Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

4.8 (3,545 reviews) 7 h 45 min Free cancellation

out of 5

3,545 reviews

4.8

Oak Alley - Alley of Oaks — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This tour combines the private Manchac Swamp with Oak Alley Plantation! Experience the grandeur of New Orleans’ antebellum south on our Oak Alley tour. As Oak Alley Plantation comes into view, you’ll understand why she is the most photographed plantation ever. Her quarter-mile-long alley of 28 magnificent oak trees, each nearly 300 years old, is an impressive welcome.

Tour the “Big House,” one of America’s most iconic homes and filming location for TV shows and movies. This 1839 Greek Revival mansion symbolizes grandeur from an era of great wealth. But there is much more to her story. Research by the Friends of Oak Alley Foundation reveals the lives and legacies of those who called Oak Alley home.

Then it’s a short ride to Manchac Swamp, where you’ll cruise through a private wildlife refuge in a comfortable, covered pontoon boat with a local captain. Learn about Frenier and Cajun fishing, hunting, and trapping culture. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators as they leap up for snacks!

Day Cruises Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Plantation Tours Eco Tours

At a glance

Duration: 7 h 45 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 28 people
People per booking: 1–28
Guide: English
Operated by: Gray Line New Orleans

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Swamp Boat Tour
Included: Round trip transportation
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Narrated by a local guide
Included: Tour of Oak Alley Plantation

Not included

Not included: Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Not included: Food & Drink (Available for Purchase)
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Oak Alley Plantation

2 hours Admission included

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.
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.

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.

Good to know

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Alternate Routes: Due to uneven and narrow paths, alternate routes may be necessary for guests traveling in wheelchairs.
Oak Alley Plantation is a Smoke Free Facility