On the Gulf of Mexico side of the islands you'll find low sandy beaches falling off on the mainland side into a maze of ponds, inlets and salt-water marshes. They alter with each storm. Hundreds of thousands of sea birds including terns, black skimmers and laughing gulls use these islands as nesting and wintering habitat. Endangered brown pelicans have made a dramatic return here under careful refuge management. Camping is allowed but only more than 200 yards from bird colonies.
Human visitors are common, sometimes for birdwatching but primarily for surf fishing.
All of the federally owned land of the refuge has been designated Wilderness except North Breton Island. The Chandeleur lighthouse stands as the only sign of human interference on the other islands. Off the southeastern coast of Louisiana. From New Orleans, LA, take State Highway 23 south to the end of the line, Venice, LA, where a port to launch boats awaits. The southern tip of Breton rises above the sea about 12 miles offshore.