New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour

Explore the rich history and natural beauty of New Orleans with the Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour. Enjoy the antebellum grandeur of Oak Alley, then glide through the serene Barataria Basin on an exhilarating airboat ride. Encounter alligators and diverse wildlife in this stunning wetland ecosystem. This captivating 8.5-hour journey provides a comprehensive glimpse into the remarkable culture and landscapes of the Big Easy. Dive deeper to uncover the captivating details that make this tour a must-do experience.

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Key Points

This combo tour showcases the iconic Oak Alley Plantation and provides an immersive airboat ride through the Barataria Basin wetlands near New Orleans.
The plantation tour offers insights into antebellum architecture, Southern history, and the lives of enslaved people on the estate.
The 100-minute airboat ride offers a unique perspective of the lush wetlands, with opportunities to see native wildlife like alligators and egrets.
The tour also includes a guided exploration of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, highlighting the diverse habitats and cultural heritage of the region.
Convenient transportation, with pickup from select New Orleans hotels and accommodations, ensures a hassle-free experience for guests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This tour offers an opportunity to explore two of New Orleans’ most famous attractions – Oak Alley Plantation and an airboat ride through the Barataria Basin.

Priced from $155 per person, the tour lasts 8.5 hours and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With pickup from select New Orleans hotels and accommodations, the experience showcases the antebellum architecture of Oak Alley Plantation and the diverse wildlife of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Along the way, guests can expect informative guides and the chance to see alligators and other native creatures.

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Highlights of the Oak Alley Plantation

The guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation transports visitors back in time, showcasing the grandeur of antebellum architecture and the intricate history of the South.

The guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation transports visitors back in time, showcasing the grandeur of antebellum architecture and the intricate history of the South.

Highlights of the experience include:

Strolling the iconic half-mile-long alley of 300-year-old live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss.
Exploring the beautifully preserved historic plantation house, which features delicate ironwork and stunning Greek revival design.
Learning about the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation, providing a deeper understanding of this complex era.

The tour offers a chance to take in the bygone era of the Old South.

Exploring the Barataria Basin via Airboat

After exploring the serene grandeur of Oak Alley Plantation, the tour takes guests on an exhilarating airboat ride through the Barataria Basin.

The 100-minute adventure offers a unique perspective of the lush wetlands and the diverse wildlife that calls this region home. Gliding effortlessly across the waters, guests can spot alligators, egrets, and other captivating creatures in their natural habitats.

The sunset viewing adds to the tranquil ambiance, creating a memorable experience. Guided by knowledgeable staff, the airboat tour provides an immersive exploration of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, showcasing the beauty and ecology of this remarkable Louisiana landscape.

Guided Tour of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park

Following the airboat adventure through the Barataria Basin, the guided tour of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and diverse ecosystem.

The tour highlights include:

Exploring the park’s diverse habitats, including swamps, marshes, and bayous, and learning about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this delicate environment.
Discovering the area’s cultural heritage, with insights into the lives of the Cajun and Creole communities that have called this region home for generations.
Visiting historic sites and structures that offer a glimpse into the area’s past, from the remains of old plantations to the remnants of traditional fishing villages.

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Wildlife Viewing and Sunset Observation

During the airboat ride through the Barataria Basin, travelers have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife native to the region.

Sightings may include alligators, turtles, egrets, herons, and a range of other birds. The guides are knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and can point out various species and their behaviors.

As the sun begins to set, the tour includes time for viewing the stunning Louisiana sunset over the swamps and waterways. This is a breathtaking moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the region before heading back to New Orleans.

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Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour provides a convenient pickup service from various accommodations in New Orleans.

Guests can be picked up from over 200 locations, including popular hotels like:

Henry Howard Hotel
Royal Sonesta Hotel
W New Orleans – French Quarter

The pickup window is between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM, allowing for a smooth start to the day.

At the end of the tour, participants are dropped off at the same locations, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

With this wide range of pickup and drop-off options, the tour caters to the needs of travelers staying at different accommodations across New Orleans.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour provides comfortable bus/coach transportation for the duration of the experience. Participants are picked up from their accommodations within a 30-minute window between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM. The transportation service offers 204 pickup and drop-off options, ensuring convenience for all guests.

| Pickup Locations | Drop-off Locations |

| — | — |

| Henry Howard Hotel | Henry Howard Hotel |

| Royal Sonesta Hotel | Royal Sonesta Hotel |

| W New Orleans – French Quarter | W New Orleans – French Quarter |

| Various other hotels and bed & breakfast establishments | Various other hotels and bed & breakfast establishments |

The tour concludes with drop-off at the original pickup locations, allowing participants to easily return to their accommodations.

Traveler Reviews and Testimonials

What do travelers have to say about this tour?

From the United Kingdom, Kirsteen praised the "informative driver" and the "beauty of Oak Alley Plantation."

Across the globe in New Zealand, Alice highlighted the "knowledgeable guides" and the "interesting experiences," including the opportunity to hold a baby alligator.

Travelers consistently remark on the engaging guides, the picturesque plantation, and the exciting wildlife encounters.

With a diverse range of positive reviews, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that leaves guests impressed and eager to share their own memorable stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for the plantation tour and airboat ride. Dressing in layers is advisable to prepare for potential weather changes.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there may be opportunities to purchase snacks, meals, and beverages during the tour at the plantation and during the airboat ride.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Guests in wheelchairs can participate in the guided plantation tour and airboat ride with necessary accommodations. However, visitors should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any specific accessibility needs.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Customers can’t extend the duration of the tour. The tour has a fixed 8.5-hour itinerary that includes specific activities and experiences. Guests must adhere to the scheduled timeline to ensure they can participate in all the included elements of the tour.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is needed for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended, but the tour provider will supply any necessary gear like life jackets for the airboat ride.

The Sum Up

The Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure in New Orleans. Visitors can enjoy the antebellum grandeur of Oak Alley, then embark on a thrilling airboat ride through the Barataria Basin’s lush wetlands, encountering alligators and diverse wildlife. This comprehensive experience provides a unique insight into the region’s cultural and natural wonders, making it a must-do for those seeking to fully explore the charm of New Orleans.