Our most popular tour. This trip shows both sides of the Mississippi River Delta, one of industrial development and humanity’s will, the other riverbank, a connected ecosystem with diverse life and hope. We can shorten this trip if you have time constraints.
This site is a solid primer for the trip and is fun to navigate. You will see some of these places up close, especially the areas near Venice and Buras.
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 5 hours
Capacity Up to 6 people
9:00am We go over the natural and human history of the Mississippi River Delta. Once in the boat we hold a safety briefing before we depart.
10:00 Arrive offshore of an indigenous site called the Lemon Tree Mounds. A protective living shoreline has since been installed by Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana using shell from local restaurants. You can learn more here.
Next stop is some Ghost Bayous, places where bayous once flowed through the marsh and are now open water. We stop offshore of a nearby camp to see the changes. From here we begin the trek toward the newly rebuilt barrier island chain. Pods of dolphins are frequently seen here. Each pod has a relatively narrow territory. If strong winds are forecast we sometimes turn back to the marina here.
10:30 Arrive and disembark at Scofield Island, a restored barrier island. Discussion of restoration techniques, community and habitat benefits, benefits to the local economy. This project was funded with Deepwater Horizon fines ($60.8M) and was designed to reduce storm surge while creating vital habitat for birds and other wildlife.
11:45 Return to harbor for restroom break. We enter the Mississippi River through a navigation lock. Here we talk about the economic importance of the Mississippi River to Louisiana and the United States.
12:20 Enter freshwater wetlands actively being built by the Mississippi River. Here we get to see the land building process first hand. In these revitalized wetland areas a number of projects have helped to positively shape the landscape. Many birds are in this area.
2:00 Arrive back to the Delta Discovery Dock.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Trips usually depart for 9:00am. We’re happy to be flexible with departure times to accommodate your group, just let us know.
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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)