The Field Notes
The New Orleans Swamp Tour Blog
Captain-written articles on New Orleans swamp tours, Louisiana bayou wildlife, trip planning, and family-friendly swamp adventures. Fact-checked, no fluff, updated regularly.
All Articles
117 articles
Photography
Phone Photography on a Swamp Tour: Pro Shots Without a Camera
No DSLR needed — smartphone tips for swamp tours. Settings, composition, and tricks to capture alligators and bayou scenery with just your phone.
Photography
The Best Light for Alligator Photos on a Swamp Tour
Golden hour, overcast, and midday light compared — the best time of day to photograph alligators on a Louisiana swamp tour, and how to book around it.
Photography
Swamp Tour Photography Tips: How to Capture the Louisiana Bayou
Practical swamp tour photography tips — gear, camera settings, and timing to capture alligators, birds, and cypress scenery on a New Orleans bayou tour.
Planning
New Orleans Swamp Tours: A Step-by-Step First-Timer Guide
A step-by-step first-timer guide to a New Orleans swamp tour — from hotel pickup to check-in, the ride, wildlife, and the trip back.
Planning
New Orleans Airboat Tours: The Complete Guide
How New Orleans airboats work, airboat vs pontoon compared, what to bring, wildlife, and how to book with Bayou Swamp Tours.
New Orleans
Thanksgiving in New Orleans: Where to Eat & What to Do
From jazz and film to oysters and football, November is the perfect month to explore everything New Orleans has to offer with a visit to the swamp
New Orleans
November Events in New Orleans: Music, Food & Football
From jazz and film to oysters and football, November is the perfect month to explore everything New Orleans has to offer with a visit to the swamp
Planning
Swamp Tour Girls Trip
Planning a getaway with your best friends? Forget the usual spa weekend or big city bar crawl—it’s time to shake things up. A swamp tour girls trip…
New Orleans
New Orleans in October: Festivals, Weather & Swamp Tours
If you’re planning a trip to the Crescent City, there’s no better time than fall. New Orleans in October is alive with festivals, perfect…
New Orleans
New Orleans Yoga Festival
Every year, the Crescent City transforms into a hub of mindfulness, movement, and community during the New Orleans Yoga Festival. With its vibrant…
New Orleans
September in New Orleans: The Best Activities This Month
September in New Orleans is more than just the bridge between summer’s heat and Halloween’s chills. It is a month alive with music, parades…
New Orleans
Emerging Indie Spots in NOLA
Known for jazz clubs, historic architecture, and legendary food, New Orleans is also home to a growing wave of indie spots in NOLA
New Orleans
Exploring NOLA as a Local
New Orleans isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s a way of life. From second-line parades to neighborhood po’boy spots, the Crescent City has a…
New Orleans
Things to Do in New Orleans in August
While the rest of the country melts under summer heatwaves, New Orleans turns up the volume with festivals, food, flair, and football. From…
Planning
Where to Eat After a Swamp Tour Near New Orleans
Cajun and Creole restaurants to hit after a swamp tour, ranked by cuisine and distance from the French Quarter.
New Orleans
Magic Spots in NOLA Where to Make a Proposal
If you’re planning to pop the big question in New Orleans, you’re in luck. The city is filled with stunning backdrops, romantic energy, and…
Planning
Your 2-Day New Orleans Itinerary: The Best Things to Do
An hour-by-hour 2-day New Orleans itinerary built around a morning swamp tour, the French Quarter, food, and live music.
New Orleans
Things to Do in New Orleans for Adventure and Mystery Lovers
If you're planning your trip and looking for things to do in New Orleans, don’t settle for the usual tourist traps. From untamed bayous to haunted…
New Orleans
Explore Culture, Soul, and the Best Swamp Tour in New Orleans Before Essence Festival
The Essence Festival is more than just a music event—it's a celebration of Black excellence, culture, and creativity, all in one of the most vibrant…
New Orleans
What to Do Before UFC 318 in New Orleans
With UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 set for July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center, New Orleans is gearing up for a weekend of high-energy…
Planning
What's the Best Season for Swamp Tours in New Orleans?
Spring and fall are the sweet spot for a New Orleans swamp tour — but every season has its own payoff. Here is the month-by-month breakdown.
New Orleans
Top 4 Best Festivals in New Orleans
New Orleans, renowned for its vibrant culture, music, and food, hosts some of the world's most colorful and lively festivals.
New Orleans
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the New Orleans
New Orleans is famous for its vibrant culture, world-class parties, and legendary festivals, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. While many people…
New Orleans
Why Mardi Gras in New Orleans Is So Special
Mardi Gras is always a spectacular event in New Orleans, but Mardi Gras is set to be the most exciting one yet. With brand-new parade themes…
Wildlife
The New Orleans Alligator Field Guide: Facts Before You Go
Size, population, diet, brumation, and where to see them — a sourced alligator field guide for your New Orleans swamp tour.
Planning
Why a New Orleans Swamp Tour Is the Perfect Spring Adventure
Spring in New Orleans is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the bayou. The season brings life to the swamps with colorful blooms, warm…
Family
Mardi Gras for Kids in New Orleans
Are you planning to visit a Mardi Gras festival with your kids and family? Here are some tips we have listed so that you can enjoy the festival to…
New Orleans
Super Krewes of Mardi Gras
Planning a visit to Mardi Gras and wondering what the krewes are? We can tell you! Click here to learn about the krewes of Mardi Gras. Enjoy your…
Planning
The Ultimate New Orleans Swamp Tour Guide
Everything you need to plan a New Orleans swamp tour — boat types compared, wildlife, tour times, where tours go, and how to book.
New Orleans
The Ultimate Guide to New Orleans During the Super Bowl
New Orleans during the Super Bowl is a spectacle. The city’s energy reaches another level as fans pour in, the streets hum with anticipation, and…
Wildlife
The Mystery of Racoon’s Food-Washing Behavior
Raccoons wash their food as part of their sensory exploration, not necessarily for cleanliness.
Planning
Can You Do a Swamp Tour in the Rain? Weather Guide
Do swamp tours run in the rain? Here is the weather policy, the covered pontoon option, rescheduling, and which New Orleans months are wettest.
New Orleans
USA Dodgeball National Tournament in New Orleans
The USA Dodgeball National Tournament is returning with unmatched excitement, and this year, it’s taking place in the vibrant city of New Orleans…
New Orleans
Swamp Tour during Christmas
New Orleans, a city brimming with culture, history, and a unique blend of traditions, offers a multitude of experiences for visitors of all ages…
New Orleans
Vampires in New Orleans: The City’s Dark, Mysterious Connection
From historic legends to modern pop culture, the dark aura surrounding vampires in New Orleans continues to intrigue and haunt those who wonder
Planning
Are New Orleans Swamp Tours Safe? A Complete Safety Guide
New Orleans swamp tours are safe with licensed captains, life jackets, and seated rides. Here is how safety works, plus guidance for kids, pregnancy, and mobility.
Family
New Orleans Swamp Tour With Kids: A Family Planning Guide
A New Orleans swamp tour with kids works best on the covered pontoon. What children see, baby-gator holding, logistics, best times, and age-by-age tips.
Planning
Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans (With a Swamp Tour)
The top 10 things to do in New Orleans, from the French Quarter and beignets to the WWII Museum and a swamp tour just 30 minutes from downtown.
New Orleans
5 Reasons Why a Swamp Tour Should Be Part of Your Super Bowl Plans
Planning the ultimate Super Bowl experience? Here are five compelling reasons to consider a swamp tour as part of your Super Bowl experience.
Wildlife
Beyond the Gators: Uncovering the Hidden World on a Swamp Tour
Swamp tours in New orleans are more than just gators. Discover more about the secret life of the swamp and fall in love with all it can offer
New Orleans
Winter Weather in New Orleans: A Mild and Pleasant Season
Winter weather in New Orleans creates a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. The mild weather makes it an excellent time for visitors.
Wildlife
Enjoy Winter Bird Watching in New Orleans
Winter bird watching in New Orleans offers a unique and enchanting experience for both avid birders and casual nature enthusiasts. As the city’s…
Planning
5 Reasons a Swamp Tour is the Best Way to Experience New Orleans
New Orleans offers a world of history, culture, and cuisine, but few experiences rival the adventure of a swamp tour.
New Orleans
Step Into the World of The Princess and the Frog in New Orleans
Step into The Princess and the Frog in New Orleans. Experience jazz, bayous, Creole cuisine, and rich culture in a real-life fairytale.
New Orleans
10 Reasons to Plan a Babymoon in New Orleans
Escape, relax, and reconnect in New Orleans. The perfect babymoon destination with culture, romance, and unforgettable charm.
New Orleans
8 Things to Do Before and After Your Taylor Swift Concert in NOLA
What to Do Before and After Your Taylor Swift Concert in NOLA. In New Orleans, the fun begins long before Taylor Swift hits the stage
New Orleans
Why Visit New Orleans in the Winter: A Season of Unique Charm and Festivities
Why visit New Orleans in the winter? This question captivates many, as the city transforms into a hub of unique charm and festivities unlike any…
Wildlife
What Makes Louisiana Swamps Unique? Discover Nature’s Mysterious Wonder
Louisiana swamps are among the most iconic & fascinating natural landscapes in the world. These wetlands are more than just a habitat for wildlife
New Orleans
Spooky Season in New Orleans: Experience the Magic and Mystery
Spooky season in New Orleans is a time unlike any other. The city transforms into a supernatural playground, filled with rich traditions and haunted…
Wildlife
Is a Bayou a Swamp?
Is a bayou a swamp? No. A bayou is a slow-moving waterway, while a swamp is a forested wetland - here is how the two habitats differ.
New Orleans
Voodoo and Ghosts in New Orleans
New Orleans, a city draped in veils of mystery and magic, is renowned for its deep connections with Voodoo and Ghosts. Dive into the supernatural
Wildlife
Why Albino Alligators are so Special?
Albino alligators are among the rarest reptiles on Earth. Learn why they are so special, how they survive, and where to see them near New Orleans.
Wildlife
Are There Crocodiles in Louisiana?
No, there are no wild crocodiles in Louisiana - it's alligator country. Learn the difference, why crocodiles don't live here, and where to see gators.
Wildlife
5 Nocturnal Creatures You Can Only Find in Louisiana’s Swamps
Top Nocturnal Creatures Louisiana’s swamps are a mysterious and enchanting habitat, home to a variety of wildlife that thrives in its unique…
Planning
Unveiling the Bayou: New Orleans Tour Guide
Embark on a magical journey through New Orleans' bayous. Explore nature, history, and the tales that make these wetlands the city's heart.
Wildlife
What Is The Difference Between An Alligator and A Crocodile?
Do you know the difference between Alligators and Crocodiles? Check out our expert guide to get all of the facts about alligators vs. crocodiles.
New Orleans
City Tours in New Orleans
New Orleans, affectionately known as ‘The Big Easy,’ offers an array of city tours that provide a deep dive into its vibrant culture, rich…
Wildlife
Wildlife of the Louisiana Swamp Lands Series: Reptiles
Come with us on this journey, a series look deep into the reptiles of the swamps of Louisiana. Then book a swamp tour to see them up close.
New Orleans
When is King Cake Safe to Eat? Guide for Mardi Gras
When is King Cake Safe to Eat? A survival guide for Mardi Gras. Visit Bayou Swamp Tours for more information.
Wildlife
Venomous vs non-venomous snake
The distinction between venomous and non-venomous snakes is crucial for understanding their impact on ecosystems, human interaction, and safety…
Planning
What to Look for in a Swamp Tour in New Orleans
Embarking on a swamp tour in New Orleans is an adventure that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history. As you…
Planning
Understanding a Marsh VS Swamp
Understanding the differences between marshes and swamps is not just an academic exercise; it's a journey into diverse and vital ecosystems that…
New Orleans
The Best Ghost Tours
The best Ghost tours to for an eerie exploration into the spectral past of historic towns.
Wildlife
Top 5 Endangered Louisiana Species
Louisiana’s rich ecosystems are home to a diverse array of wildlife, many of which are now facing the threat of extinction. This article highlights…
Wildlife
Watersnake VS Cottonmouth
Main differences, Watersnake VS Cottonmouth by the Bayou Experts. Learn to distinguish between them.
New Orleans
The Best Plantations in Louisiana
Discover the best plantations in Louisiana - historic Mississippi River estates near New Orleans offering tours, inns, and Creole history.
New Orleans
Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana
Nestled in the heart of Vacherie, Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation is a window to the past, offering a vivid portrayal of the antebellum South. With…
New Orleans
Guide to New Orleans Cemetery Tours
Guide to Cemetery Tours in New Orleans is renowned for its unique cemeteries, often referred to as the 'Cities of the Dead.'
Fresh From The Bayou
What Are the Swamp Predators?
Wildlife
What Are the Swamp Predators?
Swamps are enigmatic ecosystems, teeming with a variety of life forms, including a diverse array of predators.
Wildlife
10 Alligator Curiosities to Know for Your Swamp Tour
Find out the top 10 alligator curiosities to know before your swamp tour in New Orleans, from bite force to temperature-set gender.
New Orleans
Top National Parks You Will Find in New Orleans
Key Parks New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, also offers a tranquil escape into nature through its array of parks…
Planning
What to Wear on a Louisiana Swamp Tour: Season-by-Season Guide
What to wear on a Louisiana swamp tour, season by season, with sun and bug protection, the right footwear, and what not to bring on the boat.
Wildlife
What's the Chilling Secret of Alligators in Winter?
Alligators are fascinating creatures, particularly when it comes to their survival strategies during the winter months.
Wildlife
Do Alligators Truly Hibernate?
Alligators do not hibernate in the traditional sense but enter a state of dormancy known as brumation during colder months.
New Orleans
The Most Horrendous Monsters in Louisiana
Louisiana is a land of mystery and folklore, where the humid air of the bayous is thick with tales of cryptic creatures and real-life wildlife…
Planning
9 Reasons to Include a Louisiana Swamp Tour in Your Travel
Find out the top 9 Reasons to Include a Louisiana Swamp Tour in Your Travel Itinerary when coming to New Orleans with Bayou Swamp Tours.
Planning
New Orleans Swamp Boat Tours: Airboat, Pontoon & Kayak Compared
Airboat, covered pontoon, or kayak? Compare the three main ways to explore the New Orleans swamp, with departure times, capacities, and who each tour suits best.
Planning
What To Wear On Your New Orleans Swamp Tour In Winter
When embarking on a winter swamp tour in New Orleans, packing the right clothing and accessories is crucial for a enjoyable experience.
New Orleans
Things To Do In New Orleans: Bonfires On The Levee
Find out Things To Do In New Orleans. Dive into the heart of jazz, savor Creole and Cajun cuisines, experience the unique spirit of New Orleans.
Wildlife
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Bayou: A Tour for Every Age
Discover why bayou swamp tours in New Orleans are an ideal adventure for every age, from curious kids to seniors.
Wildlife
5 Surprising Species You Will Meet on a Bayou Swamp Tour
The five surprising species you will see on a Bayou Swamp Tour: Dive into the heart of the bayou swamps, where nature reveals its hidden treasures. …
Wildlife
5 Fascinating Facts About Baby Alligators
We will explore 5 fascinating facts about baby alligators: Egg Incubation Temperature, Vocalizations, Parental Care, Growth Rate & Diet
New Orleans
The Top 5 Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
Find out the The Top 5 Best Haunted Hotels in New Orleans with Bayou Swamp Tours. Our selection of haunted hotels in Louisiana, New Orleans
New Orleans
The Best Places to Watch The Mardi Gras Parades
What better way to watch the Mardi Gras Parade than with a drink in hand. Here is a list of must-visit bars along St. Charles Ave.
Planning
Best Hotels to Stay for Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Planning your trip to Mardi Gras, but need a place to stay? Here is a list of hotels & hostels in New Orleans to help you out.
New Orleans
Top 6 in New Orleans Attractions
New Orleans is a top vacation destination in the USA for a reason. Explore these can't miss tourist attractions & make your vacation unforgettable!
New Orleans
What to do for New Year’s Eve in New Orleans | Bayou Swamp Tours
Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, LA?. We've got your list of fun things to do to ring in the New Year in New Orleans.
Planning
New Orleans Airboat Tours
New Orleans Airboat Tours What Is An Airboat? An airboat is a flat-bottomed watercraft that is propelled by a caged aircraft-type propeller and…
Planning
Bayou vs. Swamp - What's the Difference?
Ever wondered what the difference was between a bayou vs. swamp? Our in-depth guide goes into details on the differences between the two.
New Orleans
Helpful New Orleans Mardi Gras FAQs | Bayou Swamp Tours
Mardi Gras festival happens every year as a tradition in New Orleans, but there are many questions which need to be answered before attending this…
Planning
How To Plan A Romantic Getaway In New Orleans
Our comprehensive guide will help you plan & surprise your better half with a perfect romantic getaway to idyllic New Orleans.
New Orleans
King Cake, Mardi Gras's Favorite Treat
One of the most exciting parts of the Mardi Gras festival is the mouth-watering King Cake. Click to learn more about the history of this absolute…
Family
5 Unique NOLA Bachelor Party Ideas
Planning a bachelor party in New Orleans? Our expert guide explores the most unique bachelor party ideas for your trip to New Orleans!
New Orleans
The Foods You MUST Try While in New Orleans
New Orleans is famous for unique food like gumbo, jambalaya & more. Check out the best New Orleans food that you must try while you're in the Big…
New Orleans
Top 5 Things To Do At Mardi Gras
Want to create a perfect itinerary for Mardi Gras? Here is a list of the top things that you must do in New Orleans while attending the festival.
New Orleans
Best Mardi Gras Throws
Guess what, beads aren't the only things thrown during Mardi Gras! Check out our list of the best Mardi Gras throws you'll find during the parades.
New Orleans
LGBTQ Mardi Gras Festivals in New Orleans | Bayou Swamp Tours
Looking for an LGBTQ Mardi Gras Festival in New Orleans? Click here to read about Mardi Gras and all that it has to offer.
New Orleans
Guide to Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Who knows Mardi Gras better than locals?! Click here for the top activities according to locals you should try during you next visit to New Orleans.
New Orleans
Experience Mardi Gras Museums In New Orleans
Mardi Gras is so historic that there is a Mardi Gras Museum in New Orleans. Be sure to visit and learn about all the Mardi Gras history.
New Orleans
Mardi Gras Best Food Ideas - Food Trucks & Casual Dining
New Orleans is a melting pot of food. If you are visiting the Mardi Gras festival and looking for food ideas... here is your 2024 guide.
New Orleans
Mardi Gras New Orleans Guide: Parades, Krewes & Traditions
There is so much to experience in New Orleans, from exploring our many neighborhoods to stepping into the Louisiana wilderness. The city is also…
New Orleans
Jazz Music In New Orleans | Bayou Swamp Tours
Are you a Jazz music lover and traveling to New Orleans? If yes then you should definitely experience the amazing jazz music here. Book your tour now!
New Orleans
The Best Mardi Gras Experience in New Orleans
It is time to feel the Mardi Gras experience! Visit New Orleans for swamp tours, festivals, parades, and fun during Carnival season.
New Orleans
6 Exciting Must Do New Orleans Excursions
Six must-do New Orleans excursions, from flying a plane and ghost tours to a Bayou Swamp Tours airboat ride. Plan your NOLA adventure today.
New Orleans
Top 6 Things To Do In New Orleans
Discover the top 6 things to do in New Orleans, from the French Quarter and WWII Museum to Cafe du Monde and a Bayou Swamp Tours airboat adventure.
New Orleans
Voodoo Festivals and Shops in New Orleans | Bayou Swamp Tours
New Orleans is the perfect place to discover the long history and cultural importance of the Voodoo religion. Plan your New Orleans trip now!
New Orleans
Top 7 Things to Do When Visiting New Orleans
From spooky cemeteries to the neon lit streets, the “Big Easy” has plenty to offer tourists. Just a stroll down Bourbon Street can prove to be the…
New Orleans
History And Culture Of New Orleans
New Orleans was founded in 1718 and blends French, Spanish, African, and Creole roots along the Mississippi River. Here's a guide to its history, food, and music.
Planning
Best New Orleans Swamp Tours
The three best New Orleans swamp tours are a large-group pontoon cruise, a high-speed airboat ride, and a small private airboat tour, all about 30 minutes from downtown.
New Orleans
History of the French Quarter in New Orleans
The French Quarter in New Orleans is a historic center that is rich in history & architecture. Learn more about the French Quarter & its origins.
Family
Top 5 New Orleans Attractions For Families
New Orleans is a vibrant city that offers a wide range of attractions for families. From exploring the outdoors to learning about history, there is…
New Orleans
Top 5 Things To Do In NOLA
The top 5 things to do in New Orleans: the WWII Museum, ghost tours, a historic plantation, the French Quarter, and a Bayou Swamp Tours airboat ride.
Wildlife
6 Amazing Louisiana Swamp Animals | Bayou Swamp Tours
Swamp tours in Louisiana are all about nature, swamp animals, and fun. You do not want to miss these beautiful swamp animals! Book your swamp tour…
New Orleans
9 New Orleans Festivals You Do Not Want To Miss
New Orleans is famous for its tasty cuisines, round the clock lifestyle and vibrant music culture. All this can be experienced in its phenomenal…
New Orleans
NOLA Recovers From The Hard Rock Hotel Collapse
How New Orleans bounced back after the October 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse — and why the city, its festivals, and its swamp tours are thriving today.
New Orleans
Celebrate Halloween In New Orleans
Halloween in New Orleans is more than just a night for the kids to go trick-or-treating. Learn more about what makes Halloween in New Orleans…
New Orleans
Head to NOLA For Memorial Day Weekend
Head to NOLA For Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day weekend is a special time for the US to honor all of the men and women who have died while…
Ready For The Real Thing?
Reading is great. The bayou is better. Lock in your New Orleans swamp tour today.