New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride and Historic Plantation Tour

Explore the captivating blend of nature and history in New Orleans with the "Swamp Boat Ride and Historic Plantation Tour." Guests embark on a thrilling swamp boat adventure, encountering alligators and vibrant wildlife, followed by visits to iconic plantations. Knowledgeable guides share tales of the area’s folklore and history, as guests enjoy comfortable round-trip transportation. Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Louisiana on this immersive half-day excursion.

This experience made our article of 14 Fantastic Cruises And Boat Tours In New Orleans.

Contents show

Key Points

A 7.5-hour tour combining a swamp boat ride with a visit to either Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation, providing an immersive experience of nature, history, and local folklore.
Explore grand historic architecture, learn from costumed guides, and potentially spot alligators during the swamp boat ride, offering a blend of nature and cultural experiences.
Accessible transportation with round-trip bus service, and accommodations for guests with mobility issues, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive tour.
Highly rated tour with an overall 4.7/5 score from 279 reviews, highlighting the knowledgeable and engaging guides, efficient transportation, and excellent value for money.
Highlights include the iconic quarter-mile-long alley of 250-year-old oak trees at Oak Alley Plantation and the interactive historical demonstrations at Destrehan Plantation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The New Orleans Swamp Boat Ride and Historic Plantation Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Priced from $126 per person, the 7.5-hour tour includes a swamp boat ride and a visit to either Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation.

Guests can explore the quarter-mile-long oak tree alley and enjoy guided tours with costumed docents. The tour features round-trip transportation and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

With a rating of 4.7/5 from 279 reviews, the tour is popular and likely to sell out, making advance reservations recommended.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in New Orleans

Itinerary and Activities

This tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Guests visit Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation, marveling at the historic architecture and learning from costumed guides. At Oak Alley, they’ll stroll the quarter-mile alley of 250-year-old oak trees. At Destrehan, they’ll see daily trade demonstrations.

The highlight is the swamp boat ride, where travelers may spot alligators and hear tales of the Rougarou werewolf legend.

A thrilling swamp boat ride where alligators lurk and the Rougarou werewolf legend comes alive.

Throughout, the tour provides an engaging blend of nature, history, and local folklore, offering an authentic Louisiana experience.

Transportation and Accessibility

Round-trip transportation by bus is provided for this excursion.

The tour vehicles are equipped to accommodate wheelchair storage, though arrangements need to be made in advance for scooters.

Access to the second floors of the plantations is only available via stairs, so guests with mobility issues should keep this in mind.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Customers who have embarked on this tour rave about the knowledgeable guides and the immersive historical experience. The tour boasts an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 279 reviews, with the guide and transportation ratings both exceeding 4.8/5. Reviewers highlight the value for money at 4.6/5, praising the insightful tour and the opportunity to explore the plantations and swamp.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.7/5 |

| Guide | 4.8/5 |

| Transportation | 4.8/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.6/5 |

More Great Tours Nearby

Meeting Point and Guidelines

The tour meeting point is the Gray Line Lighthouse ticket office on Toulouse Street.

Visitors should arrive at this location to begin the swamp boat ride and plantation tour experience.

Videography isn’t permitted inside the plantations.

Oak Alley Plantation is a smoke-free facility, so guests must refrain from smoking on the premises.

Food and drinks are available for purchase at the swamp.

Participants should keep these guidelines in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour.

With advance arrangements, the tour vehicles can accommodate wheelchairs, though second-floor access at the plantations is only via stairs.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in New Orleans

Oak Alley Plantation: Exploring the Historic Estate

As visitors step onto the grounds of Oak Alley Plantation, they’re immediately captivated by the stunning quarter-mile-long alley of centuries-old oak trees that line the entrance.

This historic estate, built in 1839, offers a glimpse into the antebellum South.

Key highlights of the tour include:

Exploring the grand Greek Revival-style mansion, complete with 28 Doric columns and ornate interiors.
Learning about the lives of the plantation’s owners and enslaved people through guided tours led by costumed docents.
Strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, which showcase the plantation’s agricultural past.

Destrehan Plantation: Costumed Docents and Trade Demonstrations

While Oak Alley Plantation enchants visitors with its grand architecture and lush gardens, Destrehan Plantation offers a more immersive historical experience.

Established in 1787, Destrehan features costumed docents who lead guided tours, bringing the plantation’s past to life. Guests can witness daily trade demonstrations, gaining insight into the skilled craftsmanship that supported the plantation’s operations.

The tour also covers Destrehan’s role in the Louisiana Purchase and its ties to the Norwest Indian Revolt. With a focus on interactive learning, the Destrehan Plantation tour provides a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history.

Manchac Swamp Boat Ride: Alligators and the Rougarou Legend

After exploring the rich history of Destrehan Plantation, visitors board a boat for a thrilling journey across the Manchac Swamp.

The boat ride offers opportunities to spot alligators and other native wildlife. Plus, guides share captivating stories of the Rougarou, a legendary werewolf creature from local folklore.

The tour includes:

Sightings of alligators and other swamp creatures
Engaging tales about the Rougarou, a local werewolf legend
An immersive experience in the unique Louisiana wetland ecosystem

The swamp boat ride provides an exciting and educational complement to the historic plantation tour, offering a well-rounded experience of New Orleans’ diverse natural and cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Meal Options?

The tour doesn’t provide any special meal options, but there are food and drinks available for purchase at the swamp. Guests should check with the operator for any dietary restrictions they may accommodate.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?

Customers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though there are also options to purchase refreshments during the swamp boat ride. The tour guidelines allow for personal snacks and beverages to be brought along.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour recommends comfortable, casual clothing that’s suitable for the outdoors. Closed-toe shoes are advised, and layers may be helpful to adjust to varying temperatures. No formal dress code is required, but guests should dress for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum or maximum group size for this tour. Participants can book individually or in groups. The tour accommodates a range of group sizes, allowing for a personalized experience.

How Do We Redeem the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" Option?

To redeem the "reserve now & pay later" option, customers can select that option during the booking process. They’ll only need to pay in full up to 24 hours before the tour’s departure.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a unique blend of Louisiana’s natural wonders and historic treasures. Guests can marvel at the diverse wildlife of the Manchac Swamp, then enjoy the antebellum grandeur of iconic plantations like Oak Alley and Destrehan. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, this experience showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the region in an engaging and accessible way.