jeanlafitte

A charismatic and daring buccaneer who helped defeat the British in the Battle of New Orleans, Jean Lafitte is one of history's most colorful and misunderstood characters. From his base at Grand Terre Island on the edge of the expansive Barataria Swamp, "The Gentleman Pirate" commanded a force of over 1000 privateers and fifty ships. Sought out by Andrew Jackson, who promised Lafitte and his men American citizenship in exchange for their help, the Baratarians' superior cannon skills were a deciding factor in the battle.

After the battle, most of Lafitte's men settled down becoming trappers and fishermen whose descendants still live on these shores. But Lafitte was restless; he chose to travel south along the coast toward Texas and Mexico in search of more adventure.

Rumor has it that he buried troves of treasure along this route. Many have searched, but Jean Lafitte's treasure has never been found. Until now. We have found the long-searched-for treasures of Jean Lafitte along the Louisiana and Texas gulf coast it's been here all along, disguised in the form of the beautiful places and incredible scenery witnessed on The Route of Jean Lafitte.

Feel the excitement from the moment you come aboard. This is an excursion unlike any other, featuring exciting vistas that can only be experienced from the hotel barge, our exclusive mode of travel.

Asyou travel securely in style aboard America's most unique vessel, the R/B River Explorer, come face-to-face with the world of bayous, lakes, bays and rivers that Lafitte knew so well. See it all. From the privacy of your own stateroom. Or view it from The Pilot House, an exact re-creation of a real towboat pilot house complete with radar, swing meter, river charts and a radio with actual transmissions from the bridge. Go ashore to experience Cajun joie-de-vivre, Texas-sized hospitality and Mexican fiesta fun. Meet people who know how to "let the good times roll."

The people who live in this region always welcome us to a life that is one with the waterways we'll travel. Meet Cajun trappers and fishermen plying their trade as we glide past them in the marsh. Experience the thrill of seeing wildlife up close and personal, whether it's alligators, nutria, ducksor a famous Texas Saturday night dance hall brimming with hard working folks who are out for a night of fun. Visit Spindletop in Beaumont, the place where "black gold" first gushed forth at the turn of the twentieth century and forever changed the way we see Texansand the way they view themselves.

In Galveston, tour charming Victorian-era homes or stroll the beach along the world's longest ocean front walkway. Discover the beauty of Padre Island and the greater Corpus Christi area, and sample the world's original and best-tasting TexMex cuisine. The warm gulf breezes call thousands of migratory game birds who, like you, would prefer to winter here in the warmth of this region. At every turn, the French, Spanish, German and British influence on this part of our world is apparent, and you'll gain a deep appreciation of this incredible area. But no matter which excursion chosen Bayous and Buccaneers or South to the Border you'll be sure to return with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Wander the French Quarter and see sights like Jean Lafitte's blacksmith shop and Jackson Square (and a whole lot more !) the day before our floating luxury hotel bargeThe R/B River Explorerleaves port on the Mississippi River. After locking through to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, we'll glide right into the beautiful, wet and wild Barataria Swamp and pass the tiny town of Lafitte, named for the famed buccaneer. We'll make our way to Bay Wallace, where you'll be treated to an offboard swamp expedition and a chance to see alligators, as well as other flora and fauna. Then we'll cross the Atchafalaya River into Cajun Country, a place the locals call Acadiana and tour this unique region, sampling it's cuisine, music, funand maybe even learn a Cajun French phrase like "Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!" (Let The Good Times Roll!).

Then it's across the Sabine River at the Texas-Louisiana border for a stopover in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area to learn about the history of Spindletop where a gusher of "Black Gold" or "Texas Tea" ushered in the Petroleum Age. From there it's on to our destination landing at Galveston Island where Jean Lafitte set up headquarters after his departure from New Orleans, just like we'll do. Here you'll have a chance to capture a little contraband of your own in a beautifully restored historic shopping district called The Strand, visit the sailing schooner Elissa, the Bishop's Palace, Moody Mansion or perhaps take a stroll on the beach.

The RiverBarge slips through Galveston Bay, leaving the historic city's skyline in our wake as we make for the Rockport Maritime Museum and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge where you may observe one of this continent's most exotic birds, the endangered Whooping Crane. Continuing the trek south to the border, you'll pass near the recently uncovered remains of the French explorer LaSalle's ship Belle, scuttled by his mutinous crew in Matagorda Bay in 1686. Our course then takes us to Corpus Christi, where you will enjoy the muy delicioso TexMex fare, the mariachi bands, or take a side trip to a museum, historical village, aquarium or the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, all within strolling distance of the landing. From Corpus, navigate through secluded, natural Laguna Madre where you'll be tempted to take a siesta under the stars or do a little bird-watching in this prime wintering area for North American migratory birds.

Approaching Port Isabel, Jean Lafitte's last known address you will glimpse the lighthouse. On landing, a fleet of shrimp boats will share their harbor with the RiverBarge and when you smell those shrimp beginning to boil, you'll know the journey is nearing its end. But you won't do a vanishing act like Lafitte. Instead, you'll board a motor coach for a day trip to sunny Matamoros, Mexico and a tour of the bountiful Rio Grande Valley, including the warm and friendly valley towns.