Experience Outdoor Beauty on the Cajun Coast
Experience the Cajun Coast, an area National Geographic Traveler called “hauntingly beautiful land.” The Atchafalaya Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp, containing almost one million acres of the nation’s most significant bottomland hardwoods, swamps and bayous. Not only are there tours of this amazing swampland, but nature-watching is also bountiful. Paddling trails are plentiful, and boating and fishing, both freshwater and saltwater, are beckoning now.
Photo Courtesy: Cajun Coast CVB
If you want to get close to nature, explore our exotic waterways by canoe or kayak. There are many trails, for beginner to advanced paddling skills, to paddle beneath moss-draped cypress trees, beside majestic oaks through the Atchafalaya Basin. You can also rent canoes and kayaks from local operators, like Captain Caviar.
Captain Caviar and other area swamp tour operators also provide entertaining and educational tours of the beauty and mystery of the Atchafalaya waters. Depending on the time of year, a variety of wildlife and plant life, and yes, alligators will be spotted.
Photo Courtesy: Cajun Coast CVB
There are more than 170,000 acres of designated wildlife management areas, and with an abundance of birds and animals, wildlife viewing is easily accessible along our secluded waterways. The Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge with its viewing boardwalk is a very popular stop.
With more than 30 boat launches in the area, you can put in your boat just about anywhere. Cruising along the river highway is so relaxing and beautiful! And, if you didn’t pull yours along, there are several rental or charter options on the Cajun Coast!
Fishing spots are abundant along the freshwater bayous and trails of waterways. Fishing tournaments are so prevalent here because of the trophy fish found in the bounty of the Atchafalaya Basin! You can even rent a houseboat and fish from the dock! Don’t forget your fishing license!
Photo Courtesy: Cajun Coast CVB
We also have saltwater charters, such as Blu Rebel, offering deep sea excursions of a lifetime. You could pull in swordfish, giant tuna, huge snappers, speckled trout or redfish, so catch your limit! We also have you covered for all the gear at local marine and tackle shops, like Ivy’s.
You don’t even have to venture out into the water to see the beauty of the swamps. Birding and beauty combine, not far off the beaten path at Morgan City’s Brownell Memorial Park and Carillon Bell Tower which features a designated bird sanctuary and has walking paths throughout the swamp, enhanced by the music of the carillon bells that ring every 15 minutes. Nearby Lake End Park and Campground has a beach and water access, and is just one of many area RV parks offering beautiful views of the Cajun Coast, so park your RV by the water’s edge and enjoy the Cajun Coast!
Photo Courtesy: Cajun Coast CVB
