Special Schedule for Bayou Boogaloo offered on Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th
Bloodys on the Bayou! $45
Enjoy a beautiful two-hour morning paddle with a spicy Bloody Mary and end at Mid-City’s favorite festival!
9am – 11am
Kayaking tours on historic Bayou St. John through New Orleans
Capture New Orleans from a different perspective. Kayak on Bayou St. John as we guide you along our historic waterway running through the city. We’ll keep with the pace of the city—nice and easy, taking in the southern scenery, hospitality and weather.
The bayou itself was a key component in establishing our city. The Native Americans showed early explorers (uh uh hem, Iberville and his brother, Bienville) the bayou as a way to access, at the time, a potential future city from the Gulf of Mexico without having to fight the Mississippi River’s strong currents. While kayaking, you will see some of the older city structures, like the Spanish Custom House and the Pitot House, both built in the late 1700’s. You might hear and catch a glimpse of the happenings at Fair Grounds Race Course, one of the oldest horse tracks in the United States, as well as the site of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. You will be paddling along side beautiful City Park, which houses centuries-old live oak trees. You’ll see New Orleans Museum of Art as you pass the grand entrance of the park. St. Louis Cemetery #3 will be visible from your kayak. The elaborate above-ground tombs are spectacular.
There is plenty of wildlife to observe. It isn’t uncommon to spot a blue heron perched on an old piling or a pelican diving into the water after a fish. At sunrise or dusk you might notice one or 15 of the notorious nocturnal nutria venturing out for a swim and a snack.
Bayou St. John flows through many thriving neighborhoods. You’ll have the opportunity to observe (and maybe interact with) the other wildlife. Folks do all sorts of things on the banks of the bayou—exercise, play, picnic, etc. You’ll certainly get a feel for New Orleans through the local community.
A variety of foliage surrounds Bayou St. John, such as, cypress trees, oak trees, magnolia trees, crepe myrtles, and lots more. The locals living along the bayou build colorful festive gardens that can be seen while touring as well.
This experience will bring balance to many things: You’ll find nature in an urban setting, visit history in the present, have a few active hours among several decadent ones, and feel local while vacationing.
