Airboat Tours by ArthurDes Allemands · since 1994 (504) 810-4756 Book a ride Call
Seen from above: a captain in an orange shirt shows two young riders something over the bow of an airboat parked on green marsh.

Open marsh, from aboveA captain shows the bow to two young riders

The captains · Since 1994

One family.
One bayou.

Arthur Matherne Jr. started Louisiana's first airboat tour company. Capt. Chad Matherne runs it now, with captains who grew up on the same water.

Ride with them · (504) 810-4756

01 · The crew

Who's driving.

  1. CAPT. 01

    Arthur Matherne Jr.

    Founder · Mostly semi-retired

    Arthur worked in a chemical plant and fished commercially before he decided Louisiana needed its first airboat tour company. He started it in 1994, and the company is still family owned and operated.

    Capt. Arthur Matherne Jr. in an orange shirt and camo cap, kneeling behind a very large alligator on the marsh edge.
    At the marsh edge, behind a big one
  2. CAPT. 02

    Chad Matherne

    Runs the family business

    Chad has been driving airboats since he was eight. After twelve years in the oilfield he took over the family business. He's the "Chad" in Yelp's featured review.

    Capt. Chad Matherne in a grey shirt and sunglasses on the deck of an airboat as a big alligator rises at the side, a rider filming behind him.
    On deck as an alligator rises alongside
  3. CAPT. 03

    Jeremy Dufrene

    US Coast Guard captain

    A lifelong resident of the bayou, like every captain on the crew.

    Capt. Jeremy Dufrene in a cap and goggles, kneeling on an airboat deck while an alligator rears up out of the water beside him.
    Kneeling on deck as a gator rears up
  4. CAPT. 04

    Brad "Woody" Prine

    US Coast Guard captain

    From Tickfaw, and living in Luling since 2008.

02 · The day job

They fish this water for a living.

Your guides are US Coast Guard captains who commercially fish alligator, crab and shrimp. They know this water because they work it.

Ride with them · (504) 810-4756
From the deck of an airboat, an arm in a blue sleeve holds bait over a big alligator with its jaws open against the boat.
We had an amazing tour with Chad! He was so knowledgeable and fun.
Stevie F., quoted in Yelp's Best Tour in Every State 2025
An alligator's eyes and snout just breaking the surface of still, grey water.

03 · Book

Call the
captain.

Call to book(504) 810-4756

Toll free 1-800-975-9345

Booking
By phone, 8am–7pm, seven days a week. Tell them how many are riding and when, and they'll find you a boat.
Reservations
Not required, but highly recommended.
Ride hours
Open 7 days, except major holidays. Tours start as early as 8:30am; the last leaves about an hour before sundown.
The dock
4262 US-90, Des Allemands, LA 70030Find the dockGoogle MapsApple Maps