New Orleans: Bayou Swamp Tour and Oak Alley Plantation Tour
Gulf Coast, USA, New Orleans
Discover Louisiana’s bayous on a guided day trip from New Orleans. Cruise the wetlands of the Manchac Swamp, keeping an eye out for local wildlife, including alligators. Tour the Oak Alley Plantation.
Swamp and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans
This guided day trip from New Orleans suits nature and history enthusiasts seeking a swamp boat tour and plantation visit with hotel pick-up included.
Highlights
- Enjoy a narrated boat ride through Manchac Swamp’s unique environment
- Observe alligators, turtles, and water birds in their natural habitat
- Explore swamplands, bayous, and Oak Alley Plantation with a knowledgeable guide
- Visit historic Oak Alley Plantation, built between 1837 and 1839
- Learn about Cajun and Creole history during the swamp boat tour
Description
Experience two iconic Louisiana features on this guided tour including a 1.5-hour narrated swamp boat ride on a covered flat-bottomed boat at Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, a private wildlife refuge. Following the swamp tour, visit Oak Alley Plantation with admission included. The plantation is famous for its 28 evenly spaced live oak trees lining its entrance.
Your hotel pick-up occurs between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM on the Cajun Pride Shuttle Bus, which restricts eating and drinking for sanitation. The shuttle departs New Orleans by 11:00 AM and arrives at the swamp by 11:30 AM for the 12:00 PM boat tour lasting approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
The swamp site features a ticket office and gift shop offering snacks like alligator jerky, chips, chocolate, and frozen bananas, plus sodas and limited alcoholic beverages with ID. Snacks and drinks are allowed on the boats, and picnic tables are available outdoors. The gift shop carries Cajun Pride merchandise including t-shirts, pottery mugs, jewelry, and stuffed animals.
After the swamp tour, the shuttle departs by 2:00 PM to arrive at Oak Alley Plantation for a guided tour starting around 3:00 PM. The tour duration is fixed by the plantation and includes about 30 minutes of free time afterwards.
Return shuttle pick-up from Oak Alley is between 4:30 PM and 4:45 PM, returning guests to their hotels in New Orleans. Shuttle times may vary due to traffic or weather conditions.
Due to the length of the tour, guests are advised to have a hearty breakfast and bring a bagged lunch or snack. Additional food and beverages are available at the swamp site.
Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Narrated tour of Manchac Swamp
- Guided tour and entry tickets to Oak Alley Plantation
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Bottled water
- Rain ponchos
- Sunscreen
- Tips
Important Information
- The tour operates rain or shine except during thunderstorms
- Live alligators and sometimes rescued animals are present on boats. Their mouths are safely wrapped in loose athletic gauze for protection. Alligator handling is at the captain’s discretion to ensure animal comfort and guest safety.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes. Booking early secures your preferred date and hotel pick-up. The best time to visit is during morning shuttle pick-up for optimal scheduling.
