Honey Island Swamp: Wildlife, the Swamp Monster Legend, and What to Expect
The Honey Island Swamp is one of the least-altered river swamps in the United States. That is not marketing. Most of it is protected, the water still moves the way it always did, and on a kayak you get into corners an airboat cannot reach. Here is what lives there, the legend that made it…
New Orleans in Mardi Gras Season: Things to Do Besides the Parades
Mardi Gras is more than the big parades, and a lot of people miss that. The season runs for weeks before Lent, and most of those days are not the elbow-to-elbow crush you see on the news. There is king cake, neighborhood music, house-float decorations, and long stretches where the city just feels alive without…
How Far Is the Manchac Swamp From the French Quarter?
The Manchac swamp sits roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car from the French Quarter, a short and easy drive northwest of New Orleans. It is close enough to do as a relaxed half-day trip and still be back in the city for lunch. With our tours you do not have to find the…
Are There Alligators in New Orleans? (And Where to See Them)
Yes, there are alligators in New Orleans. Thousands of them live in the wetlands that ring the city, and a healthy adult gator can stretch past ten feet. You just will not find them downtown. They are out in the swamps, a short drive from the French Quarter, which is exactly where we take people…
Best Time of Year to Kayak the Louisiana Swamp
The short answer: spring and fall are the most comfortable, summer is best for alligators if you can handle the heat, and a morning paddle beats an afternoon one almost every day of the year. Here is the longer version. The quick answer by season Spring (March to May): the sweet spot. Warm enough for…
Manchac vs Honey Island: Which New Orleans Swamp Kayak Tour Is Right for You?
We run kayak tours on both the Manchac Swamp and the Honey Island Swamp, and the question we get more than any other is simple: which one should I book? Here is the honest answer, not the sales answer. The short version Pick Manchac if you want the classic, eerie cypress swamp with a real…
The Haunted Manchac Swamp: Julia Brown’s Curse and the Drowned Towns
Most swamp tours sell you alligators. Manchac sells you a ghost story, and unlike most ghost stories, the bones of this one are true. Who was Julia Brown? Julia Brown was a real woman, a Black herbalist and self-described voodoo practitioner who lived in the swamp community of Frenier, on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain,…
Why Experiences Make the Best Gifts: Kayak Tours as the Perfect Example
In a world where material possessions often clutter our lives, the value of experiences as gifts cannot be overstated. The joy of receiving an experience-based gift transcends the fleeting happiness of material goods and creates lasting memories. One such exceptional experience is a kayak tour. In this blog post, we’ll explore why experiences make the…
What is There to Do in New Orleans in February?
Unveiling the Magic of February New Orleans, often referred to as the “Big Easy,” is a city that knows how to celebrate life and culture. February, despite being a winter month, is no exception. The city comes alive with a plethora of activities and events that cater to every taste and preference. Let’s dive into…
What to do in New Orleans this January?
January Jamboree: 5 Unmissable Activities in New Orleans As the new year unfolds, New Orleans shakes off the holiday slumber and dives headfirst into a whirlwind of festivities. January in the Crescent City is not just a month; it’s a celebration in itself. Here are five must-try activities that will infuse your January with the…
Embrace the Rhythms of New Orleans: A Year-Long Journey
Welcome to the beating heart of the South, where the vibrant city of New Orleans beckons with a promise of year-round adventure. Each month unveils a unique tapestry of culture, history, and festivities, inviting you to immerse yourself in the spirit of the Big Easy. From iconic festivals to hidden gems, let’s embark on a…
Embracing the Otherworldly: New Orleans Swamp Tour with Ghost Stories
New Orleans is renowned for its captivating swamps, and what better way to explore them than with a touch of the supernatural? In this blog post, we unveil some of the top swamp tours in New Orleans that not only showcase the natural beauty but also weave in spine-chilling ghost stories. NOLA Kayak Tours Maurepas…