New Orleans Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended New Orleans Cruises & boat tours

New Orleans: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez

New Orleans: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez

Journey back in time aboard the newly renovated Riverboat City of New Orleans. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the Dukes Trio fills your ears on this two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying craft cocktails, and the sites. Depart from the heart of the French Quarter and experience breathtaking views of New Orleans as the city skyline slips away. Seating is available indoors and on the outdoor decks for the very best views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans. Make sure you check out all four decks as the top deck view is a sight to see.  Choose the dinner buffet option for a dinner menu including: Salad Du Jour, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Top Round Angus Beef, Louisiana Fried Chicken Thighs, Bayou Seafood Pasta, Crawfish Etouffee, Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Corn Maque Choux, Southern Stewed Okra, and New Orleans Bread Pudding.  

New Orleans: Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Lunch Option

New Orleans: Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Lunch Option

Savor the beauty and romance of New Orleans on a cruise aboard the Sternwheeler Steamboat Natchez, the only authentic steamboat in New Orleans. Cruise along the Mississippi River, listen to live jazz music, and enjoy an optional lunch of local fare. Your cruise from the heart of the French Quarter and takes you back to a time when life was as slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi. Set out to see New Orleans from the Mississippi River, one of the world's most active ports. While on board, visit the museum-quality engine room to learn how steam powers this magnificent boat through the "Mighty Mississippi." Add an optional Creole lunch to your cruise, prepared fresh on board and served with your choice of coffee and iced tea. Savor the tastes of New Orleans before docking back where you started the tour. Sample Menu Lunch (subject to season and availability) • Southern fried fish• Red beans and rice• Jambalaya• Salad du jour •New Orleans Bread Pudding

New Orleans: Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire City Tour

New Orleans: Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire City Tour

Walk with your 5-star local guide through the haunted, historical French Quarter on this haunted historical tour. Explore the historical French Quarter, as you indulge in stories of magic, ghosts, vampires, and Vodou practitioners from your expert guide. Meet your local guide and set off on a journey through New Orleans’ haunted history at a hidden gem of an oddities shop. Pass outside well-known sites such as Muriel’s Restaurant and the Old Ursuline Convent. See the exterior of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, where bloodletting and leeching took place in the 19th century. From the outside, see the house where Jacques Saint Germain — who was rumored to be a vampire — once lived. Plus, hear chilling tales of LaLaurie House and its mistress, Madame LaLaurie. Let your guide entertain you with local folklore as you continue past the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. The final stop of your activity is outside Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, where your spooky experience will end. Don't miss out on an experience you won't soon forget.

New Orleans: Walking Tour Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

New Orleans: Walking Tour Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Uncover the history of one of America's oldest and most famous cemeteries that is not open to the general public on this walking tour of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 cemetery. View interesting burial customs and stroll past facinating above ground tombs.  Check in and meet your guide at the Basin St. Station Visitor Center where you can find an array of exhibits about New Orleans, an interactive map of the Hurricane Katrina floodwaters, a café, restrooms, and a gift shop. Get your tour stickers and depart on time for your adventure into the macabre. Head to the the front gates of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and listen as you guide takes you back in time with the story of the cemetery. Make your way through New Orleans' most famous tombs and hear about the city's unique burial customs. Get up close to the elaborate above-ground crypts and below-ground sites. Meander among the and find out about the storied pasts of those residing here, including Voodoo Queen Mariel Laveau, the former mayor Homer Plessy and other notable figures from the city's history.

New Orleans: Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark with Exclusive Access

New Orleans: Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark with Exclusive Access

Experience the creepy side of New Orleans on a tour of the city and one of its most paranormally active cemeteries. Listen to chilling tales from your local guide and learn about the darker parts of the city's history. Learn from an expert in the paranormal how to properly use an EMF reader to search for the unexplained. Meet at a location centered in the heart of the French Quarter where you will have an opportunity to grab a beer, cocktail, cocktail, or food before your tour. Travel with Experienced guides through the creepy underbelly of the haunted history of New Orleans Iconic cemeteries. Your guide will give everyone an opportunity to look at documented evidence of the unexplained captured on tour. Gain exclusive access into a private cemetery owned by a centuries old secret society with the only company allowed in. Remember those who were lost during Hurricane Katrina. Visit and view one of the largest cemeteries of the yellow fever pandemic in the country while visiting Charity Hospital Cemetery and the Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery. Walk with your expert guide exploring the paranormal with emf readers as they explain how to use them to search for paranormal activity and to help locate any paranormal phenomena from the other side.

New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride

Embark on a high-speed adventure through the swamps and marshes just 35 minutes from New Orleans and experience the amazing scenery by airboat. Slow down or stop to take pictures and get a personal tour from your local captain. Avail of airboats with stadium-style seating so that the person in front does not obstruct your view. Be amazed as alligators come so close to the boat that you can stare into their reptilian eyes! Encounter magnificent birdlife, including bald eagles, pelicans, ospreys and owls. Every tour is unique and you never know what will be around the next corner! Reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, propelled by a huge fan that blows air from the back of the boat in excess of 200 miles per hour. Ride in shallow water and access areas where traditional boats cannot go.

New Orleans: Sightseeing Bus Tour

New Orleans: Sightseeing Bus Tour

Get an introduction to the sites of New Orleans on a 2.5-hour guided bus tour. Benefit from pickup at Bon's New Orleans Street Food which is nearby Jackson Square and visit the Garden District, the 9th Ward, and more. Travel through the beautiful French Quarter, and make your way down lively Frenchmen Street, where live music pours from every venue. Arrive at the alternative Marigny district as you make your way towards the 9th Ward. Enter the Musicians' Village and continue to Tremé. Travel down Esplanade Avenue to City Park and Lake Pontchartrain, and then learn about Creole culture at Saint Roch Cemetery #1 and St. Louis Cemetery #3. See the oldest streetcar in the world on St. Charles Avenue as you move on to Tulane and Loyola universities. Enter the Garden District to look at some of the celebrity homes. Continue along Magazine Street to arrive at the Warehouse District and Arts District before getting dropped off at your hotel.

New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost and Murder Tour

New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost and Murder Tour

Learn about the ghostly history of New Orleans on this tour of the French Quarter. Visit famous landmarks, hear fascinating stories, and immerse yourself in the haunted world of this atmospheric district. Make your way to the French Quarter to meet your historian guide. Visit places like the infamous Lalaurie Mansion (as seen on 'American Horror Story Coven'), May Bailey's Brothel (as seen on Travel Channels 'Ghost Adventures'), and many other sites. Embark on the only ghost tour in New Orleans with access inside a haunted building. Enjoy a tour that is kid and alcohol friendly. Take a leisurely stroll through the haunted history of New Orleans´ French Quarter with frequent stops and restroom breaks.

New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise W/ Optional Pick-Up

New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise W/ Optional Pick-Up

Discover the Manchac Swamp by pontoon boat on a family-friendly adventure in the great outdoors. Embark on an unforgettable tour led by an experienced captain and marvel at Louisiana's diverse wildlife as you explore the bayous of Cajun Country. Journey by boat, Cajun-style, for a tour through the heart of Southern Louisiana's swamplands. Navigate the meandering bayous and gaze at the moss-draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life, and the critters who make their homes here. Listen to informative commentary from your captain as you wind your way into the bayou. Swamp critters are used to seeing the tour boats, so you'll likely catch a glimpse of various birds, snakes, deer, fish, and possibly even an alligator. As your boat drifts through the waterways, learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp—particularly the life and habits of the American Alligator—as well as the unique history of the local Cajun town of Frenier.

French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour

French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour

Take a walking and storytelling tour through New Orleans' famous French Quarter. See famous landmarks and learn about local history as you make your way from the jazz fountain to Jackson Square, hearing fascinating stories along the way. The night before the tour, your guide will send an email with their photo, contact information, and directions to the meeting spot. The tour begins at the jazz fountain at the intersection of Decatur and Dumaine Streets in the historic French Market district. These are small-group tours, making for a more comfortable, customized experience.  After a brief overview of New Orleans history, your guide will lead you around the oldest neighborhood in the city, and point out the locations that have made New Orleans famous: St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and the Mississippi River - and lesser-known treasures such as the French Market, an almost 300 year old convent, and courtyards hidden behind the 18th and 19th century buildings. Your guide will also be an enthusiastic storyteller, and the stories about this neighborhood are like no other. Established as a French colonial outpost in 1718, its earliest inhabitants were the quirky, gritty, fascinating types who are still attracted to it today. Every block has a story which will be shared with you. The tour concludes in or next to Jackson Square, but it is by no means over. Your guide is full of recommendations for enjoying the neighborhood and the city further. When you finish the French Quarter tour, you will be energized to go out and explore this jewel of a neighborhood even further, and the knowledge you gained walking with your guide will only deepen your understanding of New Orleans, and  stay with you long after you have left its quaint streets and alleys.

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New Orleans for couples: the most romantic things to do
New Orleans for couples: the most romantic things to do

New Orleans is a city full of magic and mystery, but what is often overlooked is how romantic it can be. While opinions on the perfect date differ, there are plenty of couples' activities to be found in The Big Easy.

If you and your date are culture buffs, an urban city tour ticket will let you experience local history. Prefer a historical focus? Then the National WWII Museum will give you a catwalk view of locally-built landing craft.

If you'd rather experience history up close, there are multiple landmarks and monuments to be found if you simply take a wander. From helicopter rides to jazz cruises, witch tours to culinary experiences, there's sure to be something that makes your heart beat faster.

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10 Fun family-friendly activities in New Orleans
10 Fun family-friendly activities in New Orleans

New Orleans may be renowned for its nightlife, Mardi Gras celebrations, and food culture, but it is also a great place to make lasting memories with your children. Whether you are looking for a boat ride to appeal to your kids' adventurous side or prefer to check out New Orleans' museums, you will find something for all.

When it comes to family-friendly activities, New Orleans offers experiences that satisfy all age groups. Come face-to-face with an alligator, enjoy a spooky ghost tour, or learn about the history of the city in an engaging way. New Orleans has plenty of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.

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What to eat in New Orleans: 10 must-try local delights
What to eat in New Orleans: 10 must-try local delights

No city in the world is quite like New Orleans, and experiencing its unique culture is like taking a culinary journey through the heart of Louisiana. From Creole classics like gumbo and jambalaya to fresh seafood and beignets dusted with powdered sugar, the possibilities for culinary exploration are endless. Many of the city's most famous foods are influenced by its history as a French colony, utilizing a wide range of spices and flavors from around the world.

For those lucky enough to call New Orleans home, eating together with family and friends is an essential part of socializing and celebrating life. Whether it's an elaborate feast or simple street food, you're sure to find delicious and unforgettable foods to try in this vibrant culinary capital. So pull up a chair, grab some hot sauce, and laissez les bon temps rouler—let the good times roll!

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Explore off the beaten path with New Orleans's best hidden gems
Explore off the beaten path with New Orleans's best hidden gems

Want to spice up your New Orleans experience? If you've done the French Quarter of New Orleans and indulged in some of the delicious local dishes, what other attractions await you in the Big Easy? We have found the best hidden gems in New Orleans so you can discover lesser-known places that are far from the usual tourist crowds.

New Orleans is home to some amazing points of interest like the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetary. There's another side of the city that many visitors miss out on. Themed walking tours, fascinating historic sites, and unique nightlife experiences are there to be discovered, and below are some great suggestions for things to do in New Orleans.

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Frequently asked questions about New Orleans Cruises & boat tours

What are other things to do than Cruises & boat tours that are worth visiting in New Orleans?

The other unmissable things to do in New Orleans are:


Boat tours in New Orleans: Everything you need to know

You could probably come up with some popular songs and works of American literature in which the Mississippi river was the setting (and sometimes the character). While in New Orleans, don’t miss your chance to cruise down the second largest river in the United States. See the city from a typical paddlewheeler and discover what inspired Mark Twain or Johnny Cash on a New Orleans river cruise.

Sightseeing boat tours in New Orleans

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, embark on the ultimate sightseeing experience in New Orleans. Board a genuine steamboat and cruise down the Mississippi River. See the French Quarter from the river on this two-hour cruise to the sounds of Jazz. This activity includes live narration, so you’ll learn all there is to know about the Big Easy.

For a well-rounded NOLA experience, add the Creole lunch option to your river cruise. Feast on local delicacies like the chicken and sausage gumbo, green beans almondine, and white chocolate bread pudding.

New Orleans dinner and cocktail cruises

If you don’t feel like checking out the party scene on Bourbon Street, take the New Orleans’ night in on a dinner cruise. Aboard the Creole Queen, a typical Mississippi paddlewheeler boat, enjoy Creole cuisine while listening to the resident Jazz band.

Head to the promenade deck for a cocktail and raise a glass to historic Jackson Square. Or, if you feel like it, there’s still time to dance after dinner on this two-hour cruise.

Choose a dinner cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez if you prefer the option to eat outdoors. You’ll also listen to the sounds of Dixieland-style Jazz as the city's skyline unfolds before your eyes.

New Orleans bayou boat tours

Home of alligators and other swamp species, the bayous in the Mississippi River Delta are must-sees if you’re interested in visiting beyond New Orleans. You can choose from many swamp boats tours. All of them allow travelers to get close (but not too close!) to local bayou residents.

If you’re visiting on a tight schedule, choose a guided tour that takes you to the bayou at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Reserve. This is the closest swamp to downtown, so you’ll get there in about 25 minutes. For convenience, the tour includes pick up and drop off at your hotel.

After spotting the bayou wildlife with an experienced local guide, travelers can enjoy a Cajun lunch at a local restaurant.

If you’re staying for a few days and want to combine two-day trips into one, choose a swamp tour that includes visits to former plantations. You can choose, for example, The Oak Alley and swamp tour boat combo, a one-day tour with pick up and drop off included. You get to visit the plantation in the morning and take the swamp tour in the afternoon.

New Orleans airboat tours

Want to travel to places in the bayou that other boats can’t reach, and you don’t mind a little speed? Consider an airboat tour. These fast boats with a giant fan in the back can reach smaller canals that bigger riverboats can't. Some boats take small groups of up to six people, while others can accommodate close to 30 passengers. Choose tours on smaller airboats if you'd like a more personal experience. Follow the tips of your local guide to spot Flour and Sugar, the bayou's albino alligators. In addition to the bayou’s most famous residents, peel your eyes for turtles, frogs, raccoons, cranes, and wild pigs.

Good tips and things to know for New Orleans boat tours

  • Check if the boat company allows passengers to bring food and drinks from outside. Do so especially if you’re not planning to eat aboard one of the cruises with optional lunch or dinner.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, appropriate for traveling on a boat. Prepare for splashes on open boats. If you’re opting for an airboat tour, choose one that provides hearing protection.
  • If you’re traveling with small children, look for a boat with onboard bathroom facilities for convenience.
  • For travelers choosing a swamp tour, follow the local guide’s recommendations when it comes to feeding or approaching the resident wildlife.

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Read our complete guide to New Orleans, or discover the city's best experiences.

What people are saying about New Orleans

Overall rating

4.5
(857 reviews)

It was great! I would definitely recommend to prepare for the cold weather, most of the people I ran into complained about how cold it was. Besides the cold, which can easily be fixed by a jacket, it was great! The bridge was lit up for Mardi Gras so it was a beautiful experience.

Guests need to know that airboat guide and plantation guides all want cash tips, along with the tour guide. That is 4 different people to tip! We did not bring much cash and were caught off guard.

All good, excellent and experienced guide. No need to exchange vouchers for tickets. QR code provided before the activity is all what’s needed.

Perfect ! He stopped the boat and explained a lot about the story and the animals. We see a lot of alligator, big birds, snake and a turtle !

Great trip up and down the mississippi. informative, clean and fulfilling a dream