Swamps are cool—even if they’re treated like the ugly stepchild of the natural world.
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Though not quite as grand as a mountain range or as colorful as a forest in autumn, swamps are endlessly intriguing and ecologically important.
The United States is also rich in swamps—especially the state of Louisiana.
Louisiana’s bayous are habitats for diverse plant and animal species, from alligators to monarch butterflies. Swamps also work overtime to do things like suck up carbon from the atmosphere, filter and purify water, and provide flood control and storm protection.
I’ve even visited man-made swamps that were built to help purify dark water (that’s all the nasty stuff we flush down the toilet). The swamps filter the water, which then flows into wetlands.
These wetlands attract rare birds—enough so that these constructed wetlands have become hot spots for bird watchers.
Have I sold you on the humble swamp yet?
If you’re answer is no, then perfect. I don’t have the time or expertise to change your mind about swamps—but Dr. Paul Wagner of Honey Island does. And he wants to take you from the streets of New Orleans into America’s wildest swamp.
Enter Honey Island
Between the East and West Pearl Rivers lies Honey Island, a stretch of swamp named for its once numerous honey bee population.
Not only is this swamp home to rich fauna, including cypress trees, swamp mahogany, and mangroves but also dozens of animals.
Honey Island visitors have seen creatures like red wolves, deer, alligators (by the thousands), and even something called a Florida cougar. (I guess this one is the only one to make it west of the Mississippi.)
As outlined up top, birds are also really comfortable in swamps thanks to their nutrient-rich waters. For over a century, bald eagles have nested in Honey Island. But that’s just one of hundreds of rare species that await you in the swamp.
I suggest keeping a lookout for egrets, herons, storks, osprey, and more.
Dr. Wagner’s take on Honey Island
Honey Island is a prime spot to experience the wonders and wilderness of a swamp. But it’s accessible to just about anyone who’s heading into New Orleans.
As far as I’m aware, Dr. Wagner’s Swamp Tour is the only one that offers a bus pickup and drop-off from New Orleans.
In addition to the ease of transportation, this tour is popular thanks to Dr. Wagner’s years of experience. Not only is he a qualified ecologist with a (hardcore) passion for protecting this swamp, but he’s been perfecting his tour since it first launched in1982.
Here’s why I think Dr. Wagner’s tour is worth your time and money.
- The company uses small boats. This protects the swamp while also offering visitors a very up-close look at flora and fauna.
- All guides are licensed, meaning you’ll learn intriguing and memorable facts about Honey Island.
- The company meets animal welfare guidelines, so you don’t need to worry about negatively affecting the ecosystem.
- There’s a Big Foot factor in there—and who doesn’t love the chance to possibly spot a cryptid?
Reviews for Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tour
Here’s the rub—I don’t think Dr. Wagner hosts any of the tours anymore. That’s not a red flag to me. If he launched the tour in 1982, then he would have been due for retirement a few years back.
I also haven’t been able to find more on Paul Wagner’s doctorate degree, though he’s listed as an ecologist in a few articles.
That being said, based on reading dozens of reviews of the tour, people love Honey Island’s current tour guides. Both the group and private tours are highly rated, with frequent shout-outs to Captain Hunter and Captain Kyle.
I think the better question is, if you’re heading to New Orleans, why wouldn’t you go on the tour? (I swear I’m not being paid by Honey Island—I really do just love swamps.)
If you’re interested, you can book straight through TripAdvisor.
Not only do you get an up-close look at one of the world’s coolest and funkiest environments, but you’ll also get to see prehistoric lizards and exotic birds.