Explore Lake Maurepas with a naturalist guide for an immersive, non-touristy swamp adventure.
3–4 hrs on water
Guide, kayak and gear
Paddle through Shell Bank Bayou to the mouth of Lake Maurepas on a guided excursion into the nation's 2nd largest bald cypress swamp. Follow an experienced local naturalist for an educational, immersive adventure.
Tour requires a minimum number of participants; if not met you may be moved to a 2 hour tour, rescheduled, or refunded. Arrive 10 minutes early at the launch and avoid blocking the boat launch. Do not leave valuables in your car during the tour.
Runs in light rain; may be canceled up to an hour before start for severe or unsafe weather. 100% refund if canceled due to hazardous weather. 100% refund for cancellations made more than 48 hours before tour time. No refund for no-shows the morning of the tour.
French Quarter Pick Up outside of Rampart Treehouse 740 N Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70116
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This swamp kayaking outfit consistently delivers peaceful, educational nature experiences that feel worlds away from the French Quarter bustle. Guides like Nick, Alex, Ryan, and MJ earn enthusiastic praise for their deep knowledge of the bayou ecosystem, from spotting gators and birds to explaining the area's environmental and cultural history. The tours strike a nice balance between informative commentary and quiet moments to soak in the scenery, making them ideal for nature lovers seeking something more contemplative than typical tourist attractions. The experience works well for beginners, with guides maintaining an easy, relaxed pace throughout the 2-4 hour tours. Even during colder months when wildlife is less active, visitors report seeing alligators, bald eagles, owls, and turtles. The Manchac Swamp tour gets particularly strong mentions for its beauty and remoteness. One guest noted a less-friendly guide experience, but this seems to be the rare exception in an otherwise consistently positive pattern. Just be prepared for a real workout—there's genuine paddling involved, though most find it entirely worthwhile for the authentic swamp immersion.
We just completed a swap tour with New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, our guide was Nick. It was WONDERFUL! I highly recommend the extended tour, it allowed us to go deeper into the swamps and to see birds and wildlife that we might not have seen otherwise. Definitely bring your binoculars and a camera if you have them. Nick does a great job of explaining the nature around you and gives time to observe. The extended tour was just the four people in my group and the tour guide, I am not sure if this is typical, but it was great!
Amber Eckert-Jones
April 5, 2026
We just completed a swap tour with New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, our guide was Nick. It was WONDERFUL! I highly recommend the extended tour, it allowed us to go deeper into the swamps and to see birds and wildlife that we might not have seen otherwise. Definitely bring your binoculars and a camera if you have them. Nick does a great job of explaining the nature around you and gives time to observe. The extended tour was just the four people in my group and the tour guide, I am not sure if this is typical, but it was great!
Amber Eckert-Jones
April 5, 2026