Cajun Encounters Tour Company

This tour was so much fun! Our guide Wade G. handled the tour with a nice blend of educational facts and humorous quips. You can tell he is passionate about Louisiana’s wildlife and its habitat. There were tons of gators- big and small, raccoons, birds, frogs, turtles and insects. The landscape was beautiful. I never thought I’d call a swamp picturesque, but it certainly was! My family even had fun after the tour comparing the photos that we took. I would definitely take the tour again.

What a fun adventure! Very family friendly. We had Captain Dustin and bus driver Justina. They were both awesome! Bus driver Justina got us pumped up and ready for the tour and it didn’t even feel like a 40 minute ride. Captain Dustin is a great driver and he is super knowledgeable. Lots of funny jokes and keeps you entertained! Highly recommended both of them :)

This tour was absolutely a must-do. Our driver Derek was personable and gave us a history lesson as well as food recommendations on the way out. Captain Steve was our boat guide and we had an equally great time with him as well. You can tell he has a great relationship with and respect for the wildlife as they approached the boat without fear. Such a great time and I’d absolutely come again!

Captain Ketchup as he doesn’t mind being called made the experience very enjoyable and informative. Polite tone and took time to answer all questions. I’m not a gator fan but I left with some new knowledge about their lifestyle and environment. Also we were dropped off and collected in a big air conditioned coach with a very well mannered driver but I have forgotten her name

The bus ride went faster than expected with Dereck’s guide about in and around NOLA. I appreciated his enthusiasm and reminiscence of Katrina which is crucial to the history of NO. He gave great food reviews several that I have tried and looking forward to the ones we haven’t. Thank you for making the ride pleasant. The Cajun encounter boat ride with Captain Steve was worthwhile. He had a great knowledge base on the fauna and flora. Stopping along the way to see the wildlife. It was a great experience and my son enjoyed it as well. Thank you for your service.

New Orleans is an absolutely amazing city and this tour is one of the best things we did! Our tour guide Derek drove us to the swamp located just outside the city and offered some great information on the way. He had extensive knowledge of the local area and recommended a fantastic lunch spot (Lil Dizzy’s) which we went to straight after the tour. The actual swamp tour was 10/10!! We had Dustin as our tour guide and he was brilliant. He was so passionate about the swamp and offered a really good insight into the alligators natural habitat. Not only that, he managed to point out other animals and creatures such as turtles, raccoons, a blue herring and even a couple spiders on the way. On the boat we also managed to sail past a couple local homes and a historic bridge. This tour is an absolute must and if you get Derek or Dustin it will be even better :)

Unforgettable Swamp Tour Experience We had an amazing time with Cajun Encounters! From the moment we were picked up, everything was well-organized and professional. Our guide was super friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable about the local wildlife, history, and culture. We saw alligators, raccoons, birds, a turtles! The boat was comfortable, and we had great views of everything. I especially appreciated how the guide showed respect for the animals and the environment, keeping a safe and responsible distance. This tour is a must-do if you're visiting New Orleans — it's a unique and exciting way to explore the Louisiana swamps. Thank you, Cajun Encounters

Our swamp tour with Captain Jacob was the absolute highlight of our trip. From the moment we stepped onto the boat, Jacob’s professionalism, warm personality, and deep knowledge of the Louisiana bayous made this an unforgettable experience. Captain Jacob wasn’t just a guide, he was a storyteller, a naturalist, and a passionate protector of the ecosystem. He explained the history of the region with clarity and heart, including how early settlers survived off the land and the ongoing battle against invasive species. You could tell he genuinely cared about the environment and wanted us to leave with a better understanding of its beauty and fragility. And the wildlife? Incredible. We saw tons of alligators, up close but always safely. We also encountered raccoons, egrets, great blue herons, blue herons, the elusive “swamp chicken” (I wish I remembered its real name!), lubber grasshoppers, giant snails, and so many more species I lost count. The boat was comfortable, the pace was perfect, and the entire experience was both educational and entertaining. We left with amazing photos, better appreciation for Louisiana’s ecosystem, and a ton of fun memories. HIGHLY recommend this tour and if you can, ask for Captain Jacob. He made it magic.

Captain Tim was the best. I've been on a swamp tour with a different company before and while seeing wildlife cannot be guaranteed by any tour company, duration of the tour can be. On my previous tour with a different company, the tour was promised 2 hours or more and at least 45 minutes were spent inside seeing a rescue alligator on land and off the water, waiting for loading, instructions, etc. Captain Tim was prompt with this company tour really maximizing our time to the fullest out on the water. The landscape offered a lot more including history, landscape nature and tribal-wise, and of course with animal life. Captain Tim spotted multiple snakes, a racoon, and at least 5 gators. Now please keep expectations low because some swamp tours can show no wildlife at all. It's really a combination of the animals, the amount of ground covered, and your Captain. Here, we had 5 stars the best of all worlds and I would recommend.

I came to NOLA in 2013 and did a Cajun Encounters tour, and then I came back 10+ years later in 2025 and did another one. Both were fantastic, but also completely different! I would recommend this tour for literally any age -- everyone will love it! We did the option with the bus ride to and from, and I was pleasantly surprised that the bus driver went into full tour guide/comedian mode and made the 45-minute trip from downtown NOLA fly by. The main thing I think is important to know is that weather is going to change what you see. (Even a sunny vs. overcast day is going to make a difference.) If you come when it's warmer, you'll see more gators. (I think the guide said spring was best.) If you come when it's colder (as we did this last time), the gators will be doing their thing of conserving all their energy and you won't see as many. BUT INSTEAD WE SAW ALLLLLLLL THE RACCOONS. Now listen: A raccoon in my garbage cans? Pest. But a whole little team of raccoons in the swamp, climbing up a tree and reaching out with both their little tiny raccoon hands to get a tasty protein snack? Absolutely delightful. Our tour guide was funny and knowledgeable, and put his own spin on things as we went. (My favorite part was that he had a favorite raccoon.) One note: We went in January and while we dressed warmly, we absolutely appreciated the blankets they gave out -- especially when we shifted into full gear!

Had a really good time with Capt Steve. The tour was very informational about the swamp including the vegetation, animals, and history. We got to see plenty of alligators, wild raccoons, and various birds. We went on the 0930 tour and it wasn't as hot as the afternoon. Would definitely put on sun screen as our boat didn't have a canopy (although others did) and we put on bug spray but it wasn't really necessary. The river has a slow current so there weren't any mosquitos or smelly swamp gas. Definitely glad we did the tour and got to experience some of the local nature, would highly recommend. I will also mention that they use a zoo-grade protein meal pellet to feed the alligators because it's actually nutritional and doesn't ruin the environment like the cheaper marshmallows other boat companies were using. We saw dozens of old marshmallows floating on the shores which made me a little sad. If you're looking to grab a bite on your way in/out, Jazzy Pete's Poboys nearby is recommended!

The city and history tour is great. Our tour guide Rene knew his stuff, was very personable and all around awesome! 2nd tour with Cajun encounters and I have loved every minute. They really got their -ish together, no wonder they are top rated!

Xander was our guide and he was a hoot. We had a great time seeing all the animals and laughing with Xander. We absolutely recommend it to anyone curious about it.

The swamp tour was awesome!  Absolutely loved it. Even after being kidnapped by Bourbon Street the night before, hungover with less than 2 hours of sleep, I thoroughly enjoyed this swamp tour. Yes, I highly recommend this cool a$$ adventure.  Really fun time and cool sights to see. Pat was the captain of our boat, and he kept up entertained with his laughable jokes and comments and with his knowledge of the lake there. He was great! The swamp tour is highly recommended, so yeah, do it. You won't regret it.

A very well done tour and business. Was very happy with our experience. Tour guide was absolutely great and very educational and enthusiastic. Loved learning the history and getting right up close to gators!

We booked our tour in March and were thinking we may not see many gators in November since we heard the burrow in the mud in the colder months. We got lucky and arrived in Louisiana during a warm spell and saw so many! The shuttle bus is huge and really comfortable. Our driver Justina was informative and gave us information on the area as we drove so even the drive was a nice part of the experience! Our Captain was Zander and he was also informative and funny. We loved learning about the swamp and its plants and animals. We saw gators, raccoons, egrets, and turtles. We didn't catch any boar during our boat tour but that's okay! We had a great time overall. One of my favorite things we've done in LA. The only thing I wish we had was a little more time in the gift shop. We got about 5 minutes before needing to line up and 5 minutes after the tour but took this time to return our kids lifejackets from the boat so we did not get to shop. Overall though, I highly recommend this experience!

We booked this for my daughter's 13th. A treat from her grandmother. We are new to the state. Our captain was informative, engaging and entertaining. I think it was $150 + tax for 4 of us. A treat for sure. He didn't rush and spent extra time making sure all guests in the boat got pictures and could ask questions. Taught us that the pink bubblegum on the random trees, were not in fact gum, but invasive snail eggs. We actually learned quite a few things. It was definitely a great day trip. Pack an ice chest for you trunk, the 12 ounce cans of pop (Dr. Pepper etc) are $2.99 EACH. I was incredibly shocked by that. Otherwise a great day.

I came here with my friend and it was such an amazing time! We had a great tour guide who made the experience eventful and fun. Definitely recommend!

Our tour guide (for blue wrist band at around 10 am on Aug 12; I can't remember his name) and bus driver (Justine) were absolutely amazing. Really down to earth, swell people. Very informative and did their job very well. Definetly worth the money and a great experience. Got to see turtles, raccoons, and alligators

I've honestly never had so much fun. Started off great with our bus driver, who gave us great recommendations and history about the city as we drove. Really appreciated him explaining about how Katrina had changed the landscape. The tour itself was amazing, I thought we might see one gator if we were lucky, boy was I wrong. Even in late October they were EVERYWHERE you looked. The boat captains had little treats for them (and for the raccoons!) and kept them coming right up to the boat. We got a lot of cool info about the local ecosystem and the environment in LA as well. I would have hopped right back on for a second tour as well. Only tough thing was the chaos of checking in, but I forgot all about that by the time we hit the water. Super worth the time and I hope to get back someday.

Honestly a swamp tour wasn't a must do on my list for my trip to New Orleans but I sure am glad we opted to do it. We decided to do it with Cajun encounters and liked the fact that they offered scheduled pick up spots since we weren't renting a car. I had questions about booking and the person who answered the phone was very informative and even gave us the nearest pick up location so we didn't have to look it up ourselves from where we were staying. Tip: schedule an early morning tour if you can, especially during the summer because the bugs start coming out later in the day and it gets hot! Our scheduled pick up time was 8:30am? And they gave us a scare because they called us saying we were late. We found out later that we weren't and we made it on time. Derek was our driver and I really enjoyed his referrals and insights to New Orleans. It's sad and fascinating how hurricane katrina is still very much so affecting New Orleans economy and neighborhoods. Dustin was our actual tour guide and he was fun as well. A lot of stories and education, and most of all helping us seek out all the different types of wildlife in the swamp with added tidbits of fun facts and stuff. I think we got back to our hotel by like 12:30? So the whole thing took about 4 hours with the bus ride there and back. Tip #2: make sure you eat something before going or bring some snacks. They have a store where they also sell snacks too but we were HUNGRY by the time we finished the tour. If you're thinking of doing a swamp tour, definitely consider booking an appointment with this crew! They were in time, friendly, and made our experience a very pleasant one!

We didn't have a rental car in New Orleans but wanted to take a swamp tour, this was great because they pick us up and brought us to the "swamp" we saw raccoons and alligators and it was very educational and fun

Relaxing, scenic, beautiful swamp tour of Honey Island Swamp. Our tour guide was very cool (oops forgot his name) and the swamp was a solid amount of time (about 1 hour 30 min). We saw quite a few alligators and it was fun watching the tour guide feed them treats. Recommended if you're visiting NOLA for the first time!

Capt Dustin was awesome. Held a frog, saw a blue heron, egret, turtles, gators, pigs, raccoons. Super fun. Dustin was fun and informative. Will be back

Captain Steve was an amazing tour guide and showed us more than we could have hoped for. It's truly a unique experience. Definitely worth seeing if you're in NOLA. Amber, our bus driver was also excellent and made the time fly by. I highly recommend this tour if you're in the area.

The tour from the bus ride to the launch point and the tour itself was awesome. Zander was a great guide and took us to see lots of wildlife including about 1-2 dozen gators. Do it!

Fun times fun tour guide . Plenty of history . We had a blast & Chris was great ! Saw plenty of gators ! It's hot bring water . So much to see !

Such a fun tour!! Zander was our guide and he was very knowledgeable and also hilarious! We saw lots of gators, wild hogs, and other things- super super fun and would highly recommend everyone try it out!

The bestttttt adventure ever!!!!! Billy was our captain and he was sooooo sooooo sooo much fun! So informative. We saw lots of gators. Mustttttt visit in NOLA!

Fun tour where you will hear about New Orleans history, see some animals (alligators, raccoons, turtles, snakes etc.) and learn about the swamp. We did the swamp tour and rode on a boat that fit around 20 people. We were able to see plenty of alligators including Elvis who our Captain speculates is 60 years old. The tour was around 2 hours and I was actively engaged the whole time listening to the captain, looking for animals and taking pictures. Would recommend to all who are interested to learn something new!

I went with the VIP tour as I wanted to be in a smaller group. The site said there was a cooler, so we brought drinks, but there was no mention of a cooler until we already got back and were off the boat. :/ The bayou is gorgeous. Didn't see many alligators so we went into the grasslands. Tour guide was pretty ok. I wish we spent more time in the bayou, it was so pretty.

We on the bus right now and driver Derek is hilarious and sooo informative when it comes to all things New Orleans

Great tour!! Derek was great and informative. We saw a few alligators, turtles and raccoons. My kids loved it and especially enjoyed the swamp AC ( boat speeding). Highly recommended.

Scott was our boat captain today and the tour was amazing! He gave a lot of good info of the area and its wildlife with a good sense of humor. This was my first bayou tour and got to see a lot of cool animals, this visit will definitely be one to remember

Had a great time with Captain Sonny on a rainy, wintery day. The tour was about 90 minutes and we even got to see some gators, even though they're mostly dormant this time of year. Also got to see some raccoons and a cool variety of birds, which isn't always available when the swamplands are more green and vibrant. We learned not only about the flora and fauna, but also enjoyed the repartee of each of the captains we passed, as well as Capt. Sonny's jokes. It was interesting to learn about the history of the area and the local economy. I wasn't sure what to expect as the last time I took one of these tours (more than five years ago), it was during the hot, hot summer. It wasn't as bad on a chilly and rainy day, but just a completely different experience. Now I want to go back in Spring when the wild Irises start to bloom so I can have most of the seasons experienced.

We saw so much wild life and a really cool small fishing village. Our driver, Lane, was very informative and made things super interesting. The only reason I gave them a 4 instead of a 5 is because whenever we stopped which was 80% of the 2 hr tour, it got ungodly hot. I brought a water bottle with me thankfully because I'm positive I would have passed out without it. I def think they need to add fans to their boats. they were the cheapest swamp tour we could find thou and we did get our money's worth.

Captain Jacob is very knowledgeable and engaging! This was a much better tour than I expected. We saw alligators, raccoons, blue heron, and egrets. We heard there was wild boar but didn't see any. It was a rainy day, and we had booked our tour in advance so we had to do the tour while it sprinkled. It was still fantastic. It was a unique experience and worth the drive from New Orleans. I was debating between several tour companies and chose Cajun Encounters based on reviews I read. The reviews are all accurate! This is the best!

This tour was great. We had Captain Todd for the actual tour and Steve picked us up on the bus. They were both amazing. Steve was on time and very nice. He gave us history as we drove to the swamp. Very entertaining and kept us paying attention. Captain Todd was also very informative. I feel like he took us deeper than the other tour guides which made us see much more. It was a great time. We saw lots of alligators and raccoons. Found out alligators are the raccoons. The raccoons were very scared but they definitely wanted the food Captain Todd was feeding them. They survived. This was an amazing tour. The boat was comfortable even though it was hot. The store had lots of options. Some of it was pricey but that's all you had.

Gotta love a swamp tour... It was my first time, so I was really excited. You can book on line and when you check in, you receive a bracelet for the particular boat your going to be on. We got lucky with our guide Emmett. A treasure trove of knowledge and stories. So not only did we get to see a lot of nature, including gators, turtles, birds, trees and other plants, we also got the backs tories to most of what we encountered. No question went unanswered. I came out of this a lot smarter than I went in. Plus it was simply fun. I highly recommend this tour company. Also their gift shop is pretty cool.

I loved the swamp boat tour! I booked it with a pick up, which I highly recommend. The bus picked us up and the driver was Steve. He presented info along the route to the boat location. It was so cool to learn the history of New Orleans from him. He made the ride a lot more than a ride, but also a tour in it of itself. Our boat captain was Zander. He's super friendly and knowledgeable. We saw many alligators, herrings, raccoons, turtles, and an owl. The ride was fun as well as safe. I appreciate that Zander drove the boat around so that all sides of the boats got to see the wildlife. He's so considerate and made sure we were able to see all the sightings. I've only been on one of these tours, but I think he's the best tour guide. The way the seats are oriented, every seat is a great seat! Great coverage from the sun. And safe for families with children. We had an amazing time!

Captain Randy is where it's at, jump on his boat if you get the chance!! Very knowledgeable about the swamp and so funny.....all the guys banter back and forth and it was hilarious!!! They make me wanna move here and work with them. Great tour, and so so worth the money.

Captain Xander is the funniest, most personable, and knowledgeable airboat captain! We had a fantastic time viewing the swamp with him, George, and Georgette :)

Amazing swamp tour! The tour guide / captain was amazing! He was so knowledgeable about the area and was humorous! Definitely a great experience! We saw gators, raccoons, snakes, birds, and a pig. Perfect tour for family or friends! Close to New Orleans!

Cap'n Will made the trip! He was so knowledgeable in the ecosystem and the surrounding area. He took us deep into the swamp, and even showed us the Whiskey Tree. Seen so many Gators, Raccoons, Herons, Turtles, Spiders, and a Bullfrog! Was afraid the "slow boat" would not be as fun as other companies and air boat excursions, but I was wrong! When on the open river, we sped up and allowed for a nice break from the heat. By far, my favorite part of our trip to New Orleans!

I have gone on two tours with Cajun Encounters, both times on the private boat with guide Emmett - and it has always been the highlight of my trip to Louisiana. Guide Emmett was knowledgeable, funny, and interactive with all the guests on our boat. The bus ride to the tour was comfortable and convenient, and the bus drivers are always a hoot. Plenty of alligators to see + other wildlife! I have and will continue to recommend Cajun Encounters to all of my friends who plan on visiting the area. I recommend opting for the private boat- it is so worth it. Don't forget to bring a cash tip for the drivers and guides- they are always great!

Captain Emmett was a lot of fun. He is very personable and has a great personality and great stories. The tour is a little under 2 hours. The boat is a covered boat. So even if you get some rain it won't be too horrible. We saw lots of birds, gators, and some raccoons. Also note : this is a service industry job. Please remember to bring a little cash if you think your guide did a good job. So you can tip them when it's over. Would highly recommend!

Surprisingly really fun! I would have never picked this activity but thanks to my husband I visited. So your guides were hilarious and knew what the audience wanted. I saw gator, turtles and even a bald eagle. The swamps were actually really peaceful and beautiful. I would definitely recommend visiting.

Went on a swamp tour with Captain Frank He was very knowledgeable of the area and answered any questions that we had. We seen a lot of alligators it was a very nice experience. I think anyone that visits Louisiana should do this.

Justina (bus) and Jacob (boat) were both awesome- lots of great information! Gift shop is wonderful for reasonably priced treats and clean restrooms. They have ponchos and hot cocoa/coffee too-- perfect for this time of year! We saw lots of wildlife- including some little gators!

Absolutely loved the tour! We got picked up at 1:15 by the free company shuttle and arrived at the swamp area around 2:15, and after we gathered for our tour at 2:45, we were off! (We returned by 6pm, picked up and dropped off at the same places by our friendly driver, Justina) Our tour guide, Zander, was a self-described redneck and a native of the area. We loved his knowledge of the area and his jocular nature with both us and fellow tour guides (and other inhabitants of the swamp area). Not sure if his idiosyncrasies were just a bit of if he was being himself, but he certainly made our experience unforgettable. The tour itself was amazing! As a city boy, I've never experienced such a unique culture, history, and nature of swamp life. Zander showed us animals (birds, raccoons, turtles, alligators, and even a jumping carp!), steering the boat close enough that we could take incredible pictures and videos. It began raining heavily during the tour and Zander offered drinking water and ponchos, which were a lifesaver (our smaller boat wasn't covered, unlike the larger boats). At the end of the tour, Zander even let us hold a baby alligator in the gift shop. Incredible! A few things: I think the dress code is whatever is comfortable, but dress for the weather. We brought bug spray but it wasn't necessary since mosquitoes don't care for moving water. Would strongly recommend holding onto your hat or phone, since Zander drove in fast bursts a few times; my hat flew off and landed the length of the boat! Lastly, we went with the more expensive small boat (about $90 per person) over the larger one and I think it was worth the added cost, since we had a more intimate tour. Would definitely recommend the tour again. And of course, I'm leaving a glowing review for Zander, since the guy deserves 5 stars himself.

Captain Barry was phenomenal and took us into parts of the swamp that are not visited too often. He was a wealth of knowledge and we saw gates, a variety of snakes, raccoons, turtles and plenty of birds. You won't regret getting out into the swamp once you are there.

Thank you Captain Frank for the informative & detailed swamp tour. Truly an incredible experience. We learned so much about the wildlife and history. I can't wait to bring the rest of my family back here & show them this beautiful place. Highly recommend!!!

Amazing tour, Captain Dustin was our boat captain and Dee was our bus tour operator. We absolutely loved it. So engaging and entertaining and informative. We saw gators, birds, racoons, turtles and snakes. Completely worth it. And they don't feed the gators marshmallows like the other tour companies, they feed them protein pellets. Loved it and highly recommend!!

This was a top notch experience from pick up to drop off. Highly recommend selecting the pick up option as the drivers provide entertainment and knowledge about the city. I learned so much about New Orleans just from that bus ride! The whole swamp tour boat operation is very well coordinated and safe. Upon arrival you pick up your color coded wrist band then sit in that specific area. They then call your group up to onboard the boat. The boat ride is full of more facts and lots of gator seeing. Captain Everette was great, kept us safe and informed. It's very beautiful out there and calming. I think these tours are great for everybody! My friends were so afraid to go, but did and at the end were so happy and enjoyed themselves.

Captain Ally was the best and coolest Captain you could ask for. A real Cajun gentlemen who grew up close here, loves to share his culture, and honors the history and ecosystem of the area. The tour surprised me. The quality of the bus, the facilities, the boat, and the knowledge passed on to us was really nice. Definitely worth it!

Scott is the MAN!! So incredibly knowledgeable. I learned so much about the swamp and state. This is my fourth swamp tour but first with Cajun Encounters. I can confidently say this is my favorite, by far!! It started off with an awesome, information-packed bus drive hosted by Derek. He had great trivia questions, was funny, charismatic and full of interesting stories he shared with us. I learned SO much about Hurricane Katrina, NOLA history, wildlife.... more than I could probably fit into my brain. Air conditioned ride, thank goodness! We took about a 45 minute drive to our destination where there was a cute store full of knick knacks, recipe books, souvenirs, snacks and toys. There was also a large pavilion where we all gathered, waiting for our tour guides. We got to see tons of gators that day! They were all sunning themselves, as if preparing for our arrival to Honey Island. We also saw wild pigs, many types of birds, and MY FAVORITE...the cute swamp raccoons! They were the real reason I chose this tour and I was NOT disappointed! Scott fed them fish meal while several clamored near our boat, hoping to snag a snack. The boat was covered and surprisingly fast! Scott navigated us around while pointing out boat houses, teaching us about settlers, history, flora and fauna, etc. These guys really know their stuff! I would 1000% recommend this tour. 10/5 stars! Don't forget to tip, if you can! Knowledge is priceless and they work HARD!

Hitched a ride home with the most wonderful bus driver - Mrs. Michelle. Loved her personality and made the ride home from tour real pleasant. If you can try to get a ride from the tours on her bus, you won't regret! The swamp tour was great too - Captain Jacob rules!