Swamp Tour
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ST. Joseph Plantation
Located along the historic River Road in Vacherie, Louisiana, St. Joseph Plantation is a fully intact, 2,500-acre working sugarcane farm built around 1830 by the Scioneaux family. Rich in complex history, the Greek Revival-style estate is the birthplace of legendary 19th-century architect Henry Hobson Richardson and was later purchased in 1877 by Joseph Waguespack, whose descendants continue to operate the property to this day. Because it retains many of its original outbuildings—including a detached kitchen, blacksmith shop, and original slave cabins—it offers an incredibly authentic historic landscape. This preserved environment has made it a premier backdrop for major Hollywood productions. It has served as a filming location for acclaimed, Oscar-winning movies like 12 Years a Slaveand Mudbound, as well as popular feature films like The Skeleton Key and All the King’s Men. Additionally, its grounds have been featured prominently in hit television series, most notably serving as Ralph Angel’s home in the drama Queen Sugar, alongside episodes of Underground and NCIS: New Orleans.
Lunch is not provided at the swamp; however, snacks (alligator jerky, chips, chocolate, candy and frozen bananas) are available for purchase and ST. Joseph does have a Cafe with sandwiches ,wraps and salads
Pick-up BEGINS at 10:30AM and may continue for up to 30 minutes (10:30-11:00AM). Please be OUTSIDE and ready for pick-up when the driver arrives, keeping in mind that buses have no parking areas and will be allowed to stop only momentarily for pick-ups. Due to traffic delays and the number of stops, we ask that you be outside and ready for this 30-minute period.
After leaving the city at 11:00AM, our buses arrive at the swamp at approximately 11:30AM. Upon arrival, please proceed directly upstairs to obtain an entrance ticket. An entrance ticket is required in order to tour the swamp.
Guests will have 15-30 minutes of free time to enjoy the grounds at Cajun Pride, browse the gift shop or use the restroom.
Boats leave promptly at 12:00PM for a 90-minute narrated boat tour of the Manchac Swamp.
Buses depart the swamp between 1:30-1:45PM for a 35-minute drive to the plantations.
Guest drop-off is between 2:15-2:30PM for a scheduled tour time. The plantations require our bus driver to assist in the check-in process for ticket distribution.
ST. Joseph Plantations tour time is 3:00PM. The plantations set the assigned tour times, and we are unable to deviate from these times.
Bus pick-up for transfer back to the city is 4:15PM at
Hotel drop-off is between 5:30-6:00PM.
Transportation times are approximate and are not guaranteed due to potential traffic or weather delays. Our drivers do their very best to stay on schedule. Personal car or rental car is suggested for those who are on a strict schedule or do not wish to wait on bus service. Please review our Q&A page for additional information.
10:30-11:00AM: Hotel pick-up
11:30AM: Arrival at swamp
12:00-1:30PM: Swamp tour
1:30-1:45PM: Depart for plantation
2:15-2:30PM: Plantation arrival
3:00PM 30-minute guided plantation tour
4:15PM: Pick-up for return
5:30-6:00PM: Hotel drop-off
Combination tour savings based on individual tour prices
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Due to our swamp’s location and proximity to the plantations, our combination tours offer you less travel time than most other tour companies. For example, our Swamp Tour Plus ST. Joseph Plantation requires only 78 miles right from downtown New Orleans. Combination tours for both individuals and groups can be arranged for you by the tour experts at Cajun Pride Swamp Tours!