New Orleans Cemetery and Paranormal Investigation Bus Tour

The New Orleans Cemetery and Paranormal Investigation Bus Tour offers an engaging way to explore some of the city’s most notable burial sites and haunted spots without the hassle of self-driving. Priced at $40 per person, this approximately 2-hour tour departs from the heart of the French Quarter, making it easy to fit into a night of urban exploration. The tour features live commentary from knowledgeable guides, visits to iconic cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and Masonic Temple Cemetery, and the chance to learn about the city’s historic and supernatural stories.

What sets this tour apart is its mix of history, ghost lore, and paranormal investigation tools. Travelers are encouraged to bring their cameras and look out for orbs and ghostly images in their photos. While some reviews mention a slower pace or limited cemetery visits, most appreciate the insightful guides and the opportunity to combine learning and fun through a spooky night ride.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $40 per person, with a 2-hour duration perfect for an evening outing.
• Stops and Sites: Visits include the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, and the Masonic Temple Cemetery.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Kendall and Trish are praised for their knowledgeable and entertaining commentary.
• Paranormal Tools: Includes tools to communicate with the paranormal and EMF readers for ghost hunting.
• Location and Meeting Point: Begins at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys in the French Quarter, with easy access via public transit.
• Reviews and Experience: Ratings average 4.3 to 4.5 stars, with many travelers enjoying scary stories, eerie photos, and lively guides—though some find the pace a bit slow or prefer daytime visits.

Starting Point in the Heart of the French Quarter

The tour begins at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys at 1140 Decatur Street. This location is central, making it simple to arrive via walking or public transportation. The meeting includes a pickup and drop-off service from this spot, and travelers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early to settle in and prepare for the spooky ride. Parking nearby is limited, so public transit or ride-shares like Uber or Lyft are recommended.

The tour is designed to be accessible for most visitors, with most travelers able to participate. However, the bus itself is not wheelchair accessible, and guests should be comfortable walking short distances and navigating steps to board or exit.

Exploring New Orleans Cemeteries by Bus

This tour skips the self-drive hassle and takes you by bus through the city’s historic cemeteries and paranormal hotspots. The first stop is the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, where 85 unclaimed victims of the 2005 levee failures lie. Surrounded by storm-shaped pathways, this memorial offers a quiet, contemplative space to reflect on the city’s recent tragedies.

Next, the tour visits City Park, a 1,300-acre outdoor oasis established in 1854. Travelers can appreciate the historic oaks and moss canopies that have hosted everything from dances to duels. This stop offers a moment to enjoy the park’s charm amid the eerie night atmosphere.

The second stop is the Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. Known for its elaborate, communal tombs, the cemetery’s triangular layout mimics the Masonic square and compass. Walking through this site reveals a distinct vibe compared to the Catholic cemeteries, emphasizing large group tombs and ornate stonework.

The Cemetery Stops and Their Unique Features

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 is among the most iconic stops, established in 1854. While Marie Laveau’s tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is not included on this tour, the site still offers impressive 19th-century tombs and a chance to see the resting places of notable figures. Guides discuss the funeral practices and cemetery architecture that make New Orleans cemeteries so distinctive.

Holt Cemetery is another site visited during the tour, notable for flooding with heavy rain and the unique challenge it presents for photographs. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras, as eerie orbs and ghostly images are sometimes captured—adding to the paranormal experience.

The Odd Fellows Rest is also included, a cemetery reserved for members of a secret society, adding an element of mystique. Throughout, guides share stories about horrors of Hurricane Katrina and the city’s haunted lore, making each site a blend of history and ghost stories.

The Paranormal Investigation Tools and Experience

An interesting feature of this tour is the opportunity to use tools to communicate with the paranormal. Guides provide EMF readers and other equipment to help detect possible ghostly activity. While some reviews mention limited success with ghostly encounters, many find the ghost-hunting aspect adds excitement and engagement.

The guides also share personal stories and scary pictures, which enhance the spooky vibe. Travelers often mention that the nighttime setting and the full moon contribute to an overall eerie atmosphere, making the experience more immersive.

The Guide’s Role and Storytelling Style

The success of the tour heavily depends on the guide’s knowledge and personality. Guides like Kendall, Henry, and Trish receive high praise for their entertaining storytelling, historical insights, and ability to keep the group lively. Many reviews highlight how guides answer questions, share personal Katrina stories, and play eerie music to heighten the spooky mood.

Some reviews note that guides can be long-winded or that the pace feels slow, especially if only two cemeteries are visited. Still, the overall enthusiasm and expertise of guides are considered a major plus.

Pacing, Crowd Size, and Overall Atmosphere

Most tours operate with a group size limited to 24 travelers, creating a comfortable environment for interaction and questions. The pacing varies, with some guests feeling there’s more driving than walking or cemetery time, and others enjoying the relaxed, storytelling approach.

The nighttime ambiance and occasional scary stories make the tour particularly suited for adults and teenagers who enjoy spooky tales and ghost-hunting. The weather-dependent nature means that in poor weather conditions, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts on the New Orleans Cemetery and Paranormal Investigation Bus Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, ghost stories, and paranormal fun, ideal for those curious about New Orleans’ cemeteries and haunted past. The $40 price point includes guided commentary, paranormal tools, and visits to notable sites like the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Masonic Temple Cemetery.

While some reviews mention a slower pace or a desire for more cemetery time, most appreciate the expert guides and the entertaining atmosphere. The tour is most enjoyable for adults and teenagers interested in history, ghost stories, and spooky adventures.

This nighttime bus tour supplies an interesting, fun, and sometimes eerie look at New Orleans’ cemetery culture and supernatural tales, making it a worthwhile addition to any evening plans in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour visit Marie Laveau’s tomb?
No, Marie Laveau’s tomb is located in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is not included in this tour. Instead, you’ll see other notable cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and Masonic Temple Cemetery.

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour departs from the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys at 1140 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, a convenient location close to public transportation.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, with most of that time spent traveling between sites and listening to stories.

Is there a focus on paranormal activity?
Yes, the tour includes tools to communicate with ghosts and encourages guests to take photos, potentially capturing eerie orbs or other paranormal phenomena.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is appropriate for guests ages 6 and above, though some stories can be scary for younger children.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
The bus is not wheelchair accessible, so guests should be able to walk and navigate steps.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended, especially since the tour takes place at night.

Are drinks or food included?
No, but stops sometimes include visits to local spots like Morning Call for beignets, or other refreshment breaks.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
Limited parking is nearby, but public transportation or ride-shares are recommended due to the busy location in the French Quarter.

What makes this tour unique compared to others?
The combination of cemetery visits, paranormal investigation tools, and engaging guides creates a fun and spooky experience, especially suited for those interested in ghost stories and history.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for visitors who want a guided, entertaining look into New Orleans’ haunted sites with the chance to capture paranormal evidence and hear colorful stories from experts.