This tour was close to nature, informative, and peaceful. Our guides were funny and friendly. I highly recommend this tour group to anyone wanting an unforgettable and authentic experience. It was really beautiful, and we felt safe knowing our guides were competent and professional. We paddled under the interstate at first to get out to Manchac Swamp. We saw two young alligators lurking near the shores, an egret, countless song birds, an eagle's nest, oyster mushrooms, remains of a logging town, learned about edible plants . . . and so on. So much packed in there. This tour is not like a visit to a theme park (some other options out there are), more like a trip with a forest ranger. Also, the guides were very prepared for weather and such, which guests from the city might not be. They had rain ponchos for us, and I think even bug spray if we needed it. Good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses and plan on getting a little damp, but not very wet.