4 Water Sports in Louisiana You Have to Try
Say hello to summer! These paddling, tubing and kayaking ideas are perfect for warm, sunny days in Louisiana.
When the weather heats up in Louisiana, head to the water to paddle, tube and relax. Whether you’re launching your kayak in Lafayette, hopping in an inner tube in Denham Springs or just looking for an easy way to cool off during the summer, Louisiana delivers with rivers, lakes, bayous and swamps made for family-friendly adventure.
1. Best Places for Paddling & Kayaking in Louisiana
If you're near New Orleans, explore the waters of Bayou St. John with Bayou Paddlesports, which offers kayak, paddle board and canoe rentals. (Please note that rentals are currently unavailable due to construction at the launch site. Visit their website for up-to-date information.) Pack & Paddle in Lafayette offers rentals, beginner kayaking classes, kayak swamp tours and kayak fishing trips.
Love stand-up paddle boards (SUPs)? LSU students and their guests, as well as University Recreation members can rent SUPs in two sizes from the Outdoor Recreation Center. In Natchitoches, hop on a kayak, SUP or even a hydrobike from Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports. And in Monroe, check out Ouachita Paddle and Provisions for kayak and paddle board rentals, and paddle along Black Bayou Lake.
2. Where to Go Tubing in Louisiana
When you really want to chill, it’s hard to beat the relaxing vibe of floating down a river with friends. The Bogue Chitto River is a popular spot for tubing, and companies like Louisiana River Adventures and the Bogue Chitto Tubing Center offer trips down the river. In Denham Springs, check out Cajun Tubing & Kayaking for a float down the Amite River or Adventure Canoe & River Tubing Outfitters for a float down the Ouiska Chitto River. (Please note that Cajun Tubing is closed for summer 2025. Visit their website for updates.)
3. How to Ride a Gondola in New Orleans
Blend the European charm of Venice, Italy, with the undeniable appeal of “America’s Most Romantic City” city and you get NOLA Gondola in New Orleans. You’ll enjoy a magical 50-minute trip aboard a hand-crafted Venetian gondola as it glides through breathtaking lagoons, along intimate waterways and under stone-arch bridges. With a former Venice gondolier as your guide, this ultra-authentic experience is as real as you can get this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Explore a Louisiana State Park
Louisiana’s state parks are great locations for water sports, as the majority of them rest on a body of water. Whether it’s a leisurely paddle or exciting boating activities, there’s an activity available for every age and skill level.
Many of Louisiana’s state parks even feature family-friendly splash pads and water playgrounds for the little ones. Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville features a sandy beach, plus a water playground — and an all-inclusive playground for children of varying ages and abilities.
Check out our guide to kayaking and paddling across the state
Explore Louisiana for Yourself
Louisiana's vast outdoor playground is waiting! Whether you're teaching your children to paddle in a quiet state park, discovering hidden trails or chasing the next frame-worthy view, each day brings new possibilities. Kayak through cypress-draped bayous and spot an alligator sunbathing, or see the best of New Orleans on a peaceful gondola ride. Whether you're planning a family camping weekend or seeking a solo outdoor escape, your perfect outdoor experience awaits in Louisiana.
