Exploring the rich history and captivating landscapes of New Orleans has never been easier. This comprehensive tour blends the charm of antebellum plantations with the thrill of an airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps. Visitors can choose between the iconic Oak Alley or the stunning Laura Plantation, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s past. As the airboat weaves through the lush, cypress-lined waterways, the opportunity to encounter native wildlife adds an extra layer of excitement to this unforgettable day trip. What lies in store for those who embark on this excursion?
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour offers a choice between visiting either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, followed by an thrilling airboat ride through Louisiana swamps.
- The tour is priced at $175 per person and is limited to a maximum of 9 participants, providing an intimate experience.
- Both plantation visits offer a rich educational experience, with Oak Alley featuring 300-year-old live oak trees and Laura Plantation showcasing insights into enslaved lives.
- The high-speed airboat ride allows participants to spot native wildlife and enjoy the natural wonders of Louisiana’s swamps.
- The tour includes safety measures, such as hearing protection during the airboat ride, and has age and mobility restrictions to ensure a safe experience.
Tour Overview
The tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the New Orleans region.
Priced from $175 per person, the 8-hour excursion includes a choice between visiting the iconic Oak Alley or the Laura Plantation, followed by an exciting airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps.
With pickup starting at 8 am and a curbside wait time of 0-30 minutes, the tour is limited to 9 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option offer added flexibility.
Looking for more options in New Orleans? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Pricing and Inclusions
Prices for the New Orleans: Oak Alley or Laura Plantation & Airboat Tour start from $175.00 per person.
The 8-hour excursion includes a visit to either the iconic Oak Alley or the historic Laura Plantation, followed by a thrilling airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps.
The tour operates with a maximum group size of 9 participants and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Pickup is provided with a 0-30 minute wait time, starting at 8:00 am. A reserve now, pay later option is available.
Safety measures are in place, and the tour runs rain or shine, with refunds or rescheduling possible in severe weather.
Plantation Experiences
Visitors have the opportunity to explore either the iconic Oak Alley or the historic Laura Plantation during this excursion. Oak Alley features a stunning avenue of 300-year-old live oak trees and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. In contrast, Laura Plantation offers a unique historical perspective with its Federal-style woodwork and insights into the lives of the enslaved people who lived there. Both sites provide a rich educational experience, allowing guests to enjoy the region’s history and culture.
| Site | Notable Features | Historical Significance | Duration |
| — | — | — | — |
| Oak Alley | Iconic live oak trees, 19th-century architecture | Represents prosperous plantation era | ~2 hours |
| Laura Plantation | Federal-style woodwork, unique historical perspective | Provides insight into lives of enslaved people | ~2 hours |
Airboat Adventure
After exploring the plantations, visitors embark on a thrilling airboat tour through the captivating Louisiana swamps.
The exclusive airboat ride takes them deep into the wetlands, offering a chance to spot native wildlife. A local captain provides insights into the culture and environment, enhancing the experience.
The high-speed airboat glides effortlessly over the water, immersing participants in the lush, tranquil landscape. Travelers witness the unique ecosystem up close, with the potential to glimpse alligators, birds, and other creatures in their natural habitats.
The airboat tour completes the day’s immersive experience in Louisiana’s natural wonders.
More Great Tours NearbySafety Considerations
While the plantation tour and airboat adventure promise an immersive cultural and natural experience, the tour operator emphasizes safety considerations to ensure all participants can enjoy the activities comfortably. The tour is not suitable for certain individuals, including children under 5, pregnant women, and those with back problems or mobility issues. Safety measures are in place, such as the provision of hearing protection. The tour operates rain or shine, with potential refunds or rescheduling available in severe weather. The following table outlines the key safety guidelines and accessibility information:
| Criteria | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| — | — | — |
| Age | – | Under 5 years |
| Physical Condition | – | Pregnant, back problems, wheelchair users, under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm) |
| Weather | Rain or shine | Severe weather (refunds/rescheduling) |
| Safety Gear | Hearing protection provided | – |
| Accessibility | – | Limited for some individuals |
- Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour From New Orleans
- New Orleans Adults-Only Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Tour
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour
- New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class With Meal
- New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour
What to Expect
The tour begins with a curbside pickup at 8:00 am, with a 0-30 minute wait time.
Guests will visit either the iconic Oak Alley or the historic Laura Plantation, both rich in 19th-century architecture and culture.
The airboat tour offers a thrilling ride through the Louisiana swamps, with the chance to spot wildlife and learn about the local environment from an experienced captain.
An exhilarating airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps, where wildlife sightings and environmental insights from an experienced captain await.
The tour returns to the French Quarter around 4:45 pm, subject to traffic.
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a jacket are recommended for the day’s activities.
Pickup and Return Details
For this tour, the pickup time is set at 8:00 am, with a wait time of 0-30 minutes for curbside pickup.
Participants should be ready at their designated pickup location by 8:00 am. The tour returns to the French Quarter around 4:45 pm, subject to traffic conditions.
The total duration of the tour, including travel time, is approximately 8 hours. Guests are advised to plan their schedules accordingly.
With a limited group size of 9 participants, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience throughout the day.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences on the New Orleans Plantation & Airboat Tour.
Based on 11 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 4.7/5 rating. Customers like Curtis from Canada praised the engaging combination of the plantation visit and thrilling airboat ride, highly recommending the tour.
Likewise, Elena from the US loved the insights into plantation life and suggested the ideal time to spot alligators.
Other travelers noted the knowledgeable driver and immersive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on this tour. The tour provides a snack and water, but you should plan to purchase any additional refreshments during the tour stops or prior to the pickup.
Do I Need to Purchase Tickets to the Plantations Separately?
No, the plantation admission is included in the tour price. Customers don’t need to purchase separate tickets to visit Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, as it’s part of the overall experience offered by this tour.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour Activities?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour activities. Guests are encouraged to capture the iconic architecture, lush landscapes, and thrilling airboat ride, though they should follow any specific instructions from the guides.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Visitors should wear sportswear that allows easy movement during the airboat ride and plantation tour.
Can I Request a Different Pickup Location?
Yes, you can likely request a different pickup location, but it’s best to check with the tour provider. They may be able to accommodate a special request, but the standard curbside pickup is offered for convenience and efficiency.
The Sum Up
This tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the charm of New Orleans. Guests can explore the historic plantations, marvel at their stunning architecture, and enjoy the region’s rich history. The thrilling airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps adds an exciting element, allowing participants to encounter native wildlife up close. With safety measures in place, this tour promises an unforgettable day trip.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Walking Tours in New Orleans
More Tours in New Orleans
More Tour Reviews in New Orleans
Still browsing? Here are more New Orleans experiences we've covered recently
- Caesars Superdome: Transportation to New Orleans
- New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost and Haunted House Tour
- New Orleans: Ghosts of French Quarter Nighttime Walking Tour
- French Quarter Ghost Walk
- Garden District Walking Tour
- Ghost Tour with ghost hunting gear
- Ghosts of the French Quarter Walking Tour
- Louis Armstrong Airport: Private Transfer to New Orleans
- New Orleans : Best of Ghost & Voodoo Experience Walking Tour
- New Orleans: 2-Hour French Quarter History and Voodoo Tour
- History and Supernatural expedition tour
- New Orleans: City and Cemetery Bus Tour Garden District Walk