Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Nature reserve · Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Lake Martin
A cypress and tupelo lake south of Breaux Bridge, with a large rookery of herons and roseate spoonbills in spring and alligators in the warm months. Boat tours depart from the shores.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lake Martin
Lake Martin is about 8 km from Breaux Bridge, at the start of Acadiana’s swamp landscape. Bald cypress and tupelo trees grow in the water, draped with Spanish moss, and much of the southern shore belongs to the Cypress Island Preserve, a protected area managed by a conservation organization.
The lake hosts one of Louisiana’s best-known nesting colonies. From spring into early summer, great egrets, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills and double-crested cormorants often nest in the shoreline trees. Alligators sun themselves on logs and at the water’s edge in the warm months.
Small boats run by local operators depart from Rookery Road for one- to two-hour trips through the channels among the cypress trees. There are also lakeside trails and an information center for the preserve.
During nesting season, some trails may be closed to protect the birds.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the boat tour.
Best time
At dawn or near dusk, from March to June, during nesting season.
How to get there
On Rookery Road, about 8 km south of Breaux Bridge and 20 km from Lafayette by car.
Tip
Bring insect repellent and binoculars. Do not approach the water along the shore: the alligators are wild.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Martin
What is the best time to see birds at Lake Martin?
From spring into early summer, when egrets and spoonbills commonly nest in the shoreline trees.
Do you need a boat tour at Lake Martin?
It’s not mandatory: you can see part of the lake from the road and trails. The boat goes into the channels among the cypress where the nesting colonies are.
Are the Lake Martin trails open year-round?
Some may close during nesting season. Check the preserve’s rules before you go.