New Orleans: Laura Plantation and Airboat Tour

Exploring the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans, the Laura Plantation and Airboat Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s history and natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy the antebellum architecture, lush gardens, and slave quarters of the Laura Plantation, while an exhilarating airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps promises thrilling encounters with local wildlife. This comprehensive experience promises to transport travelers back in time and leave them eager to uncover more about the remarkable stories that have shaped this unique destination.

Contents show

Key Points

This tour offers a full-day experience visiting the historic Laura Plantation and taking an exciting airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps.
The tour includes a guided tour of the 200-year-old sugar plantation, exploring its 12 buildings on the National Register, and learning about plantation life.
The tour features three well-maintained gardens on the plantation grounds, showcasing the daily life and self-sufficiency of the plantation.
The high-speed airboat ride provides opportunities to spot wildlife, such as alligators and various birds, in the unique swamp ecosystem.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and offers flexible scheduling with various starting times to accommodate different travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The New Orleans: Laura Plantation and Airboat Tour offers a comprehensive day-long experience, priced from $159.60 per person.

The 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the historic Laura Plantation, located just outside New Orleans, followed by an exhilarating airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps.

Enjoy history and adventure with a guided tour of Laura Plantation and an exhilarating airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps.

The tour also covers hotel pickup and drop-off, and features live English-language guides. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Travelers can check availability and select their preferred start time.

Looking for more options in New Orleans? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Experience

After being picked up from their hotel, guests embark on a scenic 70-mile ride to the historic Laura Plantation, located just outside New Orleans.

Upon arrival, they explore the 200-year-old sugar plantation homestead and 12 buildings on the National Register, including:

The 1840s slave quarters, where they learn about plantation life
The stories of Creole women who managed the plantation for over 60 years
The plantation’s connection to the Brer Rabbit stories and its near-destruction from a 2003 fire

The tour also includes a stroll through three gardens and a visit to the grandeur of the plantation house.

Gardens and Grounds

As visitors stroll through the plantation’s three gardens, they’ll be immersed in the lush greenery and vibrant flora.

The tour includes a walk through the Jardin Français, a formal French-style garden, as well as the kitchen potager – a working vegetable garden.

Guests can also explore the Banana Land grove, a unique collection of tropical banana plants.

These well-maintained gardens showcase the plantation’s historic charm and provide a glimpse into the daily life and self-sufficiency of the property.

The grounds and gardens complement the grandeur of the plantation house, offering a complete experience of this Louisiana landmark.

Airboat Adventure

Following the conclusion of the plantation tour, guests embark on an exciting airboat adventure through the Louisiana swamps.

The fully narrated tour, led by a local captain, promises close encounters with the vibrant swamp life and unique ecosystem.

The airboat ride offers:

A thrilling journey through the marshy waterways
Opportunities to spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds
An immersive experience in the lush, tranquil swampland surrounding New Orleans.

This high-speed airboat tour completes the day’s adventure, showcasing the diverse natural wonders of the region.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off for the convenience of guests. However, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the plantation and airboat ride. A live tour guide is available in English to provide commentary throughout the experience.

| Accessibility | Description |

| — | — |

| Wheelchair Accessibility | Not suitable |

| Tour Language | English |

| Transportation | Hotel pickup/drop-off included |

The tour operates on a flexible schedule, with various starting times available. Guests can check the website for current availability and make their selection accordingly.

There's plenty more to explore in New Orleans

Exploring the Historic Laura Plantation

With a rich history dating back over 200 years, the Laura Plantation offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the lives of the Creole women who managed the estate for generations.

Highlights of the tour include:

Exploring the well-preserved 1840s slave quarters and learning about plantation life
Discovering the plantation’s connection to the Brer Rabbit folktales
Strolling through the stunning gardens, including the French-inspired Jardin Français and the lush Banana Land grove

The plantation survived a devastating fire in 2003, and today stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of the Creole matriarchs who called it home.

Discovering Creole History and Plantation Life

As visitors explore the grounds of the Laura Plantation, they’ll uncover the captivating stories that weave through its 200-year history.

The plantation was managed by Creole women for over six decades, providing a unique perspective on plantation life. Guests will learn about the connections between the plantation and the Brer Rabbit folktales, as well as its near-destruction from a 2003 fire.

The tour also includes the opportunity to see the 1840s slave quarters and gain insights into the daily lives of those who lived and worked on this historic sugar plantation.

Connecting to the Brer Rabbit Stories

Intertwined with the history of the Laura Plantation is its connection to the beloved Brer Rabbit folktales.

On the tour, visitors will learn how the plantation’s former enslaved people crafted these stories, drawing inspiration from their African roots. The Brer Rabbit tales, featuring a clever rabbit protagonist, provided a means of subtle resistance and commentary on plantation life.

Today, guests can discover:

The plantation’s role in preserving and sharing these iconic stories
How the Brer Rabbit tales reflect the resilience and ingenuity of the enslaved community
Why the Brer Rabbit character remains a beloved symbol of Southern folklore

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Airboat Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the airboat tour. However, the activity may not be suitable for very young children due to the noise and speed of the boat.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a scenic plantation visit and airboat ride, but doesn’t provide any meals or snacks. Participants should plan to purchase any desired refreshments at their own expense during the tour.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions on the Plantation Grounds?

Photography is generally allowed on the plantation grounds, but visitors should avoid disrupting tours or damaging the historic structures. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guides upon arrival.

How Often Do the Tours Run During the Day?

The tours run frequently throughout the day, with multiple departure times available for guests to choose from. Specific tour schedules and availability can be checked when booking the experience.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary cannot be customized. It’s a fixed 8-hour package that includes a guided tour of Laura Plantation and an airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps. There’s no option to modify the set activities or duration.

The Sum Up

The Laura Plantation and Airboat Tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the complex history and natural wonders of Louisiana. Explore the historic plantation grounds, explore Creole culture, and discover the region’s remarkable wildlife on an exhilarating airboat ride. This comprehensive experience leaves travelers with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of New Orleans and its surrounding landscapes.