Small Airboat Swamp Tour & Destrehan Plantation by N’awlins Luxury Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most fitness levels
Overview
Discover Louisiana’s past at Destrehan Plantation before hopping aboard an airboat for an adrenaline-filled ride through the Cajun swamps. It’s a perfect outdoor adventure that combines history, wildlife, and excitement in one trip.
Small Airboat Swamp Tour & Destrehan Documented Plantation
6.5 hours • Riders must be at least 48” tall • Most Signed Document Plantation!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the rich history of Destrehan Plantation, the oldest documented plantation in the lower Mississippi Valley. Immerse yourself in Louisiana's past through a captivating walking tour, exploring stories of free and enslaved families, and the plantation's role in significant historical events. Then, embark on an exhilarating airboat ride through the enchanting Cajun swamps.
Come experience the Destrehan Plantation, which remains the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley.
Duration
6.5 Hours (Transportation time included.)
About
- Established in 1787 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Destrehan Plantation remains the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley.
- Travel from the French and Spanish Colonial periods, through the antebellum grandeur of the sugar barons, to the ravages of the Civil War and the rebirth of reconstruction.
- During the 45-minute walking tour, you will find yourself immersed in the rich history of Louisiana when French was the language, and the white gold of sugar drove the economy. Family stories of those free and enslaved set against the fabric of history will intrigue every visitor to the site.
- The plantation served as a home to Marie Celeste Robin de Logny and her husband Jean Noel Destrehan, the most successful sugar producer in St. Charles Parish and one of the driving forces in Louisiana Statehood.
- The plantation exhibits an original document signed by President Thomas Jefferson and Secretary of State James Madison appointing Jean Noel to the Orleans Territorial Council responsible for creating Louisiana’s civil law of government.
- Destrehan Plantation was the site where one of the three trials took place following the 1811 Slave Revolt, one of the largest slave revolts in U.S. History led by Charles Deslondes.
- During the Civil War, the Union Army seized the plantation and established the Rost Home Colony where newly freed slaves learned trades enabling them to transition into a life of freedom.
Then explore Louisiana back swamps.
About
- Have you ever wanted to enjoy an enchanting boat ride across a swamp? If your answer is yes, as it probably is, then the place to go is New Orleans via our guided swamp tours.
- We take you across all the heavenly Cajun Swamp where you take a high-speed air boat ride.
- The Cajun Captains will navigate their way through the back swamp.
- You will learn about Louisiana Wetlands, the inhabitants of the swamp, the life and habits of the American Alligators.
- Our experience Captains will take you back to the history of Louisiana Bayou and Swamp exploration days.
What to Bring
Please dress for weather conditions. Bring bottle of water.
Adventure Tips
Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing
Swamp tours can get muddy and wet; dressing in breathable, fast-drying clothes ensures comfort.
Bring insect repellent
Mosquitoes thrive around swamps, especially in warmer months, so apply repellent before the tour.
Arrive early for the tour
Getting to the meeting point ahead of schedule allows for a relaxed start and better experience.
Bring your camera or binoculars
Capture wildlife sightings and scenic views; the swamp is teeming with opportunities for photography.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seen often: alligators, great blue herons
- Possible: otters and river turtles
History
The Destrehan Plantation played a central role in Louisiana’s sugar economy and has been a key site for understanding the region's plantation era.
Conservation
N’awlins Luxury Tours emphasizes environmentally responsible practices, ensuring swamp preservation and minimal ecological impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protection from the sun is crucial during outdoor swamp excursions.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Waterproof footwear
Waterproof shoes help keep your feet dry when walking through damp areas or mud.
spring|summer|fall specific
Insect repellent
Repelling mosquitoes and other insects enhances comfort during swamp walks and boat rides.
Binoculars
Helps with spotting distant wildlife and bird species in the swamp.