From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch

Exploring Louisiana’s vibrant culture and lush landscapes becomes effortless with the From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch. Priced at $279 per person and lasting around 9 hours, this tour combines adventure, history, and Southern cuisine. The tour starts with a small airboat ride through the swamp, moving onto guided visits of the Laura and Houmas House Plantations, and concludes with a gourmet Creole meal at Houmas House Plantation.

This experience appeals to those interested in nature, history, and architecture, offering a well-rounded taste of Louisiana’s heritage. The small group size, limited to 13 participants, ensures a more personal and engaging experience. While the tour involves limited walking around the mansions and requires participants to be able to get into a van easily, it remains accessible for most.

Key Points

• Includes an exciting swamp airboat tour with a knowledgeable Cajun captain
• Visits two historic plantations: Laura and Houmas House, with guided mansion tours
• Enjoys a gourmet Creole lunch with multiple entree options and desserts
• All transportation, entrance fees, and soft drinks are included in the price
• Operates rain or shine, with ponchos and umbrellas provided for weather
• Limited to 13 guests for a more personalized experience

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Scenic Drive from New Orleans to the Louisiana Swamps

The tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel in New Orleans, traveling in a 13-seater high-roof van. The narrated drive takes you across the Mississippi River on a high bridge, offering a scenic view and setting the stage for your day. The driver-guide, described as enthusiastic and knowledgeable, shares insights into Louisiana’s landscape and history during the journey.

This initial part of the tour emphasizes the rich scenery and prepares you for the adventure ahead. The small group size ensures everyone can enjoy the commentary without feeling rushed, making it an ideal start for those wanting a relaxed yet informative trip.

Exciting Swamp Airboat Ride with a Cajun Captain

Once at the swamp, you’ll board a small airboat led by a Cajun boat captain. The boat glides swiftly over marshes and bayous, giving you a thrilling ride through Louisiana’s wetlands. Expect to see a variety of fauna, including alligators, turtles, and exotic birds, all from a close distance.

The speed of the airboat and the sounds of the swamp provide a memorable experience. Many reviews highlight how impressive the swamp sights are and how entertaining the captain is, making this part of the tour a definite highlight for adventure lovers.

Visiting Laura Plantation: A Creole Family Saga

After the swamp, the tour heads upriver through sugar cane fields to reach the Laura Plantation, established in 1804. Your guided tour explores the mansion’s architecture and shares stories of Laura’s family and the enslaved West-African people who worked on the plantation.

The museum exhibit dedicated to “Slavery on Laura Plantation” is housed in a restored overseer’s cottage, offering a sobering and respectful look into the past. The tour is designed to be informative and engaging, with limited walking around the mansion, making it accessible for most visitors.

Passing Iconic Plantations Along the River Road

The drive continues along the historic River Road, passing notable sites like Felicity Plantation, where the film “12 Years A Slave” was shot, and St Joseph Plantation, featured in the series “Queen Sugar”.

Stopping briefly in front of the Oak Alley Plantation, travelers can admire its famous rows of centuries-old oak trees. This scenic drive highlights the diverse architecture and history of Louisiana’s plantation era, making it a visual treat for history enthusiasts and architecture fans alike.

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Houmas House: The “Sugar Palace” and Gourmet Creole Lunch

Crossing the Sunshine Bridge marks your arrival at Houmas House Plantation, often called the “Sugar Palace”. The tour includes a guided mansion tour led by a guide dressed in Antebellum costume, immersing you in the opulence of Louisiana’s plantation era.

Following the tour, a gourmet Creole lunch awaits in the elegant dining room. The lunch menu offers several options like Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Shrimp Po Boy, and Vegetarian Pasta, along with desserts such as White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Turtle Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake. The meal includes home-baked bread, butter, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

Strolling Through Splendid Gardens and Free Time at Houmas House

After lunch, the tour provides some free time to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds of Houmas House. This allows guests to enjoy the scenery at their own pace, taking photos or relaxing in the lush surroundings.

The guided mansion tour and garden stroll combine to offer a full experience of the plantation’s grandeur. This part of the tour is perfect for those who appreciate architecture, gardening, and Southern charm.

Practical Details and Accessibility of the Tour

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip transportation, and all entrance fees. The small group format limits participation to 13 people, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Participants should be aware that non-folding wheelchairs, baby strollers, and large luggage are not permitted, and there is limited walking around the mansions. The tour operates rain or shine, with ponchos and umbrellas provided.

This tour is best suited for individuals able to manage short walks and getting into vans, with no children under 5 years or pregnant women recommended to avoid certain physical aspects.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value for Its Price

For $279, travelers receive a comprehensive Louisiana experience, combining nature, history, and culinary delights. The inclusion of airboat rides, guided mansion visits, and a gourmet Creole lunch makes this a cost-effective option for those wanting an all-in-one day trip.

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, especially the driver, for making the experience informative and fun. The delicious food, stunning scenery, and personalized service stand out as notable strengths.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour

This experience is ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. It suits those who appreciate small group tours with personalized guidance.

While the tour involves some walking and may not be suitable for young children under 5 or pregnant women, most healthy adults will find it engaging and rewarding. The adventure of the swamp ride combined with museum-quality plantation visits creates a well-rounded day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in New Orleans.

What should I wear for the swamp airboat ride?
Comfortable clothing suitable for weather, with a raincoat or poncho if rain is forecast, since the tour runs rain or shine.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated during lunch?
The lunch menu features options like gluten-free and vegetarian choices, but specific restrictions should be confirmed in advance.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves limited walking around the mansions and van access. It cannot accommodate non-collapsible wheelchairs but can support those able to use a van seat or carry a collapsible wheelchair or walker.

How long is the swamp airboat tour?
The tour duration details focus on the entire day, but the swamp ride itself offers a speedy and exciting experience into Louisiana’s wetlands.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in planning.

This From New Orleans: Swamp Airboat, 2 Plantation Tours & Lunch offers a lively blend of adventure, history, and cuisine, perfect for anyone eager to experience the essence of Louisiana in a single day. The combination of nature, architecture, and authentic Creole food makes it a well-rounded choice for travelers seeking a memorable excursion.

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