New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Take a short drive from New Orleans to visit Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana, during a 2-hour boat tour. Visit a Cajun village only accessible by boat; learn about the animals and plants in the lush swamps; and get close to wildlife with an expert local guide. This tour does not include transportation.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Lake Pontchartrain

From New Orleans, take a short drive to Slidell and you'll reach Lake Pontchartrain and the Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve that is one of the last protected wetlands in Louisiana.

Admission Not Applicable

Your guide welcomes you aboard a custom-made 22-passenger flat-bottom boat. The smaller sized, quiet boat can fit through narrow passages in the swamp foliage so that you see more and get closer to wildlife. It’s the ideal way to take in the lush environment of Cajun country. As your guide explains the history of Louisiana’s wetlands and swamp ecosystem, be on the lookout for resident wildlife including alligators, raccoons, owls, wild boar, nutria, snakes, turtles, black bears, bald eagles and many other bird species. Get a close look at some wild gators as your guide shares facts about the toothy beasts, who can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (453 kg). Their ancestors once roamed the earth with the dinosaurs and scientists estimate that they have existed for more than 150 million years. Glide safely through the fertile swamplands, learning about Cajun culture and how local people have utilized the swamp for food, homes, and medicine from your guide. You even see an authentic Cajun village that is only accessible by boat. Gain an understanding of why the wetlands are slowly disappearing and about the efforts being made to preserve Louisiana's natural treasures. After a fascinating 2-hour boat tour on Honey Island Swamp, your guide returns you to shore. You can then make your own way to your next destination.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Live commentary on board

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Transportation is NOT included

Options

Day Swamp Tour No Pickup

If driving, please arrive 30 minutes early. Drive to Cajun Encounters at 55345 HWY 90 in Slidell, LA. No pick up or drop off.

Reviews

4.92

2,821 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2668

108

Happy customer!
cherylbQ7557RY,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Cpt. Dave was fun, knowledgeable, & entertaining. Even got to see a gator in January. Definitely happy I booked this tour!
Fantastic experience with Captain Jody
Sid P,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
One of the most entertaining tours I have taken in years. We saw the usual wildlife - alligators, turtles, a raccoon, a snake, some pigs and quite a few birds - limpkins, Great Blue Heron, anhingas. Captain Jody kept us entertained the whole time with great information woven through stories and jokes.
Had A Blast!
rexb513,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Captain Ben did a fabulous job of showing off the beauty of the swamp and its wildlife. 10/10 would absolutely come back with more friends and family!
History and knowledge top notch! Thanks captain Ben
brandeng2026,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing tour the knowledge and expertise is amazing. They got us in front of some amazing wild life. They also gave very informative history lessons on the area as well.
Amazing. Captain Jacob is fantastic
311breanaw,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Took a tour with captain Jacob! He was fantastic with tons of knowledge beyond the swamp. He put in a lot of effort to make sure we had a great time. I can tell he is passionate about his job. 10/10 service and experience
WORTH THE MONEY $$
889addisonb,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The red head Captain Jake/Jacob was an awesome guide, driver, and talkative local! He had lots of knowledge of the wildlife from trees, gators, and swamp koalas! Bus driver Justyna was also a great addition to our tour. Gave a great and brief New Orleans tour on our way to the swamp. Totally worth the money!!! Would go again in every season!!
Swamp tour
sylesh f,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great time with our awesome tour captain Jacob. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area! Was able to see a few alligators and raccoons up close.
Lots of fun! If you have...
Holly C,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lots of fun! If you have a car, it’s an easy drive and more economical than taking the tour bus. Our guide Marc was great and really made sure we got up close to the wildlife. He knew where their usual hang out spots are, so we saw tons of gators, raccoons, birds, and a snake. He also knew a lot about the history and the vegetation.
Fun in the Swamp!
theycallmeroca,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
First time doing a swamp tour and our guide swamp ninja was very knowledgeable and friendly! Heck he let me feed a raccoon it was awesome. Highly recommend!
Perfect Day on the Swamp
wendydA8769SO,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best boat ride with Capt. Scott/Swamp Ninja! Had a lot of fun and learned so much about the Swamp and animals. Great tour, highly recommend.