat tour offers a unique perspective on Louisiana’s wetlands, combining adrenaline with wildlife sightings and storytelling. The small group setting means you’ll get more attention from guides like Dewey, Rocky, or Ian, who make the experience memorable with their enthusiasm and expertise.

The scenery is stunning, with plenty of chances to take amazing photos of alligators, birds, and lush greenery. It’s a fantastic way to step outside the usual tourist spots and connect with the natural landscape in a fun, engaging way.

If you’re seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, and a taste of Cajun culture, this tour is a great addition to your New Orleans itinerary. Just remember to dress for the weather, hold onto your camera, and get ready for a wild ride through Louisiana’s famous bayous.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts from 100 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the option you choose. Check availability for specific start times.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the pickup option, it includes hotel pickup and drop-off from various locations in New Orleans.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Guests often see alligators (some up to 12 feet), raccoons, wild pigs, coyote, and native bird species like pelicans, ospreys, and bald eagles.

Are there age or height restrictions?
Children must be at least 48 inches tall to sit and wear a seatbelt. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

What should I bring?
Wear quick-drying clothes, bring sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. Hearing protection is provided but bring your own if you prefer.

How fast does the boat go?
The airboat can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making it an exciting ride and a thrill for adrenaline junkies.

In sum, this airboat adventure provides a lively, educational, and visually stunning opportunity to experience Louisiana’s wild side. It’s perfect for those wanting a memorable, active day out and offers plenty of chances to get close to nature—some of which you’ll never forget.