manchac swamp tour

Cultural, Educational, Historical, Mystical, Unforgettable…Swampland Journey

Now taking reservations for VIP and VIP Private Tours! Tours for up to sixteen (16) passengers. Available Saturday and Sunday only beginning April 1, 2024. See Swamp Tours page for more information.

Our alligators don’t want to see you later, they want to see you now! Our Cajun Captains can’t wait to welcome you back!

Tours offered daily at 9:30AM, 12Noon and 2:15PM and seasonally at 4:15PM. Please remember this is a family friendly environment, please dress appropriately.

Cajun Pride Swamp Tours is a privately owned wildlife refuge just 25 miles from New Orleans.  We invite you to join us for a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations by offering authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tours, plantation tours, and combination tours .

Cajun Pride Swamp Tours is unique in that our privately owned swamp ensures that your narrated tour will not be disturbed by other boats .  Our native Cajun Captains are all natural…homegrown in the Bayous of South Louisiana. With accents and humor that will take you back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations, our Captains guide guests through the primitive beauty of the moss-draped cypress trees while showing off the American Alligator and abundant wildlife.  Experience up-close our fauna-the inhabitants of our swamp, our flora-the sweet smell of our wild hibiscus rose mallow and marsh mallow plants, and the unique history of the Cajun town of Frenier within the Manchac Swamp.

If you are looking for a more personal tour on a smaller boat, you’ll enjoy our 16 Passenger Close Encounter VIP Tour.   Our newest and smallest boat offers you a more intimate tour with more time to interact with our Captain in a small group or private environment.  

We offer tours for those with just a few hours to spare and for those with additional time for sight-seeing. Enjoy a swamp or single plantation tour which requires only 4 hours of your day or relax on one of our full-day combination tours.

Looking for a catered event with Louisiana cooking-large or small? Our large picnic area is the perfect venue for a crawfish, shrimp or crab boil, jambalaya dinner, barbecue or even boxed lunch.

Transportation is available for all of our tours. Unwind and leave the driving to us!

Additional tour options are offered by our industry friends . 

Swamp Tours

For many years people have traveled extensively to Louisiana to locate a unique and exciting adventure exploring Louisiana’s back country with its meandering bayous and swamp that you can only experience here – the historical Manchac Swamp.   We invite you to join us for an educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations.

Book a swamp tour!

• Most Popular
•  ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
• Beginner Friendly!

Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tours

Quick details.

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 – 3 hours
• Users Ages: All Ages
• Kayak Vessel: Kayak Single And Doubles Available
• $59 per person (Drive Out)
• Multiple Trips Per Day (Check Calendar For Times)
• 30 Min From Downtown Nola
• Beginner/Child Friendly

Transportation

• Roundtrip Shuttle From Nola $25 per person
• 732 N Rampart St. Nola
• Pickup 1hr before tour

2 – 3 hours

New orleans swamp tour.

Grab your paddles for this 2 hour kayak and canoe tour of the historic Manchac swamp. This area was once home to Ruddock, a destroyed logging ghost town.

The Manchac Magic kayak swamp tour is a great way to get out of the city and experience the scenic cypress swamps right outside of New Orleans. This paddle trip is a great beginner outing and all ages and skill levels are welcome to attend.

What to Expect

During your

• Chevron down Transportation

Roundtrip Shuttle From New Orleans is offered daily for $25 per person

Pickup and drop off location is: 732 N Rampart St. New Orleans, LA

Pickup Times are always an hour before tour start time.

• Chevron down Seasons

Winter: Dec-Feb. Temperatures can range from 30- 80 degrees. Trees are bare of leaves, and the swamp has a spooky grey appearance. Comfortable paddling weather and wildlife is still out and about. Alligators can be seen on warmer days.

Spring: Mar – May. One of the best times of years to see wildlife. Alligators very abundant. Wildflowers are blooming and the temperatures are great for paddling.

Summer: June – Aug. Swamp is very lush and green and wildlife can still be abundant in the morning and evening. Rain showers common in the middle of the day. Book early or late evening tours.

Fall: Sep – Nov: Another great time of year to see wildlife. Temps from 50 – 80 degrees. Cypress trees can take on a nice orange/red color to the leaves, picturesque time of year.

• Chevron down How To Dress

Dress comfortably for an outdoor trip. The winters can be cool and the summer can be hot. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if needed. Bugs and mosquitos aren’t a problem. Don’t forget to bring your camera to come home with great memories from the beautiful Manchac swamp!

• Chevron down Confirmation

Once you make your reservation, an email will be sent to you for confirmation, and further details for directions and arrangements will be provided. Please visit our contact page and send us an email if you have inquiries about large groups and specialized packages; we can put them together for you.

• Chevron down Alligators

Contrary to what many believe, alligators have a natural fear of humans. We usually see alligators from babies up to 8-10ft long. We do not feed wildlife. Alligators tend to be on logs or swimming in the water and we see them from afar.

"Wild Louisiana Tours guide tells guests about the historic Manchac swamp"

American Alligator

Wild Louisiana Tour guests view a young alligator from their kayaks

A kayak is a great platform for photographing alligators.

Wild Louisiana Tour guests pose for a picture in the swamp.

Related Tours & Workshops

• Sunrise/Sunset Tours
• Trips Daily!
• Hour Glass 2 - 4 hours

Louisiana Cypress Swamp Photography Tour

Perfect for the avid landscape photographer visiting New Orleans. This cypress swamp photography tour is offered daily just 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans.

• Kayaking For Redfish!
• Daily Trips!
• Hour Glass 6 hours

Kayak Fishing in Louisiana

This New Orleans fishing tour provides the perfect opportunity to take in the best inshore kayak fishing in Louisiana. Chase hungry redfish in the marshes of Louisiana with a kayak fishing guide!

• Private Tour!
• Flexible Timing
• Hour Glass 2 hours
• Hiking Easy
• Cruise Ship Private Motor Boat

Private Small Boat Manchac Swamp Tour

If you have been looking at going on a swamp tour, and the large crowded boats are not your thing, this is the trip for you! This is one of the most unique swamp tours in Louisiana. We use a mud boat called a “Go Devil” to get you into areas of the swamps even air boats cannot go.

• Transportation Available

Extended Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

Quick details.

• Bus Transportation: $25 Round Trip Shuttle
• Kayak Kayaks: : Solo or Tandem
• Users Group Size: Smaller group sizes
• Duration : 4-5 hours
• Tour Start Time : See Book now button or calendar
• Transportation Pickup Time: 1 hr and 15 minutes prior to tour time.
• Transportation Pickup Location: Rampart Treehouse/10 pizza – 740 N Rampart St New Orleans, LA 70116

Person (Incl. Transportation)

Private tour, can bring up to 8 for additional cost, additional person, extended manchac swamp eco/wildlife kayak tour near new orleans: buzzard’s bayou.

Compared to our 2hr tour, this tour generally runs at a more relaxed pace, with more time built in to observe wildlife, take photographs, soak in the scenery and ask questions. Your guide is able to share a wealth of knowledge with you about the wildlife, ecology, natural history and conservation of the area. Each Extended tour has a custom-tailored feel and is an approximately 6 mile round-trip paddle, with stops along the way. You will want to pack your own drinks and snacks or a simple lunch to eat on the water.

You do not need to be a seasoned paddler to enjoy our Extended tour. The still/slow moving water is suitable for beginner kayakers, but the longer tour time makes this the choice for outdoor enthusiasts. You should be reasonably fit enough to spend an elongated time seated in the kayak and enjoy going off the beaten path! Our Extended tours give you the option of going solo or tandem, so pick this tour if you are set on having your own kayak and not sharing with your partner or mates.

Manchac swamp’ still waters, lush vegetation and wildlife sightings have captivated the hearts of nature enthusiasts for decades, offering a glimpse into the heart of Louisiana’s iconic landscapes. The ecosystem is also a crucial resource that offers invaluable insights into wetland ecology. Levees along the Mississippi River combined with saltwater intrusion in the Pontchartrain Basin have led to changes in the hydrology of Manchac Swamp. Take a deeper dive with us into one of the most stunning corners of this swamp, while considering the delicate balance of the ecosystem in the region.

The Extended Tour is our premier tour for birding and nature photography because the longer time format and route maximizes our chances to make quality observations of wildlife. On any given day, we can potentially spot egrets, herons, ibis, barred owls, ospreys, bald eagles, anhingas, ducks, woodpeckers, prothonotary warblers and more; plus occasionally, rare species such as the roseate spoonbill! See more complete list here .

• Chevron down Cancellation/Refund Policy

Feel free to compare our cancellation policy to our competitors and anywhere else our tour is listed for sale.

When purchasing directly through our website, you are guaranteed the best cancellation policy!

New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours offers a 100% refund for tour cancellation due to inclement weather e.g. weather considered hazardous to tour members safety. This includes: lighting storms, unsafe water conditions, wildfires, etc. Tours still operate in rain as long as the safety of clients is not jeopardized.

100% refund is issued if cancellation is greater than 48 hours before tour time.

50% refund is issued if cancellation is less than 48 hours before tour time if rescheduling is not possible.

No refund is issued for no calls/no shows the morning of the tour

Related Tours

• Most popular, open year round!
• Great for Beginners!
• Transpo avail
• Hour Glass 2-2.5 Hours

Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

Join us on a kayak tour through the still waters and lush vegetation of Manchac Swamp while spotting wildlife! If you are looking for a natural, engaging way to experience the Louisiana swamp, this is your tour!

• Only 15mins from the French Quarter
• Daily Tours
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Hooked on the Bayou: New Orleans Kayak Fishing Charter

Embark on the ultimate fishing adventure that New Orleans has to offer. Discover the exhilaration of our top-notch fishing excursions, where state of the art pedal drive kayak/SUPs  and new fishing gear await your arrival. Our team of expert guides is not only friendly but also adept at following the ever-changing patterns of fish in the marsh. Let us transform your fishing journey into an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

• Only Open During Summer
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Honey Island Swamp Kayak Tours

The Honey Island Swamp Kayak Tour is a funky backwoods kayak tour experience. Broken down house boats, rope swings, and known for its bigfoot of the south, the Honey Island Swamp Monster. Enjoy a beginner/intermediate paddle through this famous swamp!

• Cajun Food Stop
• Transpo Included
• Hour Glass 8 Hours

New Orleans Whitney Plantation & Swamp Kayak Tour Combo

A rich, cultural and ecological experience! Paddle through the scenic Manchac Swamp and learn the important history of enslaved people who worked on plantations in Louisiana.

• Most Popular

New Orleans Kayak Manchac Swamp Tour

Explore the magical Maurepas and Manchac swamps.

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 2 hours
• Bus Transportation: $25 Round Trip Shuttle
• $55 per person (Drive Out)
• Multiple Trips Per Day (Check Calendar For Times)
• 30 Min From Downtown Nola
• Beginner/Child Friendly
• Transportation Pickup Time:  1 hr and 15 minutes prior to tour time.
• Transportation Pickup Location: Rampart Treehouse/10 pizza  – 740 N Rampart St New Orleans, LA 70116

Saturday-Sunday

Explore New Orleans’ Enchanting Swamps by Kayak

Are you in search of a captivating journey through the natural beauty of New Orleans’ swamps? Join our picturesque kayak tour as we navigate the Maurepas Swamp and Manchac Swamp, renowned for their exceptional wildlife sightings.

What to Anticipate

• An idyllic, tranquil, and unspoiled environment
• Lush cypress forests and vast wetlands
• An abundance of wildlife surrounding you throughout your paddling adventure
• Serene waters, perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers
• Your knowledgeable guide will narrate the tour, imparting insights about the surroundings and the ongoing conservation efforts dedicated to Louisiana’s endangered wetland ecosystem.

We strongly recommend making reservations in advance, as our tours tend to fill up rapidly.

If you’re not utilizing our transportation service, you’ll receive driving directions in the confirmation email following your booking.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen: Ensure you apply sunscreen, as kayaks provide no protection from the sun. We’ll be on the water for at least an hour and a half. Remember to cover the tops of your legs when using sit-on-top kayaks.
• Bug Repellent: While mosquitoes are typically not a nuisance on our swamp tours, they may appear briefly during dusk, but they are usually not a concern during other tour times.
• Cash: Cash is essential for tipping your tour guides.
• Camera: Bring your camera or phone to capture the swamp’s natural beauty and its fascinating inhabitants. Waterproof cases are available for purchase if needed.
• Comfortable Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather, with lightweight, breathable synthetic clothing or swimsuits for warm months and warm, thermal layers for winter swamp tours. Wear sandals or athletic shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
• Questions: Our tour guides are always eager to answer your questions. If you have a query, they’ll have an informative response.
• Sunscreen – kayaks do not offer any protection from the sun, so it is important that you wear sunscreen. We will be out on the water for at least an hour and a half. Don’t forget to apply to the tops of your legs, as we use sit-on-top kayaks.
• Bug Repellent – while the mosquitoes are not typically a problem on our swamp tours, they can appear during dusk for 1/2 hour, but otherwise, our other tour times they don’t bug us.
• Cash – cash is most definitely an essential for your swamp tour. It allows you to tip your tour guides.
• Camera – bring your camera or phone camera so that you can capture the beauty of the swamp and its creatures. We sell waterproof cases for your photo if you need or want them.
• Comfortable Clothing – Dress for the weather and wear light layered breathable, synthetic clothing/swimsuits during the warm months and a warm thermal cover in the winter for your swamp tour. Sandals or athletic shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
• Questions – Our tour guides love answering questions from guests. If you have a question, they will have an answer.

Please see our FAQ for important information about our tours.

Related Tours

• Clock 2 hours

Honey Island Kayak Swamp Tour

Explore the wild Honey Island Swamp on a guided New Orleans kayak swamp tour that opens your eyes to the real backwoods swamp.

• Clock 8 hours

Swamp and Plantation Tour New Orleans

This full-day experience includes a swamp kayak tour, delicious Cajun food, and a Whitney Plantation tour.

Bayou Bienvenue Kayak Rental

A relaxing kayak rental allows you to explore Bayou Bienvenue.

• Tandem and Single Kayaks
• Life Jackets provided
• Paddles provided
• Backrests provided
• Hourly rental blocks
• Plant a cypress tree on your experience.
• Rent a Fishing pole
• Rent a crab pot
• Clock 3 hours

New Orleans E-Bike Tours

Once you’ve walked around the French Quarter, see the rest of this beautiful city by electric bike! Cruise through bohemian neighborhoods, ride along the river for spectacular views of the city, explore City Park and visit the Lakefront all in a 3 hour tour.

• Only 7 miles from the French Quarter
• Brand new pedal drive kayak/sups
• Clock 6 hours

New Orleans Fishing Charter via Kayak

Experience New Orleans’ bayou magic with expert guides, reel in catches, and immerse yourself in the local culture amidst serene beauty