New Orleans Self-Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour

Recommended by 91% of travelers

New Orleans, USA

1 to 2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket

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Overview

Explore New Orleans’ diverse ecosystem along the Bayou Bienvenue by kayak for a unique and memorable experience in nature. See what makes the nature surrounding the Crescent City so special as you paddle through the swampy waterways surrounding the city. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, alligators, turtles, and more wildlife.

Kayak through the Bayou Bienvenue outside of New Orleans
Explore the swamp at your own pace
Look out for wildlife like birds and alligators
Escape the city and enjoy nature

What's Included

Sit-on-top kayak rental
Life jacket
Paddle

Camera
Hat
Sunglasses
Water

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

2101 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA 70043, USA
Nola Party Barge. Look for the brightly painted gas station. There is currently construction. Turn right into the driveway after the construction.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Not recommended for persons with no prior kayaking experience
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 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

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Hannah_K

The kayak trip was so nice. They gave us a route to go on with waypoints but we were also able to kayak wherever in the bayou. Most notable though, the employees were very kind. We were dropped off in the wrong spot and they extremely helpful in helping us get to the right location!

Reviews

4.7

based on 11 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

We had a self-guided tour...

Rebecca_F, Aug 2026

We had a self-guided tour scheduled for 1:30pm, got there and 1:00pm, and someone inside the NOLA Party Barge building said we were in the wrong place since we booked with a different company. There was no one there from the company that we allegedly booked with, but we found kayaks that said "free kayak rentals," so I'm not sure why this was something that cost me $40 per person. We just grabbed kayaks and life jackets and paddles and went out on the water. We saw some herons and some fish which was nice, but we didn't see any employees or guides that the other reviews refer to.

The kayak trip was so...

Hannah_K, Mar 2026

First off: great...

Luke_M, Dec 2025

First off: great communication. They called me in the morning to make sure I had the correct address (there are two identical street addresses with different cities). We did the unguided tour but Becks (the employee who got us set up) was fantastic and made sure we were oriented and where to go. The kayaking was very easy, the water extremely calm, and plenty of wildlife and interesting terrain to look at. So many herons! The day we went it started out foggy which gave a spooky mysterious vibe (seen pic) but it cleared up an hour later so we got to experience the bayou in full sun as well. I recommend bringing a change of clothes -bout butts got a little wet which is inevitable.

Amazing

Darrin_C, May 2025

Our guide River was AMAZING!! The company all round was amazing!! Highly recommend. Our 1st time but definitely not our last

Do the 4 hour paddle. ...

Jonas_J, Feb 2025

Do the 4 hour paddle. Bring food and water. Wear long sleeves and pants ( sun). Nick was amazing. We saw 8 owls, gators, turtles etc

We had a great time. The...

Janice_R, Apr 2024

We had a great time. The staff was ready when we got there and had us launched pretty quickly after offering us an elevated view of the waters. We got our alligator spotting in and spotted a rare eagle. Fun, quiet day in the bayou after a busy fest weekend.

Loved it!

Lindsey_E, Mar 2023

We loved this part of our New Orleans trip! It was nice to get out of the city for a few hours and take it easy. The guides that met us were very easy going and kind. Very chill spot on the water to explore a bayou on your own. Would definitely recommend!

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