Airboat Adventures & Oak Alley with Louisiana Tour Company
Difficulty
easy
Duration
approximately 9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves light walking and sitting during the boat ride
Overview
Speed through Louisiana’s cypress swamps on a small airboat, then step back in time with a guided visit to Oak Alley Plantation. This 9-hour combo tour from New Orleans offers a perfect blend of nature and history.
Afternoon Small Airboat Swamp Tour + Oak Alley Plantation
We pick you up from downtown! • 48" minimum height • 9 passenger boats • Approx. 9 hours w drive
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 9-hour adventure featuring a thrilling small airboat swamp tour and a captivating visit to Oak Alley Plantation. Experience high-speed excitement and intimate encounters with wildlife, followed by a guided house tour and self-exploration of the stunning plantation grounds. Capture memories and immerse yourself in the rich culture!
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Duration
About 9 hours
About - Tour will be split into two parts:
Small Airboat Swamp Tour (9 Passenger)
The pick-up begins at 10:45 am. We use our sister company “Alert Transportation” for the ground transportation service. The driver goes hotel to hotel for the pick-up service. We ask that you allow us up to 30 minutes for the pick-up service. Pick up will be curbside of your hotel. Small airboats go faster and a little more intimate with a smaller group. On this tour, you will experience the best of both: an informative swamp tour and high speed thrill airboat ride. You will travel at high speeds in the airboat then slow down and stop for pictures. Your Captain will give you a tour of a life time explaining the culture, animals, and the swamps. You may even experience a close encounter with some of the local swamp life. Our sister company “Alert Transportation” will then bring you to the swamp tour dock for your next adventure.
Oak Alley Plantation Tour
The Oak Alley Plantation is located 70 miles or about 1 hour 10 min from the French Quarter. You will spend approximately 2 hours at the plantation. The house tour will be about 35 minutes in length. The Oak Alley plantation house tour is provided by Plantation tour guides. The remainder of your time will be spent with self-exploration of the grounds. If you use your time wisely, you can grab a sandwich at the gift shop for lunch and still have time to walk the grounds. You will return to you hotel around 7:00pm.
*The order of the combination tours may change based upon availability and weather.
What to bring
Don't forget a camera!
Adventure Tips
Bring a camera with a zoom lens
Wildlife sightings can be fleeting; a zoom helps capture alligator, bird, and turtle movements without disturbing them.
Wear layers and sun protection
The swamp tour can be cool and breezy on the water but exposed during the plantation visit; sunscreen and a hat are must-haves.
Prepare for variable tour order
The sequence of swamp and plantation visits may change depending on weather and availability—pack accordingly for both environments.
Book early to secure seats
These small group tours fill quickly, especially during peak seasons, so reservations ahead of time are recommended.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American alligator
- Great blue heron
History
Oak Alley Plantation dates to the early 1800s and highlights the intertwined history of plantation agriculture and enslaved labor.
Conservation
The swamp tours emphasize respecting fragile wetland ecosystems and adhere to sustainable practices to protect wildlife and water quality.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water-resistant camera or phone case
Protects your gear from water spray and humidity during the swamp portion.
Insect repellent
Helpful for comfort while on the swamp boat and walking plantation grounds.
spring|summer|fall specific
Lightweight sun hat
Keeps you shaded during exposed parts of the tour and reduces sunburn risk.
spring|summer|fall specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Needed for self-guided plantation exploration over varied terrain.