Top Texas Airboat Swamp Tours
Southeast Texas is home to lively swamps and marshes harboring an abundance of fascinating wildlife — from graceful herons and oversized lotus flowers to fish that resemble prehistoric monsters and, of course, a gratuitous number of gators. To safely explore these ecosystems without disturbing their delicate landscapes (or sharp-toothed residents), you’ll need a specialized vessel.
Unlike other boats, an airboat features a flat bottom, enabling it to glide smoothly through shallow waters without getting stuck. An airboat’s propeller is above the water inside a safety cage, using — you guessed it — air to push itself forward. Most tour airboats top out around a leisurely 35 mph, and on still waters, you’ll feel like you’re gliding smooth as a duck.
Looking for a unique adventure on the water this summer with friends and family? Book an airboat tour to see the beauty of Texas’ bayous up close.
Where to Airboat Across Texas
Orange
In Texas’ easternmost city, Orange, there are two popular airboat tour companies offering nature tours of Blue Elbow Swamp.
Dragon Lady Airboats offers private swamp tours where you can spot alligators, turtles, nutria, hogs, deer, raccoons, and the American lotus aquatic plant, which features epic large pads and flowers floating on the water. Book a sunset tour to see alligators and frogs come out to play at dusk.
Meanwhile, Swamp River Tours begins tours at the moss-draped Blue Elbow Swamp with a lesson from captain and biologist Eli. He’ll help you spot soaring eagles, blue herons, egrets, and other magnificent flora and fauna. You’ll also have a chance to travel through a swamp tunnel. Spooky!
Galveston
Further down the Gulf Coast in Galveston, captain Hal Newsom offers rides on his 450-horsepower airboat, Gator Getter. On board, he’ll school you on all aspects of the area’s marine life, including stingrays, sharks, and alligator gars (a toothsome fish native to Texas resembling a miniature dinosaur.) If you have a license to fish, he can also take you on a bowfishing or floundering expedition. Tours are by appointment only.
Seadrift
Down in Seadrift, near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, novice and experienced fishers alike have the opportunity to drop a line along the coast via airboat with Seadrift Bay Fishing. The prize catch: redfish, named for their pale-to-burnt orange color. Fair warning: Redfishing takes oomph. Even in shallow waters, these hefty fish put up quite a fight!
Safety Tips
First and foremost, research your airboat tour company. Ask your tour guide if they are certified in CPR and first aid, as well as Coast Guard licensed and certified. On the ride, follow the cardinal rules of boat safety: Wear a life jacket, keep your hands and feet inside the watercraft, and stay seated while the vehicle is in motion. Stay away from the fan at the back of the boat. And remember it can be hot on the bayou, so stay hydrated and slathered with SPF.
What to Bring
Pack these essentials to stay comfortable on board:
- Bug spray
- Light rain jacket
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Handheld fan
- Sunglasses
- Fishing license and supplies (if not provided by the tour guide)
- Drinks and snacks in an ice chest (if not provided by the tour guide)
Liven up your road trip with a stop at one of these bizarre roadside attractions along the way.
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