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Experience Swamp Boat Cruise & Destrehan Plantation Tour from New Orleans
Built by Free Person Of Color Charles Pacquet, she has survived colonial and civil wars, occupation by the Union Army, abandonment, decay and restoration, and has now been preserved in all its glory for you to enjoy.
Original owner Jean Noel Destrehan descended from a long line of noble French families and purchased the property that became Destrehan Plantation from his father-in-law’s estate. During Jean Noel’s lifetime, he was a cornerstone of Louisiana history.
Destrehan was the site of the largest slave revolt in U.S. history in 1811 and later, during the Union occupation in 1865, a colony of newly freed slaves was established to teach them the skills needed to transition into a life of freedom.
The stories of the enslaved and the free unfold on the beautiful grounds with a guided tour and free time to explore the museum exhibits, historic outbuildings and live demonstrations.
A short drive away from the grand River Road, you’ll experience another another side of Louisiana culture in the Manchac Swamp.
Cruise through this private wetland with homegrown captains who, like the early Cajuns, sustain their way of life fishing, hunting and trapping. Alligators recognize tour boats as part of their normal environment. Unafraid and responsive to their boat captain’s call, they peek out from underbrush and between moss-draped trees and shrubs, frequently coming directly to the boat. In the safety and comfort of the boat, you can actually come within a few feet of jumping gators.
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- Entry or admission fee
- Round trip transportation on air conditioned bus
- Tour guide narration on bus
- 45 minute guided tour at Destrehan Plantation
- Free time to explore grounds, exhibits and outbuildings
- QR Code Tour in English, Spanish and French
- Folk life demonstration
- 1 hour 30 minute swamp cruise narrated by local captain
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- Tip or gratuity
- Food & drinks
- Food and Drink available to purchase. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase at swamp.
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5 Hours and 30 minutes – Including round trip transportation, Mansion Tour and Swamp Tour
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Check-in details
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.
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- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Note: Due to the plantation home’s historic nature, access to the second floor is by stairs only
- No video is allowed inside the plantation home
- Walking the grounds is an integral part of this experience
- In order to help protect the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point — just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
- Alternate Routes: Due to uneven and narrow paths, alternate routes may be necessary for guests traveling in wheelchairs.
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity
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Cruises are canceled only when the Coast Guard determines there will be severe weather along the river. Seating is available indoors as well as covered areas on the deck.
We sail rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, unfavorable river conditions (including river closures), breakdowns, or any other cause beyond the control of the New Orleans Steamboat Company, the Captain may determine the vessel is unable to make the cruise as scheduled. If this occurs, we will arrange for a dockside event and you will be notified via the email you supplied when booking with us.
There are times that a cruise may be delayed, but that is usually only for a short amount of time.
Refunds will not be issued for the above conditions. All sales final.
Should it be deemed necessary, the New Orleans Steamboat Company reserves the right to substitute with a vessel in place of the other (Steamboat NATCHEZ & Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS) for any reason, at any time. No refunds will be issued for vessel substitution.