Guides are important in Acadia. The swamps and bayous wind around and the lakes look identical. Strangers tend to lose their bearings soon after the first bend.
Seasoned, licensed guides operate in almost every town that abuts some kind of waterway. They`ll describe the flora and fauna, point out wildlife and talk about the forces of nature at work in the Louisiana wetlands. Each tour lasts about two hours. A brief sampling:
– Annie Miller`s Terrebonne Swamp and Marsh Tours. Miller, a lively septuagenarian, calls the alligators by name and they often swim right up to the boat, begging for treats. Address: 100 Alligator Lane, Houma, La. 70360;
504-879-3934. $15 a person, March 1 to Nov. 1.
– A Cajun Man`s Swamp Cruise. Ron ”Black” Guidry stops and serenades passengers during tours of Bayou Black. He sings Cajun tunes, strums guitar and plays accordion. His Friday night concerts at A-Bear`s restaurant in Houma frequently sell out. Address: 103 Mike St., Houma, La. 70360; 504-868-4625. $15 a person. All year, except Christmas and Thanksgiving weeks.
– McGee`s Landing. Big boats from a large and well-equipped facility tackle the gigantic Atchafalaya Swamp. Bait shop, gift store and restaurant are on the premises. Address: 1104 Huval St., Breaux Bridge, La. 70517;
318-228-2384. Adults $8.50; children (under 12) $5. Open all year, except major holidays.
– Cajun Jack`s Swamp Tours (see main story). Cajun Jack Hebert docks on Bayou Teche behind the Atchafalaya Delta Tourist Commission office in Patterson, La., 112 Main St., 70392; 504-395-7420. $20.
– Swamp Gardens and Wildlife Zoo. This Morgan City attraction packs a swamp environment into 3 1/2 acres, complete with walking paths. The costumed mannequins depicting Cajun life may be disconcerting, but guides are informative and the setting evocative of the old days. The first Tarzan movie was filmed nearby in 1917. Address: 725 Myrtle St., Morgan City, La. 70380;
504-384-3343. Adults, $2; children, $1.
