Common Questions - FAQs

• What is your refund policy?

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Click here for full policy details

• Will I see Alligators? Is it dangerous?

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Rentals from The Chimes - If you are renting from our Chimes restaurent location in Covington it is very unlikley you will see any alligators during any time of year. The river is very shallow and cool so alligators are very rarely scene on this stretch of the river.
Guided Tours - On our guided kayak swamp tours generally, mid-March through mid-Oct, we will see alligators. We do not feed any wildlife, so seeing alligators is not guaranteed. It is safe to be around all the wildlife as we avoid the areas where other tours are feeding the animals.

• Is alcohol allowed?

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Rentals from The Chimes - Yes, you are welcome to bring your own drinks or purchase them from The Chimes bar. Chimes has a canning machine for fresh draft beer on the go. Please no glass.
Guided Tours - We prefer no drinking on our guideed tours but a glass of wine or a beer is fine. We do not permit any hard liquor. You can bring snacks and if you are of age you can opt to bring up to two drinks (max) per paddler. Responsible drinking is required, please understand even though the paddle is only a few hours long you will be miles from land, in a wild environment and you will need to follow our guides instructions, paddle yourself back safely, and not diminish the experience of others on the outing.

Think about our outings like going out to a nice restaurant. Most participants are there for quiet and a nice atmosphere. While some may be enjoying a drink or even two no one wants to be the drunk person at the nice restaurant making noise and reducing the experience for those around you.

If you are nervous about turning your boat over be aware adding alcohol to any paddle outing increases your chances of turning over tremendously.

• What should I wear?

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For any adventures check the forecast before leaving. For an accurate forecast use the city of Covington for rentals or Laplace for the swamp tours). Rentals from The Chimes - Swimwear or something comfortable to be active in. The Bogue Falaya river has many sandbards to enjoy. The river is very shallow so most paddler wade into the water often to cool off. Guided Tours - Wear something comfortable for outdoor activity and appropriate for the projected forecast. On hot summer days, we highly recommend a hat. Those choosing kayaks will definitely get a little wet, so wear something you don’t mind getting a little water. Paddlers in canoes are usually able to stay dry during the tour.

• What Do I Need to Bring?

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We always recommend bringing water on any outdoor adventure. Rentals from The Chimes - you are welcome to bring along an ice chest with drinks and snacks. Soft coolers work best in the kayaks. Canoe can fit larger ice chest. The Chimes offers "Crowlers" to grab your favorite draft beer before you launch.

Guided Tours - Drinking water. Dress for the forecast. You can bring snacks if you’d like. On hot days, we also recommend wearing a comfortable hat.

If you are not sure what to bring your confirmation email will detail what you need for each type of outing.

• What if it rains

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If it is just a little rain, we will paddle on. If there is lightening present or projected, we will cancel or reschedule. If tours are cancelled by us, you will received a 100% refund.

• Will I get wet?

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You may get wet. We will help you launch so your feet will stay as dry as possible but you should be prepared to get wet so wear shoes you do not mind getting a little wet.

• What wildlife will I see?

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Rentals from The Chimes - Most of the year on the Bogue Falaya river you can expect to see a variety of birds along with turtles but alligators are very rare on this part of the river.
Guided Tours - In the wetlands of Louisiana wildlife changes with the seasons. Commonly seen during mild or warm days are herons, egrets, kingfishers, osprey and eagles, turtles, frogs, dragonflies, and alligators. Birds that change with the seasons are blackbirds, warblers, kingbirds, and many many more. We never feed the wildlife. Our outings are designed to let you explore and admire the swamps and bayous around New Orleans in their natural state. Our guides do not follow scripts, each tour is an unique experience.

• Are the Mosquitoes bad?

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Usually not during the daytime hours. They are most pesky around dusk and dawn, so we bring bug spray if you need it.

• Can I purchase a gift card for a friend?

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Yes, we offer gift certificates in any amount or for specific tours here.