Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
New Orleans, USA
- 5 hours 25 minutes (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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 as you explore the site independently. You can also choose to upgrade your experience to include a 90-minute swamp tour.
- Download the Whitney Plantation app for this self-guided tour of the museum
- Prebooked admission tickets are included to guarantee your entry
- Learn more about a side of Louisiana history that should never be forgotten
- Round-trip transport from central New Orleans is included
- Upgrade your experience to include a 90-minute swamp tour
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
This tour is highly recommended for those wishing to truly understand life from a enslaved person's perspective.
What's Included
- 2 hours to spend touring Whitney Plantation
- Round-trip transport from central New Orleans
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Audio Tour Via Whitney Plantation App
- 90-minute pontoon swamp tour (if option chosen)
- Food and drinks (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Gray Line New Orleans400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River, just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your way to the meeting point in the French Quarter, and travel outside the city along the Mississippi River to the famous River Road, home to many of Louisiana’s antebellum plantations.
Upon arriving at the Whitney Plantation, a National Historic Landmark founded more than 260 years ago, set off for a self-led tour accompanied by an audio guide.
Learn about the harsh realities and legacy of the people who lived and worked at Whitney. See original and restored slave cabins and the well-preserved Big House, considered one of the best remaining examples of Spanish Creole architecture in Louisiana.
Read about the lives of Louisiana’s enslaved people in their own words through first-person narratives recorded by the Federal Writers' Project, and explore museum exhibits that help tell the story of slavery in the American South.
After absorbing the poignant and powerful history of the estate and its centuries of human stories, return to New Orleans in the late afternoon.
Upon arriving at the Whitney Plantation, a National Historic Landmark founded more than 260 years ago, set off for a self-led tour accompanied by an audio guide.
Learn about the harsh realities and legacy of the people who lived and worked at Whitney. See original and restored slave cabins and the well-preserved Big House, considered one of the best remaining examples of Spanish Creole architecture in Louisiana.
Read about the lives of Louisiana’s enslaved people in their own words through first-person narratives recorded by the Federal Writers' Project, and explore museum exhibits that help tell the story of slavery in the American South.
After absorbing the poignant and powerful history of the estate and its centuries of human stories, return to New Orleans in the late afternoon.
Lake Pontchartrain (Pass By)
1
Whitney Plantation
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time.
- If the guest needs a wheelchair lift equipped bus, then special arrangements need to be made with the supplier. This must be arranged 48 hours prior to tour date. Contact details will be on your voucher.
- Guests visiting Whitney using a wheelchair will have access to the gift shop, restrooms, and museum. The plantation grounds are accessible; however, there are uneven gravel paths. The main house tour is not accessible to guest traveling in wheelchairs and is not required to be modified as it is a historic home; however, the first floor is accessible. Guests would be able to view the slave quarters, but would not have access to enter.
- Tour at Whitney Plantation is Self Guided
- This tour includes 2 hours dedicated to exploring the grounds of Whitney Plantation. The remaining time consists of travel to and from the destination.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
Q:Where is the departure point for the Whitney Plantation Tour?
A:The tour begins at the Gray Line "Lighthouse" Ticket Office in the French Quarter at Toulouse Street & the Mississippi River - at the Steamboat Natchez Dock (400 Toulouse Street.)
Jun 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 1,428 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
John_R, Jul 2026
Our tour guide was Kimberly for our bus ride. She had so much information about Louisiana and she tough us so many new things and was very informative.!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks so much, John. Kimberly is a great asset to Gray Line. She loves her guests.
Brenda_B, Jun 2026
My experience was emotional and somber. But, I would strongly recommend this tour. Although my tour was a self guided excursion, I recommend using the guided version. The guides are knowledgeable and can provide you a much deeper understanding of the artifacts and living and working situations.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you Brenda for touring with us. The Whitney experience that is somber and thought provoking.
Shannon_M, Jun 2026
Very raw, honest and heartbreaking. A humbling experience. My heart is overwhelmingly heavy. Although it was painful, this place should be preserved so the history does not repeat itself.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
The reason this experience was curated was for the reasons you noted. It is important to understand so that actions are never repeated.
Zadiya_H, Jun 2026
I loved this experience! My friends & I had such a great time! From Whitney plantation to the Bauou tour . . Our tour guide Katie was wonderful
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Katie loves her guests and makes sure that you leave with knowledge and then joy from the Bayou portion.
synae_c, Jun 2026
Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, wear sunblock and perhaps a sun hat. Bring your camera and the self guided tour was better for me, but if you have questions, go for the guide.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
What a delightful review with very helpful hints. Thank you.
Nathan_M, Jun 2026
Very educational. I loved reading the slave narratives I pray slavery never happens again.
Very humbling experience. Gives me a deeper understanding of what my ancestors endured.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Nathn, we appreciate your review and hope it encourages more people to share this time at Whitney.
Tina_C, Jun 2026
The Whitney Plantation was an incredibly educational and moving experience. I loved that it was self-guided with an audio device, allowing me to explore at my own pace and gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for my ancestors. The swamp tour was a lot of fun, and our captain was knowledgeable and entertaining. Seeing the alligators and other wildlife up close was amazing. Both experiences were memorable and well worth it!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We want to make all your time with us worth it! Thank you for taking this tour of southeast Louisiana.
Catrina_D, Jun 2026
Wow...just wow! The experience was amazing. Just to be able to listen to and learn about the history of slavery...
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Catrina, we appreciate that took the Whitney excusion with us.
Cristino_F, Jun 2026
The Whitney Plantation tour was excellent! The manner in which it is organized is very impressive. The details regarding the history was on point and informative. Excellent job!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your review on organzation the distribution of history and human stories.
Sue_B, Jun 2026
The audio tour is very detailed and informative. It adds tremendously to our understanding to see the conditions in which the slaves lived and see and hear first person testimony.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks for touring with us Sue.
Jodi_H, Jun 2026
We really appreciated the Whitney Plantation tour, learning more about the history and experience. Stacey, our tour driver was lovely and shared information about the area and plantations along the way. We recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the recommendation and for joining us.
Shawn_R, May 2026
What a wonderful experience in learning about the history of the Whitney Plantation. Everyone was knowledgeable and our family appreciated the relevancy of learning our past
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you Shawn.
Ashley_J, May 2026
This experience was very good and educational! I felt so many emotions while taking this tour! Highly recommended
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Your high recommendation means so much. Thank you.
shaundia_G, May 2026
Walking in the same place as your ancestors is very surreal. So much information and things to see. I recommend visiting as much as you can
Response from Host, Jul 2026
It is an experience that leaves no one untouched. Thank you.
Betsy_D, May 2026
The Whitney is beautiful, and covers a great deal of land; it’s huge. It is one of the reasons we chose this tour, per Viator it stated we would spend 2 hours at the plantation. Our pick up was scheduled for 10am, within 10 mins of take off, the driver, PRESTON with the tattoo “lovewins” on his forearm, advised that we would have to go to a bus yard and switch buses, there was an issue with the AC. It was about 10:45am when we were finally headed to the plantation; he assured us that it would not affect our tour, and affirmed this twice.
When we finally arrived, at 11:51am, as we got ready to step off, he stated that our return time to the bus would be 1pm, or we’d be left behind; and then corrected himself and stated 1:15pm. We all seemed puzzled. He said they typically arrive at 11:15, but that considering the detour at the beginning, our times would be set differently. I assumed he dismissed the delay. As I was stepping off the bus, I slipped on the stairs and almost hurt my head and back.
I then had the opportunity to ask, and inquired if we were misinformed by Viator about the 2 hour duration, he answered in front of others, in a very snarky manner, that “he only transports people” I then stated I would contact Viator (as in to clarify), and he immediately got defensive and immaturely responded “okay, go knock yourself out”. … ????
A grown man with a soiled diaper mentality, who certainly looks it too. A disgruntled person who clearly has personal issues, and makes everything else a personal problem. I run a business for a living, and would never represent a company in such a way.
After the initial introduction by staff at the Whitney, where we were given audio devices and exploratory directives, we only had an 1hr and 15 mins to explore the plantation. Not nearly enough time. While it was no one’s fault that the bus had an AC issue, gray line should have extended our time out of courtesy.
Response from Host, May 2026
We appreciate your commentary and will certainly discuss the lack of hospitality that you experienced with Preston. Our guests are important to us and courtesy is essential. We know that the bus was exchanged due to unforeseen lack of AC. It is hot is Louisiana already. We know timing is important to everyone. The swamp tours cannot always hold back their tours when we arrive late, but we will work closely to find alternatives should this happen again.
NAILAH_O, May 2026
You will be changed forevermore. The atrocities during the era of slavery are palpable on this tour. We did the self-tour. Do outside first (takes about 1.5 hrs). Breathe it in. Amazing site with so much important History. After that, you'll have an half hour before getting back on your bus. It will be ample. Inside are washrooms, drinks/snacks and various gifts/books etc. Our driver, Dominique was terrific! The druve is approx. 1 hrs, each way from the pickup point. The best, humbling your. Do NOT miss. We cannot and should not ever erase our history. It is raw and painful but extraordinarily instructive. Let's never ever again cause such indignitinty to humans.
Response from Host, May 2026
Never Forget is a phrase we hear often on this tour. Thank you for taking the time to see history is this live setting.
Christine_H, May 2026
Such a surreal experience, really capturing the trauma and pain that was endured at that time. I would recommend people go to get a true education about slavery during that time period.
Response from Host, May 2026
Whitney is an experience that captures your attention and probably will be one you recommend to many others.
Katherine_S, May 2026
Great, self-guided tour focused on the slave experience. Obviously very sad, but something that everyone should see and acknowledge. The bus driver also shared some great NOLA history and info on other plantations during the ride to and from Whitney.
Response from Host, May 2026
Katherine, thank you for sharing all these important sides of the Whitney Tour.
Fred_W, May 2026
Gray Line and the driver did a great job. 2 hours is not enough time at the plantation do it justice if someone wants to spend the time to study and understand the slave experience. 3 hours would be better.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you Fred. We have guests who wish a longer tour, and those who feel that 2 hours is more than enough. We try to balance these when planning our tours. Thank you.
Regina_O, Apr 2026
I can still feel the impact of visiting this plantation. I ran out of time because at the end of my tour I got to meet amazing historian at the plantation!
Betania_M, Apr 2026
Black history is American history. Seeing the immensity of acres and realizing the economic wealth of the colonizers is a result of Slave labor is bitter. Moving forward I would like the restoration of Whitney to be completed, in order to fully walk into history. I did enter the spaces available. The audio player was very useful and the gift shop was well stocked with books, tee shirts, many items. The staff was very nice and the restroom was clean.
Kellie_L, Apr 2026
A very informative history lesson of the suffering and brutality of the American slavery That existed within the plantation life.
Melanie_F, Apr 2026
Our driver was awesome! Safe and knowledgeable. The plantation was beautiful and the presentation of the slave experience was powerful
Cathy_R, Apr 2026
This was a very moving and educational experience. Seeing through the eyes of the enslaved people’s was very emotional. It’s a beautiful area. We did the self guided tour, which was perfect, we used the handheld device that they provided and told information about each part of the exhibits. We throughly enjoyed this tour. The bus ride there was comfortable and our guide Glen was very friendly and informative.
Linda_H, Apr 2026
We went on Gray Lines with Melinda our driver who was absolutely incredible the entire trip. Excellent driver, so informative to and from the our Whitney Plantation Tour which also was very good and more true to how it was!! Highly recommend this trip with Melinda!!
Cheryl_M, Apr 2026
Highly recommend this educational experience. Moving. Stacey, our driver, was a terrific guide and pure joy. Great day trip!
Haley_M, Apr 2026
Amazing experience. Liked that it was from the perspective of those enslaved there. Would definitely recommend
Joey_P, Apr 2026
JoAnne ( guide) and Roger ( Driver) were amazing. JoAnne had wonderful commentary on the way out to the Whitney plantation, to the other plantation to pick up the other guest before we went on the swamp tour ( Cajun Pride). Roger was a very responsible driver, and made us feel like we were in good hands for a safe, comfortable ride.
The Whitney plantation was very eye opening to say the least. It's one thing to read about plantations, but to actually visit one so well preserved and seeing how things were was very sobering.
This tour is a must for anyone even mildly curious into this part of American history needs to go!
Marilyn_G, Apr 2026
I think the best part of this tour was our bus driver Alton! Super super knowledgeable on the area of NOLA and beyond! He made the bus driver very entertaining and interesting. The tour was amazing as well great way to learn about our painful history!
Gregory_K, Apr 2026
We took a tour of the Whitney Plantation. Our driver, Melinda, was extremely knowledgeable and made the ride from New Orleans to the plantation and back super interesting and enjoyable.
The visit of the Whitney Plantation is definitely worth it; we learned so much about the history of these not-so-distant dark times.
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