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.
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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.
- Tour of either Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation
- Swamp Boat Tour
- Round trip transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Narrated by a local guide
- Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
- Food & Drink (Available for Purchase)
- Gratuities
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.