Nestled between the beautiful Gulf of Mexico on one side and Barataria and Caminada Bays on the other, Grand Isle, Louisiana is quickly becoming one of the must see destinations in the South. From fishing to boating to beach combing, Grand Isle is the place for summer relaxation.  

Born from the collision between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Isle is rich in geologic history.  Between 2,000 and 800 years ago, the Mississippi River flowed through what is now known as Bayou Lafourche.  All the sediment the river drained from the mid-west U.S. was deposited into the Barataria and Timbalier deltas.  Over the course of time, the deltas sank and became the bays we know today.  Wave and tidal action pushed the excess sand from these bays into the barrier islands of Grand Isle, Grand Terre Island, E. Timbalier Island, and Timbalier Island.  Unfortunately, the same forces that gave birth to Grand Isle are now trying to destroy it.  The constant damage from hurricanes and tidal erosion is causing the Island to move from west to east at about 16 feet per year.  Hopefully, with some intervention, Grand Isle will be around to meet the next millennium.

Steeped in history, Grand Isle and its sister island, Grand Terre, were originally settled in the late 1700’s as a fishing village.  The famous “Gentleman Pirate” Jean Lafitte converted the islands into the base of his looting operations.   According to the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Jean Lafitte used Grand Isle and the neighboring island Grand Terre for “his commune…which included a café, bordello, gambling den, warehouses, and a barracoon (for detaining slaves).” 

Despite the attack of innumerable hurricanes, the island has several buildings that are over 200 years old.  These houses are located in the center of the island in the mists of large oak trees.  The trees provide the homes with the protection necessary to survive the storms.  Twice a year, the Tourism Commission offers walking tours.  Just by walking by the homes, you can get an idea of what life was like in a turn of the century fishing village. The quaint little neighborhood is a must see for any visitor.

For fisherman, Grand Isle has a lot to offer. There are over forty-six species of game fish that can be caught within one hour’s boat ride of Grand Isle.  From tuna to tarpon to speckle trout, Grand Isle has it, and best of all, if you want to relax and just surf fish, you have almost ten miles of beach to do it from.  The speckle trout and red fish catches are some of the biggest in Louisiana.  Some of the hottest fishing on the island is from the beach.  The State Park and Caminada Pass offer great action.  The best times to fish are when there is strong tidal movement.  Live shrimp and cocahoes minnows are always a good choice for bait, and medium tackle should be able to land any fish you may catch.  If you’re going  offshore fishing, check with some of the local marinas to find out which platforms are hot.   

Furthermore, on July 22nd, 23rd, and 24^th, Grand Isle will welcome 15,000 visitors and 3,500 anglers for this year’s International Tarpon Rodeo.  The rodeo is in its 78^th year.  During the rodeo the island erupts with live music, good food, and fishing excitement.  During these three days, Grand Isle comes alive, and there is literally something to do 24 hours a day.

Grand Isle also has Louisiana’s only state-owned and operated beach on the Louisiana Gulf Coast.  Each year over 300,000 visitors come to Grand Isle State Part for beach combing, surf fishing, sun bathing, and primitive camping.  There is a modest fee for using the park, but the quality of the park and beach is superb.  As mentioned before, there is an observation tower located in the park that gives a fabulous view of the area.  And for those boaters who want to camp, the State Park offers campsites that are centered right on the beach, just yards from the water.  It certainly makes for a pleasant night’s sleep listening to the waves lap in. To supplement the campground there are also nice bath facilities located within the park.  It makes for a nice day to be able to rinse off the sea before going back aboard your boat.  Furthermore, for boaters just wanting to picnic, the State Park also has dozens of covered picnic tables.    The park is located on the Far East end of the Island.  To get there by car, just stay on the main road until it ends.  The park entrance is just before the end on the right hand side.