New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation And Swamp Cruise Day Trip

Explore the rich history and natural beauty of Louisiana on a day trip from New Orleans. Embark on an 8.5-hour excursion that takes you to the Greek Revival-style Oak Alley Plantation and into the serene bayou swamplands. Tour the plantation’s lush gardens, learn about the lives of its workers, and then cruise through the cypress-lined waterways to appreciate the region’s unique ecosystem and culture. This guided tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, with convenient pickups from over 200 locations in the area. Discover why this day trip is a must for anyone seeking to uncover the captivating essence of Louisiana.

Key Points

Convenient pickup and drop-off at over 200 locations across New Orleans, with a 30-minute window between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM.
Guided tour of the Greek Revival-style Oak Alley Plantation, exploring the mansion, gardens, slave cabins, and on-site museum.
100-minute cruise through the serene bayou swamplands, surrounded by lush cypress trees and diverse wildlife.
Flexibility for travelers to select a pickup spot close to their accommodation, ensuring accessibility and convenience.
Immersive experience providing insights into the history, architecture, and culture of Louisiana’s plantation and bayou regions.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Overview of the Day Trip

This day trip offers visitors a chance to explore two of Louisiana’s most iconic attractions – the stately Oak Alley Plantation and the captivating bayou swamplands.

The 8.5-hour excursion begins with convenient pickups from over 200 locations across New Orleans, with a 30-minute window between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM.

Guests will first tour the stunning Oak Alley Plantation, exploring its remarkable architecture and lush grounds for around 2 hours.

Next, they’ll embark on a 100-minute cruise through the serene bayou swamplands, soaking in the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem.

With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this day trip provides a hassle-free way to discover the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of the region.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Where can visitors be picked up and dropped off for this day trip? Guests can be picked up and dropped off at over 200 locations across New Orleans, with a convenient 30-minute window between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM. This ensures flexibility for travelers, allowing them to select a pickup spot close to their accommodation.

The tour also provides drop-off at these same 203 locations, making it easy for guests to return to their starting point or elsewhere in the city after the day’s activities. This accessibility and convenience make it simple for visitors to join the Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Cruise excursion, no matter where they’re staying in New Orleans.

Exploring Oak Alley Plantation

After being conveniently picked up and transported to the historic site, visitors can explore the grandeur of Oak Alley Plantation.

This antebellum estate, known for its iconic double row of 28 evenly spaced live oak trees lining the entrance, offers a glimpse into the South’s rich history and architecture.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

Tour the Greek Revival-style mansion and learn about its fascinating past as a former sugarcane plantation.
Stroll through the lush gardens and admire the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Visit the slave cabins and gain insights into the lives of those who toiled on the plantation.
Browse the on-site museum and gift shop to immerse themselves further in the plantation’s heritage.

Cruising the Bayou Swamplands

New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Cruise Day Trip

Cruising the Bayou Swamplands

Following the day’s exploration of Oak Alley Plantation, the tour’s journey continues with a tranquil cruise through the bayou swamplands. Guests will board a boat and glide through the peaceful, slow-moving waters, surrounded by the lush, verdant landscape of cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.

Throughout the 100-minute cruise, a knowledgeable guide will point out the diverse wildlife, from alligators basking on the banks to herons and egrets hunting in the shallows. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the unique ecosystem and culture of Louisiana’s bayou region during this serene, immersive experience.

Guided Tours and Free Time

The guided tour at Oak Alley Plantation provides visitors with an in-depth look into the history and architecture of this antebellum estate.

After the tour, guests enjoy free time to explore the plantation’s grounds, including the iconic double row of 300-year-old oak trees lining the main entrance.

During this free time, visitors can:

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the intricate wrought-iron work adorning the buildings.
Tour the historic slave quarters and learn about the lives of those who worked on the plantation.
Relax on the grand front porch and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Visit the on-site museum to delve deeper into the plantation’s past.

Pricing and Booking Details

The day trip to Oak Alley Plantation and the Bayou Swamplands costs €116.78 per person.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later to secure their place on the tour. This allows guests the flexibility to plan their trip in advance without having to pay upfront.

The tour can be booked online through the tour provider’s website, where customers will find information on availability and starting times.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, travelers can adjust their plans as needed.

Availability and Scheduling

Checking availability allows travelers to see the starting times for the day trip to Oak Alley Plantation and the Bayou Swamplands. The tour operator’s website provides this information, enabling customers to select a schedule that fits their preferences and plans.

With multiple daily departures, guests have flexibility in choosing a departure time that works best for their visit to New Orleans.

The tour offers the following scheduling options:

8:15 AM – 4:45 PM
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
11:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Travelers can check availability and book their preferred timeslot directly on the tour provider’s website.

What to Expect on the Day

Guests embarking on the Oak Alley Plantation and Bayou Swamplands day trip can expect a well-curated itinerary that showcases the best of Louisiana’s natural and historical wonders.

The tour begins with a guided visit to the iconic Oak Alley Plantation, where visitors will marvel at the stunning 300-year-old live oak trees lining the property’s famous tree-lined avenue.

After exploring the plantation’s historic buildings and grounds, guests will board a boat for a thrilling cruise through the lush bayou swamplands.

During the 100-minute swamp tour, they’ll have the chance to spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitats.

The day’s activities provide a well-rounded experience of Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided?

The tour provides transportation via pickup and drop-off at 203 locations in New Orleans, with a 30-minute window between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM for pickup. Transportation to and from the tour sites is included in the price.

Is Food And/Or Refreshments Included?

The day trip does not include any food or refreshments. Guests are responsible for bringing their own meals and drinks for the duration of the tour. Snacks and beverages may be available for purchase at the tour sites.

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Smartphone?

Yes, guests are encouraged to bring their own camera or smartphone to capture the scenic landscapes and historic sites during the day trip. Photography is permitted at both the Oak Alley Plantation and during the bayou swamp cruise.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour is generally suitable for people with disabilities, but visitors should contact the tour provider to discuss any special needs or accommodations required. The provider can advise on the accessibility of the sites and activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should consider the length and activities when bringing young children.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Recap

This day trip from New Orleans offers a comprehensive look at Louisiana’s rich history and natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the Greek Revival-style Oak Alley Plantation, stroll through its lush gardens, and learn about plantation life.

Then, they’ll cruise through the serene bayou swamplands, surrounded by cypress trees and diverse wildlife, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique ecosystem and culture.

It’s an immersive experience that showcases the best of Louisiana’s past and present.