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Experience the South on the Water

A Cajun Man’s Swamp Tours and Adventures

Gibson, Louisiana

Louisiana is well known for its beautiful bayous and cypress swamps that teem with wildlife such as alligators, snapping turtles and great blue herons. Just 70 miles west of New Orleans, travelers will discover one of the best locations in the state to experience the spectacular beauty of the swamps: A Cajun Man’s Swamp Tours and Adventures.

“Most people who come to Louisiana spend most of their time in New Orleans and the big cities, but the most beautiful part of the state is right here,” said Captain Billy Gaston, who leads the tours.

Gaston purchased the well-established company in 2015 from Ron “Black” Guidry, who had been running the tours for 26 years. Since then, Gaston has added his own unique flair to the tour, often sharing personal stories of his life growing up in the heart of Cajun country.

“The best part of my job is meeting people from all over the world and showing them what I love so much about the place where I was born and raised,” said Gaston. “I make sure everybody walks away with a smile on their face.”

With no sound or sight of human activity for miles, the 49-passenger vessel winds throughout the rich ecosystem of Bayou Black, where guests are sure to spot an alligator or a nesting eagle. One of the highlights of the experience is when Gaston calls the alligators by name to the boat, providing a rare opportunity for passengers to see the immense creatures up close.

“I’m like the Dr. Doolittle of southern Louisiana,” said Gaston with a laugh. “They usually hide when other boats pass, but they come right up to me.”

www.cajunmanadventures.com

Tour Daufuskie

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Home to fewer than 500 permanent residents, Daufuskie Island is a beautiful, uncultivated spot off the coast of South Carolina, accessible only by ferry from Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. The vibrant island provides a pristine natural getaway, and travelers can explore everything it has to offer through Tour Daufuskie.

Tour Daufuskie began in 2011 when local ironworks artisan Chase Allen noticed the need for ecotourism activities on the island and partnered with a fellow outdoor enthusiast to launch the business. This past year, Anna Clark joined the team as the managing director and lead guide.

“When people join us for a tour, they really get to see what makes Daufuskie Daufuskie, and I love getting to share that with visitors,” said Clark.

Tour Daufuskie offers four different tour experiences. The History and Artisan Tour, the most popular option, takes groups on golf carts to some of the island’s most fascinating landmarks. Depending on group preference, guests can visit sites like the circa 1800 First Union Baptist Church, the Mary Fields School, the Bloody Point Lighthouse or the Billy Burns Historic Museum.

In 2016, Tour Daufuskie partnered with sixth-generation island native Sallie Ann Robinson to premier a Native Gullah Tour, which highlights the history of Gullah culture on the island. Those hoping to encounter some of the island’s native wildlife may prefer the Eco Tour or the Kayak Tour.

Clark described one special memory from when she was kayaking with a father and his two daughters.

“There was this pod of 10 to 15 dolphins that showed up unexpectedly and breached the water, which is really rare,” said Clark. “So that was a neat experience to share with them.”

www.tourdaufuskie.com