Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans in New Orleans
New Orleans, United States

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Outty Ranking 72 4.9 · 32 traveler reviews7.8 hoursFrom $69

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$69
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

72/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans worth booking?

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans is a 7.8-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $69 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
72 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (32)
Duration
7.8 hours
From
$69 per person

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 Louisia

What you get

    About this experience

    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

    Included

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

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food & drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Whitney Plantation

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

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Lake Pontchartrain

      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.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. 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.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. 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.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    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.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    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.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Gray Line New Orleans

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans in New Orleans, photo 2Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans in New Orleans, photo 3Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans in New Orleans, photo 4Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans in New Orleans, photo 5Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans in New Orleans, photo 6Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans in New Orleans, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    32 verified traveler reviews for Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    29
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    LISA_G · August 2026

    Swamp A+++. 😍 Amazing.

    Awesome. Swamp was great.. the tour guide was very knowledgeable.. would definately go again. We had an amazing time

    Response from the operator: An A+++ is an outstanding review and brings so many smiles from our guides and staff. Thank you for sharing Lisa!

    via Viator

    RobinKristin_N · August 2026

    Jane and Donald were a...

    Jane and Donald were a great guide and driver duo. Whitney plantation was informational and sobering so it paired well with the fun experience of the swamp ride. We saw lots of gators, pigs, raccoons and turtles.

    Response from the operator: A full day in southeastern Louisiana - complete with history, and wild animals as well.

    via Viator

    Kelly_M · July 2026

    Interesting, educational & fun!!!

    Family with 2 teenagers. We enjoyed the Whitney Plantstion tour very much. It was moving and very educational for all of us. We absolutely LOVED the swamp boat tour with Captain Dan. It was pouring rain at first and that added to the magic. The swamp was beautiful, relaxing and teeming with interesting creatures. We saw alligators, raccoon, wild pigs and a variety of birds. It was magical.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for enjoying this tour with your teens. It is history that brings another lifetime to light, and then an adventure into the "wild side" of southeast Louisiana.

    via Viator

    Irene_R · July 2026

    Swamp tour

    Captain Dustin was great, funny and has a great play list by the way. He is really entertaining if you have a sense of humor this is your captain to get.

    Response from the operator: Captain Dustin shows how much he enjoys touring with our visitors.

    via Viator

    505msb · July 2026

    The BEST thre is!

    Thomas was EXCELLENT! He was so knowledgeable and seemed genuinely happy explain the "circle of life" in the swamp us. This man not only loves what he does, he LIVES it!!! Truly a treasure.

    Response from the operator: We believe he is a swamp treasure as well. Thank you.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7.8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $69 to $135
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    11
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 72

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)41
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.

    How much does Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans cost?

    +

    Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New Orleans usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans take?

    +

    Plan for about 7.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New Orleans is not rushed.

    Is Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New Orleans, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans?

    +

    Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New Orleans can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New Orleans and add a light layer if any part of the 7.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New Orleans within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New Orleans?

    +

    New Orleans runs on licensed guides, and it shows: the city requires certification for tour guides, so the floor is higher here than most US cities. Ghost and cemetery walks, French Quarter food crawls, plantation history day trips and swamp boat runs make up the bulk. We rank on whether the operator handles cemetery access properly, since St. Louis No. 1 needs an authorised guide. On Outty we rank every New Orleans experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation, New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure, New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New Orleans?

    +

    February to May and October to November. August is heat and storm season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New Orleans?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans.

    Pick your date