Best Places to Kayak Near New Orleans, LA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of New Orleans, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby10 Lakes10 Canals6 Bays
← All paddling in Louisiana

Top Picks Near New Orleans

Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway1

Drake Avenue (West)

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

BayBeginner5 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway2

Joe's Landing

Open-water sea kayaking access on Bayou Barataria

BayBeginner20 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway3

Jean Lafitte

Just 14 miles from New Orleans — the closest quality launch

BayBeginner14 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Bonnabel

Louisiana · 4.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass on water during daytime

Drake Avenue (East)

Louisiana · 4.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Drake Avenue (West)

Louisiana · 4.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Breakwater Park

Louisiana · 5.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Laketown

Louisiana · 7.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a dock in the middle of it

Pier 90 Marina

Louisiana · 7.6 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Cataouatche Canal

Louisiana · 8.8 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Seabrook

Louisiana · 8.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a wooden dock sitting on top of a lush green field

Luling

Louisiana · 12.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Fisherman's Friend

Louisiana · 12.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Bayou Bienvenue Marina

Louisiana · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Eddie Pinto's Marina

Louisiana · 13.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Unnamed

Louisiana · 13.3 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Wetland Watcher Park

Louisiana · 14.2 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers enjoy a sunset paddle on the water.

Lower Guide Levee Road

Louisiana · 14.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Glisson Park

Louisiana · 14.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Jean Lafitte

Louisiana · 14.4 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Bonnet Carre Spillway

Louisiana · 15.4 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a wooden dock sitting on top of a lush green field

Bonnet Carre Spillway

Louisiana · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A couple of boats that are sitting in the water

Vail Canal

Louisiana · 16.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Bonnet Carre

Louisiana · 17.0 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lush green trees

Old Spanish Trail

Louisiana · 17.2 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown wooden house on lake

Marina

Louisiana · 18.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Frenier Landing

Louisiana · 18.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Bayou Gauche

Louisiana · 18.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Cochiara Marina

Louisiana · 19.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Joe's Landing

Louisiana · 19.5 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lush green trees

Highway 18 River Road

Louisiana · 20.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Marina

Louisiana · 20.6 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Chef Menteur Highway

Louisiana · 20.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of New Orleans.

Metairie, LA2 miWestwego, LA4 miKenner, LA6 miGretna, LA7 miMarrero, LA8 miAma, LA8 miHarvey, LA8 miSaint Rose, LA9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near New Orleans, LA?

Top picks near New Orleans include Drake Avenue (West), Joe's Landing, Jean Lafitte. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, canals, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near New Orleans?

Near New Orleans you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near New Orleans?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near New Orleans are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.