Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

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 plantati

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!

From: $0.00

Location: New Orleans

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there an age limit for kids on this swamp boat ride and plantation tour?

A: There’s no strict age limit, and kids are definitely welcome! I took my 8-year-old, and he loved both the swamp and the plantation. Just keep in mind that the audio tour might be a bit long for younger ones, so you might want to have a plan for that. Overall, great educational experience for kids!

Q: What's the best time of year for this tour? I heard summer can be brutal.

A: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best! The weather is more bearable then, plus the swamp has beautiful colors. We went in late September, and it was perfect. Just check the forecast because storms can pop up, especially in summer.

Q: How much walking is involved at Whitney Plantation? Are there any accommodations for older adults?

A: The walking isn’t too bad, but there are a few spots with uneven paths. They do have benches along the way, and the audio tour lets you go at your own pace. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, I’d recommend calling ahead to see if they can provide assistance.

Discussions

Just booked the swamp boat ride and Whitney Plantation tour!

I’m sooo excited! I got this as a gift for my parents who are coming to NOLA next month. They love history and nature, so I think it’ll be perfect for them. I’ve read a lot about Whitney being very informative and emotional. Also, gators on the boat ride? Count me in! Just hoping the weather cooperates.

Has anyone done the Whitney Plantation and swamp tour combo?

I’m considering this for a birthday gift for my sister. She’s into unique experiences, but I don't know if she'd enjoy the plantation history part. The swamp ride sounds cool, though! How long does each part usually take?