The New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip offers an immersive 7-hour experience for visitors to explore the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region. Guests start their journey with a hotel pickup from the French Quarter, then dive into the rich history of the Oak Alley Plantation, known for its iconic 28 live oak trees. The experience continues with a narrated boat cruise through Louisiana’s captivating swamps, where they’ll have the chance to witness the diverse wildlife, including alligators and turtles. This comprehensive tour blends the past and present, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the unique charm of New Orleans.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In New Orleans.
Key Points
- Explore Louisiana’s iconic Oak Alley Plantation and experience a guided tour of the historic antebellum estate and its 28-tree alley.
- Set out on a fully narrated boat cruise through the local swamps, observing native wildlife like alligators, turtles, and water birds.
- Enjoy a comprehensive 7-hour day trip with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Learn about the region’s Cajun and Creole heritage from knowledgeable guides, enjoying the cultural and natural wonders.
- Benefit from a flexible booking process, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Overview and Pricing
This day trip offers visitors a chance to explore the historic Oak Alley Plantation and cruise through the serene Louisiana swamps.
Priced from £79.62 per person, the 7-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, a guided tour of the plantation, and a fully narrated boat tour of the surrounding wetlands.
Travellers can expect to see a variety of wildlife like alligators, turtles, and water birds.
The experience is known to sell out quickly, but guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour also offers a reserve now, pay later option, making it a convenient and flexible choice for visitors to New Orleans.
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Itinerary and Experience
The day trip begins with hotel pickups from 22 locations in New Orleans’ French Quarter, between 10:30 am and 11:00 am.
Guests are then taken to the Oak Alley Plantation, a historic site built between 1837-39, renowned for its alley of 28 live oak trees. The guided tour provides educational insights into the plantation’s history, including the complex legacy of slavery.
After the plantation tour, guests embark on a fully narrated boat cruise through the swamps, where they can observe the diverse local wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of water birds.
The tour then returns guests to their hotel, concluding the comprehensive day trip experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour’s inclusions cover a range of services and experiences. Visitors will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided tour of the historic Oak Alley Plantation, and a fully narrated boat tour through the swamps. The entry ticket to the plantation is also included.
However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and tips. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Customers should bring comfortable clothes and a face mask or protective covering, as the tour operates rain or shine.
Important Information and Requirements
Visitors must bring comfortable clothes and a face mask or protective covering for the Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip.
Luggage and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour. The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for any weather conditions.
Key requirements for the tour include:
- Bring comfortable clothing and face coverings.
- Luggage and large bags aren’t permitted.
- The tour runs regardless of weather.
- Wheelchair users may not be able to fully participate.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 898 reviews, highlighting the memorable experience of exploring Louisiana’s unique scenery and wildlife.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyHighlights and Wildlife
On the day trip, visitors can experience Louisiana’s unique scenery and wildlife.
They’ll learn about Cajun and Creole history from knowledgeable guides who provide stories and insights throughout the experience.
Key wildlife sightings include alligators, turtles, and a variety of water birds. The fully narrated swamp cruise allows guests to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.
From the majestic live oak trees of Oak Alley Plantation to the serene swamplands, this day trip immerses travelers in the rich cultural and natural wonders of the region.
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Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
From a select set of 22 hotel locations across New Orleans’ French Quarter, the day trip’s pickup service transports guests between 10:30 am and 11:00 am.
This convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service ensures a seamless start and end to the tour. The highlights of this included service are:
- Hassle-free transportation to and from the tour locations
- Ability to conveniently depart from your hotel in the French Quarter
- No need to worry about navigating or finding parking
- Stress-free return to your hotel at the end of the day’s activities
At the conclusion of the plantation tour and swamp cruise, the same hotel drop-off service returns visitors to their French Quarter accommodations.
Guided Tour of Oak Alley Plantation
After the hassle-free hotel pickup, the day trip’s central focus shifts to the guided tour of the historic Oak Alley Plantation.
Built in the 1830s, this antebellum estate is renowned for its iconic 28-tree alley leading up to the mansion. Guests explore the property, learning about its past and the lives of the enslaved people who once worked the land.
The knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, painting a vivid picture of the plantation’s history and its role in the region’s Cajun and Creole heritage.
Whether admiring the architectural grandeur or gaining a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s complex past, the Oak Alley tour offers an immersive and educational experience.
Swamp Cruise and Wildlife Observation
Following the guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation, the day trip continues with a fully narrated boat tour through the surrounding swamps.
This wildlife-focused excursion offers a chance to observe Louisiana’s unique ecosystem up close. The tour guide shares stories and insights, pointing out:
- Alligators basking on the banks
- Turtles sunbathing on fallen logs
- Vibrant water birds gliding across the still waters
- Other native flora and fauna thriving in this lush, wetland environment
This immersive swamp cruise completes the day’s exploration of Louisiana’s rich Cajun and Creole heritage, blending history, nature, and adventure into an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour and bringing your own is not permitted. The tour only covers the guided tour and transportation to and from the plantation and swamp cruise.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration is fixed at 7 hours, and there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend it. The package includes hotel pickup, guided tour, plantation entry, and swamp cruise, without any flexibility to customize the duration.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t currently offer any senior or student discounts, but customers can check the operator’s website for any promotional offers or special deals that may become available. Booking well in advance may also provide better pricing.
Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos throughout the tour, including at Oak Alley Plantation and during the swamp cruise. However, some restrictions may apply, so it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
Is There a Limit on the Number of Participants per Tour?
The tour does not have a stated participant limit. However, group sizes are likely kept manageable to ensure an optimal experience for all guests during the guided tour and swamp cruise components of the day trip.
Recap
The New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip offers an enriching cultural and natural experience. Guests explore the historic Oak Alley Plantation and then embark on a narrated boat cruise through Louisiana’s scenic swamps, spotting unique wildlife. This immersive journey blends the region’s deep-rooted heritage with its captivating natural beauty, providing an unforgettable day trip from the French Quarter.
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