Pontoon Cruises

ABNC Pontoon Cruises give you unique opportunities to see bayou wildlife up close! The “Bayou Ranger II” will take you on an adventure through the heart of the nature center along the Armand and Horsepen Bayous where wildlife gathers to find food, water, and shelter.

Spring Break Mini Cruises

Observe local wildlife as you drift peacefully along on the Bayou Ranger II pontoon boat on an abbreviated daytime Pontoon tour during spring break.

Pricing: $20 for members, $24 for non-members

Teachers can earn 1.5 SBEC hours for participating in this activity. Please indicate when booking that you would like to receive SBEC hours.

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Morning Bayou Cruises

Start your Saturday morning watching wildlife seeking their breakfast at the water’s edge as you leisurely drift down the bayou.

Pricing: $30 for members, $35 for non-members

Morning Cruises and tour are on Saturday mornings from 7:30-9:30 am. Use the “Book Now” button below to check availability and book your cruise!

Teachers can earn 2 SBEC hours for participating in this activity. Please indicate when booking that you would like to receive SBEC hours.

Sunset Cruises

Twilight is the most active time of day for many animals. Sunset on the water is a peaceful experience with amazing opportunities to glimpse an abundance of wildlife. 

Pricing: $30 for members, $35 for non-members

Sunset Cruises are every Saturday evening and some Sunday evenings, times vary with sunset. Use the “Book Now” button below to check availability and book your cruise!

Teachers can earn 1.5 SBEC hours for participating in this activity. Please indicate when booking that you would like to receive SBEC hours.


Know Before You Go:

  • The max capacity for a cruise is 16 people.

  • Participants must be 5 or older on morning and sunset cruises, and 10 or older for night cruise. An adult must accompany children under 18.

  • Closed toe shoes are required for the tour.

  • Please bring insect repellent in case you need it.

  • Participants must have the physical ability to climb two stair steps to board the boat, as the profile of the boat makes the use of a ramp not readily achievable.

  • For the Morning Cruise, please arrive at 7:30 a.m. and our guides will meet you at the front gate of Armand Bayou Nature Center.

  • For the Sunset Cruise, please arrive at the start time of your cruise to meet our guides. If your meeting time is before 5, please enter through the gate and our guides will meet you in the parking lot. If your meeting time is at 5 or after, our guides will meet you at the front gate of the nature center.

  • Cruises begin with a five minute guided walk down our boardwalk leading to our new Shell Trailhead Circle. From there you board our electric vehicle for a half mile ride down to our boathouse.

  • No eating or drinking will take place on the boat, except for drinking water. Please bring a reusable water bottle.

  • Reservations must be made in advance and payment is required at the time of reservation

Cancellations:
Payment of fees is needed to complete your registration and is non-refundable unless the program/class/activity is cancelled by Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) staff. If ABNC cancels for any reason, you will be given the option of applying the fees to another program or a refund. A minimum number of five people is required for the trip to launch. You will be notified the day prior if the minimum number has not been reached.

If you must cancel, please notify ABNC at least seven (7) days prior to the program/class/activity. If you inform us at least one week before, we will issue you a credit voucher for the full amount of your payment that may be applied to another ABNC program fee or a membership. Any non-attendance or cancellation less than seven (7) days will result in the full charge of the fee. ABNC does not give cash refunds.

Thank you to Albermarle Foundation and The William Stamps Farish Fund for making the purchase of ABNC’s new the Bayou Ranger II possible.

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Bayou Ranger II

Bayou Ranger II


Special Charter Cruises

Would you like to book your own special cruise? Reservations are required and must be made 2 weeks in advance. Payment is required at the time of reservation. Please call 281-474-2551 to schedule a charter cruise.