Top New Orleans Nature and Wildlife Tours

Take a New Orleans Swamp Tour and Wetlands Adventure! See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Here, the waterways are their highways. From the relaxed comfort of our covered New Orleans Swamp Tour Boats, you will drift slowly past a 2000 year old Indian Burial Mound, a Cajun cemetery and Fishing village! You may see the wildlife that made the Barataria Swamps the Crown Jewel of the Louisiana Purchase. Here, birds, snakes, turtles, fur animals, and gators are the kings of the swamp, and are easily spotted in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Meet your guide for pickup in downtown New Orleans and head for a 2-hour boat tour in Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana. Visit a Cajun village only accessible by boat; learn about the animals and plants in the lush swamps; and get close to wildlife that are out and active with an expert local guide. *Please note that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.*

Nowhere is Louisiana’s wildlife more abundant than in the swamps and bayous of New Orleans. Take a boat ride through these swamps and bayous and be on the lookout for alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles and native birds. Hear stories from your guide about local Cajun culture and the mysteries of the swamps and bayous.

See the Cajuns of the Bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Here, the waterways are their highways. From the relaxed comfort of our covered New Orleans Swamp Tour Boats, you will drift slowly past a 2000 year old Indian Burial Mound, a Cajun cemetery and a fishing village! You'll admire the wildlife that made the Barataria Swamps the Crown Jewel of the Louisiana Purchase. Here, birds, snakes, turtles, fur animals, and gators - the king of the swamp - are easily spotted in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Experience the other Swamp Tour in New Orleans. This destination is only 35 minutes from New Orleans yet a world apart. Hold onto your hat! This New Orleans airboat tour is a high speed adventure that is part tour and part ride. This boat has a maximum of six to nine passengers to ensure a small, personal and uncrowded experience.

The Oak Alley plantation tour is one of the most magnificent plantation tours near New Orleans because of the 28 evenly spaced, huge Oak Trees that go from the river road to the Plantation House. The Greek Revival home dates back to 1837. Located on the grounds is a restaurant, blacksmith shop, Souvenir Shop and antique farm equipment. Next up is an airboat tour - hold onto your hat! Our New Orleans Airboat Swamp Tour is a high speed adventure that is part tour and part ride. Along the way, you will get a personal tour by your local Captain. Our airboats have stadium seating, so that the person in front of you does not obstruct your view. So, every airboat seat is great for experiencing the tour and viewing the wildlife.

Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard the Dinner Jazz Cruise. Enjoy the tunes of the Dukes of Dixieland jazz band and a narrated tour provided by our captain while cruising the Mighty Mississippi River. Please note: there are two seating times for dinner, so please make sure to check availability of both if one is not available. The first dinner seating is from 6-7:15pm and the second dinner seating is from 7:45-9pm. The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! Upgrade your ticket to include the dinner buffet.

Venture into the interior of one of the wildest swamps in America on this guided, 2-hour tour of Honey Island, Louisiana near New Orleans. Join a professional wetland ecologist on a personalized, narrated tour. This protected nature reserve hosts an abundance of wildlife, from egrets and herons, to otters and alligators. The boats are covered to provide shade from the hot Louisiana sun, and cover when the skies open up.

- Aerial tour covering 15 miles of the beautiful Crescent City. - Approximately 12 minutes of flight. - Beautiful sights of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the Bywater. - Gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. - Glimpses of Caesar's Superdome from a distance.

Zip NOLA is New Orleans' and the World's FIRST ever fully aquatic swamp zipline! With over a half mile of ziplines and suspension bridges spanning the Maurepas Swamp, Zip NOLA is the premier activity for nature lovers and thrill seekers alike. View swamp critters and the amazing swamp ecosystem from the comfort of the moss covered cypress treetops! Zip NOLA’s facility has many amenities including a 1200 sq ft gift shop with the latest and greatest New Orleans souvenirs, gifts, and snack/beverage items. Our shop also boasts a phenomenal enclosure for our baby alligators and turtles! We also have spacious restrooms, locker storage, green space picnic area, and an expansive 2000 sq ft elevated seating area overlooking the beautiful cypress-filled Maurepas Swamp. Guests can take in breathtaking sights of moss covered cypress swamp, while they also view the many wildlife that frequent the area. Alligators can be readily seen, as well as a plethora of other swamp critters!

The French Quarter is known as one of the most haunted places in America, and with so many ghost tours to choose from, the best choice is this 1-hour carriage tour from the award-winning Royal Carriages, recently awarded the 2018 Louisiana Attraction of the Year Award. Instead of walking around with a large group of people, you'll travel to and from haunted locations comfortably in a mule-drawn carriage guided by a professional tour. Learn about all the history, culture, and architecture in addition to the ghostly spirits that refuse to leave.

Experience the thrill of riding a 16-passenger airboat on a 2-hour New Orleans swamp tour, with informative narration provided by the captain. See alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat during the adrenaline-fueled ride. This family-friendly tour includes the convenience of hotel transport from downtown hotels.

Experience the full magic of Louisiana's bayous on the closest swamp tour to downtown New Orleans. Journey down the bayou on a 90-minute Cajun adventure through the heart of Southern Louisiana on a relaxing and shaded pontoon boat ride in the protected Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve. As you and your family glide along swamp waters, observe native plant and exotic life in a delicate yet powerful landscape that has both changed and defined Louisiana culture. View moss-covered cypress trees, evading yet beautiful water hyacinths, gators, egrets, and many more interesting creatures that call the swamp their home. Tour guides born and raised in the bayou will reveal the mysteries of the bayou as well as exclusive facts about its ecosystem. Join us and "laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Enjoy a personalized small group experience on this swamp tour just 35 minutes outside of New Orleans. This airboat has a maximum of six or nine passengers giving you plenty of room to admire the views of the Louisiana marshlands from all angles.

Venture into the interior of one of the wildest swamps in America on this guided, half-day tour of Honey Island, Louisiana near New Orleans. Join a professional wetland ecologist on a personalized, narrated tour. This protected nature reserve hosts an abundance of wildlife, from egrets and herons, to otters and alligators. The boats are covered to provide shade from the hot Louisiana sun, and cover when the skies open up. A New Orleans French Quarter hotel pickup and drop-off is included.  Note: this tour only offers pick up and drop off from the French Quarter.

Take a short drive from New Orleans to visit Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana, during a 2-hour boat tour. Visit a Cajun village only accessible by boat; learn about the animals and plants in the lush swamps; and get close to wildlife with an expert local guide. This tour does not include transportation.

Are you ready to experience one of the best excursions New Orleans has to offer? Adventures of Jean Lafitte offers personal Alligator Tours through Louisiana’s beautiful backcountry. Gather your whole crew and come experience the “road less traveled”! You’ll be touring 20,000 acres of tidewater cypress swamp. During your 1 hour 30 minute tour you’ll have opportunities to see alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets, herons and ibis, and we sometimes see hawks, owls and bald eagles. We are approximately 35-45 minutes from New Orleans. Both self-drive and hotel pickup options are available, and hotel pickups begin 75 minutes prior to tour time.Because we are located about 40 minutes outside of New Orleans, cab and uber services are not available.

You and your guests are going to love the opportunity to sit back and relax while your carriage driver unfolds 300 years of fun-filled history on your mule-drawn carriage ride. We cover the storied history of New Orleans, discussing everything from our resilient culture to the aging architecture. While our carriage tours cover a ton of history, they aren't boring history lectures. Aside from history, we'll chat about things like food, cocktails, nightclubs, jazz, museums, must-sees, and things to do!

A grand mélange presentation of Cajun and Creole cultures including a high-speed airboat tour of the cypress swamps. Visit Laura Plantation, built in 1804, and learn about Laura's personal family saga. Enjoy a gourmet, unlimited buffet lunch in the elegant dining room of Houmas House Plantation, followed by a guided tour of this grand mansion. The small-group atmosphere ensures a more personal experience.

Embark on a quest in New Orleans and walk under the majestic live oaks in one of the United States’ largest urban parks. Learn about City Park’s past and present, from its plantation days to its current draw as a mecca for locals. Discover unique cultural and historical facts while solving clues and puzzles. + Discover the history and beauty of New Orleans City Park + Visit the 800-year-old McDonogh Oak, one of the top sculpture gardens in the country + Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt Discover New Orleans’ fascinating history as you walk in the beautiful City Park and solve clues. Explore this charming park in New Orleans by playing a quest with your friends, significant other or family. Each clue will lead you from one place to another by providing you with exact directions so you won't need a map, GPS, or guide. As you solve the problem and guess the answer, the secret story of that place is unlocked.

Sightsee the best of New Orleans and save compared to buying separate attraction tickets with Go City. For one low price you'll get admission to over 25 of the most popular attractions and tours in the Big Easy. Explore the city on-board an Adventures in New Orleans Bus tour, go on a traditional Paddlewheeler cruise, check the huge collection of artifacts and exhibits at the National WWII Museum, or discover the secrets of Louisiana cuisine with a mouth-watering New Orleans cooking school class demo. Your New Orleans All-Inclusive Pass is fully digital and comes with a digital guide complete with attraction opening times and other useful tips. The All-Inclusive Pass includes: • 1, 2, 3 or 5-day admission to over 25 New Orleans attractions and tours • Top activities including Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Cruise, Adventures in New Orleans Bus tour and more

Explore the bayous and byways of southern Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans! If you are searching for a gorgeous, natural and picturesque Kayak Swamp Tour – This Tour is For You! Paddle through dense cypress forest, expansive wetlands, and an array of wildlife on a tour that is ideal for beginners and adventure seekers alike! Kayak tours are fully guided and last between 2 to 2.5 hours. The duration of the full tour will be up to 3 hours, with a 45 min drive from New Orleans.

Oak Alley Plantation features picturesque Oak Trees, beautiful landscaping, an elegant 1837 Greek Revival style plantation house, a blacksmith shop, a restaurant, and antique farm equipment. Guests will get a tour of the Oak Alley’s house and time to explore. After your plantation tour, you will experience the best of both: an educational swamp tour and a high speed airboat ride. You will travel at high speeds on the airboat, but also slow down and stop for pictures. Along the way, you will get a personal tour by your local Captain.