The Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District along with the Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center have partnered to offer boat tours of the Bayou Vermilion. Experience the tidal river known as the Bayou Vermilion while riding on a traditionally built bateau called Cocodrie, French for alligator, or Le Violoneux, which was built by William Atkinson. 

Cocodrie was constructed by our Restoration Specialist, Faren Serrette, who is a 4th generation master boat builder. The voyage begins with a fascinating introduction on the Bayou Vermilion as a historical, cultural and natural resource treasure. You will travel upriver toward Bayou Tortue where the boat captain will provide you with some history as well as the geology and ecology of the river and how it formed. You will also learn about the Bayou Vermilion District and our efforts to restore the Vermilion as one of the city’s most valuable assets.

Please note : Two weeks’ advance registration is required to book a boat tour. Boat Tours are always subject to interruptions or postponement due to weather conditions and water levels in the Bayou Vermilion. There is a $30 minimum cost for a boat tour. If your party’s total does not meet this minimum, additional fees may be added.