50 Minute Gondola Tour

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, advance ticket purchase is required. Our tours sell out quickly, so please book as early as possible to guarantee getting a tour on the day/time that you prefer.

Can I bring my own wine or champagne?

Absolutely! We encourage you to bring aboard your own beverage to celebrate while on your very own private gondola tour. You must be of legal drinking age. Your gondolier will provide glasses, ice, ice bucket and a cork screw if necessary. If you are intoxicated upon arrival your gondolier will not allow you to board the vessel and your tickets will not be refunded.

Is the gondola authentic?

The gondola you will be riding in is 100% authentic. It was built in Venice, Italy in 2003. Most of the gondolas you will find around North America are artificial and made from plastic, but this one is not!

Are there any foods or beverages available for purchase at the meeting point?

Not at this time. Please bring any beverages or light snacks with you. A small basket of cheese, crackers and chocolates will be provided during the tour.

Is there parking close to the meeting location?

Usually. The park hosts various events and sometimes parking by the boat dock is limited and may require parking near the old casino building on Dreyfous Dr. and walking a short distance to the dock.

What happens if it's cold out?

In colder weather, warm blankets will be provided. Umbrellas are also kept on the gondola in the event of rain and to block the sun.

What happens if it rains?

Our gondoliers watch the weather closely and will not jeopardize your safety or the safety of the gondola. The gondolier will determine whether it’s feasible to operate and if it is not your gondolier will call you and give you as much notice as possible on a cancellation. He will then proceed to assist you with a reschedule for another date. Remember, all tickets are non-refundable! We also operate in cloudy and hot weather but in heavy wind and rain we reserve the right to cancel and reschedule.

What happens if I come late?

Sorry, but you must be on time. If you are late, your tour will be cut short because there is usually a tour scheduled following each one. Please arrive 10 minutes early so that your tour can start right on time!

Can children come on the gondola tour?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome. Children 4 years old and older will need a ticket just like an adult passenger. However, you do not need to purchase a ticket for a child 3 years old or younger - just bring them along! There is no charge for children 3 years old or younger as long as a parent can hold them in their lap and is willing to put a life jacket on the child.

Can seniors board the gondola easily?

Yes! Your gondolier will help you get onto the gondola safely. We take many seniors on our tours and they never have any problems. If someone in your group is handicapped or has limited mobility, please let us know upon purchasing your tickets. There is an alternate boarding location which can be used to facilitate boarding seniors and those with handicaps.

Is the gondola wheelchair accessible?

Our dock is ADA compliant. However the gondola itself unfortunately cannot accommodate a wheelchair. Your gondolier is more than happy to assist anyone from a wheelchair onto the gondola. We have assisted many handicapped people aboard so that they could enjoy the gondola experience. There is an alternate boarding location that is the best place to board in these situations. Therefore we request that during the booking process please let us know if someone in your group is handicapped or has limited mobility so that we are fully prepared to assist.

What about bathrooms?

There are portable outdoor bathrooms available within City Park. The closest ones are near the old casino building on Dreyfous Dr.

What is the best time of day to take the tour?

There is no such thing as a best time, but here are just a few guidelines! Families, seniors and groups tend to take early afternoon and daylight hour packages while couples generally take the sunset/nighttime packages for more romance and privacy.

What time is sunset?

Sunset times vary depending upon the time of year. For the most accurate sunset times in New Orleans, please check out the following website. http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=178

Is the gondola safe?

Yes! Our gondola is fully equipped with all of the safety standards required by the US Coast Guard.

Will I get seasick?

Probably not. Over the years that we have been providing gondola services, no one has ever been seasick. The gondola is pretty steady on the water, and you shouldn't have a problem. If you have a tendency towards motion sickness, please take preventative measures beforehand.

What if I have a professional photographer?

We can accommodate photographers on your gondola tour. Please "Contact NolaGondola" and we will work out the details with you.

How many people can come on a gondola tour?

An authentic Venetian gondola such as ours can carry up to 6 passengers. Remember, the tours are for 2 people and it is private, so you will have the gondola to yourselves. You can choose to bring up to 4 additional guests, but a $10 charge will be added for each passenger.

Do I have to wear a life jacket?

Only children 8 years and younger are required to wear a life jacket. If you want to wear one, no problem! Your gondolier will provide one for you. Our gondola is fully equipped with all the safety standards required by the US Coast Guard.

Can a gondola tip over?

Due to the way a gondola is asymmetrically constructed it is extremely difficult to tip. We have provided gondola experiences for nearly 10 years and have never seen a gondola tip over.

What should I wear on the gondola tour?

The most important thing is to dress appropriately for the weather. Most people come aboard dressed upscale casual, but you can wear whatever is comfortable for you. We recommend that women NOT wear high heels due to angled gangways - we wouldn't want you to break a heel!

Do gondolas have motors?

No, your gondolier is your own source of energy! Your gondolier is highly trained and skilled to row the gondola Venetian style (Voga).

How much should I tip the gondolier?

It is not mandatory to tip your gondolier, but if you enjoyed your tour, a tip is much appreciated! Your gondolier will provide you with passion and an experience that you will never forget. Most people leave a tip in the range of 20% of the gondola tour price.

Do celebrities ever ride the gondola?

Presidents, kings and queens and even Garth Brooks have come aboard gondolas to celebrate! Treat a special person to a gondola tour, you won't regret it.

What do you do for marriage proposals?

For more information on making your marriage proposal extra special please click on the "Contact NolaGondola" link.

What about weddings on the gondola?

Private weddings on a gondola are very intimate and unique. We will help you plan a customized ceremony! Please click on "Contact NolaGondola" and we will assist you with making your day an unforgettable experience.

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes! Gift certificates are available and they make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate please click on the "Gift Certificates: Purchase" link in the box above.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

All children 4 years and older must have a ticket.

All children 4 years and older must have a ticket just like an adult passenger. You do not need to purchase a ticket for a child 3 years old or younger as long as a parent can hold the infant and is willing to put a life jacket on the child. Note that all children ages 8 and below are required to wear a life jacket on board.

Nola Gondola