Tour operator
Friends of the Cabildo French Quarter Walking Tour
Two-hour French Quarter history walks led by volunteer guides from Friends of the Cabildo, starting daily from the 1850 House on Jackson Square.
Cajun Encounters
A tour company running two-hour boat trips into the Honey Island Swamp, plus plantation, city and ghost tours, with an office on Decatur Street.
At a glance
- Type
- Swamp and plantation tours
- Area
- French Quarter office, Honey Island Swamp base, New Orleans, United States
- Official site
- cajunencounters.com
Good to know
- Swamp boat tours
- Plantation tours
- City and ghost bus tours
- Group and custom tours
Why we recommend it
Cajun Encounters is a tour company best known for its swamp tours into the Honey Island Swamp, east of New Orleans. Its founder and owner, Jeff Rogers, has run the business for more than a quarter of a century, and the company puts an emphasis on wetland conservation, including programmes for school groups. A swamp trip is one of the most popular ways to see the landscape of south Louisiana, and it makes a good contrast with a few days in the city.
The swamp tour base is at 55345 US Highway 90 in Slidell, on a bend of the West Pearl River, where boats launch into the swamp. The standard swamp tour lasts about two hours on the bayou, and a VIP version is also offered. As with any wildlife trip, what you see depends on the season and conditions on the day.
The company also runs plantation tours to Oak Alley and the Whitney Plantation, a combined swamp and plantation day, city bus tours, ghost bus tours and distillery tours in partnership with Seven Three Distilling. Seafood boils have recently been added to some tours. Group, luxury and custom tours can be arranged, and package deals are offered.
Bookings are made through the website or by phone. The site has a pickup locations page for transport from New Orleans, so check whether your hotel is on the list when you book, or plan to drive to Slidell. The company's New Orleans office is at 941 Decatur Street, Suite 101, in the French Quarter. Read the reservation policies on the website before booking.
Wetland conservation is part of the company's message, which adds a useful dimension to the trip. Booking a combined swamp and plantation tour saves organising two separate trips out of the city.
A swamp tour suits families, couples and anyone curious about Louisiana's natural landscape. Bring sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent in warmer months, and a light jacket in cooler weather, when it can be chilly on the water. Allow half a day for the swamp tour including transport, and a full day for the swamp and plantation combination.
Cajun Encounters FAQs
Where do the swamp tours go?
Into the Honey Island Swamp from a base on the West Pearl River at 55345 US Highway 90 in Slidell.
How long is the swamp tour?
About two hours on the bayou.
Is transport from New Orleans available?
The website lists pickup locations, so check whether your hotel is included when you book.
What other tours are offered?
Plantation tours to Oak Alley and the Whitney Plantation, city and ghost bus tours, and distillery tours.
Where is the New Orleans office?
At 941 Decatur Street, Suite 101, in the French Quarter.
How do I book?
Through the website or by phone on 504-834-1770.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent in warm weather, and a light jacket in cooler months.