Rivers, bayous, marshes, the Gulf of Mexico, salt - and freshwater lakes. The communities of Southeast Texas grew up around water. Our area offers some of best fishing on the Gulf Coast with plenty of shore fishing, boat launches and fishing charters. You can also kayak the region's multiple paddling trails or venture offshore into the Gulf. But if you're looking for the best way to get up close and personal with nature, we recommend a swamp or river tour. Below is a list of area guides and outfitters to get you started.
Neches River Adventures
Tour the Neches River and take in its wild beauty aboard the Ivory Bill, an open pontoon boat that navigates the shallows of cypress-lined backwater channels. Public tours leave from Collier's Ferry Park (reservations are required) and are available every Saturday, March through November. Tours last approximately two hours. Learn more about Neches River Adventures. (409) 651-5326
Big Thicket Outfitters
Take a tour of the Big Thicket National Preserve with this family-owned company. Offering more than three decades of experience, Big Thicket Outfitters provides swamp tours, pontoon boat rides and Full Moon tours. They offer four tour locations to choose from, including the Neches River and Village Creek. Tours last 2-4 hours. Their services also include canoe and kayak rentals if you're up to venturing out on your own. (409) 786-1884
Gator Country Swamp Tours
Departing from Leon's Fish Camp, Gator Country Swamp Tours get you up close and personal with the wildlife of Taylor's Bayou. The hour-long tours include a discussion of the ecological importance of the bayou and the species that call it home. Reservations are required. (409) 794-9453
Swamp & River Tours
Experience the incredible scenery of the moss-draped Blue Elbow Swamp in Orange, Texas. On this tour, you'll have the opportunity to see alligators, native birds and a variety of flora and fauna. Go through an old ship graveyard, pass by ancient Native American ritual sites and enter a swamp tunnel. Learn more about Swamp & River Tours. (409) 883-0856
Dragon Lady Airboats
Dragon Lady Airboats offers private day and night time airboat rides of the Blue Elbow Swamp in Orange, Texas. Choose between an hour and a half or half day charter during the day. Sunset and night charters are available for two or three hours. Call for reservations. (321) 266-1498
Beaumont is overflowing with outdoor recreation. Explore city parks, botanical gardens and other outdoor adventures.
