Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Vacherie, US
94% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (2884 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore an authentic southern plantation
  • See a variety of wildlife on a swamp boat ride
  • Learn fascinating information about plants and wildlife
  • Capture amazing pictures of moss draped cypress trees
  • Experience the primitive beauty of the swamp

Meeting Point

Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding to check in.

Meeting point

400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130 , United States

End point

End Point

Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding to check in.

Meeting point

400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

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.

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

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.

Duration 45 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    Alternate Routes: Due to uneven and narrow paths, alternate routes may be necessary for guests traveling in wheelchairs.
  • Additional information
    9am & 11am = Oak Alley Plantation
  • Additional information
    1pm = Destrehan Plantation
  • Additional information
    Oak Alley Plantation is a Smoke Free Facility
Provided by Gray Line New Orleans

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit the Oak Alley snack bar for drinks.
  • icon
    Check out local art galleries in Vacherie.
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    Arrive early to explore the meeting point area.
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    Consider a stroll through Jackson Square afterward.
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    Bring a camera for stunning swamp photos.

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