Entry No. 68 — the New Orleans file — filed under: after-dark

Canoe & Trail Adventures Moonlight Paddle

Louisiana Master Naturalist guides lead small moonlight paddles through the bayous and swamps near Fontainebleau State Park on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Trips are timed to launch about two hours before sunset on the Saturday on or before the full moon, so you watch day turn to dark on the water. Once it's black you start hearing the swamp's nocturnal residents and catching the reflective orange-red eyeshine of alligators in your light. Groups are capped at 16 paddlers for an intimate feel.

The move: Launch at golden hour, then paddle deeper into the swamp as the full moon rises and scan the shallows together for the glowing eyes of gators.

📍 Before you go Moonlight paddles are scheduled on the Saturday on or before the full moon, about 40 minutes from New Orleans near Mandeville; 3-4 hours, $55-65/person, max 16 paddlers. Reserve ahead.

• 📍 Mandeville
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Fontainebleau State Park area, 67825 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-23