Isle au Pitre, Louisiana: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Isle au Pitre, Louisiana’s hidden coastal treasure, is one of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico? This pristine island paradise, located at the easternmost point of St. Bernard Parish, offers visitors a rare glimpse into Louisiana’s untouched coastal ecosystem. With its secluded beaches, abundant wildlife, and world-class fishing opportunities, Isle au Pitre provides an authentic Louisiana outdoor experience that few travelers ever discover.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Isle au Pitre is accessible only by boat, making your journey part of the adventure. The island sits approximately 20 km (12.5 miles) southeast of Slidell in the Mississippi Sound, near the Louisiana-Mississippi border. The closest major airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, about 80 km (50 miles) from the nearest boat launches.

Most visitors access Isle au Pitre from one of several boat launches in St. Bernard Parish. The most popular departure points include:

• Shell Beach Marina in St. Bernard
• Rigolets Marina near Slidell
• Bayou Caddy Marina in Waveland, Mississippi

If you don’t have your own boat, several charter services in the area offer day trips to Isle au Pitre. These guided excursions typically include fishing equipment and local expertise, making them ideal for first-time visitors.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Getting Around Locally

Isle au Pitre is an undeveloped barrier island with no roads, vehicles, or formal infrastructure. Exploration is limited to walking along the beaches and shallow waters. The island stretches approximately 5 km (3 miles) long and 1 km (0.6 miles) wide at its widest point.

When navigating to and around the island by boat, be aware of the following:

• The waters surrounding Isle au Pitre are relatively shallow, with depths ranging from 1-3 meters (3-10 feet)
• Sandbars and oyster reefs are common, especially on the north side of the island
• Tidal fluctuations can significantly affect water depths and accessible areas
• Using a depth finder and local navigation charts is highly recommended

Many visitors anchor their boats just offshore and wade to the island. The calmest waters are typically found on the sound side (north), while the Gulf side (south) may have stronger currents and waves. Small watercraft like kayaks and canoes are excellent for exploring the island’s perimeter and accessing shallow areas.

Where to Stay

Isle au Pitre has no permanent accommodations, hotels, or rental properties. Visitors have two primary options for experiencing this remote island:

If you prefer more comfortable accommodations, consider staying in nearby coastal communities like Slidell, Louisiana or Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, which offer various hotels and vacation rentals. From these locations, you can arrange day trips to Isle au Pitre with local charter services.

Dining & Local Cuisine

There are no restaurants or food services on Isle au Pitre. Visitors must bring all food and beverages needed for their trip. However, this presents a perfect opportunity to embrace the island’s bounty through:

Catch and Cook

Many visitors enjoy the authentic experience of catching and preparing their own seafood feast. The waters around Isle au Pitre are teeming with delicious options:

• Redfish and speckled trout are prized catches that make excellent meals
• Blue crabs can be caught near the shoreline in baited traps
• Seasonal shrimp are abundant in the surrounding waters

If you plan to cook on the island, bring a portable gas stove or prepare a small, controlled fire in a designated container that won’t damage the beach. Always fully extinguish fires before leaving.

Picnic Provisions

Many visitors prepare picnic lunches to enjoy on the island’s beaches. Local markets in St. Bernard Parish and Slidell offer excellent provisions for creating a Louisiana-inspired meal, including fresh seafood, Cajun specialties, and local produce. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, as there are no freshwater sources on the island.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Isle au Pitre offers a genuine escape into nature with activities centered around its pristine coastal environment. Here are the top attractions and activities to enjoy:

Beach Exploration

The island features several kilometers of undeveloped beaches perfect for walking, shell collecting, and relaxation. The north shore offers calmer waters and finer sand, while the south shore faces the Gulf with slightly rougher conditions. Beachcombers often discover unique shells, driftwood, and occasionally historical artifacts from the island’s past as a fishing outpost.

Wildlife Viewing

Isle au Pitre serves as an important habitat for coastal wildlife. Visitors commonly observe:

• Shorebirds including herons, egrets, pelicans, and seasonal migratory species
• Dolphins frequently swimming near the island’s shores
• Various crab species and small shore creatures
• Occasional sea turtles in the surrounding waters

Bring binoculars for the best wildlife viewing experience, especially for bird watching. Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the most active wildlife periods.

Photography

The island’s untouched landscapes provide exceptional photography opportunities. The interplay of land, sea, and sky creates dramatic scenes, especially during sunrise and sunset. The clear air and minimal light pollution also make for stunning night sky photography when camping on the island.

Cultural Significance & History

While Isle au Pitre doesn’t have formal museums or cultural centers, the island itself is a living museum of Gulf Coast history and ecology:

Historical Background

Isle au Pitre (French for “Pewter Island”) has a rich history dating back centuries. The island served as a seasonal fishing camp for indigenous peoples before European settlement. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it became an important location for fishing operations and occasionally as a hideout for coastal pirates.

The island’s name comes from its appearance from a distance, where its sandy shores reportedly had a pewter-like sheen in certain light. Throughout its history, Isle au Pitre has remained largely undeveloped, preserving its natural state while nearby coastal areas saw increasing development.

Cultural Heritage

The waters around Isle au Pitre have sustained generations of Louisiana fishing families. Traditional fishing methods and local knowledge about the area’s marine life have been passed down through generations, contributing to Louisiana’s rich coastal culture.

While on the island, you might encounter local fishermen who often have fascinating stories about the area’s history and the changes they’ve witnessed over decades on these waters.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Fishing

Isle au Pitre is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities. The island’s location where freshwater meets saltwater creates an ideal environment for various prized game fish:

• Redfish (red drum) are abundant year-round, especially near oyster reefs
• Speckled trout are highly sought after, with peak seasons in spring and fall
• Flounder can be found along sandy bottoms, particularly in summer and fall
• Sheepshead gather around structure and oyster beds
• Seasonal catches include black drum, tripletail, and various baitfish

Both wade fishing from the island’s shores and boat fishing in the surrounding waters are productive. Local anglers recommend using live bait like shrimp or mullet, though artificial lures also work well. Remember that Louisiana fishing regulations apply, and a valid Louisiana fishing license is required.

Kayaking & Paddling

The protected waters around Isle au Pitre make it an excellent destination for kayaking and paddleboarding. Experienced paddlers can reach the island from nearby launches, though this requires careful planning and awareness of tides and weather conditions. Once at the island, paddling along the shoreline offers a peaceful way to explore hidden coves and wildlife areas inaccessible to larger boats.

Swimming & Wading

The shallow, protected waters on the north side of Isle au Pitre offer pleasant swimming conditions during warmer months. The sandy bottom and gradual depth make this area family-friendly, though always exercise caution as there are no lifeguards. The Gulf-facing southern shore typically has stronger currents and should be approached with greater caution.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Water Safety

The waters around Isle au Pitre require respect and preparation:

• Always check weather and marine forecasts before departing
• Bring navigation charts and be aware of shallow areas
• Wear appropriate life jackets when boating
• Be mindful of tidal changes that can affect beach size and water depth
• Have a working communication device (marine radio preferred)

Environmental Etiquette

Isle au Pitre’s pristine condition depends on visitors practicing responsible stewardship:

• Pack out all trash and belongings
• Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially nesting birds
• Use existing fire rings if cooking, and fully extinguish any fires
• Respect fishing regulations and size/catch limits
• Leave natural items like driftwood and shells for others to enjoy

The island has no designated restroom facilities. Visitors should plan accordingly and follow Leave No Trace principles if staying for extended periods.

Visitor Comments About Isle au Pitre

Additional Nearby Destinations

While Isle au Pitre offers a complete day trip or overnight adventure, several nearby destinations complement a visit to this remote island:

Chandeleur Islands

Located further south in the Gulf, the Chandeleur Islands form Louisiana’s easternmost point. This chain of barrier islands offers exceptional fishing, particularly for speckled trout. The islands are accessible only by boat, with trips typically departing from the same marinas that serve Isle au Pitre. Consider adding an extra day to your itinerary to explore this remarkable island chain.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

Located just east of New Orleans, this 9,300-hectare (23,000-acre) refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States. The refuge offers excellent bird watching, fishing, and paddling opportunities in a more accessible setting than Isle au Pitre, making it a good option for days when Gulf conditions aren’t favorable.

St. Bernard State Park

For those seeking more developed facilities, this state park offers camping with amenities, picnic areas, and a boat launch that can serve as a starting point for trips to Isle au Pitre. The park provides a comfortable base camp for exploring the wider St. Bernard Parish area.

Practical Travel Tips

Essential Packing List

When visiting Isle au Pitre, bring these essentials:

• Plenty of drinking water (at least 2 liters per person for a day trip)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lightweight long-sleeve options)
• Insect repellent (especially important during warmer months)
• First aid kit with basic supplies
• Food and snacks in secure containers
• Trash bags to pack out all waste
• Navigation tools (GPS, compass, charts)
• Communication device (fully charged phone, marine radio)
• Camera to capture the island’s beauty

Local Regulations

Be aware of these important regulations when visiting Isle au Pitre:

• A valid Louisiana fishing license is required for fishing (available online or at local sporting goods stores)
• Familiarize yourself with current fishing regulations, size limits, and catch limits
• Fires are permitted on the beach but must be fully extinguished
• All trash must be packed out and disposed of properly

For the most current information on boating conditions and local regulations, check with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Marine Division or the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before your trip.

Your Isle au Pitre Adventure Awaits

Isle au Pitre represents Louisiana’s coastal wilderness at its most authentic. Free from development and crowds, this hidden gem rewards those willing to make the journey with pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and the rare opportunity to experience a barrier island in its natural state. Whether you’re casting for speckled trout in the morning light, collecting shells along deserted beaches, or watching dolphins play in the distance, Isle au Pitre offers memories that will last long after the sand is washed from your feet. Pack your sense of adventure and discover one of Louisiana’s best-kept coastal secrets.