New Orleans: Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark with Exclusive Access

This nighttime cemetery tour in New Orleans promises a mix of history, ghost stories, and paranormal fun, with the unique perk of exclusive access to a private cemetery. For anyone curious about the city’s darker secrets, this tour offers a compelling blend of storytelling, spooky investigations, and cultural insights. What really sets it apart is the guided use of EMF readers, allowing you to participate actively in the hunt for unexplained phenomena.

One of the things we love about this experience is how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are. They don’t just tell spooky stories—they bring history to life with personal anecdotes and detailed descriptions of the cemeteries and their past residents. Plus, the exclusive access to the Odd Fellows cemetery, owned by a centuries-old secret society, adds an element of mystery and intrigue that’s hard to find elsewhere.

However, a potential consideration is that not everyone may experience paranormal activity firsthand—some reviews mention that the EMF devices seem somewhat unreliable, and no ghostly sightings are guaranteed. If you’re looking for a guaranteed haunted adventure, this may be more about the stories and atmosphere than actual encounters. Still, for those interested in history, legend, and a dash of the paranormal, this tour is a captivating choice, especially suited for curious history buffs and ghost enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Unique Access: The only company permitted into a private, secret society cemetery at night.
• Interactive Experience: Use EMF readers to search for paranormal activity.
• Rich Storytelling: Guides share fascinating ghost stories and personal experiences.
• Historical Variety: Visit cemeteries linked to hurricanes, yellow fever, and Hurricane Katrina.
• Comfort & Convenience: 2-hour bus tour starting in the heart of the French Quarter.
• Value for Money: At $45, you get a comprehensive, engaging tour with exclusive sights.

An In-Depth Look at the Cemetery Bus Tour

Starting Point & Atmosphere
The tour kicks off in the lively French Quarter, outside the Bon’s New Orleans Street Food. This central location makes it easy to find and offers a casual setting to grab a drink or a quick snack before heading out. The tour lasts around two hours, which is just enough time to explore multiple sites without feeling rushed. Several reviews highlight the ease of the meeting process, with many praising the friendly staff and straightforward check-in.

The Transportation & Group Size
Traveling on a dedicated bus, you’ll move comfortably between sites, with a professional driver ensuring safety and smooth transitions. The group size isn’t explicitly specified, but based on reviews and standard tour practices, expect a small to medium-sized group, fostering an intimate, engaging atmosphere. This setup allows for better interaction with the guide and easier questions, which many reviewers find helpful.

Stops and Highlights
The itinerary is packed with meaningful stops. The first major stop is the Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery, which is notable for its exclusive nighttime access—something that most visitors don’t get to experience. Guides like Geoff have been praised for their storytelling, often sharing personal anecdotes, adding depth to the experience.

Next, the tour visits Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery and Charity Hospital Cemetery—both historically significant and visually striking. These sites are known for their above-ground tombs and hauntingly beautiful architecture. Walking through them at night amplifies their spooky allure, and many reviewers mention how the ambiance changes after sunset.

Other stops include St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1 and Mid-City, passing by iconic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral—though only from the bus—adding a broader city context. Between stops, guides share ghost stories and paranormal legends, making the ride both informative and eerie.

Use of EMF Readers and Paranormal Searching
One of the most engaging aspects is the opportunity to learn how to use EMF readers correctly, guided by experts. Some reviews note that the guides are well-versed in paranormal phenomena, sharing documented evidence and explaining the devices’ functions. While some reviewers find the devices somewhat unreliable (as EMF readers are notoriously inconsistent), many enjoy the participation aspect, feeling like they’re part of a ghost-hunting team.

Exclusive Cemetery Access
A definite highlight is the visit to a secret society-owned cemetery, which offers a rare glimpse into a part of New Orleans’ clandestine history. This site is off-limits to most visitors, making the experience feel special and memorable. Reviewers like Shari and others emphasize how this private access adds a layer of exclusivity and mystique.

The Night Atmosphere & Personal Experiences
Being in cemeteries after dark creates a completely different mood—often described as spooky, peaceful, and sometimes unsettling. Many reviews mention how the cemeteries look more haunting at night, with shadows and the silent presence of centuries-old tombs. Although no paranormal activity is guaranteed, the stories, combined with the setting, make it an unforgettable experience.

Food & Drinks Before the Tour
The tour starts right in the heart of the French Quarter, giving you a chance to grab a drink or some food before you depart. Several reviewers enjoyed this relaxed pre-tour moment, which helps set a fun, social tone for the evening.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

• Start at the French Quarter
  Meet outside Bon’s Street Food, ready for a fun, casual introduction to the night. Many find this spot convenient and lively, perfect for a warm-up.

• Guided Bus Tour through Key Neighborhoods
  Travel in comfort through different districts, with the guide sharing insights into New Orleans’ haunted and historical sites. Expect to pass by landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral, but the real focus is on the cemeteries and local stories.

• Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery
  This stop is the highlight for many: exclusive at night, with guides like Geoff providing detailed backstories. The cemetery’s design and age make it a prime candidate for ghost stories, especially under the moonlight.

• Hurricane Katrina Memorial & Charity Hospital Cemetery
  Visit sites linked directly to significant events in New Orleans’ history. Many reviews mention how powerful these visits are, especially with poignant memorials and the eerie, abandoned hospital graves.

• Additional Cemetery Visits
  Stops at St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1 and other iconic burial sites bring more chilling atmosphere and history, with guides pointing out unique features of each.

• Use of EMF Readers
  Throughout the tour, participants are encouraged to scan for strange signals or unexplained energies, adding a fun, participatory dimension. Guides explain how to interpret readings, though some reviews note the readings can be inconsistent.

• Return & Reflection
  The tour wraps back at the starting point, often accompanied by a sense of having experienced something uniquely authentic and atmospheric.

Authenticity, Value, and Overall Experience

At $45 per person, this tour offers good value considering the exclusive cemetery access, guided storytelling, and paranormal participation. It’s not just a sightseeing bus ride—it’s an immersive experience that combines history, mystery, and fun. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Geoff, Jay, and Ms. J for their passion, knowledge, and engaging storytelling style.

The small group size and intimate setting allow for more personalized interactions, making questions and curiosity easy to indulge. Plus, the opportunity to participate actively with EMF readers provides an immersive, hands-on element that’s particularly appealing to those interested in the paranormal.

One aspect worth noting is that some reviewers did not experience paranormal phenomena firsthand, emphasizing that the success of the activity depends heavily on personal perceptions. However, most agree that the stories, history, and atmosphere more than compensate for the lack of ghostly sightings.

Overall, this tour is an excellent choice for travelers who:
– Want to explore New Orleans’ cemeteries beyond daytime visits
– Are curious about ghost stories and paranormal phenomena
– Appreciate historical context combined with a spooky twist
– Crave a small-group, interactive experience
– Don’t mind a slightly eerie, atmospheric journey at night

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, likely due to the dark atmosphere and the nature of cemetery visits at night.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours long, providing enough time to see multiple cemeteries and enjoy the stories without feeling overly long.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, centrally located in the French Quarter, and ends back at the same spot, making it easy to find and plan.

Can I buy drinks or food on the tour?
Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased at check-in or beforehand. The tour start location offers options for grabbing a drink or snack.

Is the EMF device usage explained?
Yes, guides teach participants how to use EMF readers properly, adding an interactive element to the experience.

Are the cemeteries open during the tour?
Yes, the tour takes place after dark, with exclusive access to certain cemeteries, including one owned by a secret society.

What kind of stories will I hear?
Expect ghost stories, personal paranormal experiences, and historical tales related to New Orleans’ haunted sites and tragic events like Hurricane Katrina.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour is offered in English, so non-English speakers may find it challenging unless accompanied by a translator.

Final Thoughts

This New Orleans cemetery bus tour offers a captivating mix of history, mystery, and paranormal fun. Its exclusive nighttime access to private cemeteries, combined with engaging guides and hands-on EMF activities, ensures it’s a memorable experience for those with even a mild curiosity about ghosts and the city’s darker past. While paranormal sightings aren’t guaranteed, the atmospheric cemeteries, haunting stories, and historical context make it a worthwhile outing.

Ideal for history buffs, ghost lovers, and adventure seekers, this tour delivers a blend of education, entertainment, and a touch of mystery. If you’re after a spooky, authentic glimpse into New Orleans’ haunted heart, this experience deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply looking for a fun, atmospheric adventure, this guided nighttime journey through the city’s most famous cemeteries is a solid choice—and one you’ll likely remember long after the tour ends.