Kiss-A-Gator VIP Honey Island Small-Group Swamp Tour

Three things. First, it's on the Honey Island Swamp, a pristine river swamp on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Most of our other swamp tours go through the bayou country south of the city, so this is a different ecosystem and a different feel. Second, the ride is quiet and laid back like our pontoon tours, but the boat only holds 6 guests, more like our most premium airboats in terms of how small and nimble it is. Third, and most importantly, this is the only tour we offer where you're guaranteed to hold a live baby alligator. Our captain holds a state alligator exhibitor's license, which almost nobody else has.

For real. Every guest on this tour gets to hold a baby alligator, and yes, you can plant a little smooch on its snout for the photo if you want. The baby gators are cared for under the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries ranching program and eventually released back into the swamp. You're literally participating in one of the great conservation success stories in America, which has returned over a million alligators to the wild. Feel good about the kiss.

Completely. The captain handles all the transfers, the babies are gentle, and their little teeth are not going to get through your fingers. Kids love it. Grandparents love it. The gators are mildly unimpressed by all of it.

The Pilot Travel Center at I-59 Exit 5A in Pearl River, Louisiana. 35 miles north of New Orleans (about 40 minutes in good traffic), straight up I-10 across Lake Pontchartrain and a short hop north on I-59. Yes, it's at a travel plaza. Yes, it's also right on the swamp. It's also the only swamp tour in Louisiana that can guarantee you'll hold a baby alligator, so the trade-off is worth it.

BYOB is welcome on private buyouts (when your group has booked the whole boat for itself). On regular per-person trips the boat may be shared with other guests, so alcohol isn't allowed on board. Want BYOB? Request a private buyout through our private swamp tour inquiry form at /private-swamp-tours. $594 for the boat, up to 6 guests, no glass containers.

Not for this one. Guests drive themselves. We know that's different from our other swamp tours, but this location doesn't have a shuttle setup yet. If you don't have your own car, renting one for the day or taking a rideshare are both workable options. If you go the rideshare route, schedule your return trip in advance because drivers aren't always sitting around off the interstate.

Maximum 6 guests per boat. Even on a full trip you're never more than a few feet from the captain or the baby gator. If your group wants exclusive use of the boat, you can request a private buyout (6 guests, $594) through our private swamp tour inquiry form at /private-swamp-tours.

Yes. Submit a request through our private swamp tour inquiry form at /private-swamp-tours and select Kiss-A-Gator. Buyouts are $594 for up to 6 guests, BYOB welcome on the whole boat (no glass containers), and we will confirm your date and process payment directly.