Full Day Plantation -N- Swamp Tour in New Orleans

This Full Day Plantation -N- Swamp Tour in New Orleans offers an engaging blend of history, nature, and local culture, all for $137.19 per person. With a duration of approximately 7 to 8 hours, this guided experience covers multiple historic plantation stops and an exciting swamp tour. The tour starts at St. Louis Cathedral and includes pickup service, making logistics smooth and convenient. Designed to cater to most travelers, it features air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and USB charging outlets onboard.

What sets this tour apart is the comprehensive itinerary that combines cultural stories with wildlife encounters. The guides are praised for their expertise and friendly approach, making this experience both educational and enjoyable. While it does not include lunch or WiFi, the admission tickets for both plantation visits and the swamp tour are included, offering good value for this full-day outing.

This tour is ideal for those interested in deepening their understanding of Louisiana’s history or looking for a scenic escape into nature. It’s particularly suited for families, history buffs, and wildlife enthusiasts. However, travelers should be aware that the tour involves multiple stops, some with walking, and the day may be busy.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day experience combining plantation visits and swamp tour
• Includes admission tickets for all stops and pickup service from New Orleans
• Led by knowledgeable guides, praised for their professionalism and friendliness
• Travel time is around 7 to 8 hours, with a well-paced itinerary
• Scenic stops include Oak Alley, Laura, Whitney, and St. Joseph Plantations
• Swamp tour provides wildlife sightings and photo opportunities of moss-draped cypress trees

The Tour Starts with a Luxurious Pickup and City Introduction

The tour begins with a pickup from the designated meeting point at St. Louis Cathedral in downtown New Orleans. The luxury passenger van features leather seats and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable ride. As the vehicle picks up other guests, the driver offers either a mini-tour of the city or a short film about local plantations to set the context for the day. Expect entertainment and friendly conversation during the ride.

This initial phase helps guests get acclimated while also providing some background on what’s ahead. The small group size, capped at 12 people, guarantees a more personalized experience and opportunities for questions and interactions with the guide.

Exploring the Historic Whitney and Laura Plantations

The first stop features Whitney Plantation, where the guide narrates the stories of enslaved people and early owners such as the Haydel family. This site emphasizes educating visitors about a difficult but essential part of Louisiana’s history.

Next, the tour visits Laura Plantation, a French Creole estate run by four generations of French Creole women. The setting offers a glimpse into plantation life through carefully preserved buildings and informative exhibits. Guides share stories of the women who managed the estate, adding depth to the experience.

Both stops include entry tickets and allow about 30 to 45 minutes for exploration. The stories told are appreciated for their insightfulness, making these stops both personal and educational.

The Iconic Oak Alley Plantation Experience

The highlight for many is the Oak Alley Plantation, a national historic landmark famous for its Allee of 28 towering oak trees. Visitors spend around 3 hours exploring the big house, exhibits, and grounds. The site emphasizes its history as a working sugarcane plantation, with opportunities to tour the historic home, browse the gift shop, or just sit under the shade of the oak trees.

Guests have the option to have lunch at the onsite restaurant or deli, making this a flexible stop. The exhibits and walking under the oak trees are often highlighted as particularly memorable moments. The admission is included, ensuring no additional costs.

Transition to the Swamp with a Scenic Ride

After Oak Alley, the tour heads 35 minutes north along the highway toward Cajun Pride Swamp Tours. The bus ride offers scenic views of the Louisiana countryside, and the driver shares additional insights about the region. This leg of the trip prepares guests for the next adventure: a 90-minute swamp boat tour.

Discovering Wildlife on the Cajun Pride Swamp Tour

Upon arrival, guests board pontoon boats for the 90-minute swamp tour. The focus is on wildlife sightings and nature photography. Expect to see alligators, moss-draped cypress trees, and other native species. The captain provides informative commentary about the flora and fauna, with many photo opportunities throughout the ride.

The swamp tour is praised for being entertaining and educational, with many visitors noting the abundance of wildlife and the beauty of the landscape.

Returning Over the Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge

The final part of the journey involves a 45-minute drive back to New Orleans across the Bonnet Carre Spillway Bridge, offering views of Lake Pontchartrain. This scenic drive marks the closing moments of the tour, which ends back at the meeting point near St. Louis Cathedral.

Guests can expect to arrive around early evening, with ample time afterward to explore the city on their own.

Practical Details and Inclusions

The full-day tour includes admission tickets for all stops, bottled water, and USB charging outlets on the vehicle. The pickup service and small group size are notable features that enhance comfort and convenience.

However, lunch and WiFi are not included, so travelers might want to plan accordingly. The tour operates most days, with confirmation received at booking, and offers a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

The Experience Guides and Customer Praise

The guides are consistently praised for their expertise, friendly demeanor, and ability to share stories that deepen understanding of Louisiana’s history and environment. Many reviews highlight Kin and Kindrell, who are described as knowledgeable, personable, and attentive.

Travelers also appreciate the well-maintained vehicle, ample water supply, and clear communication. The personalized service, such as pickup from hotels and recommendations for local dining, adds to the overall positive experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour caters best to history enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those wishing to see both cultural landmarks and natural scenery in one day. It suits families, couples, and small groups looking for a comprehensive, guided experience in the New Orleans area.

Those seeking a leisurely, slow-paced visit may find the itinerary a bit busy, but the small group size and personalized guides alleviate much of the rush. Travelers should be prepared for a full day with walking at plantations and boat riding.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day in Louisiana

The Full Day Plantation -N- Swamp Tour offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and local stories, all led by experienced guides. At $137.19, it provides good value, especially considering the inclusion of all admission fees and transportation.

The tour excels in educational storytelling at historic plantations and wildlife sightings during the swamp ride. It’s a good choice for those eager to learn about Louisiana’s past and experience its natural beauty in one trip.

While it involves a busy schedule and some walking, the small group setting and personalized service make for a comfortable and engaging day. Travelers who enjoy guided excursions and diverse experiences will find this tour worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from the designated meeting point at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans and air-conditioned transportation for the entire day.

What is included in the price?
The admission tickets for the plantation stops and the swamp boat tour, along with bottled water and USB charging outlets, are all included in the $137.19 fee.

How long is the swamp tour?
The swamp boat ride lasts about 90 minutes, allowing plenty of time for wildlife viewing and photography.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and breakfast are not included, but there are options to buy food at Oak Alley or bring snacks for the day.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.