Houma to New Orleans, LA- ICW

[robert.]

I've never cruised this part of the ICW and I was wondering about the boat traffic and sights to see. We have a 37' Cruiser Yacht that can make good time but we wanted to see everything that the area has to offer. Can anyone offer any suggestions? What is the best way to get into NOLA? Does anyone have any marina recommendations? We plan to spend a few days there seeing the sights. Thank you.

[AnchorageGuy]

Robert, Although the trip can be scenic, there isn't much else to do and see. To visit New Oeleans, you will need to take the canal from the GIWW into Lake Pontchartrain and turn to port. Head for the small boat harbor and grab a marina slip. From there you can take a bus or cab into New Orleans. If your going t stay a while, rent a car. There is mostly commercial traffic along the waterway. We counted 40 tows one day before we quit counting. On our last two transits we saw only one pleasure craft other than ourselves. We do like that part of the GIWW. Chuck

[Steel sails]

Robert , I used the Pontatrain landing Marina last summer transiting Pensacola to Houston via the ICW. It's between the industrial and lake Pontatrain. They have a shuttle into the French quarter, restaurant, and small convenience store on site. It's mainly an RV park but I didn't make any reservation for the marina and they had plenty of room.
Regards
Paul

[nolagal]

By all means stop in Lafitte(the Town of Jean Lafitte)! Go to the Museum, eat at Boutte's and make sure you get fresh lump crabmeat at Higgin's Seafood. Denny Higgins is sure to offer you a cold one.

Tell him Roy and Dale says "hello".

[robert.]

Thank you so much for all of the advice! This is exactly what I was after. All of this is new to us so being able to hear from people who have done it is invaluable. On the ICW from Houma to New Orleans- is the traffic so tight that you have to go really slow or can you make good time if you have the ability?

I've heard that Houma is a really nice place. Does anyone have any experiences there?

[nolagal]

We traveled at about 7 Kts per hour. This area is very fragile!

Both Morgan City and Houma are nice to visit. Houma has a marina that's very inexpensive right on the ICW between the bridges. You'll also get a great view of Jackson Square and the Cathedral as you go pass on the river.

[cntrycuz]

Well we left Houma 2 days ago.....traveled to Boomtown Casino...tied up..had a nice meal free...next day went thru the locks...got to Seabrook Harbor/Marina by noon. Nice marina....rented a car today and visited The French Market, had fun...plan to depart the area Wednesday headed for Mississippi then to Florida..

[belizesailor]

Not the most scenic of routes, but there is great food, people, music, and history along the way.

[robert.]

I can't wait! I am surprised at the lack of fuel along the route by way of marina, etc. The waterway guide doesn't show anything until NO or just below, if you go out of your way. Are there other places to get fuel on the water that are availible?

Strange request here but my wife is really looking to goof around on an alligator form or the like and seeks to wrestle an alligator. Does anyone have any ideas for this in LA? I figured that there would be plenty of places in this type of country.

[jaybird1111]

alligators: that kind of touristy stuff is in Florida. Louisiana has things like air-boat tours or you can go see an actual working farm, if they are not so busy they can show you around, Savoie's is in Golden Meadow/Galliano, not on your way though

[cntrycuz]

Well, we purchased the Skipper Bobs guide...it does list places to fuel...Shell Morgan Landing has fuel and a dock....after that Houma has one place. Also if you go up the Calcasieu River about 8 miles to Lake Charles you can fuel up at bow tie Marina...it's the only fuel point we could find in that area. As far as getting up close to alligator there plenty around saw 6 on the way to Avery Island. Have fun!

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by cntrycuz

Well, we purchased the Skipper Bobs guide...it does list places to fuel...Shell Morgan Landing has fuel and a dock....after that Houma has one place. Also if you go up the Calcasieu River about 8 miles to Lake Charles you can fuel up at bow tie Marina...it's the only fuel point we could find in that area. As far as getting up close to alligator there plenty around saw 6 on the way to Avery Island. Have fun!

Things do change along the waterway so be sure to call ahead before leaving to be sure the information is still current. Especially when it comes to the sparse locations of fuel docks. Chuck

[robert.]

Great tips and thank you very much. Has anyone had experience driving offshore in the gulf around Texas or Louisiana? I thought I would want to skip out on the ICW for as much time as possible to make good time. My boat has a deep hull and plenty of power. I don't have any experience running a boat in that area of the gulf. Thanks!

[AnchorageGuy]

Robert, You just need to watch weather of course, and the many oil rigs if you travel at night. Also stay clear of the supply boats runing out to the rigs. The don't stop, slow down or change course for any reason. Chuck

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by robert.hamic

I can't wait! I am surprised at the lack of fuel along the route by way of marina, etc. The waterway guide doesn't show anything until NO or just below, if you go out of your way. Are there other places to get fuel on the water that are availible?

Strange request here but my wife is really looking to goof around on an alligator form or the like and seeks to wrestle an alligator. Does anyone have any ideas for this in LA? I figured that there would be plenty of places in this type of country.

Its mostly commercial traffic on this stretch so not many small boat facilities.

No need to go to a gator farm, there are plenty of gators roaming free in southern Louisiana! But they haven't been trained like the ones in the tourist traps and might not take kindly to being wrestled!