August 10, 2006

Born on the Louisiana Bayou

By Stan Dyer

In Louisiana, not all the wildlife is in the French Quarter. The state motto is "Sportsmen's Paradise," and they proudly put it on their license plates. When visiting New Orleans, make it a point to venture out of the city to explore some of the state's natural beauty, too. One good way to accomplish this is to take the Westwego Swamp Tour. A boat ride in the bayou is a trip into a different world, and a trip you'll want to take.

Be sure to phone at least one day in advance for reservations, and you can ride the Gray Lines tour bus directly from the dock of the Mississippi (near the Steamboat Natchez) all the way (20 miles) to Bayou Segnette in Westwego. The bus driver is very entertaining and knowledgeable, but don't let him frighten you with his alligator stories. The bus drivers like to tease the tourists a little bit. The bus ride and the tour together cost $24 for adults, $12 for children, and are worth the price [1]. The trip is both interesting for adults and completely fascinating for the kids.

When you first arrive at the bayou, local naturalists introduce you to some of the resident species. They teach about alligator gar, snapping turtles and varieties of snakes, among others. There are tanks and displays enough to make even the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, envious. Still, the real adventure begins with the actual boat tour.

One of my first thoughts as we entered the bayou was how much the surroundings reminded me of the movie Creature from the Black Lagoon. Our guide, Captain Gary, was proud to point out how people on the bayou live in harmony with nature, look after each other and the fact that Jean Lafitte's control of the bayous changed British plans in 1815, thus aiding Andrew Jackson's renowned victory.

Captain Gary told us the alligators responded to the noise as he splashed marshmallows on the water to attract them. That may be true, but it is apparent that now they are conditioned to the marshmallows despite the noise, and even to the chugging sound of the boat. When the boat comes by, the gators come out of hiding as if trained by the chamber of commerce.

The tour lasts two hours and is a natural treat. You will definitely see alligators, but there are many other animals out there, and you never know who will make a guest appearance on any given day. The captain's knowledge, experience and insight help visitors learn about what they are seeing. He may even try to bring an alligator or two into the boat. There's no need to worry. It is all tourist entertainment, and all completely safe.

The two-hour tour passes quickly. You return to the dock rested and relaxed after a pleasant and educational ride through the bayou. You will meet many friendly, gregarious locals and come away enriched. A boat ride on the bayou is definitely a trip into a different world, and a trip you'll want to take.

(Westwego Swamp Tours, 501 Laroussini St., Westwego, LA 70094.The phone number is800-633-0503. www.westwegoswampadventures.com Youalso canpick up information from Gray Lines Tours online, or on the dock of the Mississippi in their ticket booth. It is interesting to note that the prices listed online are twice what I paid.)