Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide

I went on the Manchac Magic kayak tour and while the swamp was nice, this was hands down my worst tour guide experience ever. The tour guide's behavior was offensive and unacceptable. I do not know the guide's name as he never introduced himself, but I think it might have been Al. Listed below is the unacceptable behavior in order of most offensive. On the ride home he was drinking a beer while driving (I have photographic evidence) Twice on the drive home he used the R word He commented on the bodies of 2 young women on the tour in their 20s, it was sexual harassment and they were not comfortable with it He also commented on the body of a pregnant woman on the tour When pulling up to the launch area upon seeing that 2 tour participants were in their late 50's/early 60s he commented for everyone in the van to hear that "this old dude is going to slow us down." It was offensive, rude, and unprofessional to say such things out loud He had perpetual road rage on the drive home and kept shouting offensive things out loud for all the van to hear such as "go home to Alabama and f*&k your sister" He made several sexist comments I learned nothing on the tour and was uncomfortable the entire time from start to finish both on and off the water He gave no instruction or safety briefing before launching us into the water He gave me a broken paddle, while I fortunately noticed and exchange I tried to address these issues privately with the tour company via email, but received no response. Therefore, I am posting this review.

We enjoyed the kayaking, but apparently the season for alligators was already over because we didn’t see any, except right as we pulled up to the shore at the end there was a baby alligator taking a nap. Our guide would pull us over every now and then to give some trivia about the canal etc. I found it odd that when we got done the guide had people help him load all the kayaks into the trailer, which was no small feat and took quite awhile. After paying for the tour putting people to work afterward just seemed cheap to me. It seems to me the tour company needs a few more employees just for this type of thing. There was nothing exciting on this tour but it was enjoyable. Being your sunblock, sunglasses, hats, and water. You’ll be in direct sunlight most of the tour.

This small group tour was amazing! Gerald, our guide, knows everything there is to know about the swaps, the wildlife, and he is a great storyteller! I had a wonderfull time and i would recomment the afternoon tour (from 4 pm). The sunset and the peace and quiet on the water was fabulous!