from 109 $
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Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Duration

7 hours 45 minutes (approx.)

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

15 people

Languages

English

Overview

Experience the civilized and the wild on a plantation tour and educational swamp boat ride from New Orleans. On this full-day journey, visit Oak Alley Plantation or Destrehan Plantation (depending on time chosen) where you'll learn about antebellum life. At Oak Alley, stroll down its iconic tree-lined esplanade. Destrehan is known for being a top sugar and indigo producer. Next, head into the marshy swampland for a boat ride and some wildlife spotting. Enjoy guided commentary as you snap photos of alligators, raccoons, snakes and native birds.

  • Boat ride on Louisiana swamp and southern plantation tour from New Orleans
  • Take a short coach ride across the mighty Mississippi River
  • Travel a scenic private swamp and capture photos of wildlife such as alligators, raccoons and snakes
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation or Destrehan Plantation

What To Expect

Expand All

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

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.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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.

• Admission Ticket Included

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.

• Admission Ticket Included

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Highlights

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers

Included/Excluded

  • Swamp Boat Tour
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Narrated by a local guide
  • Round trip transportation
  • Tour of either Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation
  • Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
  • Food & Drink (Available for Purchase)
  • Gratuities

Durations

7 hours 45 minutes (approx.)

Tour's Location

Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
from 109 $

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