A swamp tour is an enjoyable, quiet and educational way to experience the nature and the wildlife of the swamp or bayou. Alligators, turtles, birds, and other wildlife are woven into an ecological, important narrative about the swamp. While all swamp tours view the wildlife, only eco-tours create tours that don’t feed the wildlife.
Alligators are very common in Louisiana and can be seen around Bayou St. John from time to time.
As long as the temperature is above 70 degrees during the winter, there is a good chance you will see an alligator sunning itself.
Sunscreen – Don’t forget the bottom of your nose and your ears and front of your legs.
Bug repellent – only during dusk.
Cash – to tip your guide
Camera – fully charged.
Light layered synthetic clothing and/or a swimsuit. Warmer fleece or wind breaker during winter.
Questions – soak up the swamp.
No, only a little during dusk.
Most swamp tours are on the water for about 1.5-2 hours. We try to be on the water for 2-2.5 hours.
We do our best, but traffic can be busy from time to time.
If the weather is potentially a danger to our customers, we will be in touch ahead of time to reschedule. If you cannot reschedule, you will get a full refund.
No, a bayou is a slow river, a swamp is a flooded forest.
We do not feed the wildlife!
Kayaks can get back in more areas than motorized boats.
Kayaks are quieter than motorized boats
We have passionate eco-guides lead the tours.
We do our pickup one hour before the tour starts at 437 Esplanade Ave. on the edge of the French Quarter. If you are meeting us out at the Honey Island Swamp or the Manchac swamp, directions are emailed to you after booking.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the tour. Our van should be pulling up shortly.
They can be quite expensive; we don’t recommend it.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; there is no bad time to view the swamps.
On the corner outside 437 Esplanade Avenue
Private pickups are reserved for private tours and groups of 10+ only.
The best swamp tour in our eyes is the Manchac Wildlife tour. It provides the most opportunities for viewing wildlife and has some of the best swampy landscape scenes in the country.
We don’t recommend it.
ONLINE through our book now button.
Ages 6+
450 lbs maximum kayak weight.
Our swamp tours are beginner-friendly; my grandma has kayaked them and so did her grandkids. If you have any physical complications, please check with your doctor.
Yes. Please, if you pack it in, pack it out! Water on the boats IS A MUST.
Yes, they appreciate it.
We highly recommend making reservations.
We offer a full0day kayak and plantation combo tour that includes all equipment, tickets, and transportation. The only other way to experience both is with a personal vehicle or car rental.
Yes, we will be open. We don’t offer private hotel pickup and drop-off during those times though.