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Cajun Encounters Bayou Boat Ride: A Must-Do Experience Near New Orleans
- Alyssa
- Feb 17
- 4 min read
Updated: May 20
Looking for something off the beaten path in New Orleans? Trade Bourbon Street for bayou breezes with a Honey Island Swamp tour just a 30-minute drive from downtown. This lush marshland is teeming with wildlife, from alligators and raccoons to herons and egrets, and offers a peaceful, scenic escape from the city’s usual hustle.
We booked our bayou boat tour with Cajun Encounters, one of the most popular swamp tour operators in New Orleans. Our $64.99 ticket included round-trip transportation from the French Quarter and a 1.5-hour guided ride through the swamp. If you have your car, a cheaper option is available at $34.99 per person. Along the way, we spotted tons of wildlife and even passed a riverbank village that’s only accessible by boat.
Exploring the Bayou: A Must-See New Orleans, LA Attraction:
Seeing the swamps is one of the top activities in New Orleans, offering a different experience from the French Quarter or Bourbon Street. Since we were staying downtown and didn’t rent a car, we booked our Honey Island Swamp tour with Cajun Encounters, opting for their round-trip transportation package. The company emailed us our meeting point the night before—it was outside a small hotel with little shade, so keep that in mind if you're visiting during the hotter months.
Shuttle Pickup and Ride to the Swamp
The Cajun Encounters shuttle bus is hard to miss it’s wrapped in bold graphics and features a giant alligator on the side. The ride from the French Quarter to the Honey Island Swamp takes about 30–45 minutes, and our driver kept us entertained with stories about growing up in Louisiana, fun swamp facts, and even what to do if you ever see an alligator on the road. (Spoiler: don’t slam on the brakes.)
Arrival at the Swamp & Gift Shop Stop
Once we arrived, the bus pulled up to a small gift shop where we had a few minutes to browse inside the air conditioning. The shop sold snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and all kinds of quirky jerky, including alligator. Outside, there were picnic tables and a boardwalk that extended into the marsh. We spotted a few ducks and dragonflies before our group was called for boarding.
Group Assignment and Boarding Process
Tour participants were split into groups of about 15–20 people, each forming one boat. We were given colored wristbands to help organize the groups, and they doubled as little souvenirs. After a short safety briefing, we boarded a large pontoon-style swamp boat with shaded seating. Initially, there was plenty of room, but our boat had to circle back for a few late guests, and seating got tight. Elijah and I ended up sharing a small seat that wasn’t meant for two, but it didn’t seem typical for most tours.
Local Life Along the River
As we cruised along the river, we passed a small village that’s only accessible by boat. Our guide lived in one of the houses along the riverbank, giving us personal insight into what it’s like to live in the swamp. He shared stories about the local community, including how residents were impacted by recent storms and Hurricane Katrina..
Meeting Elvis the Alligator
Our first wildlife encounter was with an alligator named Elvis. The guide called his name, and sure enough, Elvis swam right up to the boat for a snack. We learned that Cajun Encounters feeds the gators specialized protein pellets made just for them. Seeing Elvis eased our nerves and set the tone for the rest of the tour.
Deeper into the Bayou: Wildlife Encounters
From the river, we ventured into a narrower bayou waterway, where the wildlife came to life. We saw baby alligators lounging in the shallows, curious raccoons that came close to the boat, and a tree our guide said inspired Mama Odie’s home from The Princess and the Frog.
As we exited the bayou, we spotted a massive alligator gliding through the water—our guide estimated it was 12 to 13 feet long! He navigated us in for a closer look while keeping a respectful and safe distance.
Wrapping Up: Return to Dock & Ride Back
The boat eventually looped back toward the dock, and we disembarked near the gift shop, where we had a few minutes for last-minute browsing or a bathroom break. The shuttle waited for everyone to board before taking us back to the French Quarter, ending a truly memorable bayou boat tour in New Orleans.
What to bring:
To stay comfortable and get the most out of your New Orleans swamp tour, we recommend bringing the following:
Sunscreen – You’ll be outdoors for most of the tour, and even with the shaded boat, you’ll catch some sun.
Hat and Sunglasses – Help shield your eyes and stay cool during sunny stretches on the river.
Camera or Smartphone – There are tons of wildlife and beautiful scenery, so be ready to capture it!
Lightweight, Breathable Clothing – It gets hot and humid, especially in summer. Dress accordingly.
Allergy Medication – If you’re sensitive to pollen, take something ahead of time—a lot was floating in the air and water.
Summary:
The Honey Island Swamp is a fun day trip just outside of New Orleans! We went on a boat tour of the swamp with Cajun Encounters and paid $64.99 per person with round-trip transportation from the French Quarter. We experienced an abundance of wildlife up close and saw what life is like along the river. Our boat was a little cramped since a few guests missed their boat and had to get on ours, but that did not hinder our experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through the bayou and getting up close with all the creatures of the swamp.
Do you think a tour through the bayou with Cajun Encounters is worth your wallet? Let us know below!
Looking for more New Orleans experiences? Check out our sunset steamboat cruise!
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