New Orleans is a paddler’s paradise, with numerous lakes, bayous, and rivers to explore. For those who want to stay close to the city, there are several paddle trails that wind through the heart of New Orleans. Or, if you’re looking for a more adventurous paddling experience, you can head out to Lake Pontchartrain or one of the many bayous that surround the city. Whichever direction you choose to paddle, you’re sure to find beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way.
Easy Kayaking Spots in New Orleans
With tons of slow-moving waterways, beginners will find New Orleans paddle trails perfect for getting a taste of kayaking. Even those panicked will find comfort in the shallow waters, though it is important to note that there’s a dense amount of wildlife in these wetlands.
Bayou Sauvage
A very gently sloped canoe and kayak launch are available. Only non-motorized boats are permitted in this region. There are seven kilometers of pathways with plenty of ducks and wading species to see. The water is primarily shallow, with marsh grass roosting spots for the ducks.
Where to launch:
- The Hwy 11 Boat Launch – Village De L’Est, New Orleans, LA 70129
- Joe Madere Marsh Canoe Launch – New Orleans, LA 70129
- Crabbing Bridge Rd. – New Orleans, LA 70129
Manchac Swamp
Manchac Swamp, located between Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain to the northwest of New Orleans, is a fantastic site for animal observation and night paddling excursions. You’ll feel a sensation of remoteness while kayaking through gorgeous cypress swamps and alligator habitats.
Where to launch:
- Manchac Swamp Public Launch – Old U.S. 51 Laplace, LA
Fort Proctor
Fort Proctor is a 19th-century fort constructed (but never completed) as part of the defense system to protect New Orleans during the Civil War. It is currently a ruin surrounded by Lake Borgne’s water and only accessible by boat. To get to Fort Proctor from Campo’s Marina, you must cross the historic Mississippi River Gulf Outlet channel. The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet is currently closed in parts, but fishing and shrimping boats continue to use it. Although the waterway is not particularly dangerous, it is a popular trip for paddlers of all skill levels and boat sizes.
Where to launch:
- Campo’s Marina – 1301 Yscloskey Hwy, St Bernard, LA 70085
Honey Island Swamp
Over 70,000 acres of unspoiled natural beauty make up the Honey Island Swamp. It’s considered one of the country’s most pristine swamplands. While airboats and pontoon boats are the most common ways to explore the marsh, kayaking provides far more flexibility and room. Kayaks allow you to travel deep into the marshes, reaching places that a pontoon or airboat would not be able to reach.
Where to launch:
- North of the Riverside Travel Center – 65583 Pump Slough Rd. Pearl River, LA 70452
Difficult and Technical Kayaking in New Orleans
There are tons of bayous perfect for more technical kayaking which requires some experience. Narrow spaces make some trails quite tight adding to the difficulty, combined with wildlife such as gators means you won’t want to try these routes if you are a beginner.
Bayou Bienvenue
A simple 4 1/2 miles from the French Quarter, Bayou Bienvenue lies only east of the city, at the crossing point of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Borgne’s shores. Despite the fact that the spot is near the town, it’s a phenomenal escape and the ideal spot for nature and untamed life sweethearts. The inlets here additionally offer heaps of chance to rehearse your rowing abilities. There are some stretches where it will be essential for you to utilize just a single oar since they’re so tight, which adds an additional level of difficulty!
Where to launch:
- Bayou Bienvenue Marina – 2001 Paris Rd, New Orleans, LA 70129
Bogue Chitto
Bogue Chitto is the ideal kayaking spot for travelers! The stream is loaded with dead trees and trash which can make it a more troublesome kayak trip than others. There is a large number of flow speeds from tight quick-moving shoots to expansive sluggish water. The changeability unquestionably keeps it fascinating. The narrows in this space can take you on an experience through gators, cypress trees, and, surprisingly, wild horses.
Where to launch:
- Fisherman’s Landing Rd – Louisiana 70431
- Pools Bluff – Pools Bluff Rd, Bogalusa, LA 70427
Cane Bayou
In the middle between Fontainebleau State Park and the St. Tammany Wildlife Refuge is Cane Bayou. Natural life comprises to a great extent of birds – a couple of reptiles. Reptiles are addressed by crocs which are available in the narrows yet don’t make themselves truly noticeable. Solid headwinds might make this trail troublesome, particularly for new paddlers.
Where to launch:
- Cane Bayou Launch – St Tammany – 24380 Ronald Reagan Hwy, Lacombe, LA 70445
Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain is a large but shallow lake with connections to the Gulf of Mexico, rivers, and bayous. It can be a great place to kayak, but be aware of the changing conditions. The wind and waves on the lake can be rather strong at times, so plan on paddling out and back in when the wind is off the shore. Have a great time exploring this amazing place! From New Orleans, a quick 80-minute drive down I-10 will take you directly to the Lake. The Southshore of the lake has many different access points for launching your kayak.Text text text
Where to launch:
National / State Park Kayaking Spots near New Orleans
New Orleans is surrounded by many great national and state parks ideal for a paddle. Some of the most popular spots for kayaking and paddleboarding near New Orleans include Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Atchafalaya Basin, and Breton Island Wildlife Refuge. We list others as well below.
Jean Lafitte National Park
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve safeguards the regular and social assets of Louisiana’s Mississippi River Delta area. It is named after French privateer Jean Lafitte and comprises six separate destinations and a recreation area central command. The Barataria Preserve in Marrero has trails and kayak trails through bottomland hardwood woods, bogs, and swamp.
Where to launch:
- Barataria Canoe Launch – 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072
Fairview-Riverside State Park
Fairview-Riverside State Park is a vacation destination 2 miles east of Madisonville, Louisiana. Its 99 sections of land are set along the banks of the Tchefuncte River which is an extraordinary spot for paddling, rowing, and fishing.
Where to launch:
- Madisonville Boat Launch – 2001 Main St, Madisonville, LA 70447
Grand Isle State Park
Grand Isle State Park is the Pelican State’s head spot for end-of-the-week champions hoping to plunge their toes in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Paddling or kayaking in the Gulf waters can be fun as you ride the grows and watch for dolphins. Bring your boat or lease one on the island. You’ll track down a lot of neighboring excursion regions – and decent cafés – when you’d like to take a break.
Where to launch:
- Grand Isle State Park – 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358
New Orleans City Park
Filling in as New Orleans’ biggest open-air fascination starting around 1854, City Park is perhaps the most seasoned park in the country. At City Park, you can investigate the region via land or by water! There are 11 lagoons situated around the recreation area with bass, catfish, and roost in overflow for fishing potential open doors. Around Big Lake, you can likewise lease a bicycle or paddleboat to investigate the recreation area in various ways.
Where to launch:
- Big Lake Trail – Big Lake Trail, City Park New Orleans, Louisiana
Recommended Kayaking Tours in New Orleans
Whitney Plantation and Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour Combo
Explore the Manchac Swamp, the second greatest cypress swamp in North America pair or single sit-on-top kayaks. As you experience through the Spanish greenery, loaded cypress swamp, an educated aide will share stories and give an outline of the advantages and preliminaries the marsh is at present confronting. After lunch, we adventure off to the Whitney Plantation. The Whitney Plantation offers you an amazing chance to encounter the account of manor life in Louisiana according to the viewpoint of those oppressed.
Manchac Swamp Kayak Small-Group Tour
Tour the straights and byways of southern Louisiana, right outside New Orleans! On the off chance that you are looking for a beautiful, normal, and pleasant Kayak Swamp Tour – This Tour is For You! Paddle through thick cypress woodland, extensive wetlands, and a variety of natural life on a visit that is great for beginner and adventure seekers.
Need to Know for New Orleans
If you’re looking for a city that offers a little bit of everything, look no further than New Orleans. This vibrant and culturally rich metropolis is perfect for tourists who want to experience the best of what Louisiana has to offer. From world-renowned jazz and blues clubs to awe-inspiring architecture and delicious Cajun cuisine, there’s something for everyone in New Orleans. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to know that the city also boasts ample opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.
When to Visit New Orleans
If you have any desire to keep away from the most well-known celebrations, nevertheless need to appreciate the great climate, there are two ideal times to go: the window after Mardi Gras and before Jazz Fest (generally falling between late February or early March and late April), and in the fall, among September and November. In view of the charming climate and celebrations, this is likewise the most popular time to visit. New Orleans in spring is great when days are hotter, and generally low humidity. You might try to time your travel with the French Quarter Festival (normally held in mid to late April).
Weather in New Orleans
Early spring in New Orleans offers an ideal touring climate. March is usually in the mid-50s and highs in the low 70s. April is a bit hotter with lows in the 60s and highs in the high 70s. May begins to get pretty hot with temperatures in the high 80s. While 80 might sound decent, it’s not. New Orleans is very moist and sticky. Tropical storm season runs from June through November with the level of typhoon season being August and September.
