Day Trips

New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Discover Louisiana’s past with a guided tour of a historic plantation house and self-guided exploration of exhibits and gardens.

Cruise through Manchac Swamp on a narrated boat ride and spot wildlife like alligators, raccoons, and wild boars.

Learn about Cajun culture, sugar cane history, and the lives of those who lived and worked on the plantation.

Relax with narrated round-trip transport, making it a convenient, stress-free full-day tour from New Orleans.

Experience two of Louisiana’s most iconic attractions in a single, carefully organized 7.5-hour tour.

Round-trip transportation from New Orleans

Live narration from a guide

Admission to Oak Alley Plantation

Guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation “Big House”

Self-guided plantation grounds access

Narrated swamp pontoon boat ride

Food & beverages

Tips or gratuites

TOTAL DURATION7 hours 45 minutes - 0 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
Start point
Pick-up from New Orleans
Get direction
1 hr by a/c bus
89 km
1. Oak Alley Plantation
1 hr 25 min
Explore the Oak Alley Plantation grounds at your own pace, watching a film on sugar-cane production, visiting reconstructed slave cabins with an informative slavery exhibit, learning about the dozen families who once owned the property, and strolling through the beautifully maintained East and West Gardens.
2. “Big House” guided tour
35 min
50 min by a/c bus
70 km
3. Manchac Swamp
4. Pontoon boat ride
1 hr 40 min
43 min by a/c bus
68 km
End point
Return to New Orleans
Get direction

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Combine the natural wonders of the Louisiana swamps with the historic charm of Oak Alley Plantation.

Getting started

Meet your guide for narrated transportation to Oak Alley Plantation. Proceed to your next adventure to Manchac Swamp; after a safety briefing, board the covered airboat for your guided wildlife experience cruise.

What to expect

Full-day Plantation & Swamp Adventure:

Step back into Louisiana’s antebellum past at the iconic Oak Alley Plantation, then glide through the wildlife-rich Manchac Swamp on a covered pontoon boat. Learn about Cajun culture, local history, and spot alligators, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way.

Features

Guided plantation tour: Explore the Big House and learn the history of its families and former inhabitants.

Self-guided grounds: Stroll through gardens, reconstructed slave cabins, and exhibits at your own pace.

Narrated swamp cruise: Experience a relaxing boat ride with expert commentary on local wildlife and culture.

Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for alligators, raccoons, and other native animals in their natural habitat.

Convenient transport: Round-trip narrated bus transport from New Orleans ensures a stress-free day.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the plantation paths may be uneven.

Light, casual clothing is best during warmer months to stay cool.

Bring along a hat, sunscreen, or an umbrella for added sun protection.

International guests must carry a valid passport for alcohol purchases.

What’s not allowed

Smoking is strictly forbidden throughout all parts of the tour.

Filming inside the plantation is not permitted.

Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas as directed by your guide.

Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

Collapsible wheelchairs can be stored on the bus, while scooters require 48 hours’ prior notice.

Access to the plantation’s second floor is only available via stairs.

Airboats are not accessible for wheelchairs and lack ramps or lifts.

Guests must be able to board the airboat on their own or with help from their companions.

Airboat rides are not advised for pregnant women or those with heart, back, or serious medical conditions.

Service animals may accompany guests, though they are discouraged on airboats due to noise and nearby wildlife.

Additional information

Tours run in all weather conditions and are only canceled when deemed unsafe.

Children under the age of 6 who do not occupy a seat may join free of charge.

Passengers must be at least 48 inches tall to take part in the airboat ride.

Wildlife sightings, including alligators, are seasonal and most frequent in spring, summer, and fall.

Groups must book together under one reservation to ensure seating on the same boat.

Admission and tour fees are covered, though food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.