Free cancellation

Swamp Boat Ride & Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

4.9 (35 reviews) · By Gray Line New Orleans

Experience the unique history and wildlife of Louisiana on this full-day tour that combines a visit to Whitney Plantation with a scenic swamp boat ride through Manchac Swamp.

At Whitney Plantation, you'll explore the only Louisiana plantation museum dedicated entirely to the history of slavery. The self-paced audio tour guides you through exhibits, historic buildings, and powerful first-person narratives, offering a profound perspective on the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked here.

After your time at Whitney, enjoy a short ride to a private wildlife refuge nestled within the Manchac Swamp. Cajun captains will take you on a covered pontoon boat tour, sharing stories of swamp exploration, Cajun culture, and local wildlife. Keep your camera ready—gators often leap up for snacks, and the scenery of moss-draped cypress trees is breathtaking.

This tour provides a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, giving you a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the tour last?

The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes.

What languages are available for the tour?

The tour is conducted in English.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. It’s suitable for infants (0–5), children (6–12), and adults (13–100).

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included in the tour?

Narrated round-trip transportation, an audio tour of Whitney Plantation, and a narrated swamp boat ride through Manchac Swamp are included.

Are food and drinks provided?

No, food and drinks are not included. You can purchase snacks and beverages at the open-air pavilion during the swamp tour.

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reserve now

Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.

Duration 7 hours 45 min

Check availability to see start times.

Live tour guide

English

Key facts

Duration 7 hours 45 min
Languages English
Group size Up to 30
Ages accepted Infant 0–5; Child 6–12; Adult 13–100
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

What's included

Included

  • Narrated round-trip transportation
  • Audio Tour of Whitney Plantation
  • Narrated swamp boat ride through Manchac Swamp

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Food & drinks

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    9am & 11am Departures - 7 1/2 Hour Tour. Your Whitney Plantation experience includes an audio tour of the grounds.

    2 hours
  2. Stop 2 Pass by

    A large lagoon and brackish estuary fed by rivers and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. Covering 630 square miles, it's one of North America's largest wetlands.

  3. Stop 3 Pass by

    View the spillway, a flood control structure in the Lower Mississippi. When open, it allows floodwaters from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain and then into the Gulf.

  4. Stop 4

    A private wildlife refuge offering a peaceful swamp journey. Cajun captains share stories of swamp exploration and local wildlife, with opportunities to photograph alligators and moss-draped cypress trees. Enjoy a beverage and snack at the open-air pavilion.

    1.5 hours

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in.

Open in Google Maps

Cancellation & confirmation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day before
  • 0% refund if cancelled within 0–1 day
  • May be cancelled due to bad weather
  • May be cancelled if there are not enough travelers

Instant confirmation

Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.

From $131.00 per person

Infant Age 0–5
0
Child Age 6–12
0
Adult Age 13–100
1
  • Free cancellation
  • Secure checkout with our booking partner

Reliable & Guaranteed Tickets

Book this experience through our trusted partner and enjoy secure checkout, verified reviews, and reliable customer support.

Prices and availability are subject to change. You will be redirected to our partner website to complete your booking.