Super Gator Swamp Tours

Location: 100 E. Lutcher Dr., Orange
Time: Varies by tour

Super Gator Swamp Tours are an out-of-the way attraction if you are in Houston, but worth the drive if you are looking for something unique to do. Orange, TX, is the easternmost point in Texas, approximately 880 miles east of El Paso.

Orange is only 10 feet above sea level, and is therefore mostly swampland. The only way to see this fascinating country is by boat, and the airboat is one of the best and most environmentally friendly ways.

The operator of the tours began his business building airboats and realized there was a demand for tours of the swamp. Now, he has four tour boats in operation, on which passengers can see many interesting examples of swamp creatures, such as small alligators, raccoons, opossums, water snakes, owls, and nutria. What is a nutria, you might ask? Well, they look kind of like dog-sized rats. Be glad you’re in the boat!

Some Super Gator Swamp Tours are offered at night, and you will have the best chance to see wildlife in action. Whether you ride the boat during the day or at night, make sure you wear a good hat to protect yourself from the sun and lots of insect repellent. The mosquitoes are not your friends!

Future plans include a building to house environmental awareness classes and an East Texas heritage house that will display old photographs, histories of old Orange, and other artifacts with regional historical value.

Wildlife abounds along the banks of the bayous. The 12 foot gator, shown in the picture, hides in an area that is inaccessible with conventional boats. This may account for its long life. Poachers generally make off with any alligator over five feet. Alligators may be a protected specie, but since there is a black market for alligator hides, poaching is commonplace.

Besides small alligators, one can often spot raccoons, possums, owls, nutria, rodents, turtles, water snakes, and other examples of Southeast Gulf coast fauna. Daytime may be the best time to experience the lush wetlands vegetation, but the evening tours are the best time to observe wildlife.