Migratory and native birds abound in both variety and volume in the Mississippi River Delta. We pass through several coastal subtypes each with unique birds. Great for beginners and experienced birders alike. Customizable routes are tailored to the species you’d like to discover.

We operate these trips to standards set by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and never feed wildlife.

Location

We will meet at the Delta Discovery Dock located at 168 Ice House Road Empire, LA 70050. The marina is a brown single story building with a carport. Parking is just in front of the marina.

Itinerary

  • Duration 8 hours

  • Capacity Up to 6 people

9:00am Meet at the Delta Discovery Dock in Empire, Louisiana (directions)

9:15am After a briefing we depart. Encounter magnificent frigate bird, cormorants, and gulls in this stretch.

10:00 Arrive at barrier island chain where we will see pelicans gulls, terns, sanderlings, plover, and oystercatcher.

11:00 Arrive at lagoons where we will likely see wading birds, waterfowl, roseate spoonbills.

12:30 Arrive at the Venice Marina for lunch.

1:30 Enter the cypress swamp. During spring and fall migration it is common to see painted buntings, prothonotary warblers, and other neotropical birds

2:00 Enter new delta areas where scarlet ibis, other wading birds, and rafts of waterfowl are common.

2:30 Visit the BS-11 coastal restoration project. Lots of waterfowl are here seasonally.

3:30 Arrive back at starting point.

These times are approximate and we regularly deviate from the route for your interests, weather, tides, etc.

If the date you would like is unavailable, please reach out to our team

Frequently Asked Questions

  • April to October:

    Wear comfortable, season appropriate outdoor clothes. Hats and sunglasses are helpful. Water conditions permitting, comfortable shoes and sandals that can get wet are a good idea. Fishing shirts, Dryfit shirts, and shorts are sure bet. Staying hydrated is key, please bring the beverages of your choice.

    October to April:

    The retention time of the Mississippi River is only 90 days and it has an influence on the local weather. The river will be relatively cold until late April. The area is humid. Layers are a must in colder months. Even if the temperature is forecast to be mild it will feel much colder on the water traveling at speed. Coats, warm hats and thermals are a good idea on days below 50f/10c degrees.

  • We do our best to avoid weather by diverting and seeking shelter. In the event of a sudden shower we have rain ponchos onboard and the boat has a full length canvas. If the chance of rain makes running the trip hazardous a full refund will be given. You’ll have the option of a windshield tour by car.

  • We’ll have bug spray, sunscreen and an ice chest aboard. Please bring whatever you’d like to eat or drink. Let us know in advance if you’d like us to bring refillable water bottles.

  • We have preferred lodging partners for all tastes and budgets. Our Writer’s Cabin has a screened porch, kayaks, and a fire pit. It can be booked as a package deal. It may not be best some folks since it has loft beds. There is a sofa bed for those who don’t want to climb. Woodland is a beautifully restored Bed & Breakfast with fifty acres to explore complete with white tablecloth dining and resident alligators. Le Matidora Inn is a 15 room Bed & Breakfast with a swimming pool, billiards, and is pet friendly. The Salty Marsh Floatel is a shared quarter barge located in Cypress Cove Marina. Each one of our B&B partners has a down home feel and is unique in their own way.

  • Trips usually depart for 9:00am. We’re happy to be flexible with departure times to accommodate your group, just let us know.

  • These are in order from the dock back toward New Orleans. 

    Island Grill is located upstairs at Cypress Cove. They have a diverse menu featuring local seafood. 

    Changes Restaurant is a family run spot close to the marina. They serve up local seafood and are a really sweet bunch of folks. Directions.

    Crawgators is a busy spot frequented by out of town anglers and hunters. The fish is fresh from local waters and is usually red snapper. The harbor view can make for some interesting people watching. I like their red beans and poboys.  Directions.

    The Black Velvet is an America & seafood spot with a larger menu that opens at 4:00. (105 Everard Ln Buras, LA  70041). Directions from the dock to the restaurant. WEBSITE

    Lucky Ryan is an authentic Vietnamese joint. This place is known for their fresh ingredients, immaculate building, and very tasty food. The pho and bubble tea are great! Directions

    Dad’s Restaurant is a close-by lunch spot. The shrimp and oysters are fresh from local waters, and they have the best hamburger in town. (32381 LA-23 S Buras, LA  70041) This spot is on the return from the trip, about 5 minutes by car. Directions from the dock to the restaurant. This spot may not be the best for larger groups.

    Thompson’s Kitchen in Port Sulphur is a down-home seafood spot (105 Camilla Ln Port Sulphur, La 70083) Directions from the dock to the restaurant. Fair prices and friendly folks make up for the sometimes slower service, which is usually speedy after lunch and before supper. 

    The last grocery store before the dock is Fremin’s (26277 LA-23 Port Sulphur, LA  70083)

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