Airboat Swamp and Destrehan Plantation Tour From New Orleans

Visitors to New Orleans can embark on a captivating journey that combines an exhilarating airboat ride through the Cajun Country bayous and a visit to the historic Destrehan Plantation. This tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich culture and natural wonders of the region, from encountering local wildlife to exploring the oldest plantation in the Mississippi Valley. With round-trip transportation, costumed guides, and a comprehensive experience, this tour promises to be a highlight of any New Orleans itinerary. But there’s more to uncover about this remarkable adventure, as the journey holds surprises that may just pique your interest.

Key Points

• A thrilling airboat adventure through the Cajun Country bayous to encounter local wildlife like nutria, alligators, and giant catfish.
• A guided tour of the historic Destrehan Plantation, the oldest in the Mississippi Valley, with costumed guides bringing the plantation’s history to life.
• Roundtrip transportation from New Orleans hotels, B&Bs, or Airbnbs to the tour location in an air-conditioned van.
• Opportunity to experience the natural beauty and history of Cajun Country, including a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
• Tour subject to weather conditions and may be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This tour offers a thrilling airboat adventure through the bayous of Cajun Country, allowing visitors to experience the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

Guests will embark on a high-speed airboat ride, encountering local wildlife like nutria, alligators, and giant catfish.

The tour also includes a visit to the Destrehan Plantation, the oldest documented plantation home in the Mississippi Valley, where costumed guides bring the estate’s history to life.

With free time to explore the plantation’s spectacular grounds, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of the Cajun Country’s natural beauty and rich history.

From the excitement of the airboat ride to the insights gained at the plantation, this tour is a must-do for visitors to New Orleans.

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transport by a 14-passenger air-conditioned van, a thrilling 1.5-hour airboat ride through the bayous, and a guided tour of the historic Destrehan Plantation, with gratuities covered.

During the airboat expedition, you will have the opportunity to encounter a variety of local wildlife, such as nutria, alligators, and giant catfish, in their natural habitat.

At the Destrehan Plantation, costumed guides will bring the estate’s history to life, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s past.

This comprehensive experience is designed to immerse travelers in the unique culture and natural wonders of Cajun Country.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour provider will contact you the day before your scheduled tour to provide the exact pickup time from your hotel, Bed & Breakfast, or select Airbnb in New Orleans, including locations in the Uptown, French Quarter, and Westbank areas.

The tour bus will then return you to your accommodation at the conclusion of the excursion. This convenient pickup and drop-off service ensures a seamless start and end to your adventure.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup from your lodging in New Orleans
2. Transport by air-conditioned van to the tour location
3. Return to your hotel at the end of the tour
4. Availability for a wide range of accommodations in the city.

Tour Details

After being transported by the air-conditioned van, visitors embark on a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.

In a bayou-side Cajun village near Paradis, Louisiana, they’ll then transfer to a small airboat for a thrilling tour through the region’s unique wetland ecosystem. The high-speed airboat ride allows travelers to encounter local wildlife such as nutria, alligators, and giant catfish up close.

The tour then moves to the Destrehan Plantation, the oldest documented plantation home in the Mississippi Valley. Costumed guides bring the estate’s history to life, sharing stories of the former owners and slaves who lived there. Guests have free time to explore the plantation’s spectacular grounds before being returned to their hotels.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour booking will arrive within 48 hours, contingent on availability. A minimum number of participants is required, and the tour may be canceled if this threshold isn’t met.

Service animals are permitted, but the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or who are pregnant.

The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled if the weather is poor.

Key things to note:

1. Maximum of 12 travelers per tour
2. Confirmation is subject to availability
3. Minimum number of participants required
4. Tour may be canceled due to poor weather conditions

Scenic Drive Along Lake Pontchartrain

As the tour begins, the air-conditioned van takes guests on a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, offering breathtaking views of the expansive body of water.

The lake’s vast expanse and sparkling surface create a serene and picturesque backdrop as the van winds its way towards the heart of Cajun Country.

Along the way, passengers can admire the lush greenery and quaint houses that line the lakeside, getting a glimpse of the unique culture and natural beauty that awaits them.

The drive provides a peaceful prelude to the high-speed airboat adventure and plantation tour that will follow, setting the stage for an immersive and memorable experience in this captivating region.

Airboat Ride in Cajun Village

Upon arrival at the bayou-side Cajun Village near Paradis, Louisiana, guests transfer to a small, nimble airboat for an exhilarating ride through the lush, verdant bayous.

The airboat, powered by a powerful engine, glides swiftly across the shallow, tranquil waterways, immersing visitors in the serene beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin.

During the 1.5-hour excursion, guests can:

• Spot native wildlife like nutria, alligators, and giant catfish.
• Marvel at the towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the Cajun culture and way of life.
• Experience the thrill of navigating the serpentine channels at high speeds.

The airboat ride offers a truly unique and unforgettable glimpse into the remarkable ecosystem of Cajun Country.

Tour of Destrehan Plantation

After the thrilling airboat ride, the tour continues with a visit to the historic Destrehan Plantation, the oldest documented plantation home in the Mississippi Valley.

Guests are greeted by costumed guides who bring the estate’s history to life. Visitors can explore the stunning grounds and learn about the lives of the plantation’s former owners and enslaved people.

The tour offers a glimpse into the past, with stories of the estate’s rich heritage. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating history of this well-preserved antebellum property.

The Destrehan Plantation tour provides a unique and educational experience, complementing the high-speed excitement of the airboat ride through the bayous of Cajun Country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour typically includes a set menu and refreshments provided by the tour operator.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Airboat Ride?

There is no minimum age requirement for the airboat ride. However, the activity may not be suitable for very young children or those with certain physical limitations. It’s recommended to consult the tour provider for more details on age restrictions.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour, though participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s always best to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions.

Can I Request a Different Pickup or Drop-Off Location?

Yes, you can request a different pickup or drop-off location. The tour provider will work with you to accommodate your needs, though they may need to charge an additional fee for a customized pickup or drop-off location outside the standard service area.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in English only. Customers can expect the tour to be conducted in English, with no translation services provided. Additional language options are not offered for this particular tour.

Recap

This tour offers an exciting blend of Cajun Country adventure and historic exploration.

Guests will glide through the bayous on an airboat, encounter local wildlife, and discover the rich heritage of the Destrehan Plantation, the oldest in the Mississippi Valley.

With round-trip transportation, this convenient tour provides a comprehensive experience of Cajun culture and the unique natural beauty of the region.