Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

4.9 (43 reviews) 7 h 45 min Free cancellation

out of 5

43 reviews

4.9

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This tour combines the private Manchac Swamp with Whitney Plantation. A decade ago Whitney Plantation, circa 1752, opened its doors to the public for the first time in its history as the only plantation museum in Louisiana completely dedicated to the history of slavery. The experience at Whitney is a self-paced audio tour. Visitors to Whitney will gain a unique perspective on the enslaved people who lived and worked here through museum exhibits, restored historic outbuildings, and hundreds of first-person narratives.

Then it's a short ride to a privately-owned wildlife refuge within the Manchac Swamp, where homegrown Cajun captains will take you on a journey back to the early days of swamp exploration. They'll guide the covered pontoon boat through the mystical cypress swamp while showing off the American Alligator and abundant wildlife. Learn the history of the town of Frenier and the Cajun culture of fishing, hunting, and trapping. Get the camera ready gators leaping up for a snack!

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Plantation Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 7 h 45 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 55 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: Gray Line New Orleans

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Narrated round-trip transportation
Included: Audio Tour of Whitney Plantation
Included: Narrated swamp boat ride through Manchac Swamp

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Food & drinks

Itinerary

Whitney Plantation

2 hours Admission included

9am & 11am Departures - 7 1/2 Hour Tour

Your Whitney Plantation experience will include an audio tour of the grounds.
Lake Pontchartrain

Passing by

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.
Stop 3

Passing by

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.
Stop 4

1 h 30 min Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

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.

Using your ticket

Please display your barcoded voucher as your ticket 15 minutes in advance of your tour time at our Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River. All tours and cruises depart from here, at the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (400 Toulouse St. New Orleans, LA 70130), directly behind the JAX Brewery. If you have any questions, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at (504) 569-1401.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.