Urban Kayaking in the New Orleans Bayou

Although many boat tours offer exploring majestic waterways and taking in the natural scenery, few promise to take travelers through the center of an immense city like the urban kayak scene of New Orleans.

These adventures take paddlers through the historic Bayou St. John, a waterway originally used as a port for the French and later the Spanish in the city’s earliest history. It features West Indies-style architecture and landmarks such as the New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park, the St. Louis Cemeteries and even much of the French Quarter.

Enormous birds can be seen swooping down from the many trees looming over the waterway, and travelers might even run into an alligator slinking by from time to time.

While some simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, others appreciate the folklore of the waterway. St. John Bayou is said to be the location of the many myths of Marie Leveau, the 19^th-century Voodoo master.

Take A Tour

Travelers seeking a guided journey through the Bayou, the local Kayak-Iti-Yat tour company may be the right fit. Tours range in price from $40–70 for excursions of all levels of difficulty and experience. For $95, one can experience their new bicycle/kayak fusion city tour. Each adventure is about two to four hours in total.

Rent A Kayak

For those looking to do travel away from the beaten path, or save a bit of money, renting a boat from a company like Bayou Kayaks is a wise decision. Kayak rentals are available for around $22 a person.