The Lower Mississippi River, Atchafalaya River Basin and Texas-Louisiana Inland Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
between New Orleans, Galveston and Brownsville

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 has 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 R/B 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
Whooping Crane
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.
Seafood Gumbo and Boiled Shrimp
In Galveston Island, browse in the antique and gift shops. Don't miss a visit to the Texas Seaport Museum, home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship Elissa. Discover the beauty of Corpus Christi and sample the world's original and best-tasting TexMex cuisine. The warm gulf breezes call thousands of migratory game birds that, 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.

 Intracoastal at Galveston
Intracoastal at Galveston

BAYOUS AND BUCCANEERS

Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

New Orleans-Galveston

Wander the French Quarter and see sights such as Jean Lafitte's blacksmith shop, Jackson Square and a whole lot more in New Orleans, the day before the R/B River Explorer leaves port on the Lower 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 where you'll view beautiful and unique scenery.

Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans French Quarter
Then, we'll cross the Atchafalaya River into Cajun Country, a place the locals call Acadiana. See this unique region, sample its cuisine and music and have fun. You may 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.

Galveston-New Orleans

Galveston Island, Texas, is one of the most historic and picturesque cities on the Gulf Coast. We dock close to the island's famous shopping and entertainment district, the "Strand." Experience the Texas Seaport Museum, Pier 21 and the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. Experience barging on the Inland Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The French-speaking natives welcome us to New Iberia, La. Taste regional delicacies and hear excellent music along with visits to Avery Island, Shadows on the Teche and St. Martinville, La. We'll do a short stint on the Atchafalaya River before barging on the Lower Mississippi River. In Baton Rouge, La., visit the USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial, the Nautical Center, the beautifully restored Old State Capitol, the Louisiana State Museum and Magnolia Mound Plantation. Learn how Creole families lived, dined and ran their businesses out of these grand homes. From there it's on to New Orleans, La. We conveniently dock near the French Quarter next to the Riverwalk Marketplace. Enjoy great shopping and more. Discover the same beautiful places and incredible scenery that the "Gentleman Pirate" found over a century ago on this exciting Bayous and Buccaneers excursion. Return with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Galveston-Brownsville
Brownsville-Galveston

We'll slip through Galveston Bay, leaving the historic city's skyline of Galveston Island in our wake. We'll pass near the uncovered remains of the French explorer LaSalle's ship Belle, scuttled by his mutinous crew in Matagorda Bay in 1686. Witness the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge where we will observe one of this continent's most exotic birds, the rarely seen Whooping Crane. Our course then takes us to Corpus Christi, Texas. Spend the day in San Antonio, Texas. Tour the Alamo and find that special gift in the unique shops at the River Walk. 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 the 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.

Mariachi Dancer and Musicians
Mariachi Dancer and Musicians
Port Isabel and the Padre Island Bridge Brownsville is the southernmost city in Texas with Mexico at its doorstep and the Gulf of Mexico beaches close by. It is the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley both in population and size. The first battle of the U.S.-Mexican War occurred on May 8, 1846, at the Battle of Palo Alto near Brownsville. The 3,400 acre Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site preserves the clash between the United States and Mexico and informs visitors about its national and international importance. But we won't do a vanishing act like Lafitte. Instead, we'll board motorcoaches for a day trip to sunny Matamoros, Mexico.
USS Lexington in Corpus Christi