New Orleans: Airboat Swamp & Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch

Swamps, stories & Creole flavors from New Orleans to the river

You’ll ride a high-speed airboat through wild Louisiana swamps with a local guide, visit Laura Plantation for real Creole stories, and enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch at Houmas House before exploring its gardens and mansion rooms. Expect laughter, honest history, good food, and moments where time feels slower than usual.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Laura PlantationEntry included1h 30m
2. Houmas HouseEntry included3h

Cajun swamps, plantations, and lunch

• Drive through Cajun Country and swamps
• Cross Mississippi River on suspended bridge
• Take high-speed airboat ride in bayous
• Explore swamp zoo with Cajun guide
• Visit Laura Plantation and slavery museum
• Enjoy gourmet lunch at Houmas House
• Tour Houmas House mansion and gardens

The experience

First thing I remember is that wet, green smell when we stepped out near Bayou Boeuf: cypress trees hanging heavy with moss, and the air just thick enough to taste. Our guide, Ricky (he grew up around here), grinned when he handed us ear protection for the airboat. “You’ll want these,” he said, and he was right: the engine roared as we skimmed over the water, wind whipping my cheeks. I spotted an alligator’s eyes just above the surface. Ricky pointed out birds I’d never seen before and told us about his uncle’s old trapping tricks. Honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a swamp tour.

Afterwards, we drove past sugarcane fields that seemed to go on forever until Laura Plantation appeared: bright yellow against all that green. The tour there felt different from others I’ve done. Our guide didn’t shy away from hard truths about Creole history and the lives of enslaved people who built this place. She showed us letters written by Laura herself and paused at a small exhibit about children who once lived on this land. Something about her voice made me stop fidgeting and just listen. Sometimes you can feel history pressing in close.

I was starving by then, so lunch at Houmas House was honestly perfect timing. We sat in a sunlit dining room with white tablecloths (I worried about spilling gumbo but nobody cared). The buffet had everything from shrimp étouffée to bread pudding. I might’ve gone back for thirds. After eating too much, we wandered through rooms filled with old portraits and heavy furniture. Our guide had stories for every creaky floorboard and painting. Out in the gardens, sunlight flickered through giant oaks and it smelled faintly sweet from all those flowers. Still think about that hush under the trees sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup in New Orleans by van with live narration along the way, a fast-paced airboat ride guided by a local Cajun expert (with ear protection), entry to both Laura Plantation, with its personal family stories, and Houmas House for both a gourmet buffet lunch and guided mansion tour before heading back to town.

Information

Lasts 9h, runs every day at 08:00, from US$ 279 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tours by Isabelle

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the airboat and plantations tour from New Orleans?

The full day trip lasts approximately 8-9 hours including travel time from New Orleans.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for guests staying in New Orleans hotels.

Are meals provided during the tour?

A gourmet unlimited buffet lunch at Houmas House is included in your tour.

What plantations are visited during this tour?

The tour visits both Laura Plantation and Houmas House Plantation.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with back or neck issues?

The airboat ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or recent surgeries.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available for lunch?

Please advise any dietary requirements at booking. Accommodations can be made at Houmas House buffet.