Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Explore the historic antebellum south and a private wildlife refuge on this full-day excursion combining Oak Alley Plantation and the Manchac Swamp.

This day trip from New Orleans pairs a visit to the Oak Alley Plantation with a guided boat cruise through the Manchac Swamp. At the plantation, participants tour the 1839 Greek Revival mansion known as the Big House, situated behind a quarter-mile entranceway framed by twenty-eight mature oak trees. Visitors learn about the history of the property and the lives of those who lived there through exhibits presented by the Friends of Oak Alley Foundation.

Following the plantation stop, the itinerary continues with a short drive to the Manchac Swamp. Guests board a covered pontoon boat led by a local captain for a cruise through a private wildlife refuge. The boat ride offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, including alligators, while the captain shares information regarding Cajun fishing, hunting, and trapping traditions centered around Frenier. This excursion suits visitors interested in regional history and local ecosystems, departing directly from New Orleans for a full day of sightseeing.