Swamp Tours in New Orleans

Cajun style swamp tours are an exciting prospect for tourists to the New Orleans area. Affectionately known as swamp people, the cajuns are experts around swamps with a knowledge of the area that is second to none. History has it that when Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, that he was so taken by the wetlands so rich in wildlife, that he was only ever interested in the swamps of New Orleans.

To find a swamp tour in New Orleans you only have to travel 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans and you will find yourself transported back in time by approximately 10 years for every minute you travel! Little has changed in the way the Cajuns live their lifes and make their living around the swamp, and it is a real eye opener to experience the lifestyle of the Cajuns and the nature of the swamps first hand.

Many people will visit the area to see for themselves what has been shown on the History channel during the hit series The Swamp People. In the TV show the brutal way of life that is alligator hunting is shown in sometimes gruesome detail, and the danger of this occupation draws tourists to the area every year.

During the swamp tours in New Orleans tourists are treated to a two hour high speed airboat ride, not unlike the airboats used by the swamp people in the TV show, but with an increased seating capacity. For tourists looking for a little more comfort and safety it is also possible to take the tour in a more conventional tour boat. One things is for sure no matter which mode of transport visitors decide on, they will be treated to remarkable stories from gator country.

On the large tour boats the pace is a little slower than the airboats and allows passengers the freedom to walk the deck and take in the views from all sides of the boat. The larger boats can seat well over 100 while the smaller air boats are restricted to less than 50 passengers. It’s not all back to basics though out in the barren swamps, as these larger boats have an on-board restroom and refreshments for sale.

One thing is for sure on these boat tours of gator country, you certainly do not want to forget your camera. An alligator photo opportunity is just around every corner – especially if you are visiting during gator season. Gators do hibernate during the winter months, but the swamp people know where to go to catch a glimpse of alligators as they bask in the winter sun.

The swamp tours in New Orleans usually take place on private property owned by the swamp people for many generations. Taking a tour with the descendants of the swamp people is the only way to experience the way the Cajuns and indians lived for many generations.

As the day draws to a close, if tourists have times their visit just right, they can experience  Lake Salvador’s amazing and beautiful sunset