Running the full length down the middle of the United States slices the mighty Mississippi River. As this river empties out into the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, it creates a massive three-million-acre river delta. This is one of the largest areas of coastal wetlands in the United States and has over a third of America's estuarine marshland. If one is visiting New Orleans, be sure to have an excursion to check out the delta!
It is a major part of Louisiana and is frequently overlooked and certainly under-visited. It is a refugee for a range of wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, river otters, raccoons, and a whole range of birdlife like ospreys, great blue herons, and roseate spoonbills. Millions of birds migrate through the delta annually.
A Backstory About The Mississippi River Delta
The modern Mississippi River Delta is actually surprisingly young. It is believed to have only formed over the last 4,500 or so years. It has steadily grown as the mighty Mississippi River has relentlessly deposited silt, sand, clay along its banks. As the river has changed course, new land has been built while other lands have been lost (known as avulsion or delta-switching). This has resulted in the variety of landscapes that make up the Mississippi River Delta today.
The main industry is in this area is fishing. Be sure to enjoy some delicious fresh seafood while in the area!
- Mississippi River Basin: Drains About 41% of the Contiguous United States
- Rank: 7th Largest River Delta On Earth
There is much to be discovered in this hard to penetrate wetland. One of the most popular ways to get around and explore the delta is via small boat tours. Not only is the delta underrated, but neighboring New Orleans is also very much underrated.
The delta is home to over two million people today and it is some of a cultural gateway into the United States. The culture here is a mix of nationalities. The first colonists to the region were the French, who were soon joined by Spanish and Acadian (deported French Canadian settlers). The mix has continued with German, Sicilian, Irish, African, and other influences that have created a special culture on the Mississippi River Delta.
- Unique Groups: The Creole And the Cajun
Visiting The Delta
There are many eco boat tours of the delta, here are a few of them offer by Delta Discovery Tours.
Delta Circumnavigation
The Delta Circumnavigation tour is one of the most complete ecotours in this part of Louisiana. With this tour, visit each coastal subtype in the Mississippi River Delta including the marshes and swamps, the barrier island, and the river itself. Touring the delta is popular with both curious and specialized visitors.
- Length Of Boat Tour: 60 Miles
- Duration: Six Hours
- Cost: $150.00
On this tour, one will see the wildlife and the pristine and vast wetlands normally hidden from view.
Dolphin Excursion
This tour cruises past the barrier islands where one can spot the local population of bottlenose dolphins frolicking and playing. This is an excellent family trip any time of the year - sunset is a great time of day to go on the Dolphin Excursion. If one really wants to see lots of dolphins and whales, then one of the best whale watching places in the USA is in Puget Sound in Washington.
- Cost: $100.00
- Duration: 3 Hours
Birding Safari
As one can expect, the delta draws a large amount of birdlife. The Birding Safari takes one to see all these many migratory and native birds and be in awe at their great variety and volume in the Delta. This is a great tour for all birdwatchers - whether beginner or experienced. The tour is also customizable.
- Cost: $150.00
- Duration: 6.5 Hours
Birdsfoot Trip
If one would like to visit the end of the Mississippi River then a tour for that is also offered. The Birdsfoot Trip takes on to the mouth of the Mississippi where one can see far-flung lighthouses dotting the landscape. It is a sixty-mile loop tour that leaves from Venice Marina at 9.00 am. One of the best ways to see the southernmost point of Louisiana is by boat tour. The delta is constantly shifting with its sandbars and other hazards so the experienced crew will take their time navigating around them.
- Cost: $150.00
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Times: Departs 9:00 am, Returns Around 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Note: This Is Over The Horizon From Cell Phone Coverage (Enjoy The Remoteness!)
Next time in New Orleans, check out these wetland wonderlands that are constantly shifting and reforming. It is the perfect day trip while staying in the southern culturally-rich city.