A properly equipped seaworthy boat and an experienced boat operator are needed to navigate to the islands. Gulf weather can change rapidly, the shallow waters of the sound can get very choppy, and wakes of passing ships and trawlers can be a challenge. Boaters should be experienced with and equipped for open water crossings, strong currents, and be able to navigate shallow water. There are many unlighted oil well structures in Chandeleur and Breton Sounds. Visiting the islands to wade fish or explore works best with a shallow-draft watercraft that can be anchored in very shallow water. Visitors will need to wade through shallow water to reach the shore.
Where You Can Launch
To reach the north end of the Chandeleur Islands, a launch from coastal Mississippi across the open water of the Gulf of Mexico is the most direct route.
The shortest distance by water to reach the refuge is from Venice, LA at the end of Hwy 23 southeast of New Orleans. From Venice, boaters travel east across the Mississippi River, continue through Baptiste Collette Bayou into the sound. From there, depending on the watercraft, it's about a half hour to Breton Island.
A shorter auto drive for most visitors is to take Hwy 46 southeast from New Orleans and launch from Shell Beach or Hopedale. From there it is a 25 mile boat trip down the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (the Ship Channel) towards Lake Athanasio and across the sound. Depending on conditions and your watercraft it is about a 1 - 11/2 hour run over open water to the islands.
NOAA nautical chart of Breton Sound for planning purposes only. Not a navigational chart.