9 New Orleans Kayak Tours to Fit Into Your Trip

1.Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 973 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

From a central New Orleans pickup, paddle a tandem kayak through the narrow waterways of Manchac and Maurepas swamps with a guide and a group capped at eight. You’ll get a brief lesson and all equipment. Alligators, turtles, owls, and other wildlife may appear, though sightings vary.

“Ali was such a great guide. Our group was mostly first timers and Ali made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident on the water. She was super knowledgeable on all of the wildlife and vegetation and was able to teach us so much about the area. Saw a decent amount of alligators too! Overall an amazing experience and a great way to feel immersed in nature.”

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2.Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 480 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $93

Leave New Orleans by van or meet the group at the Manchac launch, about 30 minutes away, for a guided paddle through quiet bayou channels. Your guide shares local wildlife and Louisiana history, including the lost logging town of Ruddock. Groups are capped at 14, and beginners get an introduction before setting out.

“The kayak tour was a beautiful way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Although we were still able to catch glimpses of multiple animals we would recommend coming a little later into spring to see the fully bloomed floral landscape. Our guide Josh was lively, did well participating with every member of the group and knew his history well.”

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3.Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 114 reviews · 2 hours · from $90

Spend a little over two hours kayaking the cypress swamps of Manchac with an English-speaking guide. Guides including Al, Gerald, and Josh have shared the area’s wildlife and history, from its cypress logging past to the ghost town of Ruddock. Kayaks and safety equipment are provided; city transport is available with selected options.

“First time kayaking and went with a group of 5, they all enjoyed it…as for me, NEVER AGAIN! Lol and not because the tour itself was “bad” I just realized I’m not a kayaking type of gal lol The tour guy was super fun and friendly and loved the experience! Thanks again for that Louisiana Hospitality.”

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4.Manchac Swamp Extended 4-Hour Kayak Tour with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Set out from New Orleans at 10:00 am for a four-hour guided kayak trip through Manchac Swamp near Maurepas. You’ll paddle among cypress trees and Spanish moss, with chances to spot birds, alligators, and other wildlife. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and air-conditioned transport are included. Guides have included Stephanie, Nick, and AJ.

“This was a great time. Nice long and hot tour of the swamp. We were able to see alligators and other wildlife. Was casually guided so not like typical tours where you are forced into a small group. AJ did point out several interesting areas. Recommend that you are experienced and prepared for 4 hours on the water!”

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5.New Orleans Self-Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.)

Set out on a self-guided sit-on-top kayak trip through Bayou Bienvenue in Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. Staff get you oriented before you paddle at your own pace, with a chance to spot birds, turtles, and alligators, plus the Swamp Swing for a photo. Becks, River, and Nick have helped paddlers, though your staff member may differ.

“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.…”

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6.Manchac Swamp Wildlife Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $84

Kayak through the narrow, calm waterways of Louisiana’s Manchac and Maurepas swamps with an English-speaking guide, a paddling lesson, and provided gear. You can choose French Quarter pickup or meet at the launch site. Guides such as Stephanie and MJ have helped visitors spot wildlife and understand the bayou’s plants, animals, and history.

“The tour was excellent! We missed the 9 a.m. tour but were rescheduled for the afternoon tour without additional fees! Stephanie was an amazing guide, and we really enjoyed the tour. It was an absolutely unique and beautiful experience!”

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7.Mystical Private Kayak and Canoe Tours on Caddo Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Meet your guide at 228 Easy St in Karnack, Texas, for a private two-hour paddle on Caddo Lake. Travel by kayak or canoe through bald cypress trees, with possible views of water lilies, lotus flowers and a sandbar known as The Cathedral. Guide Leah has led groups through the area and shares insight into the lake, plants, birds and local history.

“The sunrise view is beautiful! The tour guide is very nice and knowledgeable. During that period of time many areas of the park were closed due to flooding. As a result all boat tours were cancelled. I am glad that the tour guide still accepted my booking, otherwise I could not see this beautiful lake.”

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8.Kayak Tour Of The Honey Island Swamp and Backwaters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Best value

Meet KoKoMo Kayaks at 65583 Pump Slough Road in Pearl River for a roughly two-hour guided paddle through Honey Island Swamp. Calm water suits beginners and moderate paddlers, and kayaks, life jackets, and dry bags are provided. Owner-guide Deb leads tours that explore local ecology, culture, and wildlife. Tours start at 9 am and cap at 10 people.

“Wow, the swamp was so full of life and very peaceful. Deb, the owner and tour guide, was a wonderful guide. She made sure I was comfortable the whole time. It was one of the highlights of my trip. She was funny and sweet. I highly recommend this tour.”

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9.Atchafalaya Basin: 2.5 Hr. Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2h 30m · from $87

Join guide Al for a 2.5-hour kayak trip through the Atchafalaya Basin’s waterways and second-growth cypress. You’ll get a safety briefing, kayak, paddle, and life vest, then hear about local wildlife, the basin’s ecology, and Cajun culture. Groups are limited to 10, and alligators, turtles, and birds may be among the sights.

“Fantastic! Beautiful opportunity to experience an area of Louisiana that many visitors don’t see. So serene and Al was the perfect guide.”

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