I had the privilege for the first time in my life riding on an air boat while taking pictures for a company enjoying the New Orleans Air boat Tours.  I have seen the boats before but was never an acting participant.  The morning was cool with a crisp breeze and the sun was ready to light up the horizon for us.  The best part of the tour isn't the alligators, the pelicans flying overhead nor the bayou water itself...it's the people.  I was talking with the captains who drive these boats and these guys all grew up in the area preserving the wetlands as if it was their own.  I guess it is actually theirs because it is a huge part of their life.  This little homegrown business is not sponsored by any super large companies that help them do what they do.  They give back to the area because they always have. This is how they were raised.

While we were driving the air boat back to the pier, the captain was telling me how they have cypress trees getting ready to be planted.  They also pay attention to the area making sure nothing is obstructing the natural habitat of the wetlands itself.  This tour isn't just a fun boat ride, it's a learning experience on it's culture.  These people love being just far enough away from the city to enjoy the simpleness are beautiful wetlands have to offer.  They fish, crab, hunt and preserve everything in the area.  I guess you can say your tour is more like the locals showing off their BACKYARD! 

Make sure to check these guys out if you are a local or a visitor because it's an experience you should do while in New Orleans.