New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour

Exploring the New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a tour that combines history, ghost stories, and a touch of Southern mystique, this New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour might catch your eye. While it’s marketed as a top combo experience, it’s worth unpacking what you’re really getting — especially if you’re trying to decide if it’s worth the $114 per person price tag.

What we do like about this tour is its unique blend of spooky tales and historical insights. Visiting Destrehan Plantation offers a glimpse into the past—some of the stories, especially about the enslaved Africans and Voodoo roots, seem genuinely engaging. Plus, the knowledgeable guides are highlighted as a strong point, which can make or break an experience like this. Also, the tour’s convenient pickup from the French Quarter and the inclusion of transportation are definitely pluses for visitors unfamiliar with the city.

However, there are some downsides to keep in mind. For one, the itinerary feels somewhat limited — stopping at just two places, especially if one of those stops is only for a quick inside look at a cemetery, might leave you wanting more depth or variety. And, based on a review, the tour seems to sometimes stray from the ghostly focus: “Tour stopped at two places — a city park and cemetery, the young man talked about a lot of things not pertaining to ghost tour.” So if ghost stories are your main goal, be prepared for some off-topic chatter.

This tour likely suits those who enjoy a mix of history and haunted tales and aren’t expecting a full night of ghost hunting or extensive cemetery exploration. It’s probably best for curious travelers who want a quick, guided peek into New Orleans’ darker corners without a hefty commitment. If you’re after a deeper or more immersive experience, it might be worth exploring other options.

Key Points

• Balanced blend: Combines haunted sites with historical context, appealing to those interested in both.
• Guide quality: Guides are noted to be very knowledgeable, adding value through storytelling.
• Limited stops: Only a couple of locations, which might not satisfy ghost enthusiasts seeking more sites.
• Tour length and pace: About 5 hours, including transportation, making it a manageable evening activity.
• Price point: At $114, it’s on the pricier side for what’s included — consider what you value most in a ghost tour.
• Customer feedback: Some reviewers feel the tour sometimes veers off-topic, which could impact the experience.

A Detailed Look at What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

The tour begins at 1140 Decatur St, right in the heart of the French Quarter, at 7:00 pm. The pickup includes a comfortable bus transport, which simplifies logistics, especially in an unfamiliar city. The group size caps at 28 travelers, allowing for a relatively intimate setting, but you should still be prepared for a somewhat social atmosphere.

Destrehan Plantation: The First Stop

The tour kicks off with a visit to Destrehan Plantation. Here, you’re invited to explore the historic mansion and learn about its spooky stories and significance. With 2 hours allocated and tickets included, this stop offers a substantive look into the past, especially focusing on the history of enslaved Africans and the roots of Voodoo. If history and architecture appeal to you, this is the highlight.

The guide’s role is crucial here, and from what we gather, they are well-informed, making the experience more engaging. You’ll get access to the mansion, which helps bring the stories to life — a great way to connect with the place.

On the Drive to the Cemeteries

Between stops, the tour drivers will pass along the outskirts of the French Quarter, setting the scene and adding some local flavor. While this is more of a scenic drive, it gives you a chance to settle in and prepare for what’s next.

The Cemetery Visit

Next, you’ll head to 400 City Park Ave, where you’ll have about 20 minutes inside the cemetery. Here, you’ll learn about local burial practices — an important part of understanding New Orleans’ ghost stories. This stop is quick, so don’t expect hours of wandering, but it’s enough time to get a peek into the city’s unique funerary traditions.

Based on a review, the visit here might sometimes feel rushed or not entirely focused on ghost stories. One commenter noted that discussions during the tour included a lot of unrelated topics, which could detract from the spooky vibe if you’re expecting a traditional ghost tour.

Ending the Tour

After this, the tour wraps up back at the starting point. It’s a manageable evening, with a focus on providing both historical and ghostly tales in just over five hours.

Who Will Get the Most Out of This Tour?

This experience will best suit history buffs and casual ghost-story fans looking for a guided overview rather than a deep dive into paranormal investigations. It’s also good for those who prefer a structured, scheduled tour with transportation included, rather than wandering on your own.

However, if you’re craving multiple haunted sites or a more immersive, spine-tingling night, you might want to explore other options, as this tour’s limited stops and sometimes tangential commentary might leave you wanting more.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour offers a decent introduction to some of the city’s haunted spots and historical sites. Its real strength lies in the knowledgeable guides who can tell captivating stories and provide context that enriches the experience. However, the limited stops and some off-topic moments suggest it’s not the most intense or comprehensive ghost tour out there.

For travelers interested in a manageable, informative evening that blends history and ghost stories, this could be a worthwhile option. But if your primary goal is to hunt for ghosts or explore as many haunted sites as possible, you might find this experience somewhat underwhelming.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes comfortable bus transport, making it easy to move between sites without stress.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 1140 Decatur St in the French Quarter and returns there at the end of the tour.

What time does the tour start?
It departs at 7:00 pm nightly.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including stops and transportation.

What stops are included?
The tour visits Destrehan Plantation for 2 hours and a cemetery for about 20 minutes. The rest of the time is spent traveling between locations.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the content is generally suitable for most travelers interested in history and ghost stories. Always check with the provider if traveling with children.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, giving you flexibility.

What do reviews say?
Feedback is mixed; some appreciate the guides’ knowledge, but others found the stops brief or off-topic, and the overall value might not match the price for all travelers.

Is this tour worth the price?
It depends on your priorities. If you value guided storytelling and a brief look at some haunted spots with historical context, it might be worth it. For deeper experiences, consider other options.

This tour offers a snapshot of New Orleans’ haunted side, with knowledgeable guides but limited stops and some uneven moments. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a straightforward, guided evening but may not satisfy the more intense ghost seekers.