Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

New Orleans , United States

Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

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(1246 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

A grand mélange presentation of Cajun and Creole cultures including a high-speed airboat tour of the cypress swamps. Visit Laura Plantation, built in 1804, and learn about Laura's personal family saga. Enjoy a gourmet, unlimited buffet lunch in the elegant dining room of Houmas House Plantation, followed by a guided tour of this grand mansion. The small-group atmosphere ensures a more personal experience.

Available options

Airboat + Plantations

Airboat + Plantation Tour: Grand Tour of Cajun Country plus thrilling, 2-hour small airboat adventure through Louisiana bayous<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transport by 14-passenger air-conditioned van with live narration

Hotel pickup with exact pickup time provided

Fast and fun airboat tour

Tour of Houmas House and Laura Plantation

Gourmet, unlimited buffet lunch at Houmas House

Detailed itinerary

You'll start your day driving out to Cajun Country, where you'll go through wild cypress swamps, over the Mississippi River on an impressive suspended bridge, and along vast sugarcane fields, as the guide tells a unique story of the odyssey of the Cajun people.

Next take a thrilling high-speed airboat ride as you comfortably glide over marshes and into deep, secluded bayous. Your Cajun guide, also an alligator hunter and fur trapper, will share his knowledge of the swamp including reptile habits, healing plants, and exotic birds. After your ride, explore his picturesque swamp zoo on Bayou Boeuf.

Stop 2

Discover Laura, an 1804 Creole Plantation and learn about Laura's personal family saga. See how the West-African enslaved's work influenced all segments of the Creole culture, best seen today in cuisine, music, family-centered traditions, architecture and life-style. At Laura's Slavery Museum Exhibit, hear personal stories of individual men, women and children who lived there, illustrating how the lives of the enslaved, both Créole and American, were intertwined with those of their owners.

Stop 3

After a short drive from Laura Plantation, you'll settle into a seated lunch in Houmas House' elegant dining room. After lunch, walk through the 250 year history of this estate and how a succession of owners and the Mississippi River grew this modest manor house into the estate it is today. A collection of art, furniture, and antique artifacts help tell the story of plantation life. 38 acres of gardens surround the mansion.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

893 reviews

5★

671

4★

170

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

353 reviews

5★

320

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Service animals are permitted. Please advise at time of booking to arrange accommodations

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking in the special requirements field

Tour operates in all weather conditions. Umbrellas and rain ponchos are available for use if guests forget their own. If a tour cannot operate due to inclement weather you will be notified

Due to the nature of the airboat, children under the age of 5, pregnant women, people with back or neck issues or recent surgeries are not allowed to participate in the airboat portion of the tour.

Important notes

• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Due to the nature of the airboat, pregnant women are not allowed to participate in the airboat portion of the tour.
• Children under 6 are not allowed to ride the airboat portion of this tour.
• If bringing an infant and providing your own car seat, please call us to let us know so that we do not bring an extra, which takes up an otherwise available seat on the tour
• If you do not indicate your hotel for pick up at the time of booking, please call Tours by Isabelle at +1 (504) 398-0365 and advise them of this information directly. Tours by Isabelle will contact you the day prior to your tour to confirm your exact pick up time.
• This tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs of any kind

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes