Airboat Swamp and Destrehan Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Airboat speed through the bayou, then the stories of a plantation mansion

This tour combines a 1.5-hour airboat ride deep into Louisiana's secluded bayous with a guided visit to Destrehan Plantation on Old River Road. You'll ride with a professional airboat captain who points out wildlife (alligators, giant catfish, nutrias), and alternate between high-speed bursts and gentle cruising for photo stops. After the swamp, a guide walks you through the restored Greek Revival mansion, the 1811 Slave Revolt Exhibit, and the histories of both the owners and enslaved people who lived there. Transport by air-conditioned van from New Orleans is included, and the small-group format keeps the day personal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Airboat ride and plantation tour

• Depart from New Orleans
• Enjoy 1.5-hour airboat swamp ride
• Spot wildlife and take photos
• Visit Destrehan Plantation for guided tour
• Learn about plantation history and architecture

The experience

The day starts with pickup from New Orleans in a 14-passenger air-conditioned van. Your airboat captain takes over once you reach the bayou, and the ride alternates between high-speed runs across open water and slower cruising through marshes where you can actually see what's moving in the swamp. Alligators, baby alligators, giant catfish, nutrias, and occasionally a bald eagle make appearances. The captain stops frequently so you can photograph them without missing the next wildlife sighting.

After the airboat, you move to Destrehan Plantation on Louisiana's Old River Road. The guides here walk you through the mansion's Greek Revival architecture and the 1811 Slave Revolt Exhibit, then move into the stories of the people who built and worked this land: both the owners and the enslaved people whose labor sustained it. The guides share details about daily life, the mansion's restoration, and the broader history the building holds. The small-group atmosphere means you're not moving through in a crowd.

The full tour runs about 5.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. Children from age 6 can ride the airboat. Younger children, pregnant travelers, and people with back or neck issues cannot participate due to the nature of the airboat ride. If minimum passenger numbers aren't met after you book, you'll be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

What’s included

• 1.5-hour airboat ride with a professional captain.
• transport by air-conditioned van with pickup from New Orleans.
• guided tour of Destrehan Plantation including the Greek Revival mansion and the 1811 Slave Revolt Exhibit.
• small-group experience.

Options for this experience

2 options

8am DepartureGuide in English · 08:00Pickup is included, though the pickup time may vary by up to 30 minutes before or after the stated time.

11:00am DepartureGuide in English · 11:00Departure is at 11:00 am. Pickup is included, though the pickup time may vary by up to 30 minutes before or after the stated time.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 5h 30m, runs every day at 08:00 and 11:00, from US$ 179 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 13 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

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 effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tours by Isabelle

Is this one for you?Book the 8am departure if you want the bayou and plantation both finished by early afternoon. The 11am departure works better if you prefer a later start and don't mind returning to New Orleans in the late afternoon. The airboat's speed and motion mean this tour suits travelers comfortable with high-energy rides. It's not a gentle float, and the stops are frequent enough to photograph but quick enough to keep moving.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What wildlife will I actually see on the airboat ride?

The bayou regularly holds alligators, giant catfish, nutrias, and occasionally bald eagles. Your captain stops frequently for photos, and you may get close enough to see baby alligators or feed the catfish, depending on what's active that day.

What does the Destrehan Plantation tour cover?

Destrehan Plantation's guided tour includes the restored Greek Revival mansion, the 1811 Slave Revolt Exhibit, and the histories of both the owners and enslaved people who lived and worked there. The guides walk you through the architecture and the stories tied to each part of the building.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes, pickup from New Orleans is included, and you'll receive the exact pickup time when you book. You'll travel in a 14-passenger air-conditioned van to the bayou and then to the plantation.

How long is the airboat ride itself?

The airboat ride lasts 1.5 hours and includes high-speed runs and slower cruising through marshes, with multiple stops for wildlife viewing and photos.

What time do the tours depart?

You can choose either an 8am or 11am departure. The full tour, including airboat and plantation visit, runs about 5.5 hours from pickup.