During a late June tour of southern Louisiana plantations, we took a break during the final morning for our first airboat (swamp boat) ride.  

As former Florida residents, we made numerous trips to the Everglades where these rides are common, but never really considered giving one a try. This time we did and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip.

Airboats are flat-bottomed boats powered by air currents generated by a large rear propeller connected to a noisy and powerful automobile or aircraft engine. The boats are fast, have a shallow draft and can go nearly anywhere including across ice, mud or even dry land. 

Steering is by means of rear rudders that direct strong air currents generated by the propeller. The boats have no brakes and cannot move in reverse, so the experience of the driver or captain is quite important.

Southern Louisiana is ideal for airboats and serves as home to multiple airboat tour operators. The guide for our plantation tours directed us to tour operator Arthur Matherne whose business is about 45 minutes southwest of downtown New Orleans.

Arriving at the houseboat that serves as the office, we met Cathy Matherne who asked us each to sign a waiver agreement. The waiver wisely required riders to use earplugs and wear glasses. Cathy said headphones were on the boat.

Then it was out on the dock to climb onto one of the firm’s seven airboats. There we meet our pilot, Jeremy Dufrene, who offered some pointers about the trip.  

One member of our seven-person group was from Iowa and indicated her primary goal was to see an alligator up close. She wouldn’t be disappointed.

Pulling away from the dock, the airboat crept down a canal at idle speed until reaching open water. Jeremy then cranked up the big Cadillac engine and sent us reaching for noise-isolating headphones that hung along railings.  

The combined noise of the engine and propeller can be deafening when the vessel is traveling at even normal speed. A friend told us he took an airboat tour without earplugs in the Everglades and couldn’t hear for two days.

The airboat sped through the bayou, twisting and turning at relatively high speed until reaching the peak of an A-shaped ramp where Jeremy halted the boat so we could enjoy the view. 

A member of our group spotted an alligator below on the left. With only her head visible, the gator appeared to be staring up at us, perhaps as a source of protein.

Starting the engine, our pilot shimmied the boat off the ramp and down into a privately owned area where we zigged and zagged through the bayou until he spotted a huge alligator.  

Jeremy was familiar with this particular gator he had named Big Al.

Big Al, at 13-and-a-half feet in length, swam in our direction until coming alongside the boat, where, with a twinkle in his eye, looked up at what he hoped might be his next meal.

After more than an hour, it was time to head back to the dock.  

During the return, Jeremy pointed out various trees, birds and plants. At one point, we slowed beside a small female alligator protecting her nest.  We also enjoyed some time in a grove of cypress trees and stopped for a short rest among a plethora of beautiful American Lotus.

After returning, we talked with owner Arthur Matherne who told us wildlife in the bayou is most easily seen from February through March when the grasses are flat.  

Alligators hibernate during winter and are best seen from mid-February through early December.  

During June, it is best to tour during the morning when flowers are open. Temperatures are also likely to be more comfortable than during July and August.

The bottom line is we had a great time enjoying a new experience. The tour was fun and educational.  

Dayna James, owner of the transportation company that delivered us to the airboat office, went along for the ride.  

After returning to the dock, she said she had several opportunities for airboat rides in the past but turned them down. Following her introductory ride with us, she said she can’t wait to go again. We agree.

David and Kay Scott are authors of “Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges” (Globe Pequot). Visit them at mypages.valdosta.edu/dlscott/Scott.html. View their past columns at www.facebook.com/DavidKayScott. The Scotts live in Valdosta, Georgia. 

If You Go

Getting there: Airboat Tours by Arthur Matherne is 32 miles southwest of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport via Interstate 310 and U.S. 90. Dayna James’ United Front Transportation Services can be reached at (877) 275-2989.

Airboat Tour Cost: $45 to $55 for 60-minute tours. $60 to $75 for 90-minute tours. Private tours are available.

Additional information: Call (800) 975-9345, or email cathy@airboattours.com.