Enjoy a private gondola ride with Italian music through City Park's lagoons
50 minutes
2 to 6 people
Private ride, Italian music
Glide through the moss-covered lagoons of New Orleans City Park aboard the Venetian gondola Bella Mae. Enjoy a 50-minute private cruise with Italian music and light snacks.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early; late arrival shortens your tour. Dress for the day’s weather and avoid high heels on the boarding dock. Wine or champagne is allowed; keep it in a cooler or bag until on board.
Full refund with 48 hours’ notice. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
New Orleans City Park Boat Rental Dock on Friedrich's Avenue
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Robert brings authentic Italian gondola charm to New Orleans' City Park with Bella Mae, a genuine Venetian gondola that glides through Big Lake's scenic waters. Guests consistently praise his warmth, passion for what he does, and exceptional customer service—one reviewer noted he tracked weather conditions for days and even suggested alternatives when wind conditions made riding unsafe. The experience takes you past massive oak trees, under picturesque bridges, and alongside local wildlife like ducks and turtles, with many choosing the sunset ride to catch both the golden hour and City Park's Christmas lights. The romantic, peaceful atmosphere makes this a favorite for anniversaries and honeymoons, though it works just as well for anyone seeking something unique in New Orleans. Robert provides music, keeps drinks chilled, and shares local recommendations, making the journey relaxing and memorable. One negative review mentioned a different guide with political commentary, but this appears to be an isolated incident in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive track record. Easy booking and reasonable pricing round out what many consider a must-do NOLA experience.
This is one of the greatest things you can experience in NOLA. Robert quite literally brought Italy to city park! The Gondola, Bella Mae, is an authentic Gondola from Italy. Robert’s story is amazing and I can’t thank him enough for creating the opportunity for people to experience this in the city.
Miguel Benavides
September 17, 2025
This is one of the greatest things you can experience in NOLA. Robert quite literally brought Italy to city park! The Gondola, Bella Mae, is an authentic Gondola from Italy. Robert’s story is amazing and I can’t thank him enough for creating the opportunity for people to experience this in the city.
Miguel Benavides
September 17, 2025