Paddle through historic Manchac swamp and glimpse ghost-town scenery on a guided 2-hour bayou adventure
2 hrs
Guide, Kayak, Paddle
Glide by kayak through the slow-moving bayous of the Manchac swamp, once home to the ghost town of Ruddock. Follow your guide to spot wildlife and hear stories of early New Orleans explorers on a two-hour paddling adventure.
Wear sun protection and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time if you are driving yourself.
Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours.
Q: Do I need kayaking experience?
A: Very little experience is needed since the bayou is slow moving.
Q: Is transportation available?
A: Yes. A shuttle is available for $25 per person.
Q: Should I rely on a cab or Uber?
A: Cab and Uber rides can be expensive and hard to find for your return trip.
Q: What happens after I book?
A: You will receive a confirmation email with directions and further details.
Q: Can you accommodate large groups?
A: Yes. You can email the vendor to arrange large group or specialized packages.
Full payment is required to reserve. Cancel more than 48 hours before the tour for a 100% refund, or 24–48 hours before for a 50% refund. No refund is issued for cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows. Tours may be cancelled with a full refund if hazardous weather poses a safety risk; tours operate in normal rain.
732 N Rampart St.
This kayak tour delivers exactly what travelers hope for when they picture gliding through Louisiana's swamps. The guides here are the real deal – locals like Al, Gerald, AJ, and Terry who grew up hunting and fishing these waters. They've got that perfect combination of encyclopedic knowledge about the ecosystem and genuine enthusiasm that makes learning about banana spiders and cypress trees genuinely fun. Reviewers consistently mention how personable and accommodating the guides are, including one sweet note about Gerald being patient when a three-year-old kept interrupting with questions. International visitors are having a blast too, with reviews in German and Spanish praising the wildlife sightings and overall experience. Speaking of wildlife, you're practically guaranteed to see alligators (lots of them, both on banks and swimming nearby), plus turtles, herons, egrets, and occasionally bald eagles or raccoon families. The tour runs about two hours on calm water, making it accessible even for first-time kayakers and young children. One reviewer mentioned their guide kept them out over three hours because he wanted to show them everything without rushing. The vibe is relaxed and flexible – you can paddle ahead on your own or stay close to hear the guide's stories about the bayou's history and legends. Just bring your own water and sunscreen, and maybe bug spray depending on conditions. The company also seems to handle hiccups well, with one reviewer praising Josh for going above and beyond when flooding forced a last-minute reschedule.
We met our tour guide, Al, at the launch site which is along the side of a road. There is a small gravel area where you can park. Al was on time and had all equipment needed for the kayak trip. As stated in the reservation, be sure to bring your own water and sunscreen. We did not need bug spray, but there may be times when it is necessary. The tour was great with equal opportunity to hear Al’s description of the bayou or to paddle ahead on your own. Al was able to answer questions about flora and fauna and has a fun personality. He helped us spot a variety of wildlife, including many alligators on the bank and swimming somewhat near our kayaks. We also saw a family of raccoons, a few egrets, turtles, and blackbirds. The cypress trees and Spanish moss were beautiful. . The trip lasted two hours and was an easy paddle on still water. Highly recommend!
Jane Semler
October 13, 2025
We met our tour guide, Al, at the launch site which is along the side of a road. There is a small gravel area where you can park. Al was on time and had all equipment needed for the kayak trip. As stated in the reservation, be sure to bring your own water and sunscreen. We did not need bug spray, but there may be times when it is necessary. The tour was great with equal opportunity to hear Al’s description of the bayou or to paddle ahead on your own. Al was able to answer questions about flora and fauna and has a fun personality. He helped us spot a variety of wildlife, including many alligators on the bank and swimming somewhat near our kayaks. We also saw a family of raccoons, a few egrets, turtles, and blackbirds. The cypress trees and Spanish moss were beautiful. . The trip lasted two hours and was an easy paddle on still water. Highly recommend!
Jane Semler
October 13, 2025