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Swamp Tales

Most Exciting and Adventurous New Orleans Tours!

a tree next to a body of water
New Orleans Swamp Tours

Our New Orleans swamp tours operate from the dock in Marrero (Crown Point) Louisiana, located just a 35 minute drive from the French Quarter of New Orleans. We are situated on the banks of Bayou Barataria, in the heart of the most dynamic ecosystem of North America. The Treasure Isle Swamps that surround our boat dock are part of the “Barataria Estuary”. The word, Barataria, means “The Good Land”. We are quite isolated, where there is but one road in and the same road out and are adjacent to the Largest Urban Park in the United States, “The Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve”.

The wetlands of the Barataria swamps are so rich in seafood and wildlife, that when Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, he was only interested in New Orleans and it’s Swamps. Thomas Jefferson considered Barataria Estuary, the crown jewel of the purchase.

a large body of water
Bayou Culture

The heritage of the bayou people is of French Descent, dated all the way back to Nova Scotia.

The “Cajuns” of the swamps never were worried about going hungry due to the abundance of natural resources. They were worried about Pirates in the swamp.

Jean Lafitte had his headquarters located on “Grand Terre” near the gulf and used Bayou Barataria as his highway to New Orleans. Just across the bayou from our dock is a 200 year old cemetery that is located around the most significant Indian burial mound in South Louisiana. The Indian Mound has been carbon dated back two thousand years. This history & culture of the way of life for the Cajuns of the Bayou, is still a “step back in time”. Many locals still hunt, fish, and trap as a way of making a living. Fishermen catch blue crab, shrimp and fish from the waters around us.

a bird swimming in water
Wildlife

Our Tours are Second to None!

Bald Eagles, Pelicans, gulls and herons are common sites from the tour boat or airboats. Alligators are plentiful in our swamps and commonly seen throughout the year. Yes, gators do hibernate between the end of October to mid February, but because our swamps are shallower and warmer in the winter, than river basins, we see gators on a regular basis. The big gators do go into their dens during the winter, but the smaller guys come out for a little sun in the areas protected from the wind. It is not unusual to see alligators swim past our dock. The gators get real close, so close that you will be able to look into their eyes!

Our captains know where to look and find gators even during winter!

All Our Boats are Operated by Local Captains, That Have Lived the Cajun Life!

They impart their personality into the tours, so that you get an insight of their living in harmony with the Eco-system. They will enlighten and entertain you with their life stories. We get customers returning to the swamp tour for two and three times and ask for the same captain. Most of our guests, tell us that the swamp tour is the highlight of their trip to New Orleans. The tour boats are fully narrated and protected from the sun & rain. The airboats are half tour and half thrill ride. Experience the best swamps, best captains, best modern equipment and a unique all around experience. Don’t forget the Camera!

The most exciting, adventurous New Orleans Tours, including High Speed Airboat Tours, Swamp tours by tour boat, Post Katrina/New Orleans City tour, and Plantation tours. All these tours can be combined and done by “Louisiana Tour Company”.

School Group Adventures: Learning Louisiana Ecology Up-Close

Bringing a school group into the Louisiana swamp isn’t just about spotting an alligator and calling it a day. Although, let’s be honest, if an alligator does pop up, it becomes the main character of the field trip faster than you can say “extra credit.” But there’s a whole lot more going on beneath the…

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July 8, 2025

Alligators Up Close: Myths vs. Facts

Let’s talk about the unofficial mascot of the Louisiana swamps: the alligator. Not the cartoon kind wearing a vest and playing the banjo—but the real-deal, prehistoric, sunbathing-on-a-log type that has been cruising our bayous long before GPS or gumbo. Now, thanks to movies, TV, and the occasional tall tale at a crawfish boil, there’s a…

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July 3, 2025

When Flood Zones Become Uninsurable: What’s Next for Louisiana Property Owners

In many parts of coastal and low-lying Louisiana, flood insurance has shifted from a standard safeguard to a major challenge. As flood frequency increases and claims continue to rise, some areas are facing reduced access to coverage—or none at all—from private insurers. The term “uninsurable” has started appearing more frequently in conversations about homeownership in…

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June 27, 2025

Photographing the Louisiana Swamp: A Guide for Adventurous Shooters

Let’s be honest—when most folks think about going on a photo shoot, they picture city skylines, fashion models, or sunsets over sandy beaches. But if you ask me, nothing compares to the wild beauty of Louisiana’s swamps. Sure, you might get a little muddy, swat a few mosquitoes, and find yourself locking eyes with a…

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June 24, 2025

Cajun Connections: How Wetlands Shaped Louisiana Culture

There’s a lot that can be said about the swamps of Louisiana, but let’s get one thing clear right off the bat—they’re not just waterlogged forests filled with mosquitoes and the occasional alligator eyeing you like you’re the special of the day. These wetlands are alive. Not just biologically (though yes, plenty of that), but…

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June 18, 2025

What Kind of Animals Might You See on a Louisiana Swamp Tour?

Step onto a Louisiana swamp tour, and the first thing that hits isn’t the wildlife—it’s the air. Thick, warm, and just humid enough to remind anyone that nature has its own thermostat. But once the boat drifts away from the dock and the Spanish moss starts swinging over the water, the real stars of the…

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June 11, 2025

How to Dress for a Swamp Tour (And What to Bring)

Planning a swamp tour in South Louisiana means stepping into one of the most unique environments in the country. Cypress forests, alligator sightings, birds overhead, and still bayou waters create a memorable setting—but the experience depends heavily on how well-prepared the guest is before stepping onto the boat. Weather, insects, water spray, and uneven terrain…

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June 3, 2025

Why a Swamp Tour Belongs on Every Louisiana Visitor’s Bucket List

South Louisiana is known for its music, cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage—but the most unforgettable part of any visit often happens just outside the city limits, deep within the winding bayous and moss-covered cypress trees of the Louisiana swamps. These wetlands are more than scenery. They’re living, breathing ecosystems that have shaped the communities, traditions,…

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May 27, 2025

Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Spotting Rare Species in the Swamps

The swamps of southern Louisiana are more than just a backdrop for folklore and adventure—they are one of the richest bird habitats in North America. These wetlands provide essential stopover points and nesting grounds for hundreds of bird species throughout the year. For birdwatchers, whether seasoned or new to the hobby, the swamps offer a…

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May 21, 2025

How Swamps Naturally Clean Water and Fight Flooding

Swamps are often misunderstood. Seen as murky, stagnant, and uninviting, these wetland ecosystems are frequently underestimated in their value and overlooked for the vital role they play in protecting communities and ecosystems across South Louisiana. What looks like still water surrounded by trees and vines is actually a living, breathing system that performs some of…

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May 15, 2025

The Role of Cypress Trees in the Louisiana Wetlands

Spend any time drifting through the swamps of South Louisiana, and you’ll notice one thing rising from the water with silent authority—the bald cypress tree. With its wide, flared trunks, moss-draped branches, and curious knees poking through the water’s surface, the cypress is more than just a symbol of the swamp. It’s a key player…

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May 6, 2025

Alligators in the Wild: Myths vs. Facts

Alligators are one of the most recognized animals in Louisiana’s wetlands. Over time, a lot of myths have developed around them, creating a mixture of fascination, fear, and misunderstanding. Knowing the real facts about alligators helps people enjoy Louisiana’s natural areas more safely and with a greater appreciation for the role these animals play in…

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April 30, 2025