Cajun Encounters Gift Shop & Boat Launch
55345 US-90, Slidell, LA 70461
This Slidell location is where our Honey Island Swamp tours actually begin. You’ll check in here, meet your captain, and board the boat for a guided ride through one of Louisiana’s most iconic wetlands. If you’re coming from New Orleans, you can either drive yourself (free parking onsite) or choose a ticket option with round-trip transportation from designated pickup locations.
Looking to book tours in person while you’re in the French Quarter? Visit our 941 Decatur St booking office in New Orleans.
Our Swamp Tours
Original Swamp Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a two-hour boat ride and see just how beautiful the swamp truly is.
VIP Swamp Tour | Ages 13+
Experience the ultimate VIP adventure with an exclusive boat ride on a small intimate boat through the Honey Island Swamp.
Original Swamp Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a two-hour boat ride and see just how beautiful the swamp truly is.
VIP Swamp Tour | Ages 13+
Experience the ultimate VIP adventure with an exclusive boat ride on a small intimate boat through the Honey Island Swamp.
What You’ll Find Here
This Is Where the Boats Launch
This Slidell location isn’t a sales desk — it’s where the magic happens. You check in here, meet your captain, and head straight out onto the Honey Island Swamp. Once the boat pushes off, it’s all gator country, cypress trees, and wide-open water that makes Louisiana feel like Louisiana.
Gift Shop & Onsite Amenities
Most people show up a little early — and that’s the move. Use the restrooms, grab a drink or a snack, and take a quick lap through the gift shop before you board. It’s a simple setup that keeps check-in smooth and gives you a minute to settle in before the swamp takes over.
Fun for the Whole Family
Swamp tours hit that rare sweet spot: kids stay locked in, adults actually learn something, and everyone leaves with a new appreciation for the wild side of Louisiana. You’ll see animals up close, hear real stories from captains who’ve been on these waters for years, and spend a couple hours doing something you can’t do anywhere else.
Visit Us Anytime
We’re open every day, 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Most guests arrive shortly before their tour time—if you’re driving yourself, we recommend arriving about 30 minutes early to park and check in.
This is a working tour launch site, so the exact flow is simple: check in, restrooms/gift shop if needed, then you’ll be guided to your boat group at departure time.
- Monday: 7:30AM - 9PM
- Tuesday: 7:30AM - 9PM
- Wednesday: 7:30AM - 9PM
- Thursday: 7:30AM - 9PM
- Friday: 7:30AM - 9PM
- Saturday: 7:30AM - 9PM
- Sunday: 7:30AM - 9PM
Swamp Tour Times
Boats depart daily at 9:30 AM, 12:15 PM, and 2:45 PM. Saturday's schedule includes an additional 10:30 AM departure during peak season. If you choose self-transportation, please arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to ensure enough time to park and check in.
Tours are approximately an hour and forty-five minutes but can run up to 2 hours, so you can fully soak in the beauty of the Honey Island Swamp.
Hear from our customers
61,000 5-Star Google Reviews
Our swamp boat tour with Cajun Adventures was an unforgettable experience! Captain Pat was phenomenal, combining deep knowledge of the swamp’s wildlife with humor and engaging storytelling. We spotted alligators, turtles, and birds, all while learning about the ecosystem from someone truly passionate about the environment. A big shoutout also goes to our bus driver, Derek, who made the ride just as enjoyable with his friendly demeanor and fascinating mini-tour, sharing insights into local culture and history. This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting New Orleans and looking to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty and charm!!
From pickup to the drive back, this experience was truly special! Justina, our bus driver, was a wonderful guide as we made our way through the city and to the swamp. She was prompt with pickup times, drove safely, and provided interesting facts about Louisiana along the way. Captain Scott, aka Swamp Ninja, was super informative and hilarious! We definitely got out money's worth, and then some! Don't miss out on this adventure!
Just had a great experience on the gator tour. Bus driver Derek was great at giving recommendations and some history of New Orleans. Tour guide blueberry was awesome at spotting gators and other animals. Would definitely recommend!
Alligators, Blue herons, racoons, turtles, snakes woodpeckers and other assorted wildlife all backed up by well informed and entertaining guide (who also can arrange skydiving 👍) what's not to love!!!
Awesome tour. Our driver Dwayne aka Pebbles was super fun and gave us really fun facts on our way to the swamp. Unfortunately we didnt get to see many alligators bc it was super cold almost freezing. They did recommend to visit during mid March were the fauna is more active.We did get to see turtles and racoons. Overall it was a lovely tour Highly recommend.
I did a tour with Captain Tim and he was very knowledgeable about everything and we saw alligators, turtles, snakes, and raccoons. I would highly recommend Cajun Encounters and Captain Tim to anybody.
Had a great experience on my swamp tour, even in the middle of winter! I was lucky enough to get 70 degree weather, which brought out a few of the gators and lots of other wildlife.Our trip started off with a bus trip out to the bayou, and our driver Derek did a great job talking about the history of the city, as well as tips for visiting. Once we got to the site, there was a nice little gift shop area, as well as a little boardwalk that gave you your first glimpse of the swamp. After a bit we were separated into our boat groups and set off on our tour.Our boat guide Eddy was great, had a ton of knowledge about the area and all of the wildlife. The best part was when he called out loudly to George, which had us a little puzzled, until a raccoon popped out of nowhere! Eddy threw him some treats and explained all the raccoons responded to George, short for George Cooney. As mentioned, we did see a couple gators, but also saw tons of turtles, a few snakes, a couple raccoons, and lots of different bird species. Much more than I was expecting for a trip in the middle of winter.I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone in the area, it will add a lot to your trip and is well worth the price, I can imagine even more so in the warmer months.
Transportation Details
- You may opt to drive to the swamp tour, or select the option that includes round-trip transportation. Our drivers only pick-up from the locations listed here. Requests for other locations cannot be accommodated.
- Free parking is available for swamp tours for those providing their own transportation.
- Cajun Encounters boats return to the original departure point, 55345 US-90, Slidell, LA 70461. Visit our maps & directions page for more details.
- If hotel pick-up was included, a Cajun Encounter coach will return guests to their original departure point.
Frequently Asked Questions
why book with us?
With over 25 years of experience, you can confidently trust us to deliver an incredible and truly memorable adventure for you and your family every single time.
Your safety is our top priority at Cajun Encounters. We adhere to the highest safety standards and regulations, ensuring that all of our tours are conducted with your well-being in mind.
We offer multiple pickup locations around New Orleans, including the most popular spots and hotels. This ensures that starting your journey is as easy and hassle-free as possible.
Book your next adventure today!
Original Swamp Tour
Deluxe Transportation AvailableEmbark on an unforgettable adventure with a two-hour boat ride through the mystical Honey Island Swamp. Our local, certified boat captains will guide you aboard our custom-built 22-passenger flat-bottomed boat, designed for both comfort and optimal wildlife viewing. As you journey through the swamp, you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of local wildlife, including alligators, egrets, and wild boars, and learn about the unique ecosystem and rich history of the area.
VIP Swamp Tour | Ages 13+
Ages 13+ | Deluxe Transportation AvailableExperience the ultimate VIP adventure with an exclusive two-hour boat ride through the enchanting Honey Island Swamp. Our local, certified boat captains will guide you aboard a custom-built flat-bottomed boat, designed to comfortably accommodate 10-12 passengers for an intimate and personalized journey. As you glide through the serene waters, you'll have unparalleled opportunities to observe the diverse local wildlife, including alligators, egrets, and wild boars.
Swamp Tour Image Gallery
