New Orleans: Whitney Plantation & Swamp Airboat Tour

Summary

History meets wild bayou on this New Orleans day trip

You’ll walk through Whitney Plantation with an audio guide in hand, feeling history under your feet and seeing faces from another era. Then ride an airboat deep into Louisiana’s swamps—wind in your hair, maybe a little mud on your shoes—with locals who know every bend of the bayou. This day trip from New Orleans leaves more than one kind of echo.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air felt heavier as we pulled up to Whitney Plantation—like the stories here were still hanging in the Louisiana humidity. Our guide handed us headphones for the audio tour, but honestly, it was the old trees and chipped paint that got to me first. There’s something about walking past those statues of children—faces you can’t quite forget—that makes you go quiet without even meaning to. I caught myself trailing behind the group, just listening to cicadas and thinking about how recent all this really is.

After an hour and a half wandering through the plantation grounds (the audio tour is thorough, but you get extra time to just look around), we had a quick break before heading out again. We passed Evergreen Plantation—our driver pointed out where they filmed Django Unchained, which made everyone perk up—and rolled by Destrehan too. That’s where the 1811 slave revolt happened; our guide told it straight, no sugarcoating. I appreciated that. It’s a lot to take in, honestly.

Then came the swamp part. We climbed into this big airboat—loud as anything—and suddenly it was all wind in your face and that green marsh smell you can’t describe unless you’ve been there. The driver joked about gators (“they’re not pets!”) and pointed out birds I’d never have noticed otherwise. One guy tried to snap a selfie with a heron and almost dropped his phone in the water—everyone cracked up except maybe his wife. It’s funny how fast you go from heavy history to laughing at swamp jokes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitney Plantation and Swamp Tour

• Audio guided tour of Whitney Plantation
• Self guided tour of museum exhibits
• Pass by Evergreen Plantation filming site
• Pass by Destrehan Louisiana slave revolt site

Top questions

How long is the Whitney Plantation tour?

The audio-guided tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes for self-guided exploring.

Is pickup included for this day trip from New Orleans?

Yes, pickup is included with an air-conditioned vehicle for transfers between stops.

What size is the airboat for the swamp tour?

The airboat holds between 16 and 20 passengers for the Louisiana swamp portion.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during appropriate portions of the tour.

Will we see other plantations besides Whitney?

You’ll pass by Evergreen Plantation (featured in films) and Destrehan, site of an 1811 slave revolt.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included; plan accordingly for snacks or meals before or after.

Is this private or shared?

This is a shared group tour with other travelers on both bus and airboat portions.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from New Orleans in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry to Whitney Plantation Museum with audio guide plus time to explore exhibits on your own, scenic drive past historic plantations like Evergreen and Destrehan, then a guided Louisiana swamp adventure by large passenger airboat before returning to town together.