A legend still exists within the Bayou Region; can you find him?

His resume’ is uniquely different and by most measures, his day job isn’t your usual 9-to-5. Through the backwater swamps floats a legend. On a barge-like vessel that seems to resemble a bobber steadily making its way downstream, the boat’s pace is sluggish. The weather is warm.

Cypress trees and vines crowd both sides of the narrow canal, sprouting from the murky water that sits stagnant in almost all directions. The captain tugs on the front of his hat, shielding his eyes from the suns relentless rays.

Positioned on a stool, he points quickly to a neighboring heron getting ready to grab lunch, or “be lunch.” His name rings familiar to even the most foreign traveler: Black Guidry, better known in the tourism industry as “The Cajun Man.”

“This is a swamp,” he explains, his hands gently turning the steering wheel to lead the way. “It’s made up of trees and water.”

Among the locals who call south Louisiana home, Guidry is as famous as any one man can get, especially given his roots that dig deep into the small community of Bayou Black.

For most others who live in the area, notoriety comes in more subtle ways, like catching the biggest bass, or landing a bruiser of a red fish. But as one would have it, “…you just don’t know what can happen sometimes,” says Guidry, who is now a one-man show on The Cajun Man Swamp Cruise.

On most days, the captain can be found chugging through the waters of the Atchafalaya Basin, navigating his way through a maze of canals that used to be stomping grounds for employees of the old Shell oilfield. The waters have since opened to the public, but the petroleum industries’ presence is still heavily felt, as pipelines are a common sight along Guidry’s route.

Bald eagles can often be found resting atop machines used to transport the oil safely to its destination. The sights are wondrous for some, but for Guidry, it’s life.

As one of six boys, “…I always enjoyed entertaining people, music and things of that sort,” he notes.

Before venturing into the tourism industry and embarking on a journey that would lead him across the map, Guidry was a trooper for Louisiana State Police Troop C and Troop M; a hometown hero of sorts with a greater passion for people. However, his days as a public official came to a close and he began entertaining guests on local boats. His talents didn’t go unnoticed.

Officials with South Louisiana Bank urged Guidry to start his own show. They would even furnish the boat. And with a little nudge from his wife, The Cajun Man was born.

“She’s my partner in crime,” he recalls.

Small boats race past the nearly idle vessel, outboard motors roaring. Wakes send spectators to their seats with laughter, as the barge rocks to-and-fro. Guidry silences the engine, his eyes fixed on a canal directly to his left. Alligators are frequent visitors, as “…they recognize the sound of my boat,” Guidry tells the crowd.

Everyone is waiting, but nothing emerges from the stained pool of water. “Maybe next time,” he shouts.

The people on Guidry’s boat are from all walks of life, many from outside the United States, most with stories of their own. But for a moment, they are experiencing the true essence of what many call da’ bayou and what it means to be a Cajun, as Guidry shuffles across the platform. He arrives at a black case, pulls out the oddly shaped instrument and begins to play what he calls the “Cajun accordion.”

After bestowing his guests with several musical performances, Guidry begins the slow trek back to the dock. While the cruise typically runs about an hour-and-a-half, time seems to disappear and the fun rarely stops.

Whether it’s a joke about “jug trees” or a short biology lesson on native wildlife, the ride is sure to be memorable for all ages.

During Hurricane Katrina, the small mom and pop took a hit. Since then, it has fully recovered. It might not be as strong as it was in the early ’90s, “…but we’ve been doing good,” says Guidry. “We’re just trying to keep tourism alive down here.”

Tickets to the show run $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12. AAA discounts are also available.

While cruises often launch six days a week, “…it all depends on the weather,” notes the captain.

Call (985) 868-4625 for dates, or to grab a seat and experience one of the wildest rides of your life.