Wings of the Wetlands Birding Boat Tour
A guided 1-hour-45-minute boat tour through Bayou Bienvenue and the Central Wetlands, looking for herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills and raptors.
About this tour
Explore the wetlands just outside New Orleans on a guided boat journey from Bayou Bienvenue. The route enters the Central Wetlands, where open water, marsh edges and wooded areas support a varied community of wading birds, waterbirds, raptors and seasonal migrants.
A licensed captain and experienced bird guide leads the 1-hour-45-minute outing. Regular possibilities include Great Blue, Little Blue and Tricolored Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, White and Glossy Ibises, Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, cormorants and Brown Pelicans. Osprey, Bald Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk may also appear, while migration periods can add shorebirds, songbirds and warblers.
The vessel carries up to 28 guests and has onboard restrooms. Drinking water and a souvenir bird guide booklet are included, and free parking is available at the departure point. Published start times are 8:00 am, 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm, subject to current availability.
The adult rate is USD 60, children under sixteen are USD 25, and a private departure is listed at USD 1,500. Wildlife sightings always depend on season and natural conditions. BirdWatch.info confirms the chosen time and current availability with the operator after inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to United States.
Birds you can spot
Eudocimus albus
target
Anhinga anhinga
target
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
target
Pelecanus occidentalis
target
Plegadis falcinellus
target
Ardea herodias
target
Ardea alba
target
Egretta caerulea
target
Pandion haliaetus
target
Buteo lineatus
target
Platalea ajaja
target
Egretta thula
target
Egretta tricolor
target
Mycteria americana
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Birding by boat in the Central Wetlands
Meet at Lucille’s Landing for the confirmed departure and board the tour boat. Travel through Bayou Bienvenue into the Central Wetlands, scanning marsh edges, open water and trees for wading birds, waterbirds, raptors and seasonal migrants. The captain and bird guide adjust the route to conditions and current activity before returning to the dock after approximately one hour and forty-five minutes.
Locations & map
- Bayou Bienvenue and the Central Wetlands - Louisiana United States (A subtropical wetland environment; heat, rain and seasonal insects are possible.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Current departures are offered at 8:00 am, 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm; exact availability is confirmed after inquiry.
Included
- Captain and bird guide - A licensed captain and experienced bird guide lead the outing.
- Water and bird guide booklet - Complimentary drinking water and a souvenir bird guide booklet are provided.
Not included
- Personal transport and equipment - Guests arrange their own travel to the dock and bring any preferred binoculars or cameras.
Transport & stays
- Guided tour boat The vessel carries up to 28 guests and has onboard restrooms. | Meet: Lucille’s Landing, Chalmette. | Pickup: No hotel pickup is listed; free parking is available at the departure point.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
What birds may be seen?
Herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills, pelicans, Anhingas, cormorants and several raptors are regular possibilities. Migrant shorebirds, songbirds and warblers vary by season.
Are birds guaranteed?
No. The route visits productive wetland habitat, but all sightings depend on season, weather and natural bird activity.
What facilities are available?
The boat has restrooms. Drinking water, a souvenir bird guide booklet and free parking at the dock are included.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.