New Orleans isn’t just about jazz, creole cuisine, and lively streets — it’s also a fantastic place to paddle through some of Louisiana’s most iconic wetlands. The bayous and swamps surrounding the city offer a chance to see alligators, ospreys, and ancient cypress trees in their natural habitat. We especially love tours that combine ease of access with rich wildlife encounters, like the Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour — a gentle paddle through lush wetlands with expert guides and plenty of wildlife spotting.
If you’re after a more immersive experience or a chance to learn about the area’s history, some tours include cultural stops like the Whitney Plantation, making your trip both active and educational. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, New Orleans offers plenty of ways to explore its unique aquatic landscapes.
Quick Overview
This list covers guided kayaking tours of Louisiana’s famous swamps and bayous, with options for small groups, longer extended trips, and even kayak fishing. We’ve included tours that range from beginner-friendly outings to more adventurous, longer explorations. All tours provide the chance to see native wildlife like alligators, turtles, and owls, and many include helpful paddling lessons or transportation from the city.
1. Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour
At number 1, the Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour is a top pick for its combination of intimacy, wildlife sightings, and knowledgeable guides. This tour takes you through the cypress forests and wetlands of Louisiana, with no experience necessary. The guide teaches you everything you need to paddle comfortably, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
What sets this tour apart is the small-group format, which encourages a more relaxed and personal experience. Reviewers mention seeing alligators, baby crocodiles, and owls, with guides sharing insights about the ecosystem. The 2.5-hour trip costs $90 per person and includes a paddling lesson, making it a good value considering the close-up nature of the wildlife encounters. Many note the serene atmosphere and the chance to learn about swamp creatures and plants. Suitable for all ages, this trip is perfect for families or anyone wanting a peaceful nature escape.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rated, beginner-friendly swamp paddle with wildlife viewing and a small group, this tour hits the mark.
2. Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide
Second on our list, the Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide offers a 2-3 hour journey that includes pickup from central New Orleans. This tour emphasizes local knowledge — the guides are often longtime residents with generations of experience, sharing stories about the history of the swamp and its wildlife.
During the trip, you’ll paddle through the calm waters of the Manchac swamp, spotting birds, turtles, frogs, and alligators. The guide will also talk about how the swamp was once part of a logging route and how it’s become a vital habitat today. The trip is priced at $93 per person but includes the convenience of pickup and drop-off, saving you the hassle of driving.
Guests often praise the friendly guides and the peaceful nature of the trip. One reviewer said, “AJ was a phenomenal guide! Super friendly and knowledgeable. The kayaking was easy, peaceful, and adventurous.” This tour is especially good for those who want a personalized experience with educational commentary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who value local insights and a hassle-free experience, with enough wildlife and scenery to make it memorable.
3. New Orleans: Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour
Number 3, the Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour offers a 2-hour eco-friendly paddle through iconic Louisiana cypress swamps. Priced at just $65 per person, it’s an accessible option for those on a budget or with limited time.
This tour focuses on scenic landscapes and wildlife, with a guided exploration of the picturesque bayous just outside New Orleans. The guides offer insights into the local flora and fauna, helping you spot wildlife and learn about the swamp ecosystem. Reviewers describe it as a “beautiful and mysterious” experience, perfect for eco-minded travelers. No mention of wildlife sightings is made in the reviews, but the scenery alone makes this a worthwhile outing.
Suitable for beginners and those short on time, this trip is a good way to get a quick but authentic taste of Louisiana’s wetlands. It’s a straightforward, relaxing paddle that’s ideal if you want to keep things simple and focus on the scenery.
Bottom Line: An affordable, eco-focused trip that’s perfect for those wanting a brief introduction to the Louisiana swamp.
4. Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Combo
Number 4 combines natural scenery with cultural history. The Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Combo is an 8-hour adventure costing $199, blending a kayak trip with a self-guided tour of the historic Whitney Plantation.
The day starts with a guided paddle through the swamp, where the guide shares stories about the flora, fauna, and ecosystem. Afterward, you visit Whitney Plantation, one of the few sites dedicated to telling the stories of enslaved people in Louisiana. The tour includes transportation, a stop at B&C Seafood for Cajun food (own expense), and a tour of the plantation grounds.
Reviewers mention the personalized experience and educational value. One says, “Ali made our day very special with her knowledge and passion,” emphasizing the quality of the guide. The trip offers a full day of learning, making it suitable for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day combining nature and history, with the convenience of transportation and diverse experiences.
5. Manchac Swamp EXTENDED Kayak Tour with Pickup
For the more experienced paddler, the Manchac Swamp Extended Kayak Tour offers a 6-hour journey into Louisiana’s wilderness. At $175 per person, this trip is designed for those comfortable on the water and wanting to see more remote and expansive areas.
The tour begins with a pickup from New Orleans and takes you to the vast Maurepas Swamp, where guides take you further into the second largest bald cypress swamp in North America. The longer duration allows for more wildlife sightings, including alligators, herons, and turtles, and explores areas less visited by typical travelers.
Guests describe the trip as a “great long paddle” with lots of wildlife. One reviewer notes, “Our guide Nick was full of knowledge about the local wildlife,” and emphasizes that it’s perfect for experienced paddlers wanting a more adventurous day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for experienced kayakers seeking a longer, more secluded wilderness experience with ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
6. Plantation and Kayak Swamp Tour Adventure
Number 6, the Plantation and Kayak Swamp Tour Adventure is designed for those who want to combine cultural history with outdoor activity. The full-day outing costs $205 and includes visiting Oak Alley Plantation and the Manchac swamp.
Starting in the French Quarter, the tour includes a guided kayak trip through the swamp, with an emphasis on flora, fauna, and history. After kayaking, the group heads to Oak Alley, where a guided tour of the historic plantation grounds is included. The day wraps up with free time at the plantation and a chance to explore the grounds and restaurant.
Reviews note that the trip takes about 7-8 hours and is well-organized, with a mix of nature and history. One reviewer mentions, “Swamp kayaking was amazing, and the Oak Alley visit was a beautiful finish.” This option is suitable for those interested in plantation history combined with outdoor adventure.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a full-day tour that covers both wetlands and historic plantations, this offers good value and variety.
7. New Orleans: Manchac Swamp Wildlife Kayaking Tour
Number 7 offers a flexible, longer-duration experience. With a wide time window of 4 to 8 hours, the Manchac Swamp Wildlife Kayaking Tour is built for independent-minded paddlers. It’s priced at $84 per person, and the guide helps you explore the cypress forests and wetlands.
This tour emphasizes wildlife spotting — think alligators, turtles, and owls — and the chance to paddle in narrow, hard-to-reach spots that motorized boats can’t access. Reviewers mention how the calm waters and high-quality gear make paddling accessible for beginners and adventurous paddlers alike. The longer duration allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration.
Ideal for those comfortable on their own or with some paddling experience, it is perfect if you want to set your own pace and include wildlife observations.
Bottom Line: Highly flexible for paddlers who want to tailor their experience and maximize wildlife encounters.
8. Hooked on the Bayou: New Orleans Kayak Fishing Trips
Rounding out our list, the Hooked on the Bayou combines fishing with wildlife viewing. This 4-hour trip at $250 per person is a unique chance to cast a line in Louisiana’s waters while enjoying the scenery and spotting exotic birds and alligators.
While reviews are currently unavailable, the tour appeals to fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It offers a different way to experience the wetlands — combining sport with the chance to see native wildlife in a peaceful setting. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more active, hands-on experience rather than just sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for anglers or those wanting a combination of fishing and wildlife, with an intimate connection to Louisiana’s bayou environment.
$250.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Canoe & Kayak Experience in New Orleans
Picking the right tour depends on your interest, skill level, and time available. If you’re new to paddling or want a relaxing wildlife encounter, the Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour offers excellent value and guidance. For a full-day cultural and natural immersion, the Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Combo is hard to beat.
More advanced paddlers should consider the Extended Swamp Tour or the flexible Wildlife Kayaking Tour, which allow longer or more secluded explorations.
Budget-conscious travelers may prefer the Manchac Magic Swamp Tour, while those wanting a combination of outdoor activity and history should opt for the Plantation and Kayak Tour. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
New Orleans offers more than just vibrant city streets — it’s a gateway to Louisiana’s wild wetlands. Whether you want a gentle paddle through cypress knees or a longer adventure seeking out alligators and herons, you’ll find a tour that fits your style. From beginner outings to full-day explorations, the options are plentiful. Make your choice based on what excites you most, and don’t forget to bring your camera and a sense of curiosity. Happy paddling!