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Louisiana Bayous Boat Tour: Intimate Wildlife Experience
5.0
58 Ratings
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Embark on an intimate wildlife adventure through the Louisiana bayous. Discover hidden waterways, learn about the local culture, and encounter fascinating wildlife, including alligators. Don’t miss the chance to visit a unique bayou camp and mingle with the locals at the bayou bar.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Happiness Bayou Tours - Enjoy two - two and a half hours of our diverse, fun and educational tour. The scenery throughout this tour is nothing like most have ever seen. A lifetime resident, Captain George will talk about personal experiences and knowledge related to much of what you see. He is a commercial blue crab fisherman and stops at one of his crab traps and describes the process. You’ll see the “Great Wall of Louisiana,” a flood wall constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after Hurricane Katrina. Midway through the tour, you’ll stop at our camp on the bayou for a peek inside of bayou living, and a restroom stop. You are sure to see various wildlife, although nothing is guaranteed, as this nature and not a controlled environment.
What's Included
- Ice chest available on board
- Rain ponchos provided
- Life vests for guests aged 16 and under
Additional Information
As one of the most petite boat trips around, passengers feel a personal touch even on a packed cruise. It’s not just an amusing excursion for individuals of all ages, it’s an unparalleled encounter.
Visitors have a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of life on these marshlands that only the inhabitants know of. Guided through multiple channels, visitors acquire knowledge about everything they observe, the environment, local custom, endemic wildlife (particularly alligators), and might bump into hobby or professional anglers in activity. It is the only Parish that was completely affected by Hurricane Katrina, visitors will witness and familiarize themselves with the details of the deluge and the barrier built post-Katrina to isolate and protect our settlement from the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, which led to area flooding.
A halt at our bayou refuge (which is only reachable via water) serves as a restroom break. Adult visitors can choose to come early for their adventure or linger afterwards, to step into the local bar located on the site and maybe socialize with the locals.
Location
6201 E St Bernard Hwy
East Saint Bernard Highway
Turn in on the road along the waterway when you see our signs for Happiness Bayou Tours and De Pope Tavern. The boat dock is to the left, the bar to the right, and the parking lot is located behind the bar.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(58 Ratings)
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Amillianne
Jul 30, 2024
Sweet, cool boat ride with the family to see alligators and other wildlife! - Great tour! My family and I went on this tour of the bayou and got to see several alligator, cranes, fish, turtles, crab, and other wildlife. We also got to learn about the local history including issues with pollution, the BP oil spill, and other environmental issues and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. We had four adults and one child, age 4. My son loved the tour, had a life jacket available for his safety, and even got up close to some of the alligators. The boat had a cooler for drinks we bought from the adjoining restaurant and bar which was really inexpensive. We had a very nice private tour and it was very relaxing. Thank you, Captain George, for your hospitality!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danandsusans2024
Jul 28, 2024
A fun adventure! - We showed up and there were just the three of us for a tour. But instead of cancelling, George took us on a grand adventure full of stories, gators and beautiful scenery. It started to rain, and with the lightning George kept us safe on the porch of his camp until it let up. Nothing better than watching the world go by on the bayou! We felt very comfortable knowing that George had our safety in mind. It was still raining (but no lightning) when we headed back. He had ponchos for us all. We returned happy, sorta wet, and starving! We tried it all. Gumbo, crab cakes, and whatever else was still available. It was all delicious!! Da Pope was in the bar. He and his wife, and all the folks there were very friendly. We are from a super small town, so for us- we’d come back to this place anytime! It was comfortable and felt like home. A great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristinaj971
Jul 18, 2024
You have to do this! - What a great experience! George was a great tour guide and really helped us get a good feel of the bayou in both the local wildlife and culture. It was a beautiful boat ride and he let my kids get right up close to explore. He allowed us to feed the gators from a safe distance. Captain George is extremely knowledgeable of the area and history. He brought a cooler with ice and allowed us to put drinks in it. I appreciated the boat had a canopy to help with the sun. It was great and we highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monica_p
Jul 15, 2024
Unbelievable - The boat ride and the tour guide was awesome. He knew exactly where the alligators were. Bayou is a wonderful and scary place.
Review provided by Viator
Tammie_c
Jul 5, 2024
Vacationing with the gators - This was an excellent tour. I would recommend if you have the time to try it. George was very knowledgeable and excellent at explaining things about the wildlife and the surrounding area and landscapes.
Review provided by Viator
Davezski
Jun 20, 2024
Captain George, alligators and So Much More! - Make your reservation now for an incredible and truly "Happy" experience with Happiness Bayou Tours. We found this trip through Trip Advisor and it ended up being even better than the high reviews we read. Captain George knows so much about the bayou and is very entertaining with all his personal stories. You will see herons, turtles, alligators and meander through narrow waterways. He even provides a very nice bathroom spot out in the middle of the bayou! Make sure to stop and spend an hour or more at the adjoining, De Pope Tavern, where Capt. George's wife, Samantha, cooks up the best crab cakes, and gumbo anywhere! Have Daina mix you one of her refreshing drinks. Their friendliness is contagious. You feel so welcomed. You cannot leave there without feeling Happy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z65akjohns
Jun 18, 2024
A great day on the Bayou - Had an amazing day on the bayou with Captain George
Very knowledgeable and at home on the water
Food and drinks at the De Pope tavern before and after the tour were top class
Sam and George are fantastic hosts
Review provided by Tripadvisor
285denaa
Jun 10, 2024
Best tour and food!! - This tour was the absolute highlight of our weekend! Captain George was very knowledgeable and we learned so much about the bayou, the ecosystem, the culture of the area! We had lunch at their restaurant after the tour and I would rate it the best meal we had all weekend! I highly recommend the gumbo and the crab cakes!! We felt so welcome and left very happy and well fed!! We cannot wait to go again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrice
Jun 2, 2024
Best Tour Period! - I think this is our 6th year touring with Caption George and the Happiness Bayou crew, and we have never been disappointed. The adventure starts as soon as you enter the tarvern. You get a little bit of everything. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joe
May 30, 2024
Authentic Bayou Tour & Guide - The happiness Bayou Tour was a great experience! We thoroughly enjoyed the local flavor, passion, and authenticity of this small, family owned business. Captain George’s knowledge of the area, personal experiences from Hurricane Katrina, and storytelling ability provide an unforgettable experience that you won’t get through a corporate tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor