The Route of Jean Lafitte
Between New Orleans and Galveston, Texas and Port Isabel, Texas along the Intracoastal Waterway
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 1,000 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 of New Orleans.
Between New Orleans and Port Isabel, Texas and Matamoros Mexico along the Gulf Coast
Jean Lafitte, "The Gentleman Pirate" 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 River Explorer, our exclusive mode of travel.
Jean Lafitte, "The Gentleman Pirate"
As we travel securely and 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 Guest Pilot House, a re-creation of a real towboat pilot house complete with radar, river charts and a radio with actual transmissions from the bridge. Go ashore to experience Cajun "joie-de-vivre," (the joy of life) Texas-sized hospitality and Mexican fiesta fun. Meet people who know how to "let the good times roll."
Whooping Crane: This rare bird is on the endangered species list.
Seafood Gumbo and Boiled Shrimp 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 or ducks. Learn the story of Spindletop, the place where "black gold" first gushed forth at the turn of the twentieth century and forever changed the way we see Texans-and the way they view themselves.
Above: Seafood Gumbo and Boiled Shrimp
BAYOUS AND BUCCANEERS
The New Orleans French Quarter at night, New Orleans-Galveston , Galveston-New Orleans
Wander the French Quarter and see sights such as Jean Lafitte's blacksmith shop and Jackson Square (and a whole lot more!) the day before the R/B River Explorer leaves port on the Mississippi River. We'll lock through to the inland Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Deep in the heart of bayou country is Bay Wallace, one of America's wildest, wettest and most secluded frontiers. The freshwater swamps of south Louisiana have always been a natural wonder - and a natural hiding place for pirates like Jean Lafitte. We'll take you on a scenic swamp tour and view some of the most beautiful and unique scenery you'll ever see.
Then we'll cross the Atchafalaya River into Cajun Country, a place the locals call Acadiana and tour this unique region, sampling its cuisine, music, fun-and maybe even learn a Cajun French phrase like "Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!" (Let The Good Times Roll!). In Port Arthur, Texas, visit the wonderful Museum of the Gulf Coast. From there it's on to 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. Antique and gift shops, museums, restaurants and wonderful Victorian architecture are yours to see and explore. Experience the Texas Seaport Museum, home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship Elissa. Visit Pier 21 and The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum at Pier 19.
SOUTH TO THE BORDER
Galveston-Port Isabel, Port Isabel-Galveston
We'll slip through Galveston Bay, leaving the historic city's skyline in our wake. We'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. We'll see Aransas National Wildlife Refuge where we will observe one of this continent's most exotic birds, the endangered Whooping Crane. Our course then takes us to Corpus Christi, Texas. Visit King Ranch, the birthplace of the American ranching industry and a National Historic Landmark. Also enjoy the muy delicioso TexMex fare, the mariachi bands, or take a side trip to a museum, aquarium or the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, all within strolling distance of our landing. From Corpus Christi, we 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.
Port Isabel and the Padre Island Bridge Approaching Port Isabel, Jean Lafitte's last known address, we will glimpse the lighthouse. On landing, the fleet of shrimp boats will share their harbor with us and when we smell those shrimp beginning to boil, you'll know our journey is nearing its end. But we won't do a vanishing act like Lafitte. Instead, we'll board motorcoaches for a day trip to sunny Matamoros, Mexico.
