Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hours 45 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

This tour combines the private Manchac Swamp with Whitney Plantation. A decade ago Whitney Plantation, circa 1752, opened its doors to the public for the first time in its history as the only plantation museum in Louisiana completely dedicated to the history of slavery. The experience at Whitney is a self-paced audio tour. Visitors to Whitney will gain a unique perspective on the enslaved people who lived and worked here through museum exhibits, restored historic outbuildings, and hundreds of first-person narratives.

Then it's a short ride to a privately-owned wildlife refuge within the Manchac Swamp, where homegrown Cajun captains will take you on a journey back to the early days of swamp exploration. They'll guide the covered pontoon boat through the mystical cypress swamp while showing off the American Alligator and abundant wildlife. Learn the history of the town of Frenier and the Cajun culture of fishing, hunting, and trapping. Get the camera ready gators leaping up for a snack!

What's Included

Narrated round-trip transportation
Audio Tour of Whitney Plantation
Narrated swamp boat ride through Manchac Swamp
Gratuities
Food & drinks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Gray Line New Orleans

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 before boarding to check in.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 hours 45 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Whitney Plantation

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

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • Lake Pontchartrain (Pass by)

    Although called a lake, this is actually a large lagoon and brackish estuary fed by fresh water rivers and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. Covering 630 square miles (1600 km2) it is one of the largest wetlands in North America.

    Admission ticket free
  • I-10 Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge (Pass by)

    View the spillway, a flood control operation in the Lower Mississippi west of New Orleans. The spillway, when open, allows floodwaters from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain and thence into the Gulf of Mexico.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Cajun Pride Swamp Tours

    This privately owned wildlife refuge ensures that you won’t encounter any other boats during your peaceful journey into the swamp. Local Cajun captains share personal tales of their own swamp explorations and fascinating information on the plants and wildlife you'll encounter. The primitive beauty of moss draped cypress tress and abundant wildlife guarantees some amazing pictures! Enjoy a beverage and snack from the open air pavilion.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Gray Line New Orleans

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Plantation Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Carnival
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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