Private Atchafalaya Basin Boat tour
Make the Atchafalaya Basin your own with a private tour designed around your group. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a photography session, a media project, a team retreat, or simply want the boat to yourselves, this experience offers the flexibility to explore the Basin your way.
Your guide will customize the trip based on your interests, the season, and current conditions. Search for alligators and other wildlife, photograph the towering cypress forests, learn about Cajun culture and the history of the Basin, or simply relax and take in one of the most unique ecosystems in North America.
This tour is perfect for families, photographers, filmmakers, content creators, businesses, and anyone looking for a more personal, one-of-a-kind experience on the Atchafalaya Basin.
Have something specific in mind? Let us know when booking, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Why Choose Our Private Tour?
- Experience the Atchafalaya Basin beyond what you can see from the roadside.
- Explore a living, ever-changing landscape shaped by water, wildlife, and the seasons.
- Enjoy a slower, more personal experience at your own pace.
- Escape the crowds and discover quieter corners of the Basin.
- Customize the tour around your interests, whether that’s wildlife, photography, or simply taking in the scenery.
- Have the flexibility to extend your tour if you’d like more time to explore.
Meeting Location & Itinerary
Meeting Point: The Bayou Sorrel Park, 33495 Hwy 75 Plaquemine LA 70764
Arrival Time: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
What to Expect:
- Check-In: Meet your guide at The Bayou Sorrel Park. Restrooms available at the meeting location.
- Brief Drive: Follow your guide a short distance to the boat landing.
- Aboard The Boat: Load your gear, receive life jackets, and discuss your groups goals for the trip.
- Private Tour Begins: Stop along the way for wildlife viewing, photography, filming, or simply to take in the scenery.
- Enjoy Your Catered Tour: Learn about the Basin’s history, ecology, and Cajun culture– or enjoy a quiet cruise if you prefer.
- Return & Wrap: Safe return to the boat landing.
Tour Details
- What To Wear & Bring
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Water & Snacks
- Bug Spray
- Dry bag for electronics and belongings
- Cash or Venmo for tips (greatly appreciated)
- What's Included
- Private 2-hour swamp tour
- Expert guide with local knowledge
- Life jackets
- Flexible pacing
- What's Not Included
- Camera equipment
- Sun protection
- Water and snacks
- Dry bag for belongings
- Bug spray
- Special Requirements
- Private tour for up to 12 people
- Advance booking recommended
- Discuss specific group goals when booking
- Restrictions
Private tours can be extended, but additional time is based on availability and must be communicated in advance.
Got Questions? We Have Answers
We do not lure or feed the wildlife so we cannot guarantee that we will see a specific type of wildlife. The Atchafalaya is home to many creatures which makes it more likely to see a variety of animals! On a typical day we will see a variety of birds and alligators. On our tours we have also seen otters, beavers, snakes, fishing spiders, racoons. It’s always a surprise which makes it that much more fun!
Swimming is allowed if all parties consent to pausing to swim.
A private tour gives you the entire boat and guide to yourself, allowing for a more personalized experience. You can move at your own pace, ask more questions, spend extra time observing wildlife, and focus on what interests your group the most.
Yes! Private tours offer more flexibility to tailor the experience around your interests, whether you’re interested in wildlife viewing, photography, history, or simply enjoying the beauty and quiet of the Basin.
Since we do not feed alligators, we cannot guarantee that you will see an alligator. We see only wild alligators in their natural habitat. American alligators are more timid and less aggressive than people think. They are naturally afraid of people. It is rare for a human to be attacked by an alligator. Attacks are more likely when an alligator is being fed or if it is around people often. This makes them used to people and they become less afraid of humans. These types of alligators are more likely to become a nuisance and possibly dangerous and end up being killed. However, wild alligators tend to stray away from the sight of humans unless you are too close to their nest or their babies. Even in this case, the mother alligator often makes a hissing noise to warn you not to get any closer. We strive to provide the most genuine and authentic experience possible. Feeding wildlife consistently encourages animals to become reliant on that food source rather than feeding naturally. Besides, there are over 100 species of fish and shellfish that they can snack on in the Atchafalaya Basin!
Dress comfortable! Please check the weather before arriving to our tour to be sure to dress appropriate. Keep in mind during cool days, the temperatures will be ~10 degrees cooler on the water and even cooler while we are driving fast! During the summer, it is very hot and humid in Louisiana. A hat and light clothing are recommended!
Yes. If availability allows, you have the option to extend your private tour for extra time exploring the Atchafalaya Basin.
Our boats are not covered because a canopy would limit access through the narrow cypress forests and waterways. We spend much of the tour under the natural shade of the trees.