Planning your New Orleans tour? Find everything you need to know about schedules, cancellations, what to bring, parking, and more in our comprehensive FAQ.
Planning your New Orleans tour? Find everything you need to know about schedules, cancellations, what to bring, parking, and more in our comprehensive FAQ.
Crescent City Tours is a premier New Orleans tour company specializing in authentic Louisiana experiences. We offer plantation tours, swamp tours, city tours, and customized private tours that showcase the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of South Louisiana.
We are based in the Greater New Orleans area and offer convenient pickup locations from hotels throughout the city.
You can book directly through our website, call us, or email us. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and fall).
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and secure online payments through our website.
We offer tours to three historic plantations:
Whitney Plantation – Focuses on the lives of enslaved people and is a memorial to slavery
Oak Alley Plantation – Famous for its stunning oak-lined entrance and Greek Revival architecture
Laura Plantation – Known for its Creole history and origin of the Br’er Rabbit tales
Most plantation tours last approximately 5-6 hours, including transportation time from New Orleans and the guided tour of the plantation grounds. Our double plantation tours range from 7-9 hours.
Yes! We offer combo tours that allow you to visit two plantations in a single day. This is a great way to experience different plantations on the same day.
Tours include round-trip transportation from New Orleans, admission to the plantation, and guided tours of the grounds and historic buildings. Whitney Plantation is self-guided, however, Crescent City Tours offers the only guided tour of the Whitney Plantation. You can select whether you want a self-guided or guided tour.
Accessibility varies by plantation. Please contact us before booking to discuss specific accessibility needs, and we’ll help you choose the most suitable option.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as tours involve walking on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather: summers are hot and humid, so light, breathable clothing is recommended. Consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water.
We offer two types of swamp tours:
Airboat Tours – Fast-paced, exciting rides through shallow swamps
Pontoon Boat Tours – Slower, more educational tours with covered seating
Swamp tours typically 4 hours total, including approximately 1.5-2 hours on the water and transportation time.
Louisiana swamps are home to alligators, turtles, snakes, herons, egrets, and many other species. While we can’t guarantee specific sightings, experienced captains know where wildlife congregates and sightings are common.
Alligator sightings are very likely, especially during warmer months (April-October). During cooler months, alligators are less active but can still be spotted.
Absolutely! Our experienced captains are trained professionals who prioritize safety while providing exciting wildlife encounters. All safety guidelines are strictly followed.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, and insect repellent. Dress comfortably and wear shoes with good traction. Airboat tours can be loud, so earplugs are recommended.
Yes! Our pontoon tours are family-friendly. However, airboat tours can be loud and fast-paced, and are not suitable for children or those sensitive to noise.
City tours typically last 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Most of our city tours are primarily bus or vehicle-based with some walking stops. If you prefer more or less walking, please let us know and we can recommend the best option for you.
We make stops where you can purchase food and beverages.
Popular combo tours include:
Combo tours typically last 7-9 hours, depending on the specific combination. These are full-day experiences.
Yes! Combo tours offer excellent value by combining two experiences in one day at a discounted rate compared to booking separately.
While combo tours are full days, they’re carefully planned to provide adequate time at each location without feeling rushed. Our guides ensure you get a complete experience at each stop.
Private tours are customized experiences exclusively for your group. You have a dedicated vehicle and guide, and the itinerary can be tailored to your interests and schedule.
Private tours can accommodate groups of various sizes, from couples to large groups. Vehicle size is matched to your party size.
Absolutely! Private tours are flexible and can be customized to include the sites and experiences that interest you most. Contact us to discuss your preferences.
Private tour pricing varies based on group size, itinerary, and duration. Contact us for a personalized quote.
We recommend booking private tours at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons, to ensure availability and allow time for itinerary planning.
Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the scheduled tour receive a full refund. Please review our complete cancellation policy when booking.
Most of our tours operate rain or shine. Louisiana weather can be unpredictable, but tours are rarely canceled due to rain. In case of severe weather or dangerous conditions, we will contact you about rescheduling or refunding your tour.
Please arrive at your designated pickup location 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This ensures we can depart on time for all guests.
No, you can show your confirmation email on your mobile device. However, having a printed copy as backup is always a good idea.
Children are welcome on all our tours! Some tours may have minimum age recommendations for optimal enjoyment. Car seats and booster seats can be provided with advance notice.
Yes, all our tours include knowledgeable guides who provide historical context, interesting stories, and answer your questions throughout the experience.Whitney Plantation is self-guided, however, Crescent City Tours offers the only guided tour of the Whitney Plantation. You can select whether you want a self-guided or guided tour.
Our tours are conducted in English
Food is generally not included unless specifically stated. Many tours include stops or breaks where you can purchase food, and we’re happy to provide recommendations.
Gratuities are not included in the tour price but are greatly appreciated if you enjoyed your experience. Standard tipping is 15-20% of the tour cost.
Photography is encouraged on all our tours! We want you to capture your Louisiana memories. Some indoor locations at plantations may have photography restrictions, which your guide will explain.
Yes, all tours include scheduled restroom breaks at appropriate locations.
You can reach us through our website or by phone. Our customer service team is ready to help plan your perfect New Orleans experience.
We welcome special requests and will do our best to accommodate them. Please contact us as early as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Yes! We operate tours throughout the year. Each season offers unique experiences – spring and fall feature mild weather and beautiful foliage, while summer and winter have their own distinct Louisiana charm.
We’re passionate about sharing authentic Louisiana experiences with our guests. Our knowledgeable guides, carefully curated itineraries, comfortable transportation, and commitment to exceptional customer service set us apart. We focus on providing educational, engaging, and memorable experiences that showcase the real Louisiana.
888-424-8687