New Orleans Mardi Gras 2024: How to Prepare - Pearl River Swamp Tours, New Orleans (2024)

FAQs

What do you wear to a swamp tour in New Orleans? ›

Light, Layered Clothing: Tour attire is casual, but you will want to be mindful of the elements. If it's cool outside, you'll likely get cold when wet. If it's hot, you'll want to shed the long sleeves. Light clothing that you can layer on and off is your best bet in both cases.

This answer is dependent on the season. Summer= Early morning or late afternoon due to the heat. Spring/Fall= anytime of day although dawn and dusk provide the best lighting for photography. Winter= Middle of the day, giving you the most opportunity to see wildlife.

Daily Swamp Tours

Tour is approximately 2 hours long. 22-passenger flat-bottomed boat. Be sure to visit the gift shop for a cold bottle of water and sunscreen. Dress for the weather!

Our tours last approximately two hours, to give you a good chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. Because all this time is spent out on the water, you can probably expect to get a little wet. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet and that are designed to dry quickly.

Don't forget a waterproof jacket to stay dry. For your legs, warm and flexible sweatpants are a must. Lastly, sturdy, waterproof boots will keep your feet dry and provide a good grip on slippery surfaces. Choosing the right clothes prevents you from getting cold so you can enjoy your adventure to the fullest.

Late Summer and Fall: Perfect Weather and Stunning Scenery

Late summer and fall are great times to take a swamp tour as well. Temperatures are still warm enough to see lots of different wildlife, and the plant life is still showing off.

Airboat tours usually operate from early morning until late afternoon. Booking in the morning not only allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures, but it also increases your chances of spotting more wildlife.

Peak Season: February - May

As far as special events, there is the Mardi Gras season, January through March. The exact time frame varies year to year, Locals, as well as visitors from all over the world, line the streets to see the parades and try their hand at catching beads.

Riders are required to be between the weights of 45-280 lbs.

Do you get wet on an airboat? ›

It rains frequently during the summer in Florida, and our airboat rides run rain or shine. You'll want to keep a poncho on hand if you want to stay dry on your next Everglades airboat tour or Everglades National Park airboat tour!

When going on a swamp tour, you should definitely bring some mosquito spray. Even though the waters you will be touring, like the bayous, are not stagnant, there is really no area in or around the New Orleans area that is completely mosquito free.

On Manchac Swamp tours, you learn about the Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp, as well as the unique history of the Cajun town of Frenier. Choose between a 3-hour city tour, a 4-hour Manchac swamp tour or single plantation tour, or relax on a 6-10 hour combination tour.

Honey Island Swamp – One of the more well known swamps in the area, it is home is based near the Pearl River. A maze of old growth cypress trees and houseboats line the area. Manchac Swamp – Often confused for the Maurepas swamp, this area is a spectacularly scenic area with a multitude of access points.

While swamps and bayous showcase the beauty and importance of wetlands, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. The dense, tree-filled expanses of swamps contrast with the bayous' meandering, channel-like appearance.

Sun dresses, shorts, sneakers, and a cross body purse can get you through it all. New Orleans restaurants do still uphold a dress code so if you're planning to dine-out afterwards, consider freshening up. A light and airy dress is your best option for Jazz Fest, along with a cross body bag, hat and sunglasses.

Good news: New Orleans is the Big Easy, which applies to clothing! While dressing up for a night on Bourbon Street or wearing a Halloween costume every day in October is perfectly acceptable, so is relaxed attire of jeans and a t-shirt.