What is the meeting location and time?

Meet at 6301 Paris Rd, Chalmette, LA; exact check-in time is provided after booking—plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

How many people are on the boat?

The charter carries a maximum of six passengers for a private, small-group experience.

Are snacks and sunscreen provided?

Yes—bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen, and a selection of beverages and snacks are provided onboard.

Can I swim and snorkel at the islands?

Yes—shallow, calm sandbars and coves are typical stops for swimming; bring your own snorkel gear if you prefer.

Is the trip suitable for children or seniors?

Yes—the trip is family-friendly but requires safe boarding and short walks on uneven sand; notify the operator of mobility concerns in advance.

What happens in bad weather?

Trips may be rescheduled or adjusted for wind and sea conditions for safety; the captain monitors forecasts and will communicate options.

Island Hopper Day Charter: Barrier Islands Excursion from Chalmette

At 6301 Paris Rd in Chalmette, Louisiana, the Island Hopper (Day Charter) puts you on the water for an eight-hour sweep across Mississippi’s barrier islands, from Petit Bois to Ship Island and beyond. This is salt, sand, and horizon: a full day aboard a nimble 24-foot charter with room for up to six guests, designed to get you where larger vessels can’t—shallow sandbars, quiet coves, and stretches of beach that feel privately owned. The trip is customizable by group interests. Choose two or three islands and tailor the pace: beachcombing for fossilized shells, snorkeling in clear, shallow channels, hiking a short dune ridge for a broad view, or simply lying on the shore while terns and gulls wheel overhead. The islands are dynamic landforms—ribbons of quartz sand and crushed shell moved by tides, storms, and the longshore drift—and they support a surprising variety of coastal habitats, from salt marsh and seagrass flats to dune grasses and scrubby coastal thickets. Ship Island includes a human-made subplot: Fort Massachusetts, a mid‑19th century masonry fort that anchors the island’s history and offers a tangible connection to the region’s strategic maritime past. Guides commonly point out remnants and tell short stories about Civil War-era activity and later coastal defenses, adding cultural depth to what is otherwise a naturalist’s day. Wildlife sightings are part of the itinerary: playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins often escort the bow, brown pelicans and royal terns dive for fish, and shorebirds comb the wrack line at low tide. Because these islands are ecologically fragile, guides emphasize low-impact practices: stay on marked paths where present, carry out all trash, and avoid disturbing nesting sites in season. The operator supplies bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, and beverages, but guests should bring a refillable water bottle, a wide-brim hat, polarized sunglasses, and a light wind layer for offshore breezes. The shallow draft of the charter allows access to secluded swimming holes and sandbars for safe, calm bathing—ideal for family groups, photographers seeking empty beaches, or anyone wanting a day away from the bustle of the mainland. Island Hopper is a straightforward, small-group way to experience the Gulf shoreline’s raw character. It’s special because it offers both access and sensitivity: you get to explore remote, white-sand beaches and see coastal wildlife up close while traveling with a guide who knows how to protect these islands for the seasons to come. Book early during spring and fall migration windows to increase chances of seeing shorebird concentrations and migratory songbirds in coastal scrub, and consider bringing a small pair of binoculars and a waterproof camera; experienced captains will often adjust routes to catch a pod of dolphins or a remote shelling spot after learning your group’s priorities.

About Beyond the French Quarter

Beyond the French Quarter is a Lafitte, Louisiana tour company delivering authentic bayou and swamp experiences near New Orleans. The company offers a range of guided trips including bayou day-and-night fishing adventures, charter fishing with on-board expertise, eco bayou tours with educational commentary, historic plantation visits, private kayak swamp excursions, and full-day birding tours.

Local captains lead the experiences: Captain Mike runs charter fishing and many guided angling trips, while Captain Pip guides eco and wildlife tours. Each trip highlights Louisiana species such as speckled trout, redfish, flounder, roseate spoonbills, herons, and native raptors, and showcases coastal marshes, cypress swamps, and tidal bayous.

Beyond the French Quarter partners with local restaurants for catch-and-cook experiences, providing authentic Creole-style preparation after charter trips. Plantation tours visit two historic estates and include discussions of architectural features, gardens, and the complex history of enslaved people associated with those sites.

The operation emphasizes safety and local knowledge, using licensed captains familiar with bayou navigation and seasonal wildlife patterns. Equipment and itinerary details are provided for each trip so guests know what to expect. Tours accommodate a range of interests and abilities from family-friendly kayak paddles to specialized bowfishing at night.

Visitors choose Beyond the French Quarter for direct access to Lafitte’s wetlands, expert local guides, and a variety of immersive outdoor experiences that connect nature, culture, and coastal Louisiana heritage. Booking information, seasonal availability, and pricing are available online or by phone; reservations are recommended for popular trips and private tours during peak seasons.