A Ghost Hunting Tour Specters and Apparitions in Salem

Salem’s Ghost Hunting Tour: Specters and Apparitions offers a captivating 90-minute journey into the city’s haunted past, led by knowledgeable guides equipped with professional ghost-hunting tools. Priced at $35 per person, this tour is designed for those curious about the spiritual world or anyone interested in Salem’s eerie history. It departs from 32 Derby Square at 8:30 pm and covers several iconic haunted locations, including the Old Salem Jail Lot and the Burying Point Cemetery. With a strong 5.0-star rating based on 11 reviews, it clearly resonates with participants looking for a mix of history and paranormal adventure.

The tour’s appeal lies in its unique use of ghost-hunting equipment and the interactive experience offered by guides who instruct on techniques to seek out spirits. However, it’s important to note that ghost sightings and paranormal phenomena cannot be guaranteed, as results vary by individual. The activity is outdoor-only, so participants should dress comfortably and be prepared for weather conditions. This experience suits those who enjoy walking tours, history, and supernatural tales, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $35 per person and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
• Start Location and Time: It begins at 32 Derby Square, Salem at 8:30 pm.
• Major Stops: Includes the Old Salem Town Hall, Old Salem Jail Lot, Howard Street Cemetery, and the Burying Point Cemetery.
• Equipment and Guides: Features professional ghost-hunting gear and a licensed guide who provides insightful commentary.
• Outdoor Activity: Conducted entirely outdoors; no entry into buildings or cemeteries after dark.
• Group Size and Accessibility: Group sizes up to 40 guests; service animals are permitted.
• Booking: Usually booked 14 days in advance, with free cancellation available if canceled over 24 hours before the tour.

Starting Point at Salem’s Derby Square

The tour kicks off at 32 Derby Square, a central Salem location near public transportation options, making it easy to access. The guide meets the group here at 8:30 pm, ready to lead you on an outdoor exploration of Salem’s most haunted sites. This meeting point is convenient, and the tour ends at The Burying Point Cemetery, allowing easy return after the experience.

Visiting the Salem Old Town Hall and Historic Sites

The tour begins with a brief visit to Salem Old Town Hall, which acts as the meeting point and offers a quick introduction to Salem’s history and ghost stories. This stop lasts about 10 minutes and includes your admission ticket. From there, the group proceeds to the Old Salem Jail Lot, a site with dark historical ties to the Salem Witch Trials, where over 25 people died under unsanitary conditions.

The Old Salem Jail Lot is a significant part of the tour as it ties Salem’s grim past to its ghostly legends. No entry fee is required here, and the location provides a haunting backdrop for ghostly stories. The visit lasts approximately 15 minutes, giving enough time for exploration and discussion.

Spirit Detection at Howard Street Cemetery

One of the most engaging stops is the Howard Street Cemetery, where guides and groups use spirit boxes, flashlights, and laser light grids to track anomalies. Importantly, the tour does not enter the cemetery after dark, respecting local laws and regulations. The 15-minute visit allows participants to observe and potentially detect spirits or unusual phenomena with the tools provided.

This stop emphasizes the interactive nature of the experience, encouraging guests to participate actively in the ghost-hunting techniques taught by the guides.

Near Saint Peters Church and the Historic Burying Point

Next, the group walks near Saint Peters Church, where the guide shares stories related to the headstones in front of the church. This segment lasts about 30 minutes, providing an atmospheric setting for hearing about Salem’s spectral legends. The final stop is at The Burying Point, the oldest cemetery in Salem, which is off-limits after dark but can be observed from outside the gates.

The 15-minute visit at The Burying Point offers a chance for ghost hunting at the cemetery’s edge, focusing on the visual and auditory phenomena that might be captured with your phone or the provided equipment. No entrance fee is required for this outdoor activity.

Equipment and Expert Guidance

The tour includes the use of various ghost-hunting equipment such as spirit boxes, flashlights, and laser grids, all available for guests to utilize during the stops. The licensed guide not only leads the group but also provides background history of each location and instructions on paranormal investigation techniques. Guides are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable manner, making the experience both educational and fun.

Guests are required to bring their own smartphones to capture photos or anomalies, with a $200 fee for any unreturned equipment. The tour also requires one driver’s license or ID per group for equipment use.

Group Size, Weather, and Accessibility

This outdoor activity accommodates up to 40 guests per group, allowing for a lively but manageable experience. The tour runs rain or shine, so participants should dress comfortably and wear suitable footwear. No public restrooms are available along the route, so plan accordingly. Service animals are permitted, and children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.

While the tour does not involve entering buildings or cemeteries after dark, it appeals to most travelers comfortable with walking and outdoor conditions.

Customer Service and Booking Flexibility

Booking is straightforward, with most tours scheduled 14 days in advance. Cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours before the start time, providing reassurance for travelers with changing plans. The tour is operated by Witch City Walking Tours, known for their informative and well-organized Salem ghost experiences.

Comparing Similar Salem Ghost Tours

Aside from this specific ghost-hunting experience, other Salem tours focus on hauntings and history, with options like Witchcraft and Salem History Tours or Wicked Awesome Tours. This tour’s emphasis on interactive equipment use and guide-led investigation makes it stand out among Salem’s nighttime ghost experiences.

Final Thoughts on the Salem Ghost Hunting Tour

The Specters and Apparitions tour offers an affordable, engaging, and well-reviewed way to explore Salem’s haunted sites. It appeals to those interested in interactive paranormal investigation and local history, all while enjoying the charm of Salem’s historic streets at night. The knowledgeable guides and use of ghost-hunting tech add a layer of excitement that makes this experience memorable.

However, visitors should be aware that paranormal results are uncertain, and the activity is outdoor-only, requiring suitable clothing. Its small group sizes and strong reviews for guides like Samantha and Michelle suggest a personalized, fun experience for those open to the supernatural.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $35?
The tour fee covers all ghost-hunting equipment, a licensed guide, and access to multiple haunted Salem sites.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellation is free if done more than 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing for flexibility.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants must bring their own smartphones for photos and capturing anomalies, and should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are allowed but must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. The outdoor nature makes it suitable for most ages, but guardians should consider weather and walking distance.

Are the cemeteries entered during the tour?
No, the cemeteries are not entered after dark; the tour observes them from outside the gates.

How many people are in each group?
Group sizes can be up to 40 guests, ensuring a lively but manageable experience.

This Salem ghost-hunting experience combines history, technology, and ghost stories into a memorable night adventure. With strong reviews, expert guidance, and a reasonable price point, it’s a recommended choice for anyone eager to explore Salem’s paranormal side.