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Go on the Oak Alley Plantation tour in New Orleans

Visitors relaxing on a porch at Oak Alley Plantation, viewing the iconic oak trees.
Visitor reading information at Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana.
Tourists on a boat during a Swamp Tour near Oak Alley Plantation, surrounded by trees and water.
Tourists on a boat watch a guide feed an alligator during a swamp tour.
Oak Alley Plantation path lined with oak trees, part of Swamp Tour & Oak Alley Plantation Tour.
Alligator in a lush Louisiana swamp during Swamp Tour & Oak Alley Plantation Tour.
Swamp tour boat with tourists on a river surrounded by lush greenery.
Raccoons by the water in a swamp, part of the Swamp Tour & Oak Alley Plantation Tour.
Man interacting with alligator by a swamp during a Swamp Tour & Oak Alley Plantation Tour.
Person holding a baby alligator during a swamp tour near Oak Alley Plantation.
Day Trips

New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Combine a private swamp adventure with a historic plantation tour in one seamless experience.

  • Everything you get: Cruise through Manchac Swamp on a covered pontoon boat, learn about local wildlife and Cajun culture, explore Oak Alley Plantation’s "Big House", grounds, gardens, slave cabins, and blacksmithing exhibit.
  • Why choose this: Enjoy an immersive day combining nature, history, and culture, with expert narration and a small-group setting for an authentic, memorable experience.
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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7 hr. 45 min.
Guided tour
Transfers included

Combine a private swamp adventure with a historic plantation tour in one seamless experience.

  • Everything you get: Cruise through Manchac Swamp on a covered pontoon boat, learn about local wildlife and Cajun culture, explore Oak Alley Plantation’s "Big House", grounds, gardens, slave cabins, and blacksmithing exhibit.
  • Why choose this: Enjoy an immersive day combining nature, history, and culture, with expert narration and a small-group setting for an authentic, memorable experience.

Inclusions

  • Round-trip transportation from New Orleans

  • Live narration from a guide

  • Admission to Oak Alley Plantation

  • Guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation “Big House”

  • Self-guided plantation grounds access

  • Narrated swamp pontoon boat ride

Exclusions

  • Food & beverages
  • Tips or gratuites

What to bring

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the plantation grounds may have uneven surfaces.
  • Dress in casual, light-colored clothing during warmer months for comfort.
  • Carry a hat, sunscreen, or umbrella for protection from the sun.
  • International visitors must bring a valid passport.

What’s not allowed

  • Smoking is not permitted anywhere throughout the tour.
  • Videography is prohibited inside the plantation.
  • Flash photography is restricted at certain venues, as advised by your guide.
  • Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

Accessibility

  • Folding wheelchairs can be stored on the bus, but scooters require 48 hours’ advance notice.
  • The plantation’s second floor is only accessible via stairs.
  • Airboats are not handicap accessible and do not have ramps or lifts.
  • Guests must board airboats independently or with help from their own party.
  • Airboats are not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back, heart, or serious medical conditions.
  • Service animals are permitted but not recommended on airboats due to noise and wildlife.

Additional information

  • Tours operate rain or shine and will only be canceled in unsafe weather conditions.
  • Children under 6 who do not occupy a seat can travel free of charge.
  • Riders must meet the minimum height requirement of 48 inches to join an airboat tour.
  • Alligator sightings are seasonal and most common in spring, summer, and fall.
  • Groups must book under one reservation to be seated together on the same boat.
  • Admissions and fees are included, but food, drinks, and gratuities are not.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

The New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation is one of Louisiana’s most popular day experiences, especially when paired with a scenic swamp boat ride. This tour lets you step into the grandeur of a historic sugarcane plantation and wander beneath the famous 28 live oak trees that have shaded the grounds for nearly three centuries.

Where is it located?

Oak Alley Plantation sits along the Mississippi River in Vacherie, about 1 hour west of New Orleans.

How to access?

Round-trip transportation from New Orleans is included with your New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour, making it easy to visit both the plantation and the swamp without arranging separate travel.

Oak Alley Plantation in a nutshell

  • Must-see highlights: Walk the legendary oak-lined pathway, tour the Greek Revival mansion, and explore exhibits on enslaved communities, sugarcane farming, and Creole heritage.
  • Unique fact: The branches of some oaks stretch nearly 130 feet across, making them wider than the plantation mansion itself.
  • Current use: A preserved historic site and cultural landmark offering guided and self-guided tours, educational exhibits, and restored period buildings.

A timeless landmark: The story of Oak Alley Plantation

  • 1830s: Oak Alley is established by Jacques and Celina Roman as a working sugarcane plantation, with the Big House built between 1836 and 1839 in Greek Revival style.
  • Late 1800s: After changing ownership several times, the plantation goes through periods of decline, though the iconic oak trees remain a defining feature.
  • 1925: The Stewart family acquires the estate and begins extensive restoration to preserve the home and surrounding structures.
  • 1970s: The plantation opens to the public and becomes a key filming site for movies, series, and documentaries featuring Louisiana plantation life.
  • Present: Oak Alley operates as both a historic site and preservation landmark, offering tours that highlight its architectural beauty while acknowledging the experiences of enslaved communities who lived and worked on the plantation.

Know before you go

Timings

  • Open: Daily from 8:30am to 4:45pm
  • Guided “Big House” tours: Daily from 9am to 4:30pm
  • Duration: The New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour (37782) begins in the morning, with a full experience lasting around 7.5 hours including round-trip transportation, the plantation tour, and the swamp boat ride.

Location

  • Address: 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, United States | Find on Maps

Accessibility

  • Most exhibits are handicapped accessible.
  • The second floor of the ‘Big House’ exhibit is not wheelchair accessible.
  • For guests unable to climb the 22 stairs, a video tour is available in the media room with limited seating.

Facilities

  • You’ll find restrooms, a gift shop, museum displays, and a café serving classic Southern dishes and snacks.
  • The grounds at Oak Alley are larger than you’d expect, so having at least an hour for the outdoor exhibits helps you enjoy everything at a comfortable pace.
  • Early mornings (8:30am) tend to be the quietest time around the slave quarters, making it easier to take in the stories and displays without crowding.
  • Look out for the heritage sugarcane varieties that can be spotted in small patches near the outbuildings, offering a glimpse of how sugar was grown historically.
  • The temperature inside the Big House is noticeably cooler than outside, which can be refreshing but may feel chilly after walking the grounds.
  • Pick up a map from the entrance desk. It will come in handy since several exhibits and smaller structures sit off the main path.
  • The café’s house-made pralines are a local highlight and make for a sweet treat or souvenir for the ride back.
  • The oak-lined walkway offers very different photo angles depending on whether you’re facing the river or the mansion, and both are worth capturing.

Frequently asked questions about Dole Plantation tickets

Is transportation included with this tour?

Yes,the New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour includes round-trip transportation from New Orleans, making it easy to visit both the plantation and the swamp without driving or parking.

How long does the full tour take?

Expect the experience to last around 6 to 7 hours, including travel time, the guided swamp boat ride, and free time to explore Oak Alley Plantation.

Can I explore Oak Alley Plantation on my own?

Yes, you can enjoy both guided and self-paced exploration. The grounds, exhibits, and reconstructed quarters are open for you to walk through before or after your Big House tour.

Is the plantation suitable for kids?

Yes, the sweeping oak trees and large open grounds are enjoyable for families. The exhibits are informative but easy to follow, making it a great cultural experience for children.

Do I need separate tickets for the swamp and plantation?

No, your single ticket includes both the Oak Alley Plantation visit and the swamp boat ride, along with transportation.

Can I buy food or drinks at Oak Alley Plantation?

Yes, the plantation has a small restaurant and café where you can enjoy Southern dishes, snacks, and refreshments during your visit.

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