Although there are smaller wetland areas scattered throughout the northern parts of the state, the cypress-inhabited Atchafalaya Basin lies primarily in the southern region. It is the largest hardwood forest river-swamp in North America. It is a sluggish or stagnant creek, frequently flowing through swamp terrain. In comparison, a swamp is low-lying, marshy wetland, and is usually forested and seasonally flooded. While tours of the bayou areas are also offered throughout Louisiana, the Atchafalaya Basin categorizes its expeditions as swamp tours.
Alligators are a primary attraction on many of the tours.
Some swamp guides will actually feed the alligators so that tourists can get a closer look at the creatures. Egrets, raccoons and nutria rats are also commonly sighted on the tours. Farmers will often flood a portion of their land and set wire traps in time for the crawfish season. Shrimp may also take refuge in these man-made abysses, only to be caught and used as an additional food source. Crabs are also abundant in the briny marshes of southern Louisiana.