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Explore New Orleans' haunted history with a guided ghost tour using EMF meters, visiting top spooky sites in the French Quarter—fun and authentic.
Discovering the Haunted Heart of New Orleans: A Detailed Review of the Ghost Hunters 101 Tour
If you’re visiting New Orleans and have a curiosity for the supernatural, the New Orleans Ghost Hunters 101 with Electronic Field Meter offers an intriguing way to explore the city’s haunted reputation. Priced at $35 per person, this tour combines history, local legends, and a dash of ghost-hunting technology to create an experience that’s both entertaining and slightly spooky. While it’s not a guarantee of seeing spirits, it does promise an engaging stroll through the French Quarter with a knowledgeable guide and a real EMF meter in hand.
What we really love about this experience is its blend of education and investigation — you don’t just hear ghost stories; you get a sense of how paranormal activity is measured and studied. The use of a real electronic field meter adds a tangible element to the tour, making it more than just listening to tales. However, some travelers might find the overall experience a bit variable, especially if guides aren’t feeling 100% or if weather impacts the outdoor investigations. This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and a little fun with paranormal gadgets.
If you’re a history buff, a ghost-story enthusiast, or someone curious about the city’s dark side, this tour could be a perfect fit. Keep in mind that it’s more investigation-focused than a typical sightseeing walk, so patience and an open mind will serve you well.
Expert guides bring stories and history to life, making the experience both educational and fun.
The EMF meter adds a hands-on element, allowing guests to participate in ghost-hunting.
The location scope covers top haunted spots in the French Quarter, including cemeteries, bars, and historic buildings.
The walking pace is moderate, with plenty of stops, but weather and bar delays can extend the tour.
Price points provide good value, considering the guided investigation and access to multiple haunted sites.
Weather considerations are important—tours run rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
The tour begins at 941 Bourbon Street, where the group gathers just outside Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar. From the outset, the experience emphasizes a paranormal investigation rather than just a ghost story walk. Your local guide, often a knowledgeable enthusiast or expert, leads the way through roughly 78 blocks of the iconic French Quarter, stopping at some of the most notorious haunted locations.
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What makes this tour stand out is its focus on actual paranormal detection. The guide, often a “head investigator,” will allow guests to hold the EMF meter, a device used by professional ghost hunters to gauge electromagnetic activity—often believed to be linked to spirits. One reviewer mentioned how their niece got to hold the device and felt like she was truly hunting ghosts, which adds an element of fun for younger participants or those new to ghost hunting.
Throughout the two hours, you’ll visit a variety of sites, including:
The guide will share stories behind each location—ranging from historical tragedies to legends of vampires, voodoo, and spirits—painting a vivid picture that intertwines history and ghost tales.
Guests have appreciated guides like Coty, who is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. One reviewer noted Coty’s willingness to share extra tips, such as a no-roux gumbo recipe, adding a personal touch that makes the tour more memorable. Others remarked that guides can sometimes be under the weather, affecting the overall enthusiasm, but the core of the experience remains compelling.
Part of the tour’s charm is its casual, social atmosphere. Guests are allowed to step into bars along the route, buy a drink to go, and continue the investigation. This blend of history, local flavor, and paranormal fun creates a lively, immersive environment.
The real EMF meter is a notable feature. Guests are often allowed to hold the device, giving them a small taste of ghost-hunting tools used by professionals. While we can’t guarantee paranormal activity, some guests have remarkably captured photos of orbs and other phenomena, making this tour a fun option for those hoping to glimpse something unusual.
The tour’s structure is designed to cover the most haunted parts of the French Quarter in about two hours. It includes:
While the tour is primarily foot-based, it does involve some waiting in bars, which could extend the length if busy. The total duration is approximately 1–2 hours, but delays are possible.
Based on reviews, the guides are often highlighted as a major strength. “Coty was a great tour guide, full of knowledge not only about hauntings but about New Orleans in general,” reports one guest. The ability for guests to hold and operate the EMF meter adds an interactive element that many find fun and engaging.
However, some reviews mention variable guide enthusiasm—one traveler noted that their guide was sick and coughing, which affected the energy but not necessarily the overall experience. Others appreciated the good value for money, especially considering the mix of storytelling, investigation, and local flavor.
A common theme: the tour does not guarantee paranormal activity, but it provides a fun, atmospheric way to learn about ghost legends and local history. One guest summed it up: “It was fun and educational, even if we didn’t see ghosts, it was worth every penny.”
This experience suits travelers keen on ghost stories and paranormal investigation. If you enjoy a mix of history, local legends, and hands-on tech, you’ll find this tour quite engaging. It’s also a good choice for those who want a lighthearted yet spooky way to experience the French Quarter after dark.
However, if you’re looking for a more intense ghost-hunting adventure with private access or private investigations, this tour might feel a bit light. Also, those who dislike walking or are sensitive to uneven terrain should plan accordingly.
The New Orleans Ghost Hunters 101 tour offers an approachable, fun way to explore the city’s haunted reputation. For a reasonable price, you’ll get a guided walk through the iconic French Quarter, stories that bring history to life, and a chance to use paranormal detection tools yourself. It’s a social, casual experience—more about atmosphere and storytelling than a serious investigation, but plenty of guests have captured moments they swear are paranormal.
If you’re a fan of ghost stories, local legends, or just want to add a spooky twist to your NOLA visit, this tour can be a memorable highlight. Guides like Coty and Ashley have been praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience feel authentic and engaging.
While it’s not a guaranteed ghost sighting, the combination of history, local color, and a dash of the supernatural makes this tour a good value for those wanting a taste of New Orleans’ darker side. Just remember to come with an open mind, a sense of humor, and readiness for some walking and bar stops along the way.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but some bars may not allow kids. Children under 18 need to be with an adult unless specified otherwise.
Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks are not included, but guests can purchase beverages at bars along the route. There are options for to-go drinks to continue exploring.
What equipment do guests get to use?
Guests are allowed to hold a real EMF meter, which is used to measure electromagnetic activity, possibly linked to paranormal phenomena.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on wait times and bar stops, but can be slightly longer.
Are private investigations available?
This tour is a public walking investigation, not a private or exclusive investigation. It’s designed for groups of up to 99 people.
What’s the best way to prepare?
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, dress for the weather, and bring an open mind. No video recording is allowed during the tour.
Can I expect to see ghosts?
There are no guarantees of paranormal activity. The tour focuses on stories, history, and using equipment to detect activity, not guaranteed sightings.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. If canceled due to severe weather, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.
In summary, the New Orleans Ghost Hunters 101 tour offers a balanced mix of history, local lore, and paranormal fun for a reasonable price. It’s particularly well-suited for those interested in ghost stories and interactive investigations, making it a lively addition to any NOLA night out.