New Orleans may seem like the last to be known for its aquatic adventures, but more and more people are traveling to Louisiana to experience its unique wildlife and ecosystems.
Escape the hellish heat on a waterway excursion, drifting through the nearby bayous, lagoons, and swamps or just around the Riverbend. Grab a paddle, apply sunscreen, and don’t forget your beer!
City Park
Float through the park’s bayous and lagoons and experience City Park on the water. The park offers rentals for kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and even a romantic gondola ride aboard the Bella Mae.
Single kayaks are $15 per hour.
Bayou Paddlesports
For the kayak and other paddle sport newbies. They offer lessons for beginners and SUP yoga classes for those who are up for the challenge. The bayou is an easy 8 mile round trip for you to explore at your own pace.
Rentals are affordable with single-person kayak rentals starting at $22 for two hours.
Kayak-iti-yak
They offer four different guided tours, including a collaboration of cruisers and kayaks in a pedaling-paddling adventure. Kayak for a cause - a portion of each tour is donated to a designated local non-profit.
Tours start at $40 per person.
Bayou Segnette State Park
Less than a half hour from the city, Bayou Segnette is a unique ecosystem that offers both fresh and saltwater fishing. With plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and a wave pool, the state park is a great day trip for the family.
Distance from NOLA: 13.0 miles (23 minutes)
There are no kayak or canoe rentals at the park, so bring your own boat!
Bobby Lynn’s Marina
Nearing the southernmost parts of Louisiana is Bobby Lynn’s Marina. A sportsman’s paradise, the marina is home to lots of local plants and wildlife. Kayak at your leisure through the infinite marshlands, go fishing for trout, or even watch for migrating birds passing through.
Distance from NOLA: 90.7 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
Rentals start at $30 per day for a single kayak.
Lake Martin
Dotted with lily pads and other flora, Lake Martin is a beautiful place to go kayaking. Paddle past groves of old cypress trees,
There’s so much wildlife to be seen, you might lose count of all the alligators.
Distance from NOLA: 131 miles (2 hours 12 minutes)
Rentals are $10 per person per hour, with guided swamp tours at $50 per person.
Grand Isle State Park
Paddle and fish year round in the open waters of Grand Isle. Nearly 280 species of fish are known to make this area of the Gulf. Bring your own kayak or rent one on the island.
Distance from NOLA: 111 miles (2 hours 13 minutes)
Rentals start at $50 per day at Hot Rod Fishing Guide, a 10 minute drive from the park.
