
Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
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
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
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
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
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






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 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers 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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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