Top New Orleans Outdoor Activities

Discover one of Louisiana’s last preserved wetlands on a Honey Island Swamp boat tour. After making a short drive to Slidell, travel deep into the secluded swamp across Lake Pontchartrain to view native wildlife and witness a remote Cajun village only accessible by boat. Enjoy guided commentary on Cajun culture and the lush swamps as you spot alligators, wild boar, snakes, and native birds. This tour does not include transportation.

Venture beyond New Orleans to the wilds of the Louisiana bayous on a small-group kayaking tour of the Manchac and Maurepas swamps. Climb aboard a tandem kayak and paddle through a lush landscape of cypress forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife. No kayaking experience is necessary, as a guide teaches you everything need to know to enjoy this Southern-style adventure.

Explore one of Louisiana’s last protected wetlands on a 2-hour boat tour that includes round-trip transport from New Orleans. Depart in the morning or afternoon for Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve teeming with critters such as 'gators, wild boar, snakes and birds. Ride through the swamp dripping with lush foliage and visit a boat-accessible Cajun village with an informative local guide who sheds light on the area’s inhabitants.

Escape the city for an afternoon to experience life on the Louisiana bayou with a kayak tour of Manchac swamp. Just a short drive from New Orleans, the swamp offers a sleepy southern landscape of cypress trees, bird calls, alligators, and slow-moving currents that are perfect for beginning paddlers. No kayaking experience is necessary, and pickup from central New Orleans makes it convenient to take a nature break from the Big Easy.

Get your flying chops in beautiful New Orleans with a personal 50-minute flying lesson! No prior experience is needed for this excursion, which includes a 20-minute on-ground lesson and 30 minutes of flying time in the company of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified instructor. You’ll help guide the small plane through take-off and landing, and — once airborne — maneuver over New Orleans’ famous sights such as the French Quarter, the Mississippi River and the sleepy Louisiana bayous.

Cruise through the wild wetlands of Honey Island Swamp on a 2-hour boat tour. Located on the marshy shores of Lake Ponchartrain just north of New Orleans, this protected nature reserve is home to an array of southern wildlife, from egrets and herons soaring above to otters and alligators lurking below the water’s surface. Hear tales of swamp pirates, fishermen’s lore and mysterious creatures from your captain as you glide past hanging moss and swooning cypress trees.

Sail down this Mississippi River on a classic Paddlewheeler boat on this New Orleans river cruise. Enjoy illuminating narration from a licensed historian and stop part-way through the trip to learn about the Battle of New Orleans. Then, get back aboard the vessel and enjoy a cash bar while admiring the views.

Trade in the urban bustle for the bayou on a half-day trip from New Orleans to the wilds of the Honey Island Swamp. Relax on the ride from your downtown or French Quarter hotel, and then cruise beneath hanging moss and cypress trees while a wetland ecologist shares tall tales and fun facts about this protected nature reserve on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain. Learn about Louisiana’s long-standing fishing industry, and keep an eye out for native critters like otters, turtles, egrets, and alligators lurking beneath the surface.

Explore the French Quarter and Marigny aboard a relaxing horse and carriage during this small-group tour in New Orleans. Discover the history, culture, and legends that surround this historic city as you see landmarks including the St. Louis Cathedral, Napoleon House, and French Market. You also get insider tips from your guide about the best places to eat, drink, and explore in New Orleans.

Discover the mystique of the swamps and bayous on a sightseeing boat tour from New Orleans. Travel deep into the secluded bayous across the Mississippi River to witness Cajun life and spot native wildlife. Your guide will provide commentary on Cajun culture and the myth‐laden swamps while you snap photos of alligators, raccoons, snakes, turtles, and native birds.

Experience the Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve on this pontoon excursion led by a local guide. After a convenient, optional pickup from your accommodation, learn about Southern Louisiana’s distinctive ecology while cruising past magnificent cypress trees and watch for native wildlife like gators and egrets. Enjoy flexible timing and opt for a delicious lunch at Restaurant Des Familes with the 10 a.m. tour.

Take a two-wheeled ride through the raucous history and heritage of New Orleans on a bike tour that takes you from the lively streets of the French Quarter to the swampy bayous at the edge of the town. Learn about the city's founding as you follow a flat and leisurely route down oak-lined avenues, through leafy parks, and past creepy cemeteries to reach Bayou St. John. It's a great way to get off the tourist track and see the diverse neighborhoods of the Big Easy.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural splendor of New Orleans’ mystifying swamps and wetlands on a 2-hour New Orleans swamp tour and wetlands adventure. Relax in the luxurious interior of a New Orleans swamp tour boat as you cruise past cultural highlights like a Cajun cemetery, an Indian burial mound and a traditional fishing village. Scour the scenery for fascinating flora and fauna like snakes, turtles and alligators while listening to interesting commentary from your professional guide.

Delight in sweeping views of New Orleans at twilight on an evening sightseeing tour! Choose a 30-, 45- or 60-minute flight time, and glide by small plane over dazzling urban New Orleans and the surrounding wetlands. You’ll hear colorful tales of the city from your experienced pilot and glimpse famous sights by night including the French Quarter, the Mississippi River and the sleepy Louisiana bayous. Sightseeing requests are welcome!

Pedal through two centuries of New Orleans history on a combo bike tour of the French Quarter and Garden District. Learn about the city’s Creole roots as you ride along the banks of the Mississippi and through the legendary streets of the oldest neighborhood in town. Then, cross over to the ‘American’ side, where stately southern mansions overlook leafy boulevards and the time-worn tombs of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. It’s a great way to meet the many faces of New Orleans while enjoying fresh air and exercise.

Experience New Orleans’ wild bayou country on an exciting, family‐friendly airboat ride. This boat tour winds through the mossy cypress swamp close to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, named for the 19th‐century pirate and smuggler. While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from a native guide as you admire lush, forested shoreline and spot local wildlife.

Experience life on the Louisiana bayou on this ultimate swamp tour from New Orleans, run by one of the city’s oldest tour companies. Ride on a state-of-the-art swamp boat through the famous wetlands teeming with native wildlife, while learning about Cajun culture from your tale-spinning captain.

Cruise from the banks of the Mississippi River to the streets of Tremé with ease on this half-day Creole New Orleans tour by electric bike. Ride past telling monuments and through the streets of the original Creole Faubourg Marigny as your guide shares insight into New Orleans trivia and lore with a focus on Creole culture. Stop to snap photos and ask questions—it’s easy to chat with your guide on this small-group tour of just 10 people or fewer.

Lose yourself in the atmospheric depths of the New Orleans swamps and wetlands on an exhilarating 2-hour boat tour, led by a professional guide. Cruise past ancient wonders and listen to legends surrounding a 2000-year-old Indian burial mound and an atmospheric Cajun cemetery. Scour the Barataria Swamps for sightings of fascinating wildlife such as snakes, turtles and ferocious alligators, and learn about the area’s history and geology from your knowledgeable guide. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation by luxury vehicle fro your New Orleans hotel.

Avoid hours of walking between landmarks on an active and convenient bike tour through the heart of New Orleans. In addition to navigating for you, your guide provides little–known facts and anecdotes about the city’s must-see landmarks, from the Mississippi River to Congo Square. Bottled water and a small group size ensure a comfortable tour.

Located in the French Quarter, these adventures offer a one-of-a-kind premium experience. Follow clues and solve puzzles to complete your mission together. You might escape...You WILL have fun! Choose to play one of five uniquely immersive games: - Prison Break: Complete a daring escape from the evil warden! - Special Ops: Mysterious Market: Uncover the truth as a secret agent! - The Heist: Recover a stolen masterpiece from an art thief! - Playground: Complete your report card and get to summer break!

Hop aboard a luxurious six-passenger sailboat and ride into the sunset on the protected waters of New Orleans’ Lake Pontchartrain. You’ll find comfortable seating, with blankets for cooler weather, along with included craft beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks. Enjoy the spacious lounge below, or find your front-row seat for the sunset on deck.

Get amazing aerial views of New Orleans on this 15-mile helicopter tour. While listening to guided commentary from your pilot through your headset, you and just a two other passengers will fly over Jackson Square, the French Quarter, City Park, and Lake Pontchartrain, among other landmarks.

Biking the Garden District in New Orleans is a great way to learn about the neighborhood’s rich history and culture. Skip the hassles of traffic and parking as you make your way to antebellum mansions, historic cemeteries, and celebrity homes, all while hearing entertaining tales about the area from your guide.