New Orleans: High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour

Introduction: An Airboat Ride through Louisiana’s Unique Ecosystem

If you’re looking for a way to escape the lively streets of the French Quarter and experience Louisiana’s famous wetlands, then the High Speed 9 Passenger Airboat Tour is a fantastic choice. For about $89 per person, you’ll hop into an open-air boat and zip through the marshes, lakes, and swamps for roughly 100 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your option. The tour departs from Marrero, about a 35-minute drive from the French Quarter, putting you right into the heart of Louisiana’s wild side.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of adrenaline and education—you’ll feel the wind in your hair at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, while your captain shares insights about local ecology and the Cajun way of life. You’ll love the chance to see alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, and a variety of bird species—including bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys—in their natural habitat. A second highlight is the knowledgeable guides who are praised repeatedly for their fun, friendly attitude and deep understanding of the environment.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves an open boat, so you’ll get wet and should prepare accordingly, especially if you’re sensitive to weather or have young children. Still, this experience is best suited for those eager for adventure, wildlife lovers, and anyone curious about how Cajuns lived outside the city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat.
• Educational Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to make the experience engaging.
• High-Speed Thrills: Feel the wind and excitement riding at speeds of up to 35 mph in an open-air boat.
• Authentic Experience: Learn about Cajun life and the ecology of the wetlands outside of typical tourist spots.
• Convenient Location: Departure from Marrero, just a short drive from New Orleans’ French Quarter.
• Flexible Duration: Ranges from 100 minutes to up to 4 hours, with options to suit different schedules.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The Departure and Setting

Your adventure begins at the swamp tour dock at 9706 Barataria Blvd, a manageable 22-mile drive from the vibrant streets of the French Quarter. If you choose the hotel pickup option, a friendly bus from Alert Transportation will collect you within a 30-minute window, so keep an eye out for their vehicle.

The setting is quintessential Louisiana: a modest dock surrounded by cypress trees, Spanish moss, and the sounds of local wildlife. Once onboard, your airboat—a flat-bottomed vessel powered by a giant fan—will prepare for its high-speed adventure.

The Ride Begins: Speed and Scenery

As the boat kicks into gear, you’ll feel the thrill of the wind in your hair as you zip across marshes and lakes. The captain will expertly navigate tight turns, offering photo stops and chances to spot wildlife. Several reviews highlight the fun and energetic guides, like Rocky and Dewey, who make the ride both informative and entertaining.

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Wildlife Spotting in Action

This tour isn’t just about speed; it’s about finding and learning about local animals. Guides are praised for their ability to spot alligators lurking beneath the water’s surface—which, although more common in summer, can be seen year-round. Reviewers share stories of feeding alligators, holding baby gators, and getting up close with wildlife. One noted, “We got to hold a baby gator,” which is a highlight for many.

Bird-watchers will enjoy spotting bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys, often seen soaring overhead or perched along the waterways. The guides’ explanations about the environment, conservation efforts, and the Cajun way of life add depth to the experience.

Stops and Sightseeing

Throughout the ride, the guides will make stops for photos and wildlife viewing. Expect to see raccoons, wild pigs, and sometimes coyotes. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and fun the guides are—some even provide interesting stories about childhood experiences or local ecology. “We saw at least 15 alligators,” one reviewer reports, underscoring how active and accessible wildlife can be.

The Educational Aspect

Beyond the adrenaline, the tour offers a learning opportunity. Guides talk about the local ecology, the impact of climate change, and the history of Cajun communities. This adds an enriching layer, making the ride appealing for families and curious travelers alike.

Ending the Tour

After the high-speed ride, you’ll return to the dock, often with plenty of photos and stories to share. Many reviewers mention how fun and informative the experience was, with several saying it’s a highlight of their trip.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Booking

The tour lasts from 100 minutes up to 4 hours, depending on your selected option. The shorter rides suit those with limited time, while longer excursions offer a more immersive experience. You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Price and Value

At $89 per person, this tour offers solid value—especially considering the personalized small-group setting limited to nine participants. With knowledgeable guides, wildlife sightings, and the thrill of a high-speed boat ride, many reviews agree it’s worth every penny.

Accessibility and Safety

The tour is in an open boat, and children must be at least 48 inches tall. Hearing protection is provided, which helps manage noise levels. However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems due to the boat’s nature and speed. Travelers should also be prepared to get wet—a towel and waterproof gear are recommended.

Meeting Point and Transportation

The dock is straightforward to reach by car or shuttle. If you opt for hotel pickup, ensure you’re ready outside your hotel during the pickup window. The tour operators are praised for their friendly service and timely transfers.

Authenticity and Reviews: What Travelers Say

The overwhelming majority of reviews (rated 4.9 out of 5 from 718 reviews) emphasize the expertise of the guides and the thrilling yet educational nature of the ride. Comments like “The guide was an excellent and seasoned teacher,” and “He made sure we saw gators and wildlife,” reflect a consistent appreciation for guides’ passion and knowledge.

Many travelers also mention feeding or holding baby alligators, which adds an extra thrill. As one review states, “The best part was watching our guide feed the alligators and let us hold a baby gator.” The experience seems to strike a good balance between exciting adventure and learning about conservation, making it particularly appealing for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The small group size (limited to 9 people) ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and close encounters. The speedy ride appeals to those craving a bit of adventure, while the expert guides make it safe and informative—many reviews highlight their fun personalities and wealth of knowledge.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

Given that it’s an open boat, you will get wet, so planning accordingly is wise. Also, if you’re pregnant or have back issues, this might not be suitable. Weather can influence your experience—wind, rain, or cold days might make the trip less comfortable, so check the forecast.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want a thrilling ride combined with wildlife viewing. It’s ideal for families with children (who meet height requirements), nature enthusiasts, and history buffs interested in Cajun culture. If you’re curious about how Louisiana’s wetlands function and want to see alligators up close, this experience delivers.

Those looking for a relaxing boat ride may find it a bit intense, but if you’re up for excitement and learning, you’ll cherish the personal stories and wildlife sightings.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after an authentic, active experience that combines speed, wildlife, and local culture, this airboat tour is a standout pick. It offers excellent value with its small-group setting, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to see alligators, birds, and more in their natural environment. It’s a fun, memorable way to break away from city life and truly experience Louisiana’s wilder side.

Perfect for adventure lovers, families, or anyone wanting an authentic outdoor experience in the Louisiana wetlands, this tour promises both thrills and education—you’ll leave with stories to tell and a new appreciation for the bayou.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour duration ranges from about 100 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your selected option, giving you flexibility based on your schedule.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from the dock at 9706 Barataria Blvd in Marrero, which is roughly a 35-minute drive from the French Quarter.

Is there hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you choose that option, with a 30-minute pickup window. Be ready outside your hotel during that time.

What should I wear?
Since the ride is in an open-air boat, dress for the weather. Waterproof gear, hats, and sunglasses are recommended. Expect to get wet, so bring a towel or rain jacket if needed.

Are children allowed?
Children must be at least 48 inches tall to sit safely and wear a seatbelt. This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems.

What wildlife will I see?
You’ll likely see alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, and a variety of birds like bald eagles, pelicans, and ospreys.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviews frequently praise the guides’ expertise, engaging stories, and friendly attitude, making the experience both fun and educational.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility details, but the tour involves an open boat, so check with the operator if accessibility accommodation is a concern.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent, and cancellations are typically allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s best to check the forecast before your scheduled ride.

If you’re eager to experience Louisiana’s wetlands firsthand, this airboat tour is a thrilling, educational, and authentic adventure you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: