Spotted Over a Dozen Alligators in the New Orleans Swamps! π
A swamp tour is a must-do in New Orleans! The day we went was sunny and breezy β perfect weather for alligator spotting βοΈπ. We booked our tour at Jean Lafitte National Park, though there are other swamp tour locations around NOLA too. Hereβs what we learned: π Transport: Airboat If itβs your first time on an airboat, be prepared β when it speeds up, the noise level is intense! The noise-canceling headphones provided on board are essential π§β. π Wind & Sun Protection Once the airboat picks up speed, the wind really kicks up π¨. Sunglasses πΆοΈ are a must to protect your eyes from dryness and wind. If I had to choose between a sun hat π and sunglasses, Iβd go with sunglasses β they shield your eyes better! π Gator Sightings Beyond Expectations We didnβt expect much, but shortly after starting, we saw a huge alligator sunbathing on the bank β and that got us super excited for the rest of the tour! ππ π Expert Guides Our guide/captain knew the waterways inside out and had a sharp eye for gator spots. The locals who work here have even named some of the larger alligators β introducing them felt almost personal! They shared that alligators wonβt attack unless provoked. Humans are actually their biggest predators β every year, 1%β2% of the gator population is humanely culled to control overpopulation. π Identifying Farm-Raised Gators If you see an alligator with missing scales near the tail, itβs farm-raised β the removed scales are a marking method. Gators here live 40β50 years on average. We even saw a large, elderly gator basking quietly by the shore β our guide said it was nearing the end of its life, peacefully waiting ππ . #Alligators #NewOrleans #SwampTour πΏπ€β¨
