New Orleans: Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour

If you’re looking for a way to experience New Orleans’ eerie, mysterious atmosphere without wandering alone at night, the Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour might just be the adventure for you. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a compelling mix of historic storytelling, ghostly tales, and spooky sights—all from the comfort of a bus.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines entertaining guides with interactive tools like EMF readers and dowsing rods—making the supernatural feel a bit more real. Plus, the fact that it’s a BYOB tour adds a relaxed, personal touch, allowing you to sip on your favorite drink while soaking in the ghostly atmosphere. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this tour isn’t suited for those with limited mobility or anyone who prefers walking or more active ghost hunts.

This tour is ideal for adventurers who enjoy history with a side of the supernatural, and for those curious about the haunted side of New Orleans but who prefer to stay cozy inside a bus rather than trekking through dark cemeteries on foot.

Key Points

• Comfortable Ride: The 2-hour bus tour provides a laid-back way to explore haunted cemeteries at night.
• Engaging Guides: Tour guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills.
• Interactive Elements: Use of EMF readers and dowsing rods adds a fun, spooky dimension.
• Historic and Cultural Insights: Learn about unique burial rituals and stories behind the cemeteries.
• Good Value: At $45 per person, the tour offers a thorough experience with plenty of storytelling and visuals.
• Not for Everyone: Not suitable for those with limited mobility and rains or shine, the tour runs regardless of weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Voodoo Tavern & Poboy’s, a familiar meet-up spot in the heart of the French Quarter. From there, you’re whisked away on a creepy, yet comfortable bus that makes the journey through some of the city’s most haunted areas. With a duration of about 2 hours, it strikes a balance—long enough to get a good feel for the cemeteries, but not so long that it drags.

You’ll leave the lively French Quarter behind as your bus makes its way towards Mid-City and City Park—areas that used to be on the outskirts of town but are now bustling neighborhoods. Expect a mix of stately mausoleums, ornate tombs, and historic sites that look particularly striking at night.

The Cemeteries You’ll Visit

New Orleans is famous for its above-ground cemeteries, which are as much works of art as they are burial sites. The tour visits several of these, giving you a chance to see elaborately decorated tombs that tell stories of the city’s past residents.

While the exact cemeteries aren’t specified, guides are known for discussing their unique burial rituals and practices, which can include anything from mysterious legends to cultural traditions. The stories shared by guides like Henry, Trish, and Kendall are often described as “funny but insightful”—meaning they weave history and ghost tales into entertaining narratives.

The Ghost Stories and Paranormal Tools

What sets this tour apart is how it leans into the supernatural. As you wander the grounds, your guides will share chilling ghost stories—some of which are so convincing that reviewers mention unexplainable encounters. The use of EMF readers and dowsing rods elevates the experience, giving you a sense of participating in the ghost hunt.

Many reviews mention how the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, answering questions with humor and insight. One reviewer praised Kendall for bringing humor to a spooky experience, making it both fun and spooky.

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The Atmosphere

Many reviews highlight how the nighttime setting enhances the eeriness of the tour. Surrounded by tombs and listening to ghost stories under a dark sky, the atmosphere feels authentic yet safe—thanks to the bus’s comfort and the professional guidance.

Some guests note the experience is not overly spooky—it’s more about the storytelling and ambiance than any real paranormal activity. But, the thrill of ghost stories combined with the interactive tools makes it a memorable experience for those interested in the supernatural.

The Guides

Across reviews, guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. Their ability to blend history with humor keeps the tour lively, even when the stories turn spooky. One reviewer pointed out that their guide, Rard, was “super fun, informative, and kind,” which seems to be a common theme.

The Value

For $45, you get entry to several cemeteries, a live guide with entertaining stories, and the novelty of using ghost-hunting equipment. Many reviewers say it’s worth the price for such an engaging experience, especially considering the lively narration and the chance to learn about local burial customs.

Considerations

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with limited mobility—since it involves wandering around cemeteries, though the bus ride overall is comfortable. Also, it takes place rain or shine, so be prepared for weather changes. Tips are not included, so bringing some extra cash for the guides is a good idea.

The Real-World Reviews: What Travelers Say

The majority of reviews (over 400) give this tour a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Guests consistently mention their guides’ knowledge and humor. For example, one reviewer said, “Henry was a fantastic tour guide, very knowledgeable and good humor,” and another noted, “Kendal was so much fun, exploring and enjoying his humor.”

Many travelers enjoyed the interactive aspects, with comments like, “The rods were cool,” and appreciated the entertaining atmosphere—especially when guides brought music or jokes. Several reviews highlight unexplainable supernatural encounters, adding to the sense of mystery.

Some critics mention the bus’s size could be better, or that the sound might be inconsistent, so paying attention during the ride is advisable. A few mention mosquitoes and recommend bug spray, which is a good tip for night outdoor activities.

How This Tour Fits Into Your NOLA Experience

This tour is ideal if you want a relaxing, entertaining evening that combines history, culture, and ghost stories. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive experiences and prefer staying on a bus rather than walking through dark, potentially spooky cemeteries on your own.

It’s perfect for history buffs with a curiosity for the supernatural, or travelers looking for a fun, social activity after a day exploring the French Quarter. Since it’s BYOB, it also suits those wanting to sip on their drinks while soaking up the eerie stories.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

In essence, this tour offers a fun, lighthearted approach to New Orleans’ haunted reputation. It’s a great value considering the wealth of stories, the interactive tools, and the overall atmosphere. You’ll love it if you’re after entertaining guides, beautiful nighttime cemetery views, and a spooky, yet safe experience.

If you’re someone who’s easily scared or prefers more active ghost hunts, this might feel a bit tame. But if you enjoy historic stories with a playful twist, and don’t mind a bus ride at night, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t specifically aimed at children, and the nighttime, spooky atmosphere may be unsettling for some kids. It’s best suited for older teens and adults.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, since it’s a BYOB tour, you’re welcome to bring your favorite beverages to enjoy during the ride.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes for the weather; it’s outdoors at night, so it could be cool or damp. No specific dress code—just be prepared for the weather.

Do I need to worry about rain?
The tour takes place rain or shine, so check the weather before you go and dress accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
About 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t overextend your schedule.

Are the cemeteries accessible?
The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility, likely due to walking around cemetery grounds.

Is it a spooky experience?
While some find it genuinely spooky, most reviews describe it as more fun and atmospheric rather than terrifying.

How many cemeteries will we visit?
Several cemeteries are included, giving you a good variety of sights and stories—though the exact number isn’t specified.

If you’re headed to New Orleans and eager to combine history, culture, and a touch of the supernatural without leaving the comfort of a bus, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to bring your curiosity—and maybe a drink or two.

You can check availability for your dates here: