Laura Plantation & Airboat Tours

Discover the Best of Louisiana: Laura Plantation & Airboat Tours

If you’re looking to combine the history of plantations with the wild, unpredictable beauty of the Louisiana swamps, this tour offers a balanced mix of both. Starting with convenient hotel pickup, you’ll spend about eight hours exploring iconic sites like Laura Plantation, Evergreen Plantation, and Whitney Plantation, complemented by a thrilling airboat ride through Bayou Segnette State Park. The tour is priced at $152 per person—a reasonable expense considering the depth of experiences and the included transportation, entry fees, and live commentary.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it offers both educational insights and adventure. The guides, like Brian, are praised for their storytelling, making the journey lively and engaging. Plus, the airboat isn’t just fun—it’s a safe way to see wildlife and swamp scenery up close. Another big plus: the tour’s stops include filming locations from Django Unchained and Queen Sugar, giving you a taste of Louisiana’s pop culture alongside history.

One thing to consider is the group size—with a maximum of 48 travelers, it’s a fairly intimate experience, but during peak times, spots can fill up well in advance (about 37 days normally). If you prefer a private or quieter experience, booking early is advisable. This tour suits history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and film buffs alike, especially those eager to see Louisiana’s diverse stories and landscapes in a single day.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines plantation history with thrilling swamp adventures.
• Expert Guides: Stories from guides like Brian make the tour engaging and educational.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and mobile tickets simplify logistics.
• Wildlife & Scenery: The airboat offers a safe, family-friendly way to spot gators and birdlife.
• Authentic Sites: Visit historic plantations and notable filming locations.
• Value for Money: Includes transport, admission, and live commentary for $152.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The day begins early, with pickup at 8:00 am—no need to worry about arranging transportation or parking. From there, your group will head straight to the plantation stops before the swamp adventure. The itinerary includes Laura Plantation, Evergreen Plantation, and Whitney Plantation, each offering a distinct perspective on Louisiana’s complex history.

Laura Plantation is renowned for its well-preserved grounds and detailed storytelling. You might find the plantation’s guide, Laura, or someone like her, sharing stories that vividly bring the past to life—highlighting the lives of the enslaved, the architecture, and the cultural backdrop. The reviews emphasize how informative and respectful this tour is, with visitors noting that it provides a thoughtful view into Louisiana’s history.

Evergreen Plantation is notable for its beautifully maintained grounds and its role as a filming location for movies like Django Unchained. One review highlights this site as a “nice experience” with a story to tell, making it particularly appealing for film fans.

Whitney Plantation adds a powerful element with its slave museum, offering a sobering but essential part of the story that often gets overlooked. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the enslaved people’s experiences—something many visitors find both moving and eye-opening.

The Swamp Adventure: Airboat Safari

After the plantation visits, the tour transitions to Bayou Segnette State Park for the airboat tour. This segment lasts about two hours and is included in the ticket price. The airboat is a large, stable vessel, making it safe and accessible for families and adventure-seekers alike.

Expect to glide across the water, with your guide providing live commentary about the local wildlife—look out for gators, herons, egrets, and maybe even a few lazy turtles. The views of the swamp landscape are truly unique—an intricate maze of cypress knees and Spanish moss hanging from trees. It’s an opportunity to see Louisiana’s wild side in a way that’s both fun and educational. Visitors have described the experience as “very nice,” and some have expressed appreciation for the safe yet exhilarating ride.

Filming Sites and Cultural Highlights

Aside from the natural sights, this tour touches on Louisiana’s pop culture. Stops include filming locations from Django Unchained and the TV series Queen Sugar. These sites add an extra layer of authenticity and interest, especially if you’re a fan of movies and TV shows that showcase Louisiana’s landscapes.

Practical Considerations

The tour is designed for most travelers and has a maximum group size of 48—small enough to foster engaging interactions but large enough to feel lively. The confirmation is immediate, and mobile tickets help streamline your entry. The duration of approximately 8 hours makes for a full, satisfying day, but keep in mind the early start—be prepared for a busy day.

The price of $152 reflects a good value, considering the included admission fees, transportation, and live commentary. If you’re interested in history, wildlife, and Louisiana’s filming culture, this tour hits most of those marks.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This experience particularly appeals to travelers seeking a comprehensive look at Louisiana’s cultural and natural heritage without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. The combination of plantation visits and swamp exploration delivers a well-rounded perspective on the state’s extraordinary diversity.

The guides are a highlight—reviewers frequently mention how Brian’s storytelling and informative commentary make the day more enjoyable. The scenery and wildlife spotting on the airboat offer a memorable natural adventure that’s suitable for families, couples, or solo explorers eager to witness Louisiana’s biodiversity.

Perhaps the only caveat is that peak times require early booking to secure a spot—most travelers book about 37 days in advance. Also, the cultural sensitivity around visiting plantations is acknowledged in the respectful tone of the tour, making it suitable for those who want a meaningful experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you appreciate historical tours and want to learn about Louisiana’s past with respect and depth, this tour is ideal. Nature lovers will appreciate the airboat and the chance to see gators and birdlife in their natural environment. Film enthusiasts get the added bonus of visiting iconic filming locations.

It’s perfect for first-time visitors to New Orleans who want a full-day experience that balances education, adventure, and culture—all in one package. And, for those who value guided insights and small group sizes, this tour delivers.

FAQs About Laura Plantation & Airboat Tours

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers admission to the plantations, the airboat swamp tour, transportation, and live commentary from guides.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am with hotel pickup and ending in the late afternoon.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally for most travelers, including families, as the airboat ride is safe and family-friendly.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 37 days ahead to secure their spot, especially during peak times.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and be prepared for weather—layers are smart, and don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses for the boat.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, for a full refund.

What makes the airboat ride special?
It’s a safe, large vessel offering up-close views of swamp wildlife and scenery, with live commentary explaining what you see.

Are there any cultural or historical highlights?
Absolutely—visiting Laura, Evergreen, and Whitney provides insights into Louisiana’s plantation history, architecture, and the enslaved people’s stories.

What if the weather is bad?
If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

Will I see gators?
While not guaranteed, most guests hope to see alligators along the swamp waterways—it’s part of the fun.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thoughtful balance of history and nature, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to understand Louisiana’s complex past and wild landscapes in a single day. The guided storytelling and scenic airboat ride elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing, creating memories that last.

If you value authentic sites, engaging guides, and a mix of education and adventure, this eight-hour tour fits the bill. It’s especially well-suited for history buffs, nature lovers, and film fans eager to see where Hollywood meets the swamp.

The price reflects a comprehensive experience, with value added through live commentary, admission, and transportation. Just remember, booking early ensures a spot in this popular tour—it’s worth the planning.

This tour truly offers a unique glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Louisiana’s history, culture, and wilderness, making it a memorable part of any trip to New Orleans.