Louisiana Swamp Tours

Louisiana serves up more memorable experiences than bowls of its famed gumbo. To experience an indelible part of the state’s past, present and future, visit the swamps throughout South Louisiana, home to one of the planet’s richest and most diverse ecosystems.

Louisiana's Swamps

Perceived as mysterious yet menacing, South Louisiana’s ancient swamps have long captivated writers, historians and travelers.

Modern-day explorers still feel an intense curiosity when it comes to the beauty of Louisiana's swamps — the untouched nature and groves of gnarled cypress trees dripping with lush Spanish moss. Voyagers encounter indigenous critters such as alligators peering above the waterline and hundreds of species of birds, and hear colorful lore about pirates and other inhabitants of the vast, winding waterways. 

Kayak Swamp Tours

1. At New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, embark on a paddle through our swamps, rivers and bayous with a team of guides. You're sure to see plenty of wildlife as you kayak among the moss-draped cypress trees on your exploration.
2. Lost Lands Environmental Tours, found in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area near New Orleans, borrows from the perspective of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Marshall. Marshall educates visitors while giving them an incomparable experience on Louisiana’s tranquil cypress-, tupelo- and oak-forested swamps. 

First time paddling? Don't worry — most tours are beginner-level to ensure fun for the entire family.

Airboat Swamp Tours 

One of the best ways to experience the intricate network of Louisiana’s scenic swamps is by hopping on an airboat tour. And the ways to get up close and personal with the wildlife are as varied as swamp life itself. Tours aboard airboats and kayaks accommodate sightseers’ desire to explore the swamp.

1. Atchafalaya Basin Landing & Swamp Tours, located in Henderson, offers airboat trips at the gateway to the expansive Atchafalaya wilderness, America’s largest river swamp — perfect for photographers, birders or anyone wanting an unforgettable glimpse into swamp life. Licensed captains who live on the water narrate these exhilarating swamp tours.
2. Dr. Wagner's Honey Island Swamp Tours follows a 20-mile wild and pristine river swamp, which has breathtaking scenery and alligators, deer, turtles and sweet-smelling azaleas. Take a small, covered or uncovered boat across this cypress-loaded wonderland.
3. Come face to face with Louisiana’s wildlife and exotic plant life with Jean Lafitte Swamp & Airboat Tours, headquartered near New Orleans in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Navigators will take you along the meandering, murky waters of swamps where you can capture pictures and memories of a true paradise that time has forgotten. 

Whichever tour you choose to explore Louisiana’s postcard-perfect swamp culture, one thing is guaranteed — it will be the ride of a lifetime.

Learn what to bring on a swamp tour and opportunities to get up close with gators.