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Destrehan Plantation and Large Airboat Tour from New Orleans

4.8 (50)
Destrehan, US
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Destrehan Plantation and Large Airboat Tour from New Orleans

4.8 (50)
Destrehan, US
Share
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Experience the best of New Orleans with this thrilling combo tour that combines a visit to the historic Destrehan Plantation with an exhilarating airboat ride through the Barataria Preserve. Feel the rich history of Louisiana come alive as you explore the oldest documented plantation in the lower Mississippi Valley, where you'll learn about the French and Spanish colonial periods, the sugar baron era, and the impact of the Civil War. Then, get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure as you hop on a 16-passenger airboat and zip through the swamp at high speeds. Get up close and personal with alligators and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of swamp, marsh, and lake. This 6-hour tour is the perfect way to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of New Orleans.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Visit the oldest documented plantation in the lower Mississippi Valley
  • Immerse yourself in the rich history of Louisiana
  • Experience a high-speed airboat adventure in the swamp
  • Get up close and personal with alligators
  • Explore inaccessible areas of the swamp that you cannot reach by foot or car
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Driver/guide
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the best of two New Orleans day trips in one with the Destrehan Plantation and Large Airboat Tour Combo. This 6-hour adventure takes you on a journey through history and nature, immersing you in the rich heritage of Louisiana. Begin your day by exploring the oldest documented plantation in the lower Mississippi Valley, the Destrehan Plantation. Step back in time as you travel through the French and Spanish Colonial periods, the Antebellum grandeur, and the ravages of the Civil War. Discover fascinating stories of free and enslaved individuals, set against the backdrop of Louisiana's sugar-driven economy. Afterward, get ready for an exhilarating airboat ride through the Barataria Preserve, just 35 minutes from New Orleans.

What to expect?

During this tour combo, you can expect a total duration of 375 minutes filled with history, culture, and adventure. Step into the past with a visit to the Destrehan Plantation,where the guided house tour lasts approximately one hour. Explore the grounds, including the 1811 slave revolt museum/cabin and the majestic oak trees. Then, embark on the Barataria Preserve airboat adventure, a thrilling high-speed ride combined with a scenic swamp tour. Experience the thrill of zooming through the waterways before slowing down to observe wildlife and capture photos. Get up close and personal with alligators and keep an eye out for diverse bird species in this unique combination of swamp, marsh, and lake ecosystems.

Who is this for?

The Destrehan Plantation and Large Airboat Tour Combo is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Whether you're an experienced traveler or visiting New Orleans for the first time, this tour offers something for everyone. Experience the rich history of Louisiana at the Destrehan Plantation and gain insights into the region's heritage. Nature enthusiasts will love the high-speed airboat adventure in the Barataria Preserve, where they can spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Families, solo travelers, and groups of friends can all enjoy this captivating tour that combines culture, adventure, and stunning landscapes.

Why book this?

Embark on this tour and discover the best of New Orleans in one day. With the Destrehan Plantation and Large Airboat Tour Combo, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Louisiana's history, from the days of French and Spanish Colonialism to the impact of the Civil War. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories of free and enslaved individuals who shaped the region's identity. Then, brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride through the fascinating landscapes of the Barataria Preserve. Get unparalleled views of alligators and explore inaccessible areas that traditional boats cannot reach. This unique combination of history and adventure is the perfect way to make the most of your time in New Orleans.

Good to know

As you explore the Destrehan Plantation and Barataria Preserve, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, as the Louisiana sun can be strong. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning views and wildlife. The Destrehan Plantation house tour lasts approximately one hour, allowing you ample time to explore the grounds and the slave cabin. If time permits, you can enjoy lunch in the area (at your own expense). The Barataria Preserve airboat tour lasts around 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to experience the thrill of high-speed adventure and the tranquility of the swamp. Prepare for an exciting, immersive, and inspiring day that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Reviews

Reviews from previous visitors rave about the Destrehan Plantation and Large Airboat Tour Combo. Travelers were captivated by the rich history and fascinating stories shared during the plantation tour. Many were impressed by the well-preserved architecture and breathtaking grounds. The airboat tour through the Barataria Preserve drew rave reviews for its thrilling speed and up-close encounters with alligators. Visitors were thrilled by the knowledgeable local captains who provided an unforgettable experience. Overall, guests were delighted with this combination tour, praising its unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to explore two of New Orleans' must-see attractions in one unforgettable day.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Destrehan Plantation

Get picked up at your hotel in New Orleans to begin this combination day tour, which lasts a little more than 6 hours. First, visit the Destrehan Plantation, built in 1787 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Travel through time from the French and Spanish Colonial periods through the Antebellum grandeur of the sugar barons to the ravages of the Civil War and the rebirth of reconstruction. You will find yourself immersed in the rich history of Louisiana when French was the language, and the white gold of sugar drove the economy. An 1811 slave revolt museum/cabin is on the grounds along with its massive oak trees. Family stories of those free and enslaved set against the fabric of history will intrigue every visitor to the site. A house tour is approximately 1 hour, with time to walk the grounds and see the slave cabin. This includes time for lunch (own expense) if time permits.

Admission Included

Barataria Preserve

Next, head for the swamp that's only 35 minutes from New Orleans - yet a world away. An airboat adventure is a high speed adventure that is part tour and part ride. You will experience the best of both: a swamp tour and an airboat ride. You will travel at high speeds in the airboat then slow down and stop for pictures. Along the way, you will get a personal tour by your local captain. The airboats have stadium seating, so that the person in front of you does not obstruct your view. So every airboat seat is great for experiencing the tour and viewing the wildlife. Yes, gators will get close - real close. So close that you will be able to look into those reptilian eyes. Alligators do hibernate in the colder months, but the experienced captains know where to look for them. On average, during the winter, you have better than a 50/50 chance of seeing a gator. In the warmer months, you will see a gator. Every airboat tour is unique and you never know what will be around the next corner. The area toured is a combination of swamp, marsh and lake, so you may see anything from a bald eagle to a pelican to osprey to an owl. The airboats are driven by a 454 Chevy Engine that will produce speeds of up to 35 miles an hour. They are propelled by a huge fan that will blow air from the back of the boat in excess of 200 miles an hour. These tours are truly a blast! They ride in inches of water and go where traditional boats cannot go. The boats were designed to take you to inaccessible areas of the swamp, places that you cannot reach by foot or car. It is a unique experience.

Admission Included

Reviews

(50)

4.8 (50)

Kristy_R

Had a lovely time and learned a lot. The plantation tour was great but for us the main attraction was the bayou tour. Our guide was fantastic. He knew just where to go and he shared a lot of alligator facts with us. I can not even count the number of gators that we saw. It was incredible. They had hearing protection for us because the boat was so loud, which was nice. Dress warm because it’s cold on the water, even on a hot day. There wasn’t really opportunity to have lunch so bring snacks to tide you over until it’s done.

barbara_b

Enjoyed the swap tour and plantation.. Absolutely fantastic recommendation, the tour operators and guides were exceptional.

Robyn_S

The tour guides were amazing and the historical site was captivating. The value for the price was good considering they pick you up and provide transportation and take the thought process out of your hands. We accidentally were put on the wrong boat but even with that we enjoyed ourselves and the tour and the company is very hospitable and will remain in contact with our tour company to reciprocate. 2 thumbs up!

Sheri_T

Plantation was super educational and we loved it. Captain Ernie from Airboat Swamp was Amazing!! Thrilling airboat ride, lots of educational info shared. Got to see 2 small gators — which make sense this time of year, for December.

metimmons

The airboat tour was incredible. Our guide loved the land we toured. Enjoyed Destrehan because a bit smaller and less crowded.

108jebm

Captain Ernie was excellent! Love the information he provided and found us some gators!! Little bit of Gatorade as well!!

Victoria_B

You definitely need to book this! The Plantation was fascinating, and the Airboat tour was just amazing! Our guides on both tours were absolutely fantastic. Can't recommend enough 😀

Melissa_P

So much fun! The plantation tour was very educational, but the swamp tour was the best! Beautiful and lots of fun! Definitely seen Gators! Big ones too! And best part they brought out a little baby one for us to hold! 10/10 great experience for our first time to Louisiana.

Stacey_D

It was great to pack in both a plantation visit and the swamp airboat experiences into one day. Unfortunately, there was not enough time for me to listen to the Slave Revolt guide because we had to be back on the bus to make the swamp boat launch. I did appreciate the historical society's dedication to acquiring and restoring the abandoned Destrehan Home from the oil company. The airboat was a big hit... not to be missed while visiting New Orleans! Captain Sean kissed an alligator! After hearing from other tourists & locals, I would like to go to the Whitney Planation.

Stacy_H

I loved the history of the plantation tour and feeling immersed in a different time. And the airboat tour of the swamp was the highlight of my New Orleans trip. Captain Ernie had such great wisdom to share and was a great guide. Highly recommend!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-02 10:57