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Cruises & Water Tours in New Orleans

Live prices, traveller ratings and availability. New Orleans guide

55 tours & activities

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise (opens in a new tab)

6,176 2 h

Board your riverboat to the delightful tunes of the Steam Calliope. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and literature - like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer - and see the bustling activity of America's second-largest port! This authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, features traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites. Make sure you check out the Steam Engine Room on the bottom deck! Lunch option available Monday - Saturday. Brunch option available Sunday only. The boat boards at 11:00am and 2:00pm and departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:30pm. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to boarding.

from$43.50

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option (opens in a new tab)

8,262 3 h

Welcome aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! PLEASE make sure you choose your vessel carefully at check out. Ready for the ultimate New Orleans night out? Step aboard a classic riverboat for a dinner jazz cruise on the mighty Mississippi River — one of the most iconic things to do in New Orleans! Hear stories of the Big Easy's rich history, sit back, relax and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the world-acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland fills your ears. This 2-hour cruise from the heart of the French Quarter will take you along the graceful Mississippi River. Savor a Creole-inspired buffet, sip handcrafted cocktails, and sway to live New Orleans jazz as the skyline sparkles around you. Whether it’s date night, a group outing, or your first trip to the Crescent City, this two-hour cruise brings all the NOLA magic — food, music, and views included. Book together to sit together! Don’t just visit New Orleans — cruise through it in style.

from$58

New Orleans Airboat Ride (opens in a new tab)

5,266 2 h – 4 h

Take a break from the hustle-bustle of New Orleans and escape to nature on this exhilarating, family-friendly airboat ride! Spot alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets and herons as you take a fast, fun ride over a tidewater cypress swamp close to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Admire moss-covered cypress and tupelo-gum trees as you explore bayous teeming with life and take advantage of incredible photo ops. Th premium small-group tour is limited to 6 people, regular small airboat (up to 10 people) or large airboat (up to 30 people) to allow for better views of the wildlife. Please note: If you book the self-drive option you will not receive hotel pickup. If you book the option with pickup, pickups will begin 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to tour time. There are no rideshare or taxi services to this area. Gators are more commonly spotted in summer months.

from$49.40

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure (opens in a new tab)

2,348 1 h 40 min

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 2,000 year old Indian burial mound, a Cajun cemetery and a 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.

from$35

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans (opens in a new tab)

1,636 2 h 30 min

Cruise into a brilliant and romantic sunset aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen! Underneath enchanting skyline views enjoy the lively sounds from Sullivan Dabney, Jr. and the Muzik Jazz band while delighting your taste buds with a deliciously prepared Creole-styled meal (if option is chosen). Grab one or two classic New Orleans cocktails inside at the bar, then take a stroll outside along elegantly designed wrought iron trimmed railings for a night full of stars and warm banter. Become part of the city's unique energy and let the sweet Mississippi River breeze sweep you off your senses onto the dance floor atop our promenade deck for a night full of pure New Orleans magic.

from$60

New Orleans 75-Minute Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise (opens in a new tab)

213 1 h 15 min

Step aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS for a 75-minute, family-friendly Mississippi River Cruise! Enjoy live Captain’s narration as you glide past iconic French Quarter landmarks, historic riverfront sites, and breathtaking city views, bringing the Crescent City’s 300+ years of history to life. Sip and relax at one of the full-service bars onboard, including the City Skyline Bar on Deck 4, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the river and downtown New Orleans. A snack bar is also available, serving popcorn, sodas, and other classic favorites for a fun, casual treat. Perfect for families, friends, and couples, come experience the heart and history of “The Big Easy” aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.

from$25.75

New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation (opens in a new tab)

1,366 4 h

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.

from$60

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans (opens in a new tab)

3,556 7 h 45 min

This tour combines the private Manchac Swamp with Oak Alley Plantation! Experience the grandeur of New Orleans’ antebellum south on our Oak Alley tour. As Oak Alley Plantation comes into view, you’ll understand why she is the most photographed plantation ever. Her quarter-mile-long alley of 28 magnificent oak trees, each nearly 300 years old, is an impressive welcome. Tour the “Big House,” one of America’s most iconic homes and filming location for TV shows and movies. This 1839 Greek Revival mansion symbolizes grandeur from an era of great wealth. But there is much more to her story. Research by the Friends of Oak Alley Foundation reveals the lives and legacies of those who called Oak Alley home. Then it’s a short ride to Manchac Swamp, where you’ll cruise through a private wildlife refuge in a comfortable, covered pontoon boat with a local captain. Learn about Frenier and Cajun fishing, hunting, and trapping culture. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators as they leap up for snacks!

from$131

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation (opens in a new tab)

7,171 5 h

Leave the French Quarter behind and spend the day in Honey Island Swamp, one of Louisiana’s most pristine protected wetlands, on a 2-hour guided boat tour with round-trip transportation from New Orleans. Unlike louder airboat-style tours, Cajun Encounters uses small, quiet 22-passenger flat-bottom boats that can slip into narrow cypress-lined waterways — giving you a closer, more natural way to look for alligators, wild boar, raccoons, turtles, snakes, egrets, herons, and other swamp wildlife. Your local captain brings the bayou to life with stories about Cajun culture, the Pearl River ecosystem, and the remote, boat-accessible Cajun village you’ll pass along the route. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to see the wild side of Louisiana without renting a car: choose a morning or afternoon departure, meet your shuttle in downtown New Orleans, cross Lake Pontchartrain, and return to the city after the tour. Wildlife sightings vary by season and are never guaranteed.

from$75.52

Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans (opens in a new tab)

2,132 4 h 15 min

Experience the thrill of riding a 16-passenger airboat on a 1 hour and 40 minute 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.

from$90

Airboat Swamp Tour (opens in a new tab)

389 1 h 30 min

Experience the Premiere New Orleans air boat tour, led by a professional Captains. Alternate between high speeds and cruising as you past fascinating flora and fauna. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned coach from your hotel in Downtown New Orleans. You will start your journey right in the swamp with NO Idle Zones and noise ordinance. We operate on private land with No other boats on the property. You will go where no other boats go

from$67

Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup (opens in a new tab)

1,798 4 h 15 min

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 nine passengers to ensure a small, personal and uncrowded experience.

from$115

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise (opens in a new tab)

2,109 2 h 30 min

Join us for the only Riverboat in New Orleans with an excursion! Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian describing 300-years of New Orleans history; from the founding of the city by the LeMoyne Brothers to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. During your cruise the vessel will dock at Chalmette Battlefield for a 45 min to 1-hour excursion. Enjoy a guided tour and talk by a National Park Ranger about the battle of New Orleans, while taking in the sweet breeze and delicate waves along the river. Delight in a cash bar and/or a satisfying Creole lunch option available on the boat while viewing the famous French Quarter and Port of New Orleans from the river .

from$47

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Alligator Tour (opens in a new tab)

1,343 1 h 15 min – 4 h

Experience an unforgettable New Orleans swamp and bayou tour as you journey deep into the scenic wetlands of South Louisiana. Board a custom-built pontoon boat for a guided Louisiana swamp adventure through winding bayous, cypress swamps, and authentic Cajun fishing villages. Led by a local Cajun guide, this immersive Louisiana swamp boat tour explores the rich history, culture, and wildlife of the bayou. Cruise through the same waterways once used by legendary pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte, who secretly smuggled luxury goods through Louisiana’s hidden swamps and marshes. Along the way, spot wild Louisiana alligators, egrets, raccoons, nutria, turtles, snakes, and native bird species in their natural habitat. Learn how the region’s coastal wetlands support Louisiana seafood traditions and why these fragile ecosystems are vital to the future of the Gulf Coast.

from$35

Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans (opens in a new tab)

410 8 h

On this full-day tour, you'll be driven to the Oak Alley Plantation House, then see the Cajuns of the bayou living and surviving in harmony with the swamps. Located about an hour and a half outside the city of New Orleans, Oak Alley is one of the most magnificent plantation tours because of the 28, evenly spaced, huge Oak Trees that go from the river road to the Plantation House. Experience bayou living where 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.

from$130

Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou (opens in a new tab)

1,627 1 h 30 min

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. NOTE: We are approximately 35-45 minutes from New Orleans. Cab and uber services are not available in our area. If you book the self-drive option you will not receive hotel pickup. If you book the option with pickup, pickups will begin 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to tour time.

from$30

VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option (opens in a new tab)

911 3 h

Please arrive by 5:30pm for early boarding. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a ship staff member to take you onboard. Start the night off with a complimentary Champagne cocktail and get front row access to the Dukes of Dixieland before dining. After enjoying the tunes and maybe a little dancing, settle into your reserved table in the dining room for a dinner buffet featuring local favorites. If you are looking for a little more, upgrade your cruise to include an open call brand bar. After dinner, take a tour of the vessel led by the first mate. Don’t miss this opportunity to cruise through New Orleans in style on an exclusive VIP cruise that can’t be booked anywhere else!

from$191

New Orleans Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour (opens in a new tab)

803 1 h 40 min

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.

from$89

New Orleans Large Airboat Swamp Tour (opens in a new tab)

207 1 h 40 min

The departure location for this tour is only 35 minutes from New Orleans but a world apart in flora and fauna. Your tour will be a mix of high speed adventures and stops for pictures. This tour is completely safe and led by a local and professional guide.

from$65

Jazz Brunch Cruise in New Orleans (opens in a new tab)

944 2 h

Welcome aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ or Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! Our scenic and lively New Orleans jazz brunch cruise features authentic Creole cuisine and a full bar with handcrafted cocktails available for purchase. Enjoy the soulful sounds of live jazz by the Steamboat Stompers while taking in breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans riverfront. Cruise along the Mississippi River as you enjoy live jazz and, if selected, a delicious buffet brunch. Relax indoors in elegantly appointed seating or step outside onto open-air decks to take in the sights and river breezes. This authentic paddlewheel riverboat experience transports you to the romance and charm of yesteryear. Upgrade your ticket to include the brunch buffet for the full experience!

from$43.50

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