Oak Alley Plantation and Large Airboat Swamp Tour
History and adventure back to back — about two hours at Oak Alley, then a fast airboat run through the swamp for alligators, with hotel pickup included.
Overview
This full-day combo is the top-rated way to put the antebellum estate and a high-speed airboat in the same outing. After hotel pickup you head out to Oak Alley for about two hours — the guided Big House, the 300-year-old oaks and the exhibits on slavery and sugar — before boarding a large airboat for a fast, exhilarating run through the swamp.
Where the covered-boat combos are calm and shaded, the airboat is the thrill version: open-air, quick, and close to the water, with a local captain who knows where the alligators and wading birds are. The large boat keeps the group to a maximum of 16, and admission plus the airboat are included; food, lunch and gratuities are not.
What you'll do
Hotel pickup in New Orleans
Collected from your hotel for the drive west to the River Road.
About two hours at Oak Alley
Guided Big House tour, then free time for the oak alley, the slavery exhibit, the blacksmith shop and the grounds.
Board the large airboat
Head to the launch and set out on an open-air airboat built for speed.
Airboat swamp run
A fast, close-up run through marsh and swamp watching for alligators, egrets and other wildlife with your captain.
Return to New Orleans
Back to your hotel by early evening after a full day.
What's included
- Professional driver and/or guide
- Round-trip hotel transport
- Oak Alley Plantation admission
- Large airboat swamp tour
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Know before you go
- Departs
- Hotel pickup in New Orleans.
- Duration
- About 8 hours in total.
- Group size
- Up to 16 travellers on the large airboat.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible; airboats are not suitable for some travellers — check the operator's restrictions before booking.
- Bring
- Sun protection, water, a light layer for the open boat, and cash or card for lunch (not included).
What travellers say
★★★★★
The drive out is long but worth it. The plantation was gorgeous and our guide a wealth of knowledge, and the airboat was the highlight — so many gators, plus an owl.
★★★★★
The airboat was fast and loud in the best way, and the alligators came right up to the boat. Oak Alley was beautiful too, though I would have liked a little longer there.
★★★★★
A proper full day. The plantation tour was informative and presented history you only really understand up close, and the airboat is the only way to see the swamp — you get right in among it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the airboat and the covered swamp boat?
The airboat is open-air, fast and exhilarating and gets close to the water; the covered boat is calm and shaded. This tour uses the large airboat, capped at 16 people.
How much time do I get at Oak Alley?
About two hours, covering the guided Big House tour plus free time for the oaks, the exhibits and the grounds.
Is the airboat suitable for everyone?
Airboats are fast and loud and are not recommended for some travellers, including those who are pregnant or have back or heart conditions; check the operator's restrictions and any height minimum before booking.
Are meals included?
No. Lunch, food and drink and gratuities are not included; you can buy food at Oak Alley's on-site restaurant.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes — free cancellation up to 24 hours before it starts.
