Celebrating Mardi Gras With a Swamp Tour

As Mardi Gras approaches in Louisiana, thoughts naturally turn to parades, king cakes, music, and all the vibrant traditions that make this season one of the most exciting times of the year. For visitors planning a getaway during school break or anyone looking to extend the celebration beyond the streets, pairing your Mardi Gras festivities with a swamp tour at Basin Landing Swamp Tours offers the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and nature. Basin Landing is located in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, America’s largest freshwater swamp, where airboat and traditional swamp boat tours take you deep into the cypress-drapped waterways of St. Martin Parish.

Mardi Gras itself is rooted in centuries-old traditions that celebrate the final day before the Lenten season, and across Acadiana you’ll find a wide array of events beyond the big city parades of New Orleans, including rural celebrations like the Courir de Mardi Gras where costumed participants traverse the countryside in playful, communal tradition. While soaking up the revelry of music, beads, and Cajun food, carve out some time to experience a different side of Louisiana’s landscape. Basin Landing tours are available year-round and offer a memorable outdoor component to any Mardi Gras itinerary.

School breaks that coincide with Mardi Gras make this an ideal opportunity for families to mix high-energy celebrations with quieter, educational experiences. After days filled with parades and festivities, a swamp tour can be a refreshing chance to unplug and connect with nature. The airboat tours at Basin Landing allow you to glide through the depths of the Henderson Swamp, where you’re likely to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Guides share insights into the ecosystem and the region’s history, providing a grounding complement to the exuberant Mardi Gras atmosphere. Traditional swamp boat tours offer a slower-paced way to explore waters that airboats can’t reach, perfect for families with younger children or anyone who wants a more immersive look at the Basin’s quiet beauty.

Combining a swamp tour with Mardi Gras fun can create a well-rounded Louisiana vacation. Start your day with beads and music at a local parade and spend an afternoon cruising through the twisting bayous, listening for birds and scanning the banks for basking alligators. You might find that the contrast between the lively Mardi Gras crowds and the serene natural world of the swamp makes each experience feel even more special. Basin Landing is just a short drive from many of the region’s Mardi Gras hubs, making it easy to plan your schedule so that you don’t miss any of the seasonal excitement.

Whether you’re visiting during a school break or looking to extend your Mardi Gras celebration into an unforgettable trip, adding a swamp tour at Basin Landing to your plans can balance the festive with the extraordinary. Exploring the Atchafalaya Basin offers a deeper appreciation for Louisiana’s culture, wildlife, and land, rounding out your Mardi Gras memories with a true taste of the wild outdoors. Book you tour with us today!