Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
New Orleans, USA
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Embark on a private kayak and canoe small-group tour through Louisiana's historic Manchac Swamp. A local naturalist guides you, providing explanations of historical information and the native ecosystem. Paddle through this slow-moving bayou, once home to the ghost town of Ruddock, and a passage for historic New Orleans explorers. Discover the swamp's rich history and diverse wildlife, creating an immersive and educational outdoor experience.
- Paddle through scenic Manchac Swamp with a local naturalist guide
- Learn about Louisiana history, wildlife, and ghost town ruins
- Enjoy a small-group tour fit for all kayaking skill levels
- Includes round-trip transport from the New Orleans meeting point
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- 2-3 hour kayak swamp tour
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 732 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Guests shuttle instructions: 732 N Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 10:15AM tour - pickup is for 9AM 1PM tour - pickup is for 12:00PM 4PM tour - pickup is for 3PM
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Wild Louisiana Launch
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 14 people per booking
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- For transportation Uber is ok but not recommended
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Patrice_N
We had an awesome tour of the bayou. Our tour guide Gerald was very knowledgeable about the area. He was a field biologist by trade so he was able to tell us a lot about the different species we encountered a long the way. The drive to the boat launch was about 30 minutes from where we were picked up. Gerald told us about the different parts of Louisiana we were seeing along the drive. Once on the water we had a nice relaxing paddle. I didn’t feel that we were rushed to move at a certain pace. It happened that on this day, my partner and I were the only ones on the tour and the water was not crowded with other boats. It wasn’t until we were almost finished with our tour that we saw other groups. Along the way we saw turtles, aligators, birds, and spiders. Highly recommend this company.
Reviews
4.8
based on 491 reviews
Juan_U, Mar 2026
Gale was our guide, very personable!! A biologist and hunter who can nerd out with you all about the flora and fauna of the swamp, plus historical facts of the area.
Great trip! Once you do the kayaks the steam boat should fall short.
Stephanie_L, Mar 2026
Our tour guide was great very enthusiastic and informative, me and my best friend had a great experience and it being our first time kayaking its an arm workout for sure.
Claire_T, Feb 2026
We had a great time! Gerald was very knowledgeable and we saw plenty of gators and other wildlife on the tour!
Kiersten_M, Feb 2026
Even in winter its so beautiful. Being practically on the water in a kayak is the best way to see the bayou. All skill levels will find this fun.
Lauren_P, Oct 2025
If you've never kayaked before they give you extra time to learn the process which is really nice. You get to see many different species of local vegetation. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the different plants in the tour and made sure to let us know what they were. He also made sure we seen some type of wildlife along the way. I would recommend if you book the tour to have aj as your tour guide if you get a choice. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made our experience very enjoyable.
Nicolas_M, Oct 2025
the organizer was really cool, answering questions. very helpful. the kayaking location was beautiful.
Catherine_B, Oct 2025
A.J. gave us a great day! Our first time on the bayou and it did not dissapoint. We saw an owl, bald eagle, smallish gator, green heron, baby blue heron, red bellied woodpecker, and a few blue crabs. A very relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
Patrice_N, Aug 2025
We had an awesome tour of the bayou. Our tour guide Gerald was very knowledgeable about the area. He was a field biologist by trade so he was able to tell us a lot about the different species we encountered a long the way. The drive to the boat launch was about 30 minutes from where we were picked up. Gerald told us about the different parts of Louisiana we were seeing along the drive. Once on the water we had a nice relaxing paddle. I didn’t feel that we were rushed to move at a certain pace. It happened that on this day, my partner and I were the only ones on the tour and the water was not crowded with other boats. It wasn’t until we were almost finished with our tour that we saw other groups. Along the way we saw turtles, aligators, birds, and spiders. Highly recommend this company.
Marnie_S, Aug 2025
We had a chill late afternoon paddle through the swamp. AJ, our guide, was calm and knowledgeable about the Louisiana waterways, wildlife, and plants. The sounds of nature added to the peaceful experience. Overall, it was a fun and educational adventure.
Alexis_S, May 2025
Great, unique way to see the bayou. Saw many gators and other wildlife. Tour guide was very easy to get along with and made sure everyone enjoyed the experience.
Jill_L, Apr 2025
AJ was a phenomenal guide! Super friendly and knowledgeable. The kayaking was easy, peaceful and yet adventurous. We saw alligators of all sizes, owls, birds and the most beautiful plants. I wanted to do it again the minute we finished. A must for anyone visiting NOLA.
Tara_B, Mar 2025
I would highly recommend. Our guide was fabulous and we saw plenty of wild life including gators. Nice break from city and noise.
Greg_P, Dec 2024
If it was not for our excellent tour guide the tour would of been a flop. It was on the chilly side so not much to see. Saw one little gator, being from Florida gators are common.
Randon_C, Dec 2024
“Wild” Al is a great guide with generations of family experience. He knows all the flora and fauna, has great stories, and even recommended some places to eat around town. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip.
LacyMurphy, Oct 2024
Terry was a helpful and informative guide who told us stories of the swamp, gave us info on the flora and fauna, and taught us to scan for wildlife ourselves. We saw a few alligators, a couple of bard owls, and some other native birds. We kayaked about two hours on quiet water. That was enough to make us aware of muscles we don’t ordinarily use, but not so long that we really struggled to finish. The experience was definitely worth the slightly sore muscles!
Kayla_M, Oct 2024
A great idea and adventure.
We did see a baby a couple 3-4 alligators. Do wish we would have seen a bigger one but that likely could have ended badly ;).
The tour guide definitely had his own flare and perception on things. Which was welcomed at times but also felt a bit much at times.
We had 6 in our group and that was as a great size.
Enjoyed the fun and relaxed feeling of the entire tour.
Andrew_B, Oct 2024
Guide was so knowledgeable on animals, bird, plants and history of area! Throughout the trip he peppered us with interesting facts and stories. We saw 4 gators, turtles, bunches of birds like eagles, hawks, herons and many up close!
Kenderia_D, Aug 2024
Highly recommend, a good experience. My arms got a little tired but I still had a good time indeed!!
Alessandro_M, Aug 2024
Well organized pick up, outstanding experience in the swanks of Louisiana - Terry and his helpers made sure to give us an unforgettable and delightful experience. The tour took around 3 hours total, it was worth each dollar spent.
Nicole_P, Jul 2024
This was the highlight of my first trip to Nola, and I can’t recommend it enough! The scenery and wildlife are breathtaking.
John_G, Jun 2024
Fantastic experience with our tour guide Al. Our family (2 adults and 2 children) had a great time seeing nature and animals. Al provided fascinating insights about swamp history, animals, and vegetation. Highly recommend!
Cadricia_B, Jun 2024
This tour was amazing! Being able to see so much wildlife and be at peace with nature was something I will never forget. The tour guide was great, he was very knowledgeable and made the tour 10 times better.
cinda_s, May 2024
Excellent tour, a must do for anyone coming to the area. You’ll definitely learn about the area & spend a great day in the outdoors getting exercise.
Eleanor_A, Apr 2024
This tour was great - absolutely stunning scenery, a very knowledgeable guide and a lot visible wildlife, including alligators.
Holly_T, Apr 2024
Absolutely spectacular. Al was an excellent tour guide with his own local history which added to the experience.
Daniele_S, Apr 2024
We got to kayak about 2 to 2.5 miles out into the swamp. We saw alligators, turtles, birds, and a snack. A frog hopped onto our kayak and joined us on our trip. The guide told us about the animals and plants we were seeing and the area's history. This tour is a must!
DianePhamLe, Apr 2024
Wow, I have so much more respect & compassion for those who lived in the swamps back then and those who currently fish there and take care of Louisiana's history! My boyfriend and I had an absolute blast and enjoyed our guide, Terry. Transportation to and from the swamp area was smooth and our entire group was good for the most part. We would totally do this again in a heartbeat.
Suggestions for the Wild Louisiana Kayak: (1) Please find a way for everyone to be able to hear the information the guide gives. As much as Terry was knowledgeable and taking care of us, at times it was difficult to hear him. (2) I believe there should be some pre-requisites to going on this tour, especially to have prior kayaking experience (maybe at least 5-10 times) and/or is currently active (gym/running/ etc). There were some areas that were hard to get through with our kayak (and we're both physically active and kayaked before), so if someone is new they might not enjoy that very much. Moreover, there were two ladies in our group who were on the much larger side who slowed the tour down, hence the delay of going back to the city on time. They paired up, however I think incorrectly on the kayak so that delayed us further. *FYI the muscle should be in the back, while the person in front steers more. Terry did what he could to help these ladies. There were some other people in the group who slowed down purposely to help these ladies. I understand this experience is open to all, however I think it'd be a good idea to be mindful of other people during this tour too.
Suggestions for those who plan on going: (1) Don't do any crazy workouts before. Rest, eat well, & hydrate (2) Bring water (3) Wear something comfy and protective from the sun, sunnies & a hat are a must (4) Be open to the water and everything surrounded by you and your kayak
Nicole_C, Mar 2024
The tour guide, Josh, was knowledgable and entertaining. Not only was he a great tour guide, but included information about the area and the Louisiana wetlands. The tour was great. We had great weather and were able to see the area and some wildlife.
Rochel_K, Feb 2024
The kayak tour was a beautiful way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Although we were still able to catch glimpses of multiple animals we would recommend coming a little later into spring to see the fully bloomed floral landscape. Our guide Josh was lively, did well participating with every member of the group and knew his history well.
James_V, Jan 2024
Zack was an excellent guide and we had a wonderfull paddle. He was very knowledgeable and answered our questions and showed us interesting flora of the bayou.
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