New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
Overview
Available languages
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Transportation is NOT included
A processing fee of 7.9% will be added to your payment
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
2,826 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
michelle238o,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this swamp tour with our guide, Ally. (sp?) He did a great job- the tour was very informative and we got to see quite a few gators and raccoons!
We had a great time. ...
David P,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time. Emmett did a wonderful job pointing out all the wildlife and explaining the area. Highly recommend to anyone traveling to the New Orleans area.
Great tour. Great van ride
Guide253959,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this tour. Our guide Steve was very experienced and he gave us a lot of information. We loved learning about the swamp ecosystem. Thank you Steve. We had travel from the city out to the swamp and our driver Dwayne was great!
Highly recommended Small Boat VIP Louisiana swamp tour
Alexia D,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Location was easy to find using the SatNav address provided. Well organised check in & boarding process. We did the VIP small boat tour, worth the extra cost, we had plenty of space & great up close views of the plants, animals & birds of the Pearl River & surrounding swamp. The raccoons were a highlight. Our Captain Tony was knowledgeable & friendly. Thoroughly enjoyable & Highly Recommended.
You need to do this!
D2513PKjuliah,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip! Saw alligators, birds, nutria and raccoons. Our guide, Jacob was very knowledgeable. Loved his stories about growing up in the area.
Happy customer!
cherylbQ7557RY,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cpt. 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
5.00One 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
5.00Captain 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
5.00Amazing 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
5.00Took 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
From US$37.75
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Cajun Encounters Tour Co.