25 Mar 2025
I did the Whitney Plantation Tour plus the Airboat Swamp Tour with Crescent City Tours, and while I won’t go too deep into wether you should pick between Whitney and Oak Alley (that’s a personal decision), I will say that having visited both, I found Whitney to be the more raw and honest portrayal of plantation life.
But this review is really about the tour company—and more specifically, about Brian, our bus driver and guide. Brian exudes true Southern hospitality, the kind that makes you feel instantly at ease. His warmth is infectious, and his storytelling skills are unmatched. The hour-long drive to the plantation flew by as he shared fascinating history, and he even joked that “real tour guides don’t need a radio to fill the silence.” Let me assure you: Brian does NOT need a radio.
Just so that you are aware, unless you pick a private tour option, you will be picking up other people along the way at their hotels as well. It’s really not a big deal though because the French Quarter is so close together, that it’s no more than a two minute drive to the next stop. Also, while I personally love a self guided tour because I’m able to go at my own pace, in case you don’t, just know that once you get to the Whitney plantation, it is a self-guided audio tour.
No matter what your plans are in New Orleans, make sure they include a tour with Brian at Crescent City Tours. You won’t regret it!