Savor a hands-on crab boil and scenic Louisiana bayou cruise with cocktails at sunset
2.5 hours
Boat cruise, Crab boil, Cocktail
Cruise into a Louisiana sunset aboard a comfortable barge, mix a specialty cocktail, and help prepare a classic blue crab boil. Learn about local estuaries and coastal culture as you dine dockside.
Guests must arrive 30 minutes early for check-in; late arrivals are non-refundable. All participants must sign a waiver before boarding.
Q: Do you provide parking on site?
A: Yes. There is parking in front of the marina. Carpool when possible and plan for a sober driver.
Q: Is there a bathroom on the boat?
A: Yes. All boats have restrooms on board.
Q: Do we get to participate in the cooking?
A: Yes. Guests help with prepping the crab boil and assist in pulling the pot when returning to the dock.
Q: Will we see wildlife during the cruise?
A: Yes. The boat ride visits a scenic cove known for alligators and other swamp wildlife.
Q: Are drinks provided?
A: Yes. A specialty cocktail is offered during the cruise, and beer and water are served with the meal.
Q: Can we smoke on board?
A: No. Smoking of any kind, including cigarettes and marijuana, is strictly prohibited because the coast guard considers open flames a fire hazard.
Cancellations require 7 day notice before the scheduled cruise. No refunds for late arrivals or no-shows. Weather cancellations are determined by the operator at least 2 hours before departure; a full refund is provided if the trip is cancelled due to weather.
Paradise Marina 2101 Paris Rd. New Orleans, LA 70129
This is one of those rare activities where the vibe really depends on what you're looking for. There are actually two different experiences offered here: a party barge where you pedal, drink, and socialize while cruising through the bayou, and a more traditional eco-tour focusing on wildlife and history. The party version gets high marks for being a blast with friends, though solo travelers mention they had fun meeting people too. You'll want to BYOB and create a solid playlist since the energy level apparently depends a lot on your group's DJ skills. Multiple reviewers spotted alligators even during the party rides, which is a nice bonus. Captain Pip gets called out repeatedly for the eco-tours and seems to be genuinely passionate about the swamp ecosystem. People rave about his knowledge of birds, reptiles, plant life, and local history, saying he made the experience both educational and entertaining. The crew overall comes across as friendly and professional, with one standout story about Jeff the office manager personally returning a forgotten sweater to someone's hotel. That said, there's one harsh review about customer service related to booking policies and late arrivals, so it seems they're strict about timing. The boats have bathrooms and are spacious, which is always a plus. Whether you're looking to turn up with drinks or genuinely learn about Louisiana's wetlands, this seems like a solid pick for different moods.
Great experience. We went on the Eco and Wildlife tour. It was great to get to see where the ocean and river meet to create a unique habitat. We did see Alligators but chose the tour to see the other wildlife. Captain Pip was a great tour guide and checked in the day prior. The location is closer to the French Quarters than the Bayou tours and Captain Pip new everything about the animals, plants, history, local resources, and preservation and safety processes being built for the city. They recently bought their current location and are developing it so you can see some of the plants right on the shore and it will be even better when it is completed! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in the areas wildlife, history, and preservation work!
Jamie Mac Donald
April 20, 2025
Great experience. We went on the Eco and Wildlife tour. It was great to get to see where the ocean and river meet to create a unique habitat. We did see Alligators but chose the tour to see the other wildlife. Captain Pip was a great tour guide and checked in the day prior. The location is closer to the French Quarters than the Bayou tours and Captain Pip new everything about the animals, plants, history, local resources, and preservation and safety processes being built for the city. They recently bought their current location and are developing it so you can see some of the plants right on the shore and it will be even better when it is completed! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in the areas wildlife, history, and preservation work!
Jamie Mac Donald
April 20, 2025