Top New Orleans Day Trips

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).

(3,504)

from $131

Special Offer

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience New Orleans’ wild bayou country first-hand on an exciting, family‐friendly airboat ride. This boat tour winds through the mossy cypress swamp near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, named for the 19th-century pirate and smuggler. While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from a local guide as you admire lush, forested shoreline and spot local wildlife. Gators appear most commonly in the summer months, so keep your eyes peeled.

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

New Orleans Airboat Ride

4.7

(5,179)

from $59

Travelers enjoy views of iconic St.Louis Cathedral from the open top of a double-decker bus.

New Orleans City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

1 dayFree Cancellation

4.3

(5,183)

from $51

Whitney Plantation (Guided Tour) with Bus Ride To & From N. O.

Gain a deeper understanding of American history on this visit to Louisiana’s only museum dedicated to enslaved people. After you are collected from your New Orleans hotel in a luxurious air-conditioned van, your driver will take you westwards towards the Whitney Plantation. On the way, expect to hear an overview on the history of American plantations before arriving to this impactful landmark.

Whitney Plantation (Guided Tour) with Bus Ride To & From N. O.

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(122)

from $93

Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Visit the Whitney Plantation Museum—a former indigo and sugar plantation that is now dedicated to promoting an understanding of enslavement in Louisiana—on this hassle-free trip from New Orleans. Round-trip transit and admission tickets are included for your convenience. Upon arrival, learn about the brutal realities of plantation life through museum exhibits and an audio guide (6 languages available) as you explore the site independently. You can also choose to upgrade your experience to include a 90-minute swamp tour.

Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

5 hours 25 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(1,442)

from $89

Explore one of Louisiana’s last protected wetlands on a 2-hour boat tour that includes round-trip transport from New Orleans. Depart in the morning or afternoon for Honey Island Swamp, a wildlife preserve teeming with critters such as 'gators, wild boar, snakes and birds. Ride through the swamp dripping with lush foliage and visit a boat-accessible Cajun village with an informative local guide who sheds light on the area’s inhabitants.

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(6,851)

from $76

New Orleans City, Cemetery and Swamp Full-Day Tour

Travel through Cajun Country on this full-day New Orleans city tour and swamp adventure. Journey with your professional guide in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus as you learn about the history, culture and highlights of southern Creoles. You'll see major city highlights, areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, and tour the inside of a cemetery to see the above-ground tombs. Afterward, you'll head to the bayou for your choice of a leisurely pontoon boat ride or thrilling airboat ride.

New Orleans City, Cemetery and Swamp Full-Day Tour

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(198)

from $110

New Orleans City Tour: French Quarter, Garden District & Cemetery

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(2,686)

from $40

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Gain a deeper understanding of Louisiana—and combine two experiences in one—on this tour of the Whitney Plantation and a ride in the Manchac Swamp from New Orleans. Visit the plantation museum, view exhibits with an audio guide, and uncover the legacy of enslaved people as you explore. Afterward, ride a pontoon boat through a cypress swamp, look out for wildlife, and learn about Cajun culture from local guides.

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(31)

from $131

New Orleans Swamp Boat Tour with Shuttle Service

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

An easy day trip to take when in New Orleans, this tour takes you for a small airboat experience and Oak Alley Plantation tour. The exclusive tour site is the closest to the plantation, minimizing travel time. Ride in our small boat that accommodates up to nine passengers, ensuring an intimate experience away from idle zones and noise ordinances. No other boats are allowed in the private swamp, guaranteeing a serene and uninterrupted journey.

(25)

from $60

Small Airboat and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Small Airboat and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(25)

from $179

Special Offer

Experience the grandeur of New Orleans’ antebellum south on a half-day tour of Oak Alley Plantation. Journey through time to the manicured estate and into the gorgeous home, built in 1839. View stunning architecture, oak-lined esplanades, and enduring sugar cane fields while learning about the plantation’s fascinating – and often somber – histories from local guides. Upgrade your experience to include a pontoon swamp tour.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Enjoy an only-in-New-Orleans experience when you embark on a paddle-wheel boat tour of the mighty Mississippi River. In the evening, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, and admire views of the city from the water's edge. This cost-saving package additionally includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected), plus live jazz music to set the mood.

New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(8,095)

from $58

New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

(3,292)

from $50

New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans from two perspectives on a city tour and steamboat cruise that lets you escape the land-based crowds. Enjoy a narrated coach tour of historic landmarks, including the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Garden District. Then, step aboard Steamboat NATCHEZ (or its sister vessel) for a journey along the mighty Mississippi River, complete with live jazz and optional Creole dining.

New Orleans City Tour and Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.2

(477)

from $88

Put New Orleans in context without the self-drive hassles on this enriching full-day tour. First, immerse in the city’s dark history on a self-guided tour of the Whitney Plantation, with time to explore the museum independently. Next, pass by the Evergreen Plantation, where Django Unchained was filmed, and board an airboat for a high-speed swamp adventure. Your package includes small-group transfers from most New Orleans hotels.

Whitney Plantation and Airboat Tour from New Orleans

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Save time with a full-day tour from New Orleans that combines a boat tour of the Louisiana swamp with a visit to either Oak Alley Plantation or St Joseph Plantation. Both plantations are located within a short drive of the swamp, so you can make the most of your excursion. Learn about the swamp’s ecosystem and wildlife from your boat captain, and hear about the plantation’s history during a guided tour.

(237)

from $152

Oak Alley Or St. Joseph Plantation Plus Swamp Tour Combination

Oak Alley Or St. Joseph Plantation Plus Swamp Tour Combination

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Exploring New Orleans in the evening can seem like an intimidating quest on your own, but this ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour takes you to the city’s eeriest sights at night in the safety of a group led by a guide. Stop by top attractions such as the LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum while listening to your guide’s detailed stories of the paranormal and beyond.

(24)

from $125

New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour

New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(13,647)

from $37

Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour from New Orleans

Tour the Oak Alley Plantation, named for the alley of centuries-old oaks leading up to the antebellum Big House. Follow the oak-shaded paths to the blacksmith shop and a souvenir shop during your free time. Alcoholic drinks and lunch are available to purchase at the restaurant on-site, with round-trip hotel transport provided from New Orleans. Upgrade your experience to include a 3-hour city tour of New Orleans with a stop to tour the above ground tombs at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour from New Orleans

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.3

(179)

from $75

Oak Alley and Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(97)

from $111

Take a break from the bustle of New Orleans to explore the lifestyles and complex history of rural Louisiana on a day trip to the Oak Alley Plantation. Take a guided tour the opulent antebellum mansion, gardens, and enslaved people's cabins, and learn about the lives of the free and enslaved families who lived here. During the drive to River Road, learn about the region's history, from the Civil War to Hurricane Katrina.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Hotel Pickup

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.2

(42)

from $78

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Pickup from New Orleans

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Soak up the atmosphere of the bayou on this 8-hour cultural tour from New Orleans. Visit the Oak Alley Plantation House, dating from 1837, and view the stately row of 28 evenly spaced mature oaks that line the driveway. Follow your guide, dressed in period costume, through the mansion, the blacksmith shop and the onsite restaurant. You'll also learn about life in the bayou's waterways aboard a swamp and wetlands boat tour. See the amazing variety of flora and fauna native to the area and hear about life in the Barataria Swamps from your native guides. Round-trip transportation from New Orleans is included.

(87)

from $87

Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans

Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(404)

from $130

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What are people saying about New Orleans

Oak Alley Plantation and Swamp Boat Tour from New Orleans

Jennifer_H, Aug 2026

Plantation & bayou tour

Our drivers Barbara & Keith were fantastic & great drivers. The plantation tour was very interesting & informative. The bayou cruise with captain Bobby was great & a highlight. Only one thing from the whole day I’d like to see change -I found it disturbing the feeding of marshmallows to the wildlife to encourage interaction. Personally I’d prefer less interaction to protect their health, wellbeing & environment. That aside the tour was a great day out & will recommend.

Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour from New Orleans

KATHRYN_M, Aug 2026

Oak alley Plantation tour

The driver and the Plantation tour was great and educational but it did say city tour and I assumed we will actually go in the city but we were given information of landmarks we saw while passing the freeway, we were never near it except the plantation itself

Whitney Plantation and Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Marguerite_P, Jul 2026

I’m glad we did it!

Our tour guide was excellent. As we traveled to the plantation, he not only shared info about it and slave practices in general, but also on Hurricane Katrina. As a native of New Orleans, he had an excellent perspective on the city. He was a knowledgeable historian ac well.

Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Florice_C, Jul 2026

Awesome experience! Loved it!!!

Wonderful experience and super fun boat driver! The boats are good, and Oh My and all Of the wildlife! Just a great overall day and don’t be worried about the heat the bayou is very shaded and boats breeze is great! Be sure you come with a fully charged battery— you will want to video and take lots of photos!!!

New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

Melinda_V, Jul 2026

Wonderful and informative tour

Our tour started with Amber, our outstanding driver. She provided some history for the area and suggestions for places to go in New Orleans. Once we arrived at the Swamp Tour area, we luckily were assigned to Chris's boat. He was a fantastic guide. He shared lots of information about the river, swamp and slough. We saw lots of alligators of various sizes, which was exciting. We saw raccoons, birds and so many beautiful trees and plants. We recommend this tour and that you request Chris, ad your guide.

Swamp Boat Ride and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Nicola_B, May 2026

Great day out

My original booking was cancelled however I was advised in advance and was offered an alternative. We set off on time and Jane was an excellent host providing a very informative commentary on the way. As my original booking was cancelled we were actually added to another group heading to a different plantation. The coach took a short detour to drop 3 of us at the Whitney Plantation as per my original booking. I felt very looked after and fully informed of the arrangements. The Whitney Plantation was an amazing experience and worthy of being in anyone’s itinerary. It was a self guided tour and easy to follow. The only downside was a turn in the weather which meant I had to move through the areas a little quicker than I would have liked but overall a great experience. The coach came back to collect us at the agreed time and we were driven to meet the rest of the coach party at Oak Plantation where we had ample time to obtain refreshments. Onwards from there we headed for the swamp tour. Whilst the swamp vehicle wasn’t what I was expecting it was a great trip nonetheless and our boat operator was excellent . We did get to see the alligators and other swamp wildlife and a great time was had .

Whitney Plantation Tour with New Orleans Hotel Pickup

Anna_S, Apr 2026

The best and most informative tour ever!

First, pick a nice day. You'll be outside 95% of the time. Second, pick your tour package carefully. Some may just be a ride, others, like mine with Crescent City Tours, was fun filled and very informational not only on where we were going but what has happened in the area. Being at the plantation was an amazing experience. To be able to see and walk among where so many had been before and learn what actually happened to them and not some watered down version was very impactful. The last stop in the church was the hardest for me. When I was in there and everyone had left, the weight of the place came down on me and I was not able to stay longer. If you are at all sensitive to the blight of others, this will have a profound affect on you and your outlook on life from thereafter.

Small-Group Laura and Whitney Plantation Tour from New Orleans

Christine_C, Apr 2026

Laura and Whitney Plantation Tour

Spending the day touring Laura and Whitney Plantation just outside of New Orleans was both beautiful and deeply moving. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. Both plantations offer rich, detailed insight into Louisiana’s history, but what stood out most was how thoughtfully the stories were told. Walking through the grounds, listening to the guides, and seeing the preserved structures made the past feel very real. The Whitney Plantation in particular does an incredible job of centering the lives and voices of the enslaved people who lived there, which adds a powerful and necessary perspective. Overall it was a wonderful experience filled with history and knowledge that stays with you long after you leave.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

Adriane_B, Apr 2026

Oak Alley Plantation

This is a great tour. Viator always does a good job. We have taken some of their European tours and were never disappointed. The bus driver Monique was wonderful, courteous and helpful. All the Viator staff members are great!! This plantation finally satisfied my desire to see a large beautiful plantation mansion AND they made sure to discuss the lives and circumstances of the enslaved, greatly demonstrating just how wrong it was to finance a life on the backs of people held as chattel. AND the owners ended up going bankrupt with artificially low expenses because no one paid the enslaved. All the monetary value was in the enslaved and if they were sold to raise funds, just WHO would do all the work?? And this is totally aside from the moral issue of creating enslaved, for which they all went straight to Hell.

Oak Alley Plantation and Small Airboat Tour from New Orleans

Laura_M, Mar 2026

Oak Alley Plantation is...

Oak Alley Plantation is beautiful. The grounds are lovely. It seems funny to mention this but the public restrooms are the cleanest I've been in. The Best part of the tour was the Airboat ride. Rocky, our guide, was amazing. He got us up close to gators and let us touch a baby one. It was awesome. I would definitely recommend.

New Orleans City, Cemetery and Swamp Full-Day Tour

Samantha_D, Jan 2026

Best alligator tour!

This was the BEST tour. It was so much fun and we learned some fun facts. Our airboat captain, Captain Bebop was awesome. He was funny and nice. We toured end of December so chances of seeing alligators was slim. He found us 2. We also got to hold a baby. It was so exciting. He was personable, polite but damn he was funny. We had the best time.

Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

Carolyn_T, Nov 2025

Fantastic Day out!!

We really enjoyed this tour. Giselle was our tour guide and was fantastic. She was very informative all through the tour even we while we were travelling between locations she continued to tell us about the history of New Orleans. We started the day with an airboat ride where we met many of the alligators inhabiting the swamp and our operator was very entertaining and informative. We learnt a lot about the swamp and experienced a fun ride as well. We then headed to Laura plantation where we had a lovely guide who was extremely knowledgeable, and we learnt a lot about Lauras family history and their life on the plantation as well as some of the known history of the slaves who lived there. Houmas house was our next destination where we had a lovely buffet lunch where I (who is usually a bit fussy) was pleasantly surprised with how nice it was. The tour of the house was great which is full of antiques and interesting pieces from a bygone era. The tour guide took us through the home explaining life in this house and we then explored the beautiful gardens complete with beautiful old Oak Trees hundreds of years old and fantastic sculptures throughout to be discovered as you walk through. We even encountered peacocks, swans and turkeys along the way. The van was comfortable and the small group who were lovely was a great way to do this type of tour. We would highly recommend this tour.