This tour combines a visit to the private Manchac Swamp with the Oak Alley Plantation! Experience the grandeur of the antebellum South of New Orleans on our Oak Alley tour. As Oak Alley Plantation comes into view, you will understand why it is the most photographed plantation ever. Its quarter-mile-long alley of 28 magnificent oak trees, each nearly 300 years old, offers an impressive welcome.
Tour the "Big House," one of America’s most iconic homes and a filming location for TV shows and movies. This 1839 Greek Revival mansion symbolizes the grandeur of an era of great wealth. But there is much more to its story. Research by the Friends of Oak Alley Foundation reveals the lives and legacies of those who called Oak Alley home.
Then, it's a short ride to Manchac Swamp, where you will cruise through a private wildlife refuge in a comfortable, covered pontoon boat with a local captain. Learn about Frenier and Cajun fishing, hunting, and trapping culture. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators as they leap up for snacks!
✓ Swamp Boat Tour✓ Round trip transportation✓ Air-conditioned vehicle✓ Narrated by a local guide✓ Tour of Oak Alley Plantation✕ Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off✕ Food & Drink (Available for Purchase)✕ Gratuities1 Oak Alley Plantation
Departures at 9 AM and 11 AM - 7 1/2 Hour Tour
Your 1.5-hour Oak Alley experience will include a docent-guided tour of the plantation home, a self-guided tour of the grounds, and many photo opportunities along the way. Save room for a Mint Julep or refreshment from the snack bar.
· 2 h · Admission included
2 Lake Pontchartrain
Although called a lake, this is actually a large lagoon and brackish estuary fed by fresh water rivers and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. Covering 630 square miles (1600 km2), it is one of the largest wetlands in North America.
· Non-stop passage
3 Spillway
View the spillway, a flood control operation in the Lower Mississippi west of New Orleans. The spillway, when open, allows floodwaters from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain and thence into the Gulf of Mexico.
· Non-stop passage
4 Manchac Swamp
1 hour 30 minutes, entrance included
This privately owned wildlife refuge ensures that you won’t encounter any other boats during your peaceful journey into the swamp. Local Cajun captains share personal tales of their own swamp explorations and fascinating information on the plants and wildlife you'll encounter. The primitive beauty of moss-draped cypress trees and abundant wildlife guarantees some amazing pictures! Enjoy a beverage and snack from the open-air pavilion.
· 1 h 30 min · Admission included
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per traveler
Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding to check in.
Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding to check in.
Please display your barcoded voucher as your ticket 15 minutes in advance of your tour time at our Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River. All tours and cruises depart from here, at the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (400 Toulouse St. New Orleans, LA 70130), directly behind the JAX Brewery.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Suitable for all physical fitness levels In order to help protect the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point -- just a short stroll from most downtown hotels. Alternate Routes: Due to uneven and narrow paths, alternate routes may be necessary for guests traveling in wheelchairs. Oak Alley Plantation is a Smoke Free Facility Oak Alley and Swamp Tour Combo
Arrive at the departure point 15 minutes early to check in. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife. Consider purchasing refreshments at the snack bars. Be prepared for potential encounters with alligators. Allow ample time for the full 7.5-hour tour. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 3780SWPL
Activity offered by Gray Line New Orleans via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center History enthusiasts Nature lovers Families Travelers seeking unique cultural experiences Explore the historic Oak Alley Plantation Cruise through the scenic Manchac Swamp Spot alligators in their natural habitat Learn about Cajun culture and history Enjoy narrated tours by local guides Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Population 383,997 (2020)
Elevation 11 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 12° Jan 14° Feb 17° Mar 21° Apr 25° May 28° Jun 28° Jul 29° Aug 27° Sept 22° Oct 17° Nov 14° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is included in the tour? + The tour includes a Swamp Boat Tour, round trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, narration by a local guide, and a tour of Oak Alley Plantation.
What is not included in the tour? + Hotel pick-up and drop-off, food and drinks (available for purchase), and gratuities are not included.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Are infants allowed on the tour? + Yes, infants are allowed but are required to sit on an adult’s lap. They can also ride in a pram or stroller.
Is the tour suitable for people with physical fitness limitations? + Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, alternate routes may be necessary for guests traveling in wheelchairs due to uneven and narrow paths.
Where does the tour depart from? + The tour departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River (at the Steamboat Natchez Dock), just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
wonderful
scottsZ6434VD, October 2026
Great time. I enjoyed the swamp tour the most . The boat guide was excellent
★★★★★ Viator review
Enjoyed this
John_S, October 2026
Most of the 7+ hour experience was simply driving to and from the plantation. We had no idea the plantation was so far away from the meeting place. The tour guide did interact and point out sights and was very knowledgeable and informative as well as quite humorous. My wife and I agree that it was well worth the money and would recommend this trip, just prepare for the long bus ride.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing tour and best tour guide Kimberley
IoanaBristol, October 2026
Wonderful trip, lots of leaning about Louisiana and New Orleans history, slavery facts and I really enjoyed the Oak Alley plantation - house is lovely , yummy pralines in the shop and good food on restaurant .
Our guide Kimberley was so knowledgeable I wish I did this trip as beginning of New Orleans stay to take full advantage of her food recommendations.
Swamp boat trip so much fun, saw gators, racoons, a turtle and birds - beautiful surroundings and funny captain/ we got given a baby gator to hold for pictures that was a bit unexpected and will be a good memory even if I personally don’t agree with handling wild animals .
If you only have a day in Mew Allen’s this is the tour to do.
★★★★★ Viator review
Fantastic tour that made...
Elaina_S, October 2026
Fantastic tour that made everything so easy when traveling without a car. The bus was easy to get to, the guide was wonderful and shared a lot of interesting information, drop off and instructions at the plantation were clear (beautiful grounds there!), then hopped back on the bus for a fun swamp tour. Highly recommend for a fun filled day where all logistics are handled.
★★★★★ Viator review
Oak Alley and Swamp tour
Kelly_S, October 2026
Everything about this tour was amazing . From Oak Alley plantation to the swamp tour, but the best part was Kate and Jasa the guide and the driver.
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