The 3 Best Places to Rent a Pedal Boat in New Orleans

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New Orleans, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, has even more to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. One fun and unique way to explore the city is by renting a pedal boat. In my experience, pedal boats provide a fantastic opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings, engage in some enjoyable exercise, and get a fresh perspective on the Crescent City’s waterways.

There are several locations I’ve found in New Orleans where you can rent pedal boats for an unforgettable experience.

City Park offers boat rentals to explore the park’s lakes, while the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and Steamboat Natchez are more traditional paddle boats that cruise the Mississippi River. Another exciting option is the New Orleans Pedal Barge, which can accommodate groups on a swamp tour party boat booze cruise.

In my opinion, whether you are a local or a visitor, renting a pedal boat in New Orleans is an excellent way to create lasting memories. As you embark on your adventure, you’ll see firsthand the natural beauty and fascinating landmarks the city has to offer.

Best Pedal Boat Rental Locations

Bayou Bienvenue

I found that Bayou Bienvenue is a great spot to rent a pedal boat in New Orleans. It’s an excellent location for exploring unique swamps and wildlife habitats while enjoying a relaxing day on the water. The serene bayou environment makes for a unique pedal boat adventure! Ensure to follow all safety guidelines and be mindful of any restrictions in the area.

Wheel Fun Rentals

My favorite pedal boat rental location in New Orleans is definitely Wheel Fun Rentals. They offer not only pedal boats but also swan boats, kayaks, cruiser bikes, and other options for an enjoyable outing. With over 25 years of experience, Wheel Fun Rentals has a variety of high-quality, purpose-built leisure vehicles that are comfortable and easy to operate. Be sure to experience their legendary four-wheel Surrey pedal boats!

Paris Rd

Lastly, Paris Rd is another fantastic spot for pedal boat rentals in New Orleans. As a centrally-located and easily accessible area, it’s suitable for both locals and tourists. They offer a range of boats to cater to your preference and adventure level. Don’t forget to arrange your visit in advance and check the rental rates and availability to make the most out of your pedal boat experience!

Enjoying New Orleans’ beauty by renting a pedal boat in these locations will make for an unforgettable experience. Ensure to plan your journey and choose the appropriate boat to match your needs.

Types of Pedal Boat Tours

Public Tours

In New Orleans, public pedal boat tours are a great way for visitors and locals alike to experience the city’s waterways. These tours typically seat around 22 passengers and can be booked by individuals or groups. With the New Orleans Pedal Barge, I found that 12 pedal stations are available, but there’s no guarantee of pedal seats on public tours. One of the perks of joining a public tour is the opportunity to meet other participants, as you bring your own beverages and food and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Private Tours

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, I recommend considering a private pedal boat tour. The Cajun Queen offers a private charter option for groups up to 26 passengers. This option allows for more flexibility in the scheduling, as well as guaranteeing pedal seats for all attendees. Private tours are perfect for special occasions, such as bachelor/bachelorette parties or family gatherings. With a private tour, the boat becomes a personal space to enjoy the company of friends or family, and even customize the cruise experience with onboard music, drinks, and menu.

In summary, whether looking to join a public tour and meet new people or opting for a private tour for a more tailored experience, New Orleans pedal boat tours offer a unique way to explore the city’s waterways. With options to accommodate various group sizes and needs, riders are sure to have an unforgettable time creating lasting memories.

Special Occasions

Birthday Parties

When it comes to celebrating my birthday with friends in New Orleans, I know that renting a pedal boat is a fun and unique way to have a memorable time. It’s a great bonding activity for groups of friends, and the party atmosphere on the boat will only enhance the birthday celebration. I can bring my own beverages, making it a more customized celebration to suit my preferences. The New Orleans Pedal Barge offers private rentals for birthday parties, ensuring that I have the boat all to myself and my friends.

Bachelorette Parties

My bachelorette party should be a time to celebrate my upcoming wedding with my closest friends. Renting a pedal boat in New Orleans lets me do just that, providing a unique and fun-filled experience. The New Orleans Pedal Barge offers private rentals specifically for bachelorette parties, ensuring that my group has the boat to ourselves for our special celebration. We can bring our own beverages, add decorations, and play our own music to make the experience truly memorable.

Booze Cruises

There’s nothing quite like a booze cruise on the beautiful bayous of Louisiana with some of the best company. The New Orleans Booze Cruise offers the city’s first and only pedal bar party boat, making it a unique attraction. I can bring my favorite local beer or beverage and embark on a 90-minute cruise with my friends. The boat can accommodate up to 18 passengers, providing enough space for a lively group. This is the perfect way to experience the city in a fun and engaging manner while taking in the sights and sounds with my closest friends.

Kayak and Bike Alternatives

Kayak Swamp Tours

I discovered that New Orleans offers exciting kayak swamp tours where you can explore the unique environment of the Louisiana bayous. A popular option is Bayou Paddlesports, where they rent kayaks for those looking for a different type of adventure. You can paddle through moss-covered cypress trees and catch glimpses of diverse wildlife, like alligators, turtles, and various bird species.

I also came across Canoe and Trail Adventures, which offers guided tours that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the swamps. Their expert guides can share their knowledge of the local ecosystem and history making the tour not only adventurous but educational as well.

Bike Tours

If you prefer exploring the city on two wheels, New Orleans has plenty of bike tours available. One such option is Wheel Fun Rentals, which offers bike rentals and biking experiences for visitors. They have a wide selection of bikes to choose from, including cruiser bikes, kids bicycles, and even four-wheel Surrey bikes.

As part of their bike tours, you can cycle around Big Lake, trek through the City Park track that was designed for the 1992 Olympic trials, or marvel at the world’s largest stand of mature live oaks. This way, you can experience the diverse landscape and rich history of New Orleans while staying active and having fun.

No matter your preference, whether it’s kayaking through the swamps or biking around the city, New Orleans has a variety of outdoor experiences that are sure to make your visit memorable.

Booking and Pricing

When looking to rent a pedal boat in New Orleans, I recommend considering Wheel Fun Rentals and New Orleans Pedal Barge. They offer a variety of options and fair pricing to accommodate my needs.

Refunds and Cancellations

As much as I want to have a smooth boating experience, it’s essential to understand the refund and cancellation policies. Typically, these rental companies have clear guidelines on their websites.

Wheel Fun Rentals: For cancellations, give them a call 24 hours before the reservation time. If the weather is unfavorable, they might offer to reschedule or provide a full refund.

New Orleans Pedal Barge: Similarly, if you need to cancel or modify your reservation, contact them at least 48 hours in advance. They may charge a cancellation fee if this window is missed. In the event of bad weather, they will attempt to reschedule, but if that’s not possible, a refund will be given.

In conclusion, renting a pedal boat in New Orleans is a convenient and enjoyable experience. Both companies offer fair prices and excellent customer service, ensuring that you’ll have a great time on the water. Stay safe out there!