Most swamp tours sell the alligator. The Last Wilderness Swamp Tours sells the swamp itself, and it does it from a quiet launch in Bayou Sorrel, about 50 minutes from Baton Rouge.

Who runs it

The company is family-owned and run by the Wilson family. Captain Dean Wilson spent more than 20 years as a commercial fisherman and hunter in the Atchafalaya Basin and is executive director of the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, a nonprofit that works to protect it. His son, Captain Al Wilson, holds an LSU degree in natural resource ecology with a focus on wetland science and has guided for more than a decade. Daughter Silvia Wilson Drinkwater handles marketing and runs The Last Wilderness Cabins.

How the tour works

The two-hour guided tour meets at Bayou Sorrel Park, 33495 Highway 75 in Plaquemine. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in, then follow your guide a couple of minutes down the road to the boat landing, where life jackets are provided.

The boat is a small, uncovered outboard with a four-stroke motor, chosen because it is quieter than other outboards. That small size lets guides reach narrow channels and big cypress stands that larger tour boats can't. The guides don't bait or feed alligators, so sightings aren't guaranteed, but birds and gators are typical, and otters, beavers, raccoons and deer have turned up too.

Tickets are $60 for adults, $50 for children 2 to 9, and free for kids under 2. Private group tours are also offered.

What to bring

Pack sunscreen, a hat, bug spray, water and snacks. On cool days, expect it to feel about 10 degrees colder on the water, so bring a layer. Tours are usually canceled only for thunder, lightning or serious storm warnings, and ponchos ride along in the boat.

Drive yourself or rent a car: the company advises against rideshares because finding a ride back is unlikely. Call 225-385-9562 with questions.

Photo courtesy of The Last Wilderness Swamp Tours.