My 1st Kayaking Adventure with Swamp Explorers at Bayou Segnette Waterway
Today wasn’t just my first kayaking experience; it was also my first visit to the Bayou Segnette Waterway.
Thanks to Swamp Explorers in the Barataria Preserve area, I was able to create an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
Barataria Preserve is a large estuary in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, just 30 minutes south of New Orleans.
I looked forward to a day filled with gorgeous views, wildlife sightings, and the gentle bayou flow.
Starting off from the channel, surrounded by charming homes and other airboat tour services, I smoothly maneuvered into the narrower bayou.
Nature greeted me with fish leaping out of the water, great white egrets, and great blue herons overseeing their territory.
Brown pelicans were a beautiful addition to this picture.
With wings that allowed them to glide elegantly just inches above the water’s surface, these majestic birds embodied both grace and power.
Their forceful dives into the water to feast added excitement to this peaceful setting.
Despite the chill in the air, the mild 60-degree Fahrenheit temperature provided the perfect conditions for kayaking.
My trusty daily jacket, which doubles as a natural sunblock without any chemicals, allowed me to enjoy the beauty of the bayou without any concern for sunburn.
Best Decision in Kayak Rental
Choosing a four-hour rental from Swamp Explorers turned out to be a wise decision.
Beyond the thrill of kayaking, it granted me precious moments to float leisurely, soaking in the tranquility and marveling at the wildlife.
Surprisingly, this extended rental was similarly priced to the one-hour rentals common in busy, tourist-filled New Orleans, making it both a time- and cost-effective choice.
While paddling through the waterways, I felt a touch of disappointment due to the absence of alligators, which are currently dormant due to the cold.
However, this was different from some swamp tours that attract alligators with marshmallows, impacting their behavior and disrupting their natural feeding habits.
I discussed this and 12 fun facts about swamps that I’ve learned on my first eco-friendly swamp tour in Lake Martin, Louisiana.
It’s worth noting that alligators can become aggressive towards humans, a behavior often associated with feeding by humans or protecting their nests.
Choosing a kayak tour ensured a natural encounter with nature, even if it meant missing out on alligators basking in the sun.
Fran and Swamp Explorers
Run by Fran, Swamp Explorers provided an affordable and convenient gateway to the bayou.
Fran, who took over the business 2 ½ years ago, has a deep connection to the land, with her family living on the property for over 150 years and most neighbors being relatives.
Fran is committed to Swamp Explorers’ consciousness to coexist with the bayou’s wildlife.
Navigating through the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in 2021, Fran was grateful for the volunteers who aided in the cleanup, she acknowledges that the area is still a work in progress.
Fran attests that the challenges have only made her stronger.
After the kayaking adventure, Fran’s kindness was evident as she welcomed me to park the van on the waterfront lot overnight.
The sunset view from the van door marked a perfect end to the day.
A bag of homegrown lemons on the store porch, reminiscent of the gifting culture of Buy Nothing Project, added a thoughtful touch.
I discussed my personal connection with Buy Nothing Project in another post. Take a look if you are interested in free items and building communities.
It is a project that fosters community sharing, like the good old days when you could ask your neighbor for a cup of sugar.
With joy and appreciation, I took some lemons to make my next batch of guacamole and my husband’s favorite dessert, lemon squares.
Final Thoughts
While my arms might need a break from typing for a few days after the workout they got today, the experience with Swamp Explorers was undoubtedly worth it.
This has been a simply blissful journey, and I wholeheartedly recommend anyone looking for a close and personal encounter with the bayou to visit Swamp Explorers and schedule their next ‘dolce far niente’ trip.
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