Cruise through the wild wetlands of Honey Island Swamp on a 2-hour boat tour. Located on the marshy shores of Lake Ponchartrain just north of New Orleans, this protected nature reserve is home to an array of southern wildlife, from egrets and herons soaring above to otters and alligators lurking below the water’s surface. Hear tales of swamp pirates, fishermen’s lore and mysterious creatures from your captain as you glide past hanging moss and swooning cypress trees.

Boat tour of Honey Island Swamp in Slidell
Take a narrated cruise through a protected nature reserve in Louisiana’s heartland
Spot native wildlife like otters, turtles, herons and even alligators
Hear swamp legends and pass by a traditional Cajun fishing village
Makes an easy day trip from New Orleans

What To Expect

Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours

Enjoy this Louisiana Swamp experience — a unique outdoor adventure that is safe, organized, fun, and educational.

Upon arrival at the starting location on the West Pearl River, in Slidell, Louisiana, venture in to the gift shop overlooking the Tupelo and Cypress swamp and check in for the tour. Be sure to take a look out of the back window to see if any backyard guests are lurking in the murky waters below. Don’t forget to use the restrooms before embarking on this 2-hour tour throughout nearly 70,000 acres of the Honey Island Swamp, a permanently protected wildlife preserve.

While walking down the dock, embrace the excitement of seeing the moss hanging from the gnarled cypress trees and the sweet smell of wild azaleas in the air. There’s an undeniable eagerness to explore. Listen intently to the captain’s tales of pirates, Bigfoot, and prehistoric creatures roaming the region while entering the primitive beauty of the Honey Island Swamp.

Keep an eye out for alligators, herons, egrets, deer, feral hogs, nutria, raccoons, otters, turtles, and frogs — an abundance of wildlife along the banks and the in the murky waters. Or look up and out for bald eagles, owls, osprey, and other waterfowl soaring through the skies. They could be visible one second and gone the next.

Those touring Honey Island can easily see why Louisiana is known as the Fisherman’s Paradise. Passing through the Cajun village, where local fisherman reside, see them catching bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and warmth. Thousands of pounds of crawfish are caught in these waters every season as well.

All the tour boats are inspected and approved by the US Coast Guard. These small, custom-built, flat-bottom boats transport approximately 20-24 individuals each. They are operated by experienced local guides who interact with the guests and make the trip both enjoyable and exciting.

With the journey back up the river, the captain leads the way to the original departure location to close out the tour.

NOTE: This option does NOT include transportation to and from New Orleans. Please select “Honey Island Swamp Tour with Pick-up from New Orleans,” should you need hotel pick up.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Highlight

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time
All can enjoy
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Include

Live commentary on board
Local guide
Professional guide

Exclude

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks