New Orleans: Laura Plantation and Airboat Tour

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and want to get off the usual tourist trail, a combined visit to Laura Plantation and an airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps offers an engaging mix of history and nature. While some tours tend to focus on one or the other, this experience combines both, giving you a well-rounded snapshot of Louisiana’s past and wild landscape — all in one day.

What really catches the eye here are the stunning views of the historic plantation and the close-up encounters with swamp wildlife. Plus, a guided tour of the plantation helps bring history vividly alive, while the airboat ride offers a fun, adrenaline-pumping way to explore the wetlands. The only thing to keep in mind is that the cost — at around $160 per person — is a fair investment for a full day’s worth of activities, but it’s not cheap. Still, many find the experience quite valuable for the unique combination it offers and the stories you’ll hear along the way.

This tour is best suited for those who love history, nature, or both. Whether you’re a couple, a solo traveler, or part of a group that appreciates a mix of educational and outdoor fun, this experience will likely resonate with you. If you’re open to a longer day (around 8 hours), it’s a solid way to see an authentic side of Louisiana.

Key Points

• Historic immersion: Walk through a 200-year-old sugar plantation and learn about the Creole women who managed it.
• Authentic stories: Visit the 1840s slave quarters and hear about plantation life and the lives of the enslaved.
• Beautiful gardens: Explore three different gardens, each with its own character and plantings.
• Wildlife & scenery: The airboat ride offers close encounters with swamp gators, birds, and the vibrant ecosystem.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make the day smoother, especially if you prefer not to drive.
• Value for money: For $160, you get a full day of guided tours, history, and adventure, but meals are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is a real plus if you’re staying in or near New Orleans. The drive to the plantation takes about 70 miles, and while that might seem long, it’s a chance to relax and get a glimpse of Louisiana landscapes. The scenery along the route is often described as pleasant, giving you a taste of the countryside outside the city.

Discovering Laura Plantation

Once you arrive, you’re greeted by the impressive 200-year-old sugar plantation homestead. The guided tour here is where the experience really shines. Our source notes that the stories of the Creole women who managed the plantation for over six decades are fascinating and help you understand the complex cultural history of the area. The tour includes walking through the plantation house, which has been meticulously restored after a fire in 2003 — using antique materials to bring it back to life.

Walking through the grounds, you’ll pass the three gardens: the Jardin Français, the kitchen potager, and the Banana Land grove. Each offers unique views and a sense of the plantation’s past. The gardens aren’t just pretty—they’re part of the story, showing how food, decoration, and landscape played roles in plantation life.

Exploring the Slave Quarters & Historic Buildings

A key part of this tour is visiting the 1840s slave quarters. Many visitors find these sites poignant, as they offer a sobering reminder of the people who endured hardship here. The stories told about their lives add depth to the experience, making it more than just a walk through old buildings.

The tour also covers the near-destruction of the house in 2003 and the subsequent restoration efforts. Hearing how preservation involved using materials from antique homes makes the history feel more authentic and tangible.

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Transition to Adventure: The Airboat Ride

After soaking in history, the tour switches gears for a fully narrated airboat ride through the Louisiana swamps. This is where the experience becomes lively and exciting. The boat captain shares insights into the ecosystem, pointing out wildlife like gators, birds, and plant species, giving you a good sense of swamp ecology.

Many reviews highlight how close you get to the wildlife — “Gators like marshmallows,” quips one guest, which captures the fun and slightly wild aspect of the ride. Expect to experience the vibrant, sometimes eerie swamp landscape, which many find awe-inspiring. It’s a different kind of history, one of natural ecosystems and the creatures that call it home.

Wrapping Up & Return Journey

After a full day of history and adventure, the tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your hotel. The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, making it suitable for those prepared for a full day out and about.

Is it Worth the Price?

At $160, the tour provides a lot of value, especially considering the guided nature of the visits and included transportation. The guided tours enhance understanding and engagement, and the airboat ride adds a fun, interactive element. However, keep in mind that meals and beverages are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat afterwards.

What Reviewers Say

Chris from the UK gave this tour a full five stars, sharing that they “liked the guide” and enjoyed the overall experience. The positive feedback about the stunning views and the engaging storytelling suggests that this tour hits the right notes for many visitors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts who want to learn about Louisiana’s Creole and plantation past in an immersive setting. It’s also perfect for adventure lovers eager to explore Louisiana’s swamp ecosystem up close. The combination of history and nature means it suits travelers who want a diverse, full-day outing.

If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates storytelling, scenic views, and outdoor activities, this tour will likely satisfy. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so be mindful if accessibility is a concern.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from most New Orleans hotels, making the day more convenient.

How long is the drive to the plantation? The drive is approximately 70 miles, offering a scenic ride outside the city.

What is the tour duration? The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, from pickup to return.

Are meals included? No, meals and beverages are not part of the tour, so plan accordingly.

Is the tour suitable for children? The information doesn’t specify, but typically, swamp and plantation tours are best suited for older children who can handle the length and nature of the activities.

What is the price for? The fee covers guided house and grounds tours, entry to Laura Plantation, transportation, and the airboat ride.

Are there any special requirements or restrictions? The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s recommended to dress for outdoor activities, especially for the swamp ride.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the tour guided in? The tour is conducted in English.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced blend of history and adventure, this tour offers a compelling way to spend a day outside of New Orleans. You’ll walk through a storied plantation, learning about the lives of the Creole women and enslaved people who shaped its history. Then, you’ll take in the wild beauty of Louisiana’s swamps from the seat of an airboat, getting up close with gators, birds, and lush wetlands.

This experience isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about engaging with Louisiana’s past and present in a way that feels authentic and memorable. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see beyond the city’s vibrant streets and explore the stories and ecosystems that make Louisiana unique.

For a day of educational discovery, scenic views, and a bit of adrenaline, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. Just be ready for a full, rewarding day, and you’ll come away with plenty of stories to share.

You can check availability for your dates here: