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.
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.
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.