Experience the enchanting Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of Louisiana's swamps. This unforgettable adventure takes you deep into the heart of Manchac Swamp, a hidden gem tucked away just outside of New Orleans. As you embark on your kayaking journey, you will be greeted by the soothing sounds of nature and the gentle gliding of your kayak through the calm waters. The swamp's rich ecosystem comes alive before your eyes, with ancient cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss, vibrant green foliage, and a variety of wildlife. Under the expert guidance of your tour guide, you will learn about the history, folklore, and unique ecosystem of the Manchac Swamp. Discover the significance of the swamp to the Native American tribes who once inhabited the area, as well as its importance to the Cajun culture of Louisiana.
Start Times:: (Changes Seasonally, See Book Now button for current times) ~9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.
Bug Repellent while the mosquitoes are not typically a problem on our swamp tours, they can appear during dusk for 1 2 hour, but otherwise, our other tour times they don t bug us. Please visit our contact page and send us an email if you have inquiries about large groups and specialized packages; we can put them together for you.
Discover the significance of the swamp to the Native American tribes who once inhabited the area, as well as its importance to the Cajun culture of Louisiana. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, turtles, egrets, and other wildlife as they gracefully navigate the waters. Your experienced guide will share their knowledge and passion for the swamp's inhabitants, allowing you to intimately connect with this delicate ecosystem.
Manchac Magic Kayak Tour
Grab your paddles for this 2-to-3-hour kayak and canoe tour of the historic Manchac swamp. This area was once home to Ruddock, a destroyed logging ghost town.
The Manchac Magic kayak swamp tour is a great way to get out of the city and experience the scenic cypress swamps right outside of New Orleans. This paddle trip is a great beginner outing and all ages and skill levels are welcome to attend.
During your Manchac swamp tour , we provide you with kayaks, paddles, life vests, and all the necessary gear . Your guide gives you instructions on how to paddle and what they expect from you while on the water. As you paddle down the historic waterway, your guide gives you information on the history of the area and the wildlife that inhabit the swamp.
Wildlife you can expect to see includes alligators, snakes, turtles, egrets, herons, eagles , and owls. We cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, but the swamp has abundant wildlife activity, and we see a variety of wildlife every day. The Manchac swamp has a rich history from the Native American inhabitants, logging communities, and into the current day. Y our Manchac swamp tour guide discusses the historical significance of the area and points out evidence of the people who once lived in the area.
Dress comfortably for an outdoor trip. The winters can be cool and the summer can be hot. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if needed. Bugs and mosquitos aren’t a problem. Don’t forget to bring your camera to come home with great memories from the beautiful Manchac swamp!
Once you make your reservation, an email will be sent to you for confirmation, and further details for directions and arrangements will be provided. Please visit our contact page and send us an email if you have inquiries about large groups and specialized packages; we can put them together for you.
Please allow at least 2 hours between the end of our Manchac swamp tour and your next scheduled engagement of the day. The kayak tou r ’s beginning and ending times can fluctuate due to guests’ paddling experience and traffic to and from the city. Fridays and Saturdays are particularly bad traffic days. We do not want you to miss your next scheduled engagement!
- 80% refund is issued if cancellation is greater than 48 hours before tour time.
- 50% refund is issued if cancellation is less than 48 hours before tour time.
- No refund is issued for no calls/no shows/cancellations the morning of the tour
This adventure is operated by Wild Louisiana Tours
Where do I leave my vehicle when I drive myself?
If you drive yourself to the tour location you can leave your car at our store at 118 Gary Road, Laplace, LA. You can also follow us to our launch location down the road if you prefer.
What should I wear/bring on the tour?
We recommend that everyone wear clothes that they don’t mind getting a little wet. Pants and shirts that are quick-drying help to make your experience more enjoyable. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended to protect you from the sun. We have drinks, snacks, dry bags, and other items available for purchase at our store on 118 Gary Road, Laplace, LA where we will be meeting for the tour.
What about bugs?
Generally, mosquitos, flies, and other biting bugs are not very bad while on the water. If you have your own bug spray or would like to buy some to bring with you that is perfectly fine.
How far away are your tours/where are directions?
If you will be driving yourself to the tour we provide you with turn-by-turn directions to our meeting locations. Once you book your tours you will receive an email receipt where detailed directions to tour locations will be included. All of our tours are a 30 – 40 min drive from downtown New Orleans. Our store and meeting location is at 118 Gary Road, Laplace, LA.
Can I drink alcoholic beverages on the tour?
For insurance purposes, we are not allowed to start a tour with someone who appears to be intoxicated.
What if it rains?
Our tours still operate in the rain as long as our guests’ safety is not compromised by inclement weather e.g. weather considered hazardous to tour member’s safety. This includes lighting storms, unsafe water conditions, wildfires, etc. A little rain in the swamp can actually be quite refreshing after a long paddle.
What time will I be picked up?
9:00 AM is the pickup time for our 10:15 AM tour.
11:45 AM is the pickup time for our 1:00 PM tour.
Both times pick up at 732 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA
Is kayaking with alligators safe?
The short answer is yes! Alligators are a much calmer version than their cousins the crocodile. Generally, alligators have a docile nature. Because they are cold-blooded they spend most of the day either cooling off in the water or sunbathing on the bank. Most of their feeding and activity is done at night. Many boat tours in New Orleans feed alligators to ensure guests will be able to see them every day. When alligators are not fed by humans they have a natural fear of humans, as we have hunted them for centuries. It is illegal to feed alligators in the nature preserve that we kayak in, so the alligators you see on our trips will not approach your kayak and have no interest in you at all. Many times we will take pictures of them from a safe distance and it adds to the wildlife experience of the tour!
11:45 AM is the pickup time for our 1:00 PM tour.
The Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour also offers the opportunity to explore a pristine cypress forest, where you can marvel at the magnificence of these majestic trees. The serenity of the moss-draped canopy creates a sense of tranquility and peace, transporting you to a world untouched by time. Whether you are an experienced kayaker or a beginner, this tour offers a one-of-a-kind adventure suitable for all skill levels. The kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Your tour guide will provide instruction and assistance, ensuring that you feel comfortable throughout the journey. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of Manchac Swamp and its captivating beauty. Book your Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime..
Reviews for "Explore the Captivating Secrets of Manchac Magic on a Kayak Tour"
1. John - 2/5
I was really looking forward to the Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour, but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The tour guide seemed disinterested and didn't provide much information about the swamp or its wildlife. Additionally, the kayaks were old and uncomfortable, making the experience less enjoyable. I would recommend finding a different tour that offers a more engaging guide and better equipment.
2. Sarah - 1/5
I had a terrible experience on the Manchac Magic Kayak Swamp Tour. Firstly, the tour was overcrowded, with too many people in the group. This made it difficult to enjoy the tranquility of the swamp. Secondly, the tour guide was unprofessional and lacked knowledge about the area. They seemed more interested in taking selfies than providing us with interesting information about the wildlife and the swamp itself. Overall, I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend this tour to anyone.
3. Mark - 2.5/5
While I appreciate the beauty of the Manchac swamp, the kayak tour offered by Manchac Magic was not as exciting as I had anticipated. The route we took was too short, and we didn't get to explore much of the swamp. Additionally, the tour guide didn't seem passionate about the environment, which made the overall experience feel lackluster. If you're looking for a more immersive and educational swamp tour, I would suggest considering other options.