Paddle calm Manchac Swamp with naturalist guides to spot wildlife and enjoy a peaceful escape from the city.
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2-2.5 hours
Guide, Kayak gear, Lesson
Glide through the still waters of Manchac Swamp with a naturalist guide. Spot alligators, turtles, and abundant birdlife while exploring this serene wetland.
Ages 8+. Tours typically use tandem kayaks; limited solo kayaks may be available on small tours. Allow extra time after the tour as timing can vary with paddling pace and traffic.
Tours operate in rain unless safety is at risk. Full refund for hazardous weather (lightning, unsafe water, wildfires). Full refund if you cancel more than 48 hours before the tour. 50% refund if you cancel within 48 hours and cannot reschedule. No refund for no-shows. Arrive by the scheduled start; late arrivals may forfeit refund.
Meeting Location: French Quarter Pick Up outside of Rampart Treehouse 740 N Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70116 Meeting 1:15 prior to tour time
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 did the Extended Manchac tour for my birthday last week. Our guide was Nick, and we were lucky to be the only participants. We learned a ton about birds and other wildlife, the history and environmental condition of the swamps, bayous, and canals, the trees and more. This was a highly recommended, top notch tour!
Dave Secord
January 14, 2026
We did the Extended Manchac tour for my birthday last week. Our guide was Nick, and we were lucky to be the only participants. We learned a ton about birds and other wildlife, the history and environmental condition of the swamps, bayous, and canals, the trees and more. This was a highly recommended, top notch tour!
Dave Secord
January 14, 2026