A slow, two-hour guided kayak along a bayou rim outside New Orleans that threads pine flats, cypress swamp and salt marsh before opening into Lake Pontchartrain. Expect focused wildlife viewing, practical local history and calm paddling suitable for beginners.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from a narrow launch and the paddle slips into tannic water that smells faintly of pine and salt. The bayou narrows, cypress knees puncturing the glassy surface while shorebirds lift and settle like punctuation. This two-hour paddle moves deliberately: pine flatwoods give way to cathedral cypress, then open into a low salt marsh that breathes out toward Lake Pontchartrain.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light aerobic fitness required: able to sit and paddle for 2 hours with short breaks
Wildlife
History
Bayou routes were used by Indigenous peoples and later by Cajun and Creole communities for fishing and transport; the area’s modern waterways were reshaped by levee and canal projects in the 19th–20th centuries.
Conservation
These coastal wetlands are vulnerable to subsidence, sea-level rise and development; stay on designated access points, pack out waste, and support local habitat restoration groups where possible.
Reserve your spot on the Historical Scenic Bayou Swamp Water Trail Kayak Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check tides and wind
Tide and wind influence the final section into Lake Pontchartrain — calm mornings give the gentlest conditions for wading or lunch at the lake edge.
Bring insect protection
Mosquitoes and marsh flies are most active in warm months; DEET or picaridin and a head net for sensitive people help keep focus on wildlife.
Protect electronics
Use a small dry bag for phones and cameras — expect splash and occasional spray near the lake opening.
Wear secure footwear
Shoes that shed mud and stay on during a low, muddy portage will save time and comfort.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Often provided but bring your own if you prefer a better fit and comfort for the whole trip.
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phone, keys and snacks dry through splashes and accidental immersion.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Sun is strongest on the open marsh and lake; protection prevents heat-related issues.
summer
Insect repellent
Essential for warm months when mosquitoes are most active in the swamp and marsh.
spring