French Quarter Supernatural Ghost Hunt: Hands-on Paranormal

If you’re visiting New Orleans and craving something a little different from the usual city tour, this French Quarter Supernatural Ghost Hunt might catch your eye. Designed for those curious about the paranormal, it promises a hands-on experience exploring haunted sites, guided by an initiated Voodoo priest or priestess. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, plenty of reviews and the detailed itinerary give us a good sense of what you might expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

One thing we genuinely like about this experience is the personalized approach. With a knowledgeable guide who’s an initiated Voodoo practitioner, you’re not just listening to ghost stories—you’re actively participating in investigations, using real equipment. Second, the inclusion of the Haunted Museum visit adds an extra layer of interest, with chances to see voodoo artifacts and paranormal collections up close.

That said, the tour does have some potential downsides. Some travelers mention that the pace can be a bit rushed, especially if you’re new to ghost hunting or prefer a more leisurely experience. Also, the ghost-hunting equipment provided is basic, which might leave those expecting advanced tools a little disappointed. This tour might suit those who enjoy a mix of spooky history, cultural insights, and interactive fun—particularly if you want to explore haunted areas with a guide who knows their stuff.

Key Points

• Unique Guided Experience: Led by an initiated Voodoo priest or priestess, adding authenticity and depth.
• Hands-On Investigation: Use of paranormal equipment to get a feel for ghost-hunting firsthand.
• Exclusive Access: Inside haunted locations and a visit to the Haunted Museum—rare opportunities in a popular destination.
• Flexible Timing: Evening tour leaves your day free for other activities.
• Rich Cultural Context: Highlights include voodoo history and important sites like Marie Laveau’s courtyard.
• Mixed Reviews: Some find the pace fast and equipment basic, but many appreciate the knowledgeable guide and immersive atmosphere.

What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t

Starting at Bloody Mary’s Haunted Museum & Voodoo Shop on Rampart Street, the tour kicks off around 9:30 pm. You’ll meet your guide, Bloody Mary, and step into a space filled with voodoo artifacts and haunted collections—an ideal setting to begin feeling the mysterious vibe of the French Quarter. This initial stop lasts about 2 hours and includes access to the museum, paranormal investigation equipment, and a walkthrough of three different buildings where ghostly activity is believed to linger.

The highlight is the hands-on ghost hunt, where you’ll get to try tools like EMF meters and dowsing rods. Keep in mind, some reviews note these are fairly basic devices, mainly used to trigger visual cues like blinking lights, rather than precise scientific readings. One reviewer summed it up saying, “the paranormal part was thrown at you without much explanation,” which suggests if you’re after a detailed technical experience, this might fall a little short. But if you’re more interested in the atmosphere and fun of trying to connect with spirits, it’s a good setup.

After the ghost hunt, your group moves to Louis Armstrong Park, home of Congo Square, a historically significant site where voodoo rituals and drums echoed from the 1700s. It’s a quick stop—just five minutes—but it adds cultural flavor and context. Across the street, you’ll visit the courtyard of Marie Laveau’s historic home, where she held rituals and consulted clients. Here, you’ll spend about 15 minutes paying your respects and soaking in the ambiance of voodoo history.

The Experience at Each Stop

Haunted Museum & Voodoo Shop: This is the core of the tour, blending history, spirituality, and the paranormal. You’ll explore haunted buildings, perform psychic exercises, and get a blessing at the voodoo altar of Marie Laveau. Multiple reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, with one saying, “Gina was a really great host.” Participants get to see paranormal artifacts and watch playback of the investigation, which adds to the sense of authenticity.

Louis Armstrong Park and Marie Laveau’s Courtyard: These stops are more about culture. Many appreciate the chance to stand in places historically linked to voodoo and African-American culture, making the supernatural theme richer. It’s also a reminder that New Orleans’ voodoo roots are deeply woven into the city’s identity.

The Group and Timing

This tour is capped at 16 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate. Most reviews mention that the tour’s timing is ideal for those wanting an evening activity that leaves the rest of the night free. Starting at 9:30 pm, it fits well into a full day of sightseeing or dining.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At $99 per person, the tour offers a solid mix of entertainment, cultural education, and interactive fun. The inclusion of museum access and paranormal gear makes it a more immersive experience than just wandering around and listening to stories. Reviewers generally find it good value, especially given the personal attention and exclusive access.

However, some reviews suggest that if you’re expecting a more intense or scientific ghost-hunting session, this might feel a bit light on equipment and technical detail. One person said they found the ghost-hunting equipment “basic,” and another mentioned that the pace was too fast, with almost no time to absorb what’s happening.

Given the 2.5-hour duration, it’s a reasonably priced evening outing. It’s also flexible enough that you can easily add other activities in the city or take a leisurely dinner before or after.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is particularly appealing if you enjoy interactive experiences and have an interest in voodoo culture and New Orleans’ haunted reputation. It’s suitable for anyone curious about the supernatural—whether you’re a ghost-hunting newbie or someone with some experience who wants to explore the city’s dark corners with a knowledgeable guide. It’s not overly scary, so it’s accessible to most adults, but those expecting a very intense or technical investigation might want to look for a more advanced experience.

Final Thoughts

The French Quarter Supernatural Ghost Hunt offers a unique blend of history, culture, and supernatural fun. Led by a guide who’s an initiated Voodoo priest or priestess, it lends an air of authenticity that’s hard to find in generic ghost tours. The ability to actively participate using paranormal equipment, visit significant sites like Marie Laveau’s courtyard, and enjoy an exclusive inside look at haunted locations makes it a memorable outing.

While it might not satisfy those craving the most high-tech ghost-hunting tools or a slow, detailed exploration, it excels at providing a lively, culturally rich experience. Many reviewers praised the knowledgeable guide and the immersive atmosphere, which are key to making the night feel authentic and engaging.

If you’re after a fun, culturally immersive ghost tour that combines history, voodoo, and some spooky encounters, this tour is worth considering. Just remember, it’s best suited for those who like a lively pace and hands-on participation rather than a deeply scientific investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at Bloody Mary’s Haunted Museum & Voodoo Shop, 828 N Rampart St, New Orleans. The meeting is in the courtyard patio area, and you’ll be called by name or contacted via text.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, ending back at the starting point.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is recommended for travelers 18 and older, so it’s best suited for adults interested in supernatural stories and voodoo culture.

What kind of paranormal equipment is used?
Participants will get to use basic tools like EMF meters and dowsing rods, which are designed to detect atmospheric changes rather than precise scientific data.

Are the locations truly haunted?
The tour explores locations believed to be haunted, including buildings with a long history of ghostly activity and Voodoo sites. Many visitors find the atmosphere compelling and spooky.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
It’s recommended to book at least a week in advance, but same-day bookings might be possible, depending on availability.

Is dinner or alcohol included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, and alcohol is not provided. The tour is an evening activity, leaving you free afterward.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is primarily outdoor and indoor, so check the weather forecast. In case of severe weather, the tour provider may reschedule or cancel.

What is the price?
It costs $99 per person, which is reasonable considering the exclusive access, museum visit, and hands-on experience.

If you’re looking for a spooky, culturally rich night out in New Orleans that combines voodoo, ghost stories, and interactive investigation, this tour could be just the thing. Keep your expectations aligned with the reviews—fun, atmospheric, and engaging, but not necessarily a high-tech ghost-hunting adventure.