504.834.1770
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers To Commonly Asked Questions
We strive to provide the best experience to each and every guest. To start, here’s a few commonly asked questions that we receive often. If there’s something else you’d like to ask, please feel free to contact us or call 504.834.1770.
Swamp Tour FAQ
What do you recommend wearing on your swamp tours?
Comfortable, casual, & water-resistant is key! Because our tours are approximately two hours out on the water on a boat, we cannot guarantee that you will stay 100% dry the whole tour so it’s best to wear something you don’t mind getting wet. All of our boats besides the VIP small boat are covered and will provide protection. If you are attending our night swamp tour, bringing a lightweight jacket is a good idea because the temperature does drop later in the evening, especially out on the water once the boat is moving.
Are mosquitoes a cause for concern?
No! Insect repellent is only beneficial during very short periods of the year as other insects naturally control the mosquito population. However, if you choose to use insect repellent, be our guest!
What time should we arrive for the Cajun Encounter swamp tour?
We ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour to check-in. If you are running late we can reschedule you but we won’t be able to refund you.
Do you offer private tours?
Each of our excursions are available to book privately each and every day! Private itineraries welcome for the smallest of parties to the largest of groups. Give us a call at 504.834.1770 and our group coordinator will you assist you with planning a custom or private adventure.
Are there bathrooms on the boat?
Our boats do not have restrooms but there are plenty of bathrooms available at our gift shop. Since the tour lasts approximately 2 hours, we advise guests to utilize this accommodations before they get on their tours, just in case!
Are food and drinks available for purchase? Are they allowed on the boats?
We have snacks and drinks available for purchase in our gift shop. You may bring any food or drink that isn’t in a glass container with you on tour. There isn’t anything on the boats for purchase, but you are more than welcome to bring items with you.
Do you offer airboat tours or airboat swamp tours?
No! Our swamp tours are provide a peaceful, educational look experience through the Honey Island Swamp, allowing you to come encounter with the animals that live there. With smaller boats, we are able to get into tighter spaces along the Honey Island Swamp where you can enjoy nature and hear your guide tell you about the swamp. Airboats are extremely loud and have a number of negative environmental impacts to our swamps. Only when operators shut off motors do tourists get to see much wildlife. Check out our blog post Why We Choose to be Eco-Friendly for more information.
Where are your pick-up locations?
We offer a long list of convenient pick-up location points throughout the Greater New Orleans area. If unsure of your designated pick-up location or if you do not see your hotel listed as a pick-up point, please call 504.834.1770 for details on the closet departure option.We offer 7 convenient pickup locations in the downtown New Orleans area.
Is there free parking?
Yes! Once you arrive at the Cajun Encounters tour location, there is free parking available for our guests. Just like our tour spots, our parking spots do fill up quickly so be sure to arrive 15-30 minutes before your tour departure time. We do offer swamp tour packages that include round-trip transportation which eliminates the needing for parking.
How long is your swamp tour?
Our swamp tour is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours on the water!
Are children allowed on swamp tours?
Our tours were created with the entire family in mind! We welcome kids of all ages on our swamp tours.
Do you allow service animals on your swamp tours?
Cajun Encounters is happy to accept service animals for most of our tours and activities, and we appreciate receiving advance notice of such needs. We cannot, however, accept service animals of any kind on our swamp boats or at our swamp tour facility due to the nature of the wildlife in the area. Small animals can be viewed as prey for alligators, and therefore could encourage an attack, whether on a boat or on the docks and land near the water.
Cajun Encounters does not offer facilities for boarding service animals or pets, so please make arrangements for your furry friends prior to visiting us. We ask you kindly not to leave a pet or service animal in a vehicle on our property. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time on our tours, and we appreciate your understanding.
Cajun Encounters does not offer facilities for boarding service animals or pets, so please make arrangements for your furry friends prior to visiting us. We ask you kindly not to leave a pet or service animal in a vehicle on our property. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time on our tours, and we appreciate your understanding.
Do I need to bring my own life jacket?
Once you check in for your swamp tour, life jackets are provided at no charge if needed. All children under the age of 16 will be required to wear a life jacket. This is a requirement made by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries . Guests over the age of 16 are not required to wear a life jacket but are more than welcome to utilize the provided life jackets as well.
Plantation Tour FAQ
What do you recommend wearing on the plantation tours?
Dress for the weather, as some of the tour is conducted outside. Raincoats, umbrellas and hats are recommended, as you may spend a good amount of time outside. Also, good walking shoes will be helpful, as you will be walking on various surfaces to complete the tours and explore the grounds.
How long does it take to get to the plantations?
The plantations are approximately 1 hour’s drive from downtown New Orleans, though sometimes with traffic it can take longer.
How long does the plantation tour take?
The total duration of the tour can vary from 7.5 to 8.5 hours. It is best to plan on the longer side, especially if you’re making dinner reservations. Traffic on the way back from the plantations can be heavy.
Why are there two options for the plantation tours and what is the difference?
The Oak Alley experience includes a guided 30-minute tour of the “big house”, but the rest of the grounds and other facilities are not guided. Oak Alley recommends a minimum of 2 hour to see and experience the entire facility, which includes a slavery exhibit, gardens, a theatre, blacksmith shop, restaurant, café and gift shop. Laura offers a 2-hour fully-guided tour of the house, outbuildings and grounds. Besides the guided tour, the only other facilities on site are the gift shop and restrooms. The combo tour of Laura and Oak Alley gives you ample time to fully experience each plantation, and is a great way to see how two plantations can vary so much in their history and architectural styles. However, if you prefer to take a nice long day to relax and explore, the single tour of Oak Alley is the way to go. Note that both tours take the same amount of time (approx. 8 hours).
Do you offer private tours?
Yes, private transportation may be booked through Audubon Limousine (www.audubonlimousine.com). However, private tours of the plantations must be arranged directly with the plantations of your choice. When you book a private tour, you have your option of any available plantation that offers tours. To discuss your options, contact Audubon Limousine.
Are food and drinks available for purchase at the plantations?
Oak Alley offers a café, a restaurant, a gift shop and a bar. Laura offers a gift shop with beverages and light snacks only.
Where are your pick-up locations?
We offer a long list of convenient pick-up location points throughout the Greater New Orleans area. If unsure of your designated pick-up location or if you do not see your hotel listed as a pick-up point, please call 504.834.1770 for details on the closet departure option. We offer 7 convenient pickup locations in the downtown New Orleans area.
Are plantation tours good for kids?
The plantations welcome kids of all ages. However, it is a long day, so make sure you bring anything your children may need for a 8+ hour trip. Note that the plantations do not offer facilities specific for children.
Can I bring alcohol or other beverages on the bus?
Cajun Encounters Tours strives to offer tours that are fun and informative for all ages. Therefore, we do not permit large amounts of alcohol or intoxicated guests on board our buses. We kindly ask our guests not to bring coolers or cases of beer, or bottles of liquor on our tours. We understand that this is New Orleans, and many people come to enjoy the plentiful libations, so we do permit one beverage in hand upon boarding the bus. However, private tours are recommended for groups who want to bring more alcohol with them. Backpacks or other small bags are permitted on board the buses for non-alcoholic beverages.
City Tour FAQ
What do you recommend wearing for the city tours?
Dress for the weather, as part of the tour is conducted in a cemetery. However, if you prefer not to visit the cemetery with the guide, you may stay on board the bus during that portion of the tour.
How long is the city tour?
The city tour is approximately 2 hours long, but the total duration of the tour may be 2.5 to 3 hours based on the route for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Which cemetery does the city tour take me to?
The city tour typically stops at St. Louis Cemetery #3. Occasionally, however, that cemetery is not accessible, in which case the tour guide will choose another comparable cemetery to visit (Metairie Cemetery, Greenwood Cemetery, etc.).
Is there a stop for a bathroom, food and drink?
Yes, there is always one stop approximately halfway through the tour for everyone to take a bathroom break. Beignets, snacks and beverages are available for purchase as well.
How many stops are there during the tour?
This city tour is not a hop-on, hop-off experience. You will be on the bus for the duration of the tour except for two stops; one stop at the cemetery, and another stop for a restroom/café break. This tour is meant to be a seamless flow between historic neighborhoods of the city that provides a full overview of the many wonderful points of interest in New Orleans. Double-decker buses are not permitted in many of the areas visited on the Cajun Encounters city tour.
What areas of the city are covered on the tour?
The city tour includes the French Quarter, Treme, Upper Ninth Ward, Esplanade Ridge, City Park, Carrollton, Uptown and the Garden District. Basically, it completes a full loop of the city, so you get to see all the various types of architecture and learn about all the unique historic areas.
Can I bring alcohol or other beverages on the bus?
Cajun Encounters Tours strives to offer tours that are fun and informative for all ages. Therefore, we do not permit large amounts of alcohol or intoxicated guests on board our buses. We kindly ask our guests not to bring coolers or cases of beer, or bottles of liquor on our tours. We understand that this is New Orleans, and many people come to enjoy the plentiful libations, so we do permit one beverage in hand upon boarding the bus. However, private tours are recommended for groups who want to bring more alcohol with them. Backpacks or other small bags are permitted on board the buses for non-alcoholic beverages.
Where are your pick-up locations?
We offer a long list of convenient pick-up location points throughout the Greater New Orleans area. If unsure of your designated pick-up location or if you do not see your hotel listed as a pick-up point, please call 504.834.1770 for details on the closet departure option. We offer 7 convenient pickup locations in the downtown New Orleans area.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes, private city tours up to 24 people may be booked through Audubon Limousine (www.audubonlimousine.com) with advance notice. Groups of 25 or more should book private city tours through Cajun Encounters by calling 504-834-1770, again with advance notice. Private city tours may be customized with specific focuses or additional stops.
