Apart from alligators, the swamps are teeming with wildlife, including wild boars, bald eagles, herons, egrets, mink, turtles as well as nature. Of course, if you are considering going for a swamp tour, then you will begin to see that there are many companies to choose from as well as options to explore the swamps. Most swamp travel companies operate in either the Honey Island Swamp or the Jean Lafitte Country wide Historical Park and Preserve, both of which are between a 30-45 minute drive from the French One fourth. Visit this website to get more insight, Swamp Tour New Orleans
SWAMP BOAT TOURS
You’ll find so many companies offering tours of the encompassing swamps via swamp boats. These boats generally bring approximately 22 people, while some offer smaller (and more expensive) swamp boat tours. Expect to pay at least $20/adult and $13/child (though there are occasional discount rates) if you drive up to the swamps on your own. If you add hotel pick-up, then expect to pay at least $42/adult and $21/child for travelling from downtown New Orleans. Tours previous approximately one hour and 45 minutes and this is consistent among all companies. Swamp boats offer a fairly easy and relatively affordable way to see New Orleans’ swamps and bayous.
CAJUN ENCOUNTERS
This company is just about the largest and most well-known and best-reviewed outfit. They operate in the Honey Island Swamp. They can be our choice for an operator because their size means that they usually can fit you in. They use 22 traveler swamp boats because of their public tours and also have 10 traveler swamp boats for private bookings. They provide online booking, which is not something that many others offer (which we find annoying). They also give you a seasonal night swamp tour from May through September. They’ll grab from virtually any hotel in downtown New Orleans. They may have an outstanding review account, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Choose Your Swamp Transport
FLAT-BOTTOMED BOAT
Starting with the cheapest and most accessible option, the flat-bottomed boat (or pontoon boat) is the most spacious choice. You’ll also find almost all have wheelchair-accessible on-ramps. These boats move gradually through the bayous and are generally headed up by a Cajun captain narrating all you see.
This choice allows you the required time to take in the near by scenery, seated in the shade in relative tranquility. Though, in optimum season you may be sharing the knowledge with up to 40 new close friends.
AIRBOAT
Like the sense of wind in your hair? The airboat is for thrill-seekers. It’s a bit more pricey, but limited to a much smaller group. It will take you much further in to the swampland of the bayous due to the sheer quickness these boats can reach.
Airboats are open-top and also have an extremely loud engine, but you don’t have to be too concerned about the noises as you’ll get earmuffs for the trip. Make sure to load up sunscreen and a tie-on head wear (you don’t want to buy to blow off). It’s also advisable to be aware that airboats aren’t required by Louisiana legislation to get seatbelts, though they do have handrails. Thankfully the noises of the engine motor will drain out the screams.
KAYAK
The most eco-friendly head to option, kayaks are the least invasive way to see the swamp. Deciding on the people-powered option means there won’t be any loud sounds to scare away the animals. You’ll also get an unhindered view of the alligators, unlike when you’re over a boat and you’re kept to try to get a look-in through the crowds of tourists hanging from the barriers, but it can imply that you’re also closer to them. The guides will joke that they haven’t lost a customer yet, but you’ll be warned to keep your elbows tucked in all the time “just in case”.
