Beyond the Bayou
Beyond the Bayou
5
Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Beyond the Bayou is an environmentally and culturally focused ecotour company. We don't feed the wildlife. Our unique and locally crafted full day tours accommodate 2-10 guests with transportation provided from New Orleans. Our overnight tours to Cajun Country and the Atchafalaya basin are set up custom and include all the best natural and cultural experiences in the area. We only partner with knowledgeable and authentic local operators. Explore scenic swamps, enjoy a Cajun cooking demonstration, or hang out with a Zydeco legend in his studio!
New Orleans, Louisiana
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
272 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Lisa HK
Boston, MA64 contributions
Mar 2020
We debated taking one of the larger tours, kayaking or paying more for the small group tour. The extra was well worth it as we had a very small, maneuverable boat that could travel far and fast. We met in a smaller tributary and so the experience was not overly commercial feeling. The nature is beautiful.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review, Lisa! We really love that area of the swamp and it makes me really happy to hear that you had a great time!
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charmaine M
Redwood City, CA25 contributions
Apr 2022
We did a full day with Brian from Beyond the Bayou and it was relevatory! If you do an all day tour, don't book dinner reservations that day as this excursion will take you a couple of hours out of New Orleans. Our itinerary took us out of New Orleans on a trip into the history and culture of Lousiana as well as an adventure in a swamp, which is a flooded forest! Who knew? Our first stop was at Whitney Plantation, where you will be immersed in the place from the perspective of the enslaved people. Due to weather moving in, our swamp guide had informed Brian that we needed to shift our tour up a couple of hours, so we agreed to do that and push our Cajun meal back to later in the afternoon. Brian picked up some delicious boudin as a snack for us on our ride to the swamp. The swamp we visited was an old Ox Box lake that just as you would imagine- alligators, birds, turtles and our guide Shawn who grew up in the area was wonderful! The weather did move in so our guides did just the right thing in rearranging our swamp visit! We had a delicious late lunch at a local Cajun restaurant and Brian was very accommodating and took me in search of hand pies! We were a small group and everyone was willing to indulge my hand pie hunt! We were rewarded with some of the most delicious hand pies at a local bakery near the Cajun restaurant! You will not be disappointed, but be ready to be flexible depending on weather and time of year!
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Charmaine: woot! Cheers for this stellar review. And you have our Cajun Country adventure together nailed. Was a bit of a day with the weather, but we all worked sensibly to make it a Cajun-keeper. You and your krewe and, of course, our Romanian connection, were quite a team and--not gonna lie!--I not-so-secretly was very much onboard for the hand pie hunt. (For those who may be interested: Champagne's Bakery, Est. 1888, in Breaux Bridge: pow!) Indeed: we were all well rewarded. Thanks again and, remember, ya never come back to the same Louisiana twice. If you ever need advice (or interested in a hand pie hunt!), you can count on us. Who Dat! Brian
Written April 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick W
8 contributions
Aug 2019
My wife and I went on the brilliant 'Paddles and Plantation' tour in August 2019, as part of our trip to New Orleans from London, England. The day started with a surreal touch - over breakfast we watched a video of the Wild Tchoupitoulas Indian Tribe, not knowing that our driver for the day was the tribe's legendary flagboy, Gizmo, who (apart from being the perfect host all day) gave us a firsthand insight into the whole NOLA Indian culture. The 'paddles' part of the day was both exciting and relaxing - our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and tuned into what we wanted. He knew exactly when to 'show and tell' and when just to let us paddle along and soak up the bayou atmosphere! The plantation tour was fascinating. It was really well informed and rightly didn't sugar-coat the grim history of the place. All in all it was a great day and 'Beyond the Bayou' are highly recommended.
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing your review, we're excited to hear that you had what sounds like a fantastic day! Gizmo is a gem and what a coincidence that you happened to watch that video right before he picked you up!
Written June 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JenniferByers
Minneapolis, MN22 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We took the Last Wilderness Swamp and Plantation tour, and it was more than good. To use the word “profound” takes away from the sense of fun that we had, but that is what I’d call our day with Brian. From his consideration when a race route complicated our pick up, to his drop off at our doorstep, Brian was kind, considerate and incredibly knowledgeable. We learned so much about New Orleans/Louisiana history and culture.
At the Whitney Plantation, we had a uniquely powerful experience, and I appreciated the context Brian gave us going in, as well as the space to process afterwards. The Whitney holds the stories and memories of people we must not forget. I am changed having been there.
Our group got to know each other as we shared on the drive to lunch, where we enjoyed learning about local cuisine over plates of southern-fried goodness. Brian taught the table the art of eating crawfish and explained the influences that came together to create the beauty that is Louisiana food.
Finally, the Swamp Tour was exhilarating, as we sped along some parts of the trip with sun and water spray. Other parts were peaceful, as Dean pulled the boat into the Cypress shade to tell us stories of the precious and threatened ecosystem around us. We saw beautiful wildlife and plantlife, in a way that felt respectful (and not like we were hurting the area by being there). We felt lucky to experience the swamp as it is, and hope the area will be protected for future generations.
We could not have been more pleased and will absolutely try another Beyond the Bayou tour the next time we visit.
At the Whitney Plantation, we had a uniquely powerful experience, and I appreciated the context Brian gave us going in, as well as the space to process afterwards. The Whitney holds the stories and memories of people we must not forget. I am changed having been there.
Our group got to know each other as we shared on the drive to lunch, where we enjoyed learning about local cuisine over plates of southern-fried goodness. Brian taught the table the art of eating crawfish and explained the influences that came together to create the beauty that is Louisiana food.
Finally, the Swamp Tour was exhilarating, as we sped along some parts of the trip with sun and water spray. Other parts were peaceful, as Dean pulled the boat into the Cypress shade to tell us stories of the precious and threatened ecosystem around us. We saw beautiful wildlife and plantlife, in a way that felt respectful (and not like we were hurting the area by being there). We felt lucky to experience the swamp as it is, and hope the area will be protected for future generations.
We could not have been more pleased and will absolutely try another Beyond the Bayou tour the next time we visit.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A New Orleans and Cajun Country Greetings to You, Jennifer! It was a pleasure meeting y'all and thank you for this thorough and kind review--ya make your tour guide blush! We feel that a foundation of related history creates the Last Wilderness Swamp & Plantation experience not only more meaningful with context re: time, place and event, but also more enjoyable. So much delicious fun eating crawfish with y'all and thank you, as well, for the great conversation. Come down and see us again and if you ever need any Louisiana advice, don't be shy. Who Dat! Brian
Written April 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer H
Shelbyville, KY4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We did the all day Whitney Plantation/Swamp tour with Brian and it was amazing! Brian is extremely knowledgeable and passionate and went out of his way to make sure we had a great day. He was very helpful on phone calls before the trip to help us plan and prepare and he shared a lot of history and New Orleans culture with us all during the day which added so much to the experience. Our boat guide was also awesome and extremely passionate and respectful of the environment and preservation of the ecosystem in the bayou. He was great explaining things and telling us about the history, the trees and birds and animals and we saw so many amazing and unforgettable things that afternoon. Also, lunch was great at a local restaurant in the bayou area where we had authentic Cajun food and heard more stories about the area. We would highly recommend this trip!
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey, Jennifer--Who Dat to y'all! We are stoked you enjoyed our Last Wilderness Swamp & Plantation Tour. It was good fun showing you and your family around Cajun Country, digging-in to all that surprising food, history, nature and culture. And, yup! Dean is the best. Knows how to share his passion and knowledge for the bayou in a way that is absolutely infectious. Thanks for keeping me on my toes with all y'all's insightful questions and enthusiasm and keep in mind you have a friend in us next time you're in a Louisiana way. Cheers! Brian
Written April 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brittany W
21 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
What makes a great day on vacation? For me, it’s when you get to see and do things that are so inspiring you won’t soon forget them! John, our tour guide just radiated kindness, especially around my nervousness with visiting the Whitney Plantation. We were a party of 5 so opted for the private tour of the Atchafalaya Basin and the Whitney plantation. This afforded us the ability to be picked up directly at our hotel. Also, we started earlier than the normal time so that we could see the bayou before it became oppressively hot. We saw the Whitney plantation in the afternoon. While driving, John provided some very interesting information about the conservation efforts in Louisiana, about the impact of unchecked industrialism on vulnerable habitats and about the human impact on the land as well as that land’s impact on humans. It’s an unforgettable day and worth every penny.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DonnaSPDX
Portland, OR143 contributions
May 2021
We purchased a package that included a morning swamp tour and an afternoon visit to the Whitney Plantation. We also purchased transportation. Our driver Aaron was right on time, and a wealth of information about New Orleans, Mardi Gras, food, and all other things New Orleans. Our swamp guide Albert was a skillful captain, knowledgeable about the swamp, alligators, ecology, plants and trees, invasive species, and fishing. No questions were left unanswered. Ours was the only boat in the Maurepas swamp, and there were only six passengers, a great small group. Will review Whitney Plantation separately. This was a seriously great day, and the swamp/ plantation combo was excellent. Aaron and Albert really made it special for us.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you enjoyed the tour with Aaron and Captain Al! We appreciate you choosing us and are also appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Written May 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adriene
Somerville, MA7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The cocktail tour was well curated, and the drinks were perfect. We’re cocktail lovers and have a pretty high bar and Brian did an incredible job of ensuring we were able to try a few of the drinks that made this cocktail City what it is. He also shared the history of the stops, from a spooky ghost to literary giants. 10/10 would do this again, it’s worth the price.
The cocktail tour isn’t listed on here, but you can find it on their site under “French Quarter Cocktail Concierge”.
The cocktail tour isn’t listed on here, but you can find it on their site under “French Quarter Cocktail Concierge”.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Santé, Adriene! From one cocktail nerd to another: thank you! You and your family were the perfect garnish to our afternoon of tippling. Enjoy the holidays and--but, of course!--a delicious classic hot toddy so purrrrfect for blunting this ungallant weather's bite. After all, 'tis the season...Cheers!
Written December 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Allan S
4 contributions
Nov 2022
Definitely a unique and interesting tour. If you have an interest in Cajun Country this is a must. We went on the 1 Day Cajun Country Experience. We had an amazing boat tour of the swamp and bayou areas of Lake Martin. Our guide Sean, a true Cajun born and raised in the area was most interesting and has an extensive knowledge of the eco-system in the swamp and bayou. He has a great sense of humor and found a lot of interesting wildlife for us to view, even 3 gators and he also showed us his duck blind on Lake Martin. Our second stop was meeting Grammy award nominated Zydeco musician, Nathan Williams, and given a private concert in his home recording studio, a once in a lifetime thrill. Our tour guide Brian was most accommodating and engaging. He knows all there is to know about New Orleans and Cajun Country. He took us to two great places for breakfast and lunch. He also knows a lot about the cuisine in New Orleans, need a restaurant recommendation, Brian is the guy! Overall, a phenomenal experience! Give it a try you won't be disappointed.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Who Dat, Allan! Thank you for this generous and spot-on description of our 12 Hours in Cajun Country Adventure. We are so fortunate to be allied with the real-deals of Sean, with his decades of experience guiding ecoswamp tours on Lake Martin, and Zydeco legend, Nathan Williams. It's not every day that one gets to hang out with a Grammy nominated artist in their studio ;). Y'all were equally awesome. It was a true pleasure hanging-out with you on our most excellent Cajun Country adventure and thank you, again, for this heartfelt review. Cheers! Brian
Written November 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas C
3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Great tour! We were planning to do the swamp tour but because of inclement weather we could not proceed. Aaron,our driver, was amazing he made up for our swamp tour by taking us to see live gators and enjoy some of the local food for breakfast. He did a great job! The plantation tour was also great! Very educational and interesting. I recommend it! 5/5
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi everyone - I've been unable to get in touch with Beyond the Bayou about booking a tour. Tried booking online but it says to call for the date I want. Tried calling, emailing and dm'ing on instagram but have not heard back. Does anyone have any tips about getting in touch with them?
Written February 26, 2024
hm -- I found them responsive as well...
it is a small organization but I think they will get back to you
Written February 29, 2024
Can anyone confirm whether this tour is mindful of its environment? I've seen some tours passing around baby gators for guests to hold, keeping gators and other animals captive etc and I'm looking for a tour that does *not* do these things? Reviews for this one seem positive but don't want to buy into a culture that harms the animals. Thanks!!
Written February 17, 2021
mirabella1012
Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
This was an eco-tour - no feeding of animals, was respectful of environment
Written April 7, 2021
I didn’t see anyone doing that and didn’t see any of their own kayaks either, but I confess that I wasn’t looking out for them. There are likely better places to kayak. The intracoastal water isn’t too far away and probably has public access.
Written May 14, 2018
I would love to do this with the family, have left messages/emails -- just want to be sure that my 5 year old would be able to go- are there any age restrictions for the Swamp Tour?
THANK YOU!
Written April 12, 2018
Unsure what their policy is but there shouldn’t an age minimum in my opinion. It’s along the lines of Disney’s Jungle Cruise in terms of intensity. It’s perfectly fine for younger children.
Written April 16, 2018
Hi thinking of doing this but not Kyaked before , was that a problem ?
Written March 12, 2017
Hi! Not a problem! Our tour is great for first time kayakers. Our guide can show you the best technique, and the water we paddle in is very slow moving so it's nice and easy. And it has beautiful old cypress trees and awesome wildlife viewing! If you have any other questions feel free to call us at 504 264 2519 or contact us through our website.
Thanks! - Jake
Written March 12, 2017
Showing results 1-9 of 9
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.