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New Orleans Swamp Boat and Plantation Tour
4.8
2,648 Ratings
New Orleans
Experience the thrill of a swamp boat ride and the charm of a southern plantation on this New Orleans tour. Spot wildlife and explore Oak Alley Plantation.
Duration:
7 hours, 45 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Oak Alley Plantation - 9am & 11am Departures - 7 1/2 Hour Tour
Your 1.5 hour Oak Alley experience will include a docent guided tour of the plantation home, a self guided tour of the grounds and many photo opportunities along the way. Save room for a Mint Julep or refreshment from the snack bar. -
Destrehan Plantation - 1pm Departure Only - 5 1/2 hour tour
Established in 1787, Destrehan is the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley. It is also the closest to New Orleans. Built by Free Person Of Color Charles Pacquet, she has survived colonial and civil wars, occupation by the Union Army, abandonment, decay and restoration, and has now been preserved in all its glory for you to enjoy. A short drive away from the grand River Road, you’ll experience another another side of Louisiana culture in the Manchac Swamp.
Cruise through this private wetland with homegrown captains who, like the early Cajuns, sustain their way of life fishing, hunting and trapping. Alligators recognize tour boats as part of their normal environment. Unafraid and responsive to their boat captain’s call, they peek out from underbrush and between moss-draped trees, frequently coming directly to the boat. In the safety and comfort of the boat, you can actually come within a few feet of jumping gators. - Lake Pontchartrain - Although called a lake, this is actually a large lagoon and brackish estuary fed by fresh water rivers and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. Covering 630 square miles (1600 km2) it is one of the largest wetlands in North America.
- I-10 Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge - View the spillway, a flood control operation in the Lower Mississippi west of New Orleans. The spillway, when open, allows floodwaters from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain and thence into the Gulf of Mexico.
- Cajun Pride Swamp Tours - This privately owned wildlife refuge ensures that you won’t encounter any other boats during your peaceful journey into the swamp. Local Cajun captains share personal tales of their own swamp explorations and fascinating information on the plants and wildlife you’ll encounter. The primitive beauty of moss draped cypress tress and abundant wildlife guarantees some amazing pictures! Enjoy a beverage and snack from the open air pavilion.
What's Included
- Tour of either Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation
- Swamp Boat Tour
- Round trip transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Narrated by a local guide
What's Not Included
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
- Food & Drink (Available for Purchase)
- Gratuities
Additional Information
This combination tour combines the best of the best! The best swamp tour with the best plantations along River Road.
See a variety of wildlife on a swamp boat ride and explore an authentic southern plantation on this tour from New Orleans. See alligators, egrets, raccoons and snakes during your ride around a private Louisiana swamp.
9am and 11am departure times tour Oak Alley Plantation and are 7 hours and 45 minutes in length returning to New Orleans at 4:45pm and 6:45pm respectively.
1pm departure time tours Destrehan Plantation and is 5 hours and 30 minutes in length returning to New Orleans at 6:30pm.
- In order to help protect the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point – just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
- Alternate Routes: Due to uneven and narrow paths, alternate routes may be necessary for guests traveling in wheelchairs.
- 9am & 11am = Oak Alley Plantation
- 1pm = Destrehan Plantation
Location
Gray Line New Orleans
Toulouse Street
Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding to check in.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(2648 Ratings)
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Gleb_b
Sep 1, 2024
Great - Great experience starting with the knowledgeble guide on the bus. Great boat right and experienced captain
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_m
Sep 1, 2024
Oak Alley Plantation is a must see! - The plantation was beautiful and very well kept. The entire grounds were lovely. We had lunch at their restaurant and it was great as well.
Review provided by Viator
Claireo451
Sep 1, 2024
The highlight of my time in New Orleans. - We have just returned from our Oak Alley and swamp tour and I had to come on and rave about it straight away.
Kate our tour guide was so warm and friendly and her knowledge of all things NOLA made it the most interesting trip we have ever done.
Oak Alley Plantation is so worth visiting. It respectfully shows you where enslaved people lived and the contrast between their lives and the lives of the plantation owners.
Cajun Pride Swamp Tour was the highlight of my time here in NOLA.
Captain Danny made us feel very safe while explaining the dangers of being on the bayou with wild Alligators. He was extremely knowledgeable and very entertaining. He has such passion and respect for the wildlife and the bayou which shows in how he delivers the tour.
We saw lots of alligators, raccoons, wild boar and so much more.
I would do the tour all over again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel_s
Aug 30, 2024
Fun and educational! - Beautiful grounds and emotional display of the slave quarters. Great cafe and gift shop. Definitely worth it. The swamp tour was so fun with a great guide!!
Review provided by Viator
Thanhlan_l
Aug 29, 2024
Very memorable - The plantation is beautiful, love the oaks tree, the tour lady was awesome, I learn a lot about the history of the plantation would recommend to friends
Review provided by Viator
Pngjo
Aug 29, 2024
Well worth the visit to the swamp and Oak Alley plantation. - Robert was an exceptional guide with amazing knowledge and passion for his city and surrounds. Melinda was a brilliant driver.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelseywd1487af
Aug 28, 2024
Incredible tour!! - Incredible tour guides, comprehensive trip, loved every second!! We learned so much about New Orleans history and the surrounding area!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ameliep602
Aug 27, 2024
Informative and fun - The perfect mix of historical and educational. The morning was reflective and insightful at Oak Alley. The afternoon was a delight. Enjoy a beer on the bayou with the alligators!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
912adar
Aug 26, 2024
Louisiana history by my own eyes - I liked the tour. Pleasant bus ride out of town. Beautiful plantation with mature oak trees alley. The tour around the house and the slavers shacks gave me a good impression of the way life was back then. See it with own eyes and not in the movies is very memorable.
The boat ride was excellent.
Most of all I liked our guide. Mitch. The crash course of the Louisiana history she gave us will stay in my memory.
Our driver Keisha is very professional and nice. Delivered us safely and timely back to NO.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Manjiri_k
Aug 25, 2024
Awesome tour - Our bus tour guide Clark was amazing. Very informative and fun ride with him. Swamp boat guide was so funny . It was fun with alligators jumping on and raccoons eating food. Holding baby alligator was cheery on the top
Review provided by Viator
