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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and PreserveA banded water snake lays right next to a turtle on a log at the Barataria Preserve.
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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Boat Tours of Bayou Vermilion
Children and a park ranger wave from a traditional wooden boat during a bayou tour

Bon voyage! Explore Louisiana on a bayou boat trip with a National Park Service ranger

Cruise Bayou Vermilion in a traditional Louisiana boat and learn the history of Lafayette, Louisiana's "Cajun Capital." A National Park Service ranger will share stories of Indians, farmers, trappers, and traders as you watch for wildlife on the banks and relive another era in an old-fashioned bayou "schoolboat."

Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, September 5 through November 28 (weather permitting). Tours cast off from the Vermilionville Heritage & Folklife Park of the Bayou Vermilion District (right next door to the Acadian Cultural Center). Tours depart at 10:30 a.m. and return at noon. Reservations are encouraged as a minimum of four passengers are required.

Ticket prices are

  • for the boat tour only: $12 adults, $10 seniors 62 and older, $8 children 4-18, children 3 and under free
  • for the boat tour, a self-guided tour of Vermilionville Heritage & Folklife Park, and lunch at Vermilionville's restaurant: $27 adults, $25 seniors 62 and older, $19 children 4-18, children 3 and under free
  • students aged 4-18 who are part of a scheduled, organized, educational group receive a 50% discount on the boat tour ticket price

Call Vermilionville at 337-233-4077 for reservations and more information.

 

 

A Water Moccasin swims through the bayou.  

Did You Know?
The cottonmouth or water moccasin can warn you of its dangerous bite in many ways. It releases a musky odor and opens its mouth wide to show you its white mouth and fangs. Show respect for snakes and all wildlife and always keep a safe distance away.

Last Updated: September 04, 2009 at 14:33 EST