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Swamp Tours in New Orleans, LA

What swamps are near New Orleans, Louisiana?


There are so many swamps around New Orleans, Louisiana.  Each has its unique sights, sounds, smell and feel. And each of the swamps has different tour operators that offer tours in them based on what kind of space they occupy and what kind of permission they are allowed.

  • Honey Island Swamp – One of the more well known swamps in the area, it is home is based near the Pearl River.  A maze of old growth cypress trees and houseboats line the area.
  • Manchac Swamp – Often confused for the Maurepas swamp, this area is a spectacularly scenic area with a multitude of access points.
  • Maurepas Swamp – See Manchac Swamp.
  • Cane Bayou – A small creek that flows into Lake Pontchartrain,
  • Jean Lafitte  – Named after a pirate and privateer, this swamp is mainly fueled by motorized swamp tours and airboat tours.  Good luck hearing the concert later in the night.
  • Barataria Preserve – Getting choked by invasive species, hard to access.

New Orleans is a city basically built on and surrounded by swampland. It is one of the lowest lying areas in the entire United States. The swamps of New Orleans, Louisiana are some of the best attractions around the city.  The swamps are often considered a scary and sinister area where people often used to dump their trash.  That view is now surpassed by the National Geographic scenery and beauty which is becoming famous via instagram, trip advisor and more social media platforms.  These swamps create a diverse habitat and ecology to which some of the picturesque nature is to be found. Although considered ominous, the swamps and bayous should be appreciated for their natural beauty, ecological diversity and ability to filter water and protect our coast from storm surges. The long list of wildlife and nature in an old growth cypress swamp starts with;

  • Alligators
  • Turtles
  • Herons
  • Snakes
  • Spiders
  • Boar
  • Nutria

louisiana swamp tour

Swamps were considered hiding ground for slaves and worthless and forbidden lands by others, and in the last several decades, many have been drained for their agriculture and harvesting of cypress trees.

As these swamp areas were cleared and settled, there were far fewer places were left to explore, hunt, fish, and photograph nature. Now, swamps are a much needed retreat from Bourbon street and wild bachelor parties they are known for. The wildlife and ecological importance of the Louisiana swamps are continuing to become a favorite of people all around the world.

Many of the swamps have historical significance with a few great legends; pirates, witchcraft and more!  Keep your eyes open for the pirate loot buried in the Jean Lafitte Swamp.  Don’t forget the Honey Island swamp monster, the bigfoot of the south.

Can you see Alligators in the New Orleans Swamps?

Combo Kayak Swamp & Plantation Tour