Manchac Magic Kayak Tour
New Orleans Swamp 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. Your 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 tour’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!
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Pick-Up Location Ace Hardware 732 N Rampart St New Orleans, LA 70116Drive Out Location 118 Gary Rd Laplace, LA 70068 |
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive promptly 15-30 minutes before your adventure. |
| CANCELLATION POLICY | Invoice must be paid in full for the tour date to be reserved. Wild Louisiana Tours LLC offers a 100% refund for tour cancellation due to inclement weather e.g. weather considered hazardous to tour member’s safety. This includes lighting storms, unsafe water conditions, wildfires, etc. Tours still operate in rain as long as the safety of clients is not jeopardized.
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| Manchac Magic Kayak Tour | |
| People All Ages | $59 |
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!
