There are tons of enjoyable issues to do in New Orleans, however there are additionally loads of nice choices for day journeys exterior of town. When you’re there, make sure to take a look at a swamp tour in New Orleans.
For the reason that metropolis is situated within the Mississippi Delta, it doesn’t take too lengthy to get to a swamp from NOLA. Actually, many individuals add a swamp tour to their itinerary even when they’ve simply 3 days in New Orleans.
In simply half-hour, you’ll find your self out within the Bayou surrounded by gators. Who is aware of — perhaps you’ll even spot the elusive Honey Island Swamp Monster!
There are a number of completely different choices to select from for visiting a New Orleans swamp. On this information, we’ll take a more in-depth have a look at these swamp excursions and I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the perfect corporations to go together with. I completely beloved my journey to New Orleans and I’m positive you’ll too!
Fast-Look: Finest New Orleans Swamp Excursions
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What to Count on on a New Orleans Swamp Tour
To start with, let’s discuss the place a swamp tour in New Orleans sometimes goes, what you may anticipate to see, and reply some generally requested questions.
How Far are the Swamps from New Orleans?
The New Orleans swamps are reached in simply 30 – 45 minutes from the French Quarter.
Some excursions head north of town to the Honey Island Swamp, some go south to the Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park and Protect, and others head west to Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Administration Space.
What Sorts of Swamp Excursions are There?
The preferred swamp excursions in New Orleans are by boat.
There are giant pontoon swamp boats, that are most likely the most well-liked alternative. If you happen to favor a bit extra pleasure, you may go on an airboat as an alternative.
Or maybe you’d somewhat benefit from the swamp at a leisurely tempo and paddle your self round in a canoe or kayak (hold your arms contained in the boat!).
Whichever kind of tour you select, you’ll get to discover the swamp and be taught all in regards to the surroundings out of your educated information. (I’ve listed extra details about the several types of Bayou swamp excursions beneath.)
What Animals Will You See on a Swamp Tour?
A serious spotlight of a swamp tour in New Orleans is getting up shut and private with the creatures of the swamp, akin to wild boars, egrets, herons, turtles, and alligators.
Throughout the fall and winter months, many cold-blooded animals hibernate. If you happen to’re actually hoping to see alligators in your swamp tour in New Orleans, you need to attempt to go to town in spring or summer season.
Some tour operators say they will nonetheless discover alligators in winter, however there’s no assure.
How Lengthy is a Swamp Tour in New Orleans?
Swamp excursions sometimes happen through the day and final round 2 hours. There are further excursions at night time on weekends in the summertime months as effectively.
When reserving a swamp tour in New Orleans, you normally have the choice of getting your self there or including a pick-up service from your lodging for an extra charge.
What’s The Finest Time to Do a Swamp Tour?
You possibly can go to the swamp year-round. Nonetheless, the perfect time to do a swamp tour is within the fall when the climate is cooler, the foliage is gorgeous, there are fewer mosquitos, and plenty of animals are round!
Throughout the summer season months, the climate is sizzling, humid, and sticky — plus, there are lots of mosquitos. BUT, the entire wildlife might be out and also you’ll simply spot gators, birds, turtles, and snakes.
In springtime, the climate might be nice with a lot of flowers in bloom. A lot of the wildlife might be out and there might be fewer mosquitos than in summer season.
You possibly can truly be part of a swamp tour in New Orleans within the winter months as effectively. Throughout this time, there might be loads much less foliage and since alligators like the hotter climate, they are going to be tougher to identify.
Nonetheless, you’ll be capable of see deer, nutria, otters, minks, and birds. Be certain that to decorate warmly this time of yr if becoming a member of an airboat swamp tour.
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What to Put on and Convey On a Swamp Tour
If you happen to’re questioning what to put on on a swamp tour in New Orleans, all of it is determined by the climate forecast and which kind of tour you’re occurring.
It’s best to at all times convey a poncho or raincoat, as there’s likelihood you’ll get a little bit moist on the market.
On a sizzling and sunny day, you’ll undoubtedly need to put on snug garments like a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals. Be certain that to drink loads of water.
Don’t overlook to pack some sunscreen, sun shades, and a hat as effectively. It’s not a nasty concept to pack a light-weight jacket, both, particularly should you’re occurring an airboat tour.
Within the winter months, you need to put on pants and convey a thicker jacket. Generally, it’s a good suggestion to put on gentle clothes and simply placed on just a few layers if it’s a bit colder.
Whichever kind of tour you go on, convey alongside some bug spray. There are undoubtedly bugs within the New Orleans swamp and also you don’t need them ruining your tour!
You’ll most likely need to doc this superior expertise, however be certain that your machine is protected. Meaning taking some type of waterproof bag to your cellphone or simply bringing a water-proof digicam with you.
One factor you need to undoubtedly depart behind is any costly jewellery. If you happen to drop it within the swamp there’s likelihood that you simply’re not going to seek out it.
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Learn how to See the Swamp (Sorts of Excursions)
Now that you already know a bit about what to anticipate, let’s check out the completely different sorts of swamp excursions in New Orleans you can select from:
1. By Swamp Boat
Taking a swamp boat tour is a traditional Louisiana expertise. That is a straightforward and inexpensive choice for a swamp tour in New Orleans. It’s attainable to rearrange a ship tour that features lodge pick-up for round $40 (click on right here for particulars).
Most swamp boats maintain between 20-30 folks. Lots of the businesses even have smaller boats that they use for personal swamp excursions, however these are clearly a bit dearer.
They transfer by the swamp at a leisurely tempo, which is nice for wildlife recognizing. Alongside the way in which, you’ll be taught all in regards to the surroundings and its inhabitants out of your information.
2. By Airboat
If you happen to’re searching for a extra exhilarating journey, you may go for an airboat swamp tour in New Orleans. These boats are propelled by an enormous fan on the again and so they can get cruising over 35 mph (53km)!
Along with increased speeds, the airboats may entry areas of the swamp the place the standard boats can’t. Due to their smaller measurement, they will enterprise deeper into the swamp.
Airboats normally seat between 10-15 folks. Taking an airboat tour with lodge pick-up sometimes runs about $75. You even have the choice of paying a bit extra to go on a smaller boat. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Whereas these excursions are undoubtedly a variety of enjoyable, they’re not really helpful for everybody. Pregnant girls and really younger youngsters shouldn’t go on airboat excursions. It’s additionally not a good suggestion you probably have any again or neck points.
3. By Canoe/Kayak
An incredible choice for taking a swamp tour in New Orleans whereas getting some train is by paddling a canoe or kayak. This lets you get deeper into the swamps and bayous than any of the boat excursions.
Canoe and kayak excursions sometimes have between 2-10 folks. These enjoyable excursions of the New Orleans swamp normally run 2-3 hours and are each enjoyable and academic. You’ll must be comparatively match and be able to stand up shut with the animals!
Happening a canoe or kayak tour prices a bit greater than going by swamp boat, however lower than the airboat. The expertise could be very peaceable and is a good way to have a extra private expertise. Typical costs are round $75 per individual. Discover out extra right here.
4. Going Climbing
When you’ve got your individual wheels, you may at all times discover the swampland round New Orleans on foot. Simply head to the Barataria Protect that’s situated within the Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park and Protect.
There’s a Customer Middle on the protect the place you may take a look at an exhibit in regards to the swamp and decide up a map to go on a self-guided tour. You possibly can learn all in regards to the completely different path choices on their web site.
In addition they have free strolling excursions given by a ranger at 10 AM from Wednesday to Sunday. That is the proper choice for these wanting to slot in a swamp tour in New Orleans on a price range.
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5. Ziplining
A extra distinctive and exhilarating strategy to discover the swamp is to be part of a ziplining tour. You’ll be suspended above the swamp whereas admiring the animals and the panoramic views.
You’ll get to zip alongside 5 completely different traces and cross 2 suspension bridges. Plus, you’ll be studying in regards to the swamp out of your information, with an opportunity to identify turtles, alligators, boar, snakes, deer, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and birds akin to egrets and herons.
That is an adventurous strategy to see the New Orleans swamp! Click on right here for extra particulars.
7 Finest Swamp Excursions in New Orleans
Right here’s a have a look at among the finest swamp tour corporations accessible in New Orleans, together with related info akin to tour instances and costs.
1. Excessive-Velocity Airboat Journey
- Firm: Louisiana Tour Firm
- Score: 4.8/5
- Value: Airboat Tour $65
- Tour instances: 9:40, 12:10, 2:10, & 4:15 (Seasonal)
- Learn how to ebook: On-line
- Assembly Level: 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA. Get instructions.
Lousiana Tour Firm is a top-recommended firm in NOLA. If you happen to’re seeking to go on a terrific swamp tour in New Orleans, they’ve obtained you coated with each swamp and airboat excursions. Louisiana Tour Firm additionally affords a small group airboat tour which is nice.
Their excursions function out of Marrero, which is only a 35-minute drive from the French Quarter.
Simply throughout from their dock is a 200-year-old cemetery that’s situated round an historical Native American burial mound. You’ll undoubtedly hear some fascinating tales in regards to the space should you join a New Orleans swamp tour with them.
Discover out extra in regards to the enjoyable airboat excursions on supply, and ebook your spot, right here.
2. Airboat and Oak Alley Plantation
- Firm: Louisiana Tour Firm
- Score: 4.7/5
- Value: Airboat Tour and Oak Alley Plantation $150. Resort pickup/drop off is included
- Tour instances: 8:15am
- Learn how to ebook: On-line
- Assembly Level: 9706 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA. Get instructions.
Spend a full time out of town on this combo tour which incorporates each a high-speed airboat tour within the Barataria Basin, plus a go to to the Oak Alley Plantation.
Take pleasure in a tour of the plantation residence by native guides, whereas studying in regards to the instances of slavery. Wander across the residence and discover the large grounds – residence to twenty-eight large oak bushes (therefore the identify of the plantation). There’s additionally a blacksmith store and a restaurant onsite as effectively.
Within the swamplands, you’ll velocity by the marshes on the airboat, however you’ll decelerate to you may correctly spot wildlife and benefit from the pure fantastic thing about the world.
This mixture tour is a superb day journey from New Orleans. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your airboat and Oak Alley ticket.
3. Manchac Swamp Pontoon Boat Tour
- Firm: Cajan Pleasure Swamp Excursions
- Score: 4.7/5
- Value: Swamp boat $27 for adults with pick-up service
- Tour instances: 9:30, 12:00, 2:15 year-round; 4:15 from March 1 to October 1
- Learn how to ebook: On-line
- Assembly Place: 110 Frenier Rd, Laplace, LA 70068, USA. Get instructions.
If you happen to’d somewhat cruise down the swamp at a extra leisurely tempo (somewhat than zipping by on an airboat), take a look at this tour which is aboard a pontoon boat (swamp boat).
If you wish to be taught the distinction between crocodiles, alligators, and caymans, make certain to enroll in a swamp tour in New Orleans with Cajun Pleasure! Their guides are knowledgable and humorous, which solely provides to the expertise.
One factor that units these guys other than different New Orleans swamp excursions is that they really have their very own non-public swamp (Manchac Swamp). The wildlife is protected right here so the animals aren’t shy.
You actually can’t go flawed with this tour because it’s nice worth for cash! To be taught extra in regards to the $27 tour with Cajan Pleasure (and to ebook tickets), click on right here.
4. Kayak Excursions of the Swamp
- Corporations: NOLA Kayak Swamp Excursions and Wild Louisiana Excursions
- Value: Round $75
You’ll must be considerably match for this sort of NOLA swamp tour, nevertheless it’s a variety of enjoyable. Paddle your means by the swamp and stand up near the wildlife (hold your arms contained in the boat!).
The two-3 hour leisurely paddle is a straightforward one that everybody can take pleasure in. With the slow-moving bayou, it’s a soothing kayak journey stuffed with info, nature, and wildlife. No expertise is important.
It is a distinctive strategy to discover the swamp. Kayak excursions can be found round Manchac Swamp and Honey Island. Take a look on the excursions accessible with New Orleans Kayak Swamp Excursions and Wild Louisiana Excursions.
5. Honey Island Swamp Tour
- Firm: Honey Island Swamp Excursions
- Score: 5/5
- Value: $29, or $58 with pickup/drop off out of your lodge
- Tour instances: 9:00, 11:30 and a pair of:00pm
- Learn how to ebook: On-line
- Assembly Level Location: 41490 Crawford Touchdown Rd, Slidell, LA 70461, USA. Get instructions.
Hop aboard a small swamp boat and cruise by the wetlands of Honey Island Swamp. This protected nature reserve is situated north of New Orleans on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain.
Throughout the 2-hour tour, you’ll encounter egrets, herons, otters, alligators and extra. You’ll go by conventional Cajun villages whereas listening to native tales of fishermen and swamp pirates…
A go to to the Honey Island Swamp is likely one of the finest issues to do in New Orleans and makes for a enjoyable couple of hours. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your spot. If you happen to want return transport, click on right here for that tour.
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6. Airboat Adventures at Jean Lafitte
- Score: 4.8/5
- Value: Massive boat $59; Small boat $89. $30 additional for round-trip transport
- Tour instances: 9:45, 12:00 and a pair of:00 (year-round), 4:00 & 6:00pm (seasonal)
- Learn how to ebook: On-line or by cellphone at 504-689-2005
- Assembly Level: 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067, United States. Get instructions.
In terms of airboat swamp excursions in New Orleans, Airboat Adventures is certainly probably the greatest selections. They’re situated simply minutes from the Jean Lafitte Nationwide Historic Park and Protect so that you could be out within the swamp in underneath an hour from town heart.
Their small boats maintain 6-8 passengers whereas the bigger ones can match 15-30. The additional price for a small boat tour is price it for a extra up shut and private expertise and the flexibility to entry hard-to-reach areas within the swamp.
Earlier than you embark on their tour, you may loosen up of their good air-conditioned constructing that has a present store together with drinks and snacks for buy. Benefit from the views from their out of doors patio, and make sure to meet Sugar — their uncommon albino alligator! Click on right here to ebook this airboat journey.
7. Go Ziplining By means of the Maurepas Swamp
- Firm: Zip NOLA
- Score: 4.9/5
- Value: $89
- Learn how to ebook: On-line
- Assembly Level: 301 Peavine Rd, Laplace, LA 70068, United States. Get instructions.
This must be one of many coolest swamp excursions in New Orleans! Hook your self in and zip throughout 5 completely different traces whereas dangling over the Maurepas swamp.
After getting aware of your gear and a security briefing, you’ll begin the journey from a 60-foot excessive platform. Try the wonderful views of the swamp, Lake Ponchartrain, the city of Frenier and the New Orleans skyline.
You’ll have an opportunity to identify a lot of wildlife as effectively, together with alligators, deer, boar, armadillos, snakes, egrets, and extra. Take a look at this ziplining tour and ebook your spot.
In Conclusion
As you may see, there are many incredible choices for taking a swamp tour in New Orleans. Whether or not you resolve to paddle your self round in a kayak, hop on a swamp boat with a giant group, or zip by the bayou on an airboat, you’re positive to have a terrific expertise.
If you happen to’re heading to Crescent Metropolis, make sure to add a swamp tour to your checklist of issues to do! It’s enjoyable partying on Bourbon Road and all, nevertheless it’s even higher after a day of exploring the swamp and studying about all of the wonderful wildlife that calls it residence.
So, are New Orleans swamp excursions price it? Completely! The worth for cash is great and the expertise is one you gained’t overlook.
Some photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.