New Orleans Cemetery, Spirits, Ghost and Voodoo Bus Tour

Discover the Spirits of New Orleans: A Review of the Cemetery, Ghost, and Voodoo Bus Tour

If you’re looking to add a touch of eerie mystery to your trip to New Orleans, the Spirits-N-Spirits bus tour offers a compelling way to explore the city’s haunted side after sunset. This tour promises more than just ghost stories; it takes you on a journey through historic cemeteries, notorious locations, and even secret burial sites, all while providing insights into New Orleans’ unique customs surrounding death, spirits, and voodoo.

What we love about this experience is its focus on authentic storytelling and accessible transportation—no walking long distances in the dark, just a comfortable ride with engaging guides. Plus, the stops at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Charity Hospital give a powerful dose of local history, blending supernatural tales with real-life tragedy.

One thing to consider: since the tour is scheduled for nighttime, it’s naturally darker, which might not be ideal for travelers who prefer daytime sightseeing. Also, for those sensitive to spooky stories or ghostly tales, it’s worth knowing that this tour leans into the spooky atmosphere with some unnerving elements.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, and anyone curious about New Orleans’ voodoo and burial traditions. It’s also suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and a little thrill—all wrapped into one 2.5-hour ride.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from knowledgeable guides makes the experience engaging.
• The tour covers historic sites and secret burial grounds, offering unique insights.
• It’s a nighttime experience, ideal for a spooky atmosphere.
• Stops include meaningful sites like the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Charity Hospital.
• The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the evening ride.
• The tour offers free cancellation, providing peace of mind when booking.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Overall Format and Transportation

The tour is conducted via an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a thoughtful touch considering New Orleans’ humid evenings. With a maximum group size of 28 travelers, it remains small enough to feel personal but lively enough for group energy. Starting promptly at 8:00 pm from Premium Parking on Canal Street, the tour is timed to catch the city’s night-time ambiance, when the shadows lengthen and the stories come alive.

This setup is ideal for those who prefer not to walk long distances or navigate unfamiliar streets after dark. The mobile ticket system adds convenience, allowing you to simply show your ticket on your phone, avoiding unnecessary lines or worries about tickets getting lost.

The Stops and Their Significance

Hurricane Katrina Memorial

The first major stop is the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, a somber site dedicated to the unclaimed victims of 2005. It’s a powerful reminder of the city’s recent tragedy and the lives lost in a natural disaster. The guide will likely share stories about the victims and the eerie silence that descends here after dark—giving you a chance to reflect on the city’s resilience.

Charity Hospital

Next, you’ll visit Charity Hospital, which is the second oldest hospital system in the nation. The hospital has a storied past, with many ghost stories circulating about its abandoned halls and the spirits said to linger there. The guide may share tales of ghostly apparitions and strange sounds, making this a highlight for those who love supernatural lore.

Secret Burial Grounds and Ritual Locations

One of the most intriguing aspects of this tour is its focus on secret ritual burial sites that are shown only to tour participants. These locations are not accessible to casual visitors and provide a rare glimpse into New Orleans’ burial customs—particularly the practice of above-ground tombs and rituals linked to voodoo traditions.

The Stories and Atmosphere

The guide, often praised for exceptional storytelling, weaves in facts, legends, and historical context seamlessly. Expect to hear about local customs, notorious hauntings, and the ritual significance behind some burial practices. Reviews highlight that the stories can be quite unnerving, adding to the thrill of the experience.

The Value of the Tour

At $50 per person for roughly 2.5 hours, the tour offers a substantial glimpse into New Orleans’ haunted culture, balancing history and folklore. The tour’s intimate size and focus on authentic sites make it a good value, especially considering the exclusive access to locations not available to the general public.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Reviews

One reviewer lauds Jeff, the guide, calling him “great” and “exceptional,” emphasizing his storytelling skills and knowledge of local history. As they note, the tour takes in Odd Fellows Cemetery and a site commemorating Hurricane Katrina victims, blending history with ghostly tales.

Another reviewer describes the experience as “so much fun and very informative,” mentioning that some stories are “quite unnerving” but all the more interesting, especially when you’re encouraged to keep your camera ready at Charity Hospital—just in case you capture something supernatural.

This positive feedback highlights that the guides are key to the experience’s success—adding layers of stories and making even spooky tales feel grounded and respectful.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Timing and Duration

Starting at 8:00 pm, the tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes—a manageable length for an evening activity. The meeting point at Premium Parking on Canal Street is accessible and convenient, with nearby public transportation options.

Accessibility and Group Size

With most travelers able to participate and service animals allowed, it’s inclusive for many. The small group size makes it easier to hear stories and ask questions, enhancing the personal feel.

Cancellation and Weather Considerations

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving flexibility if your plans change. Since it’s an outdoor nighttime experience, bad weather could lead to cancellations, but you’ll be rescheduled or refunded.

What’s Not Included

While the tour itself is a solid value, dinner is not included. You might want to plan a meal before or after the tour, especially if you have a sensitive stomach for ghostly tales.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history enthusiasts, ghost story lovers, and those intrigued by New Orleans’ voodoo and burial customs. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with a spooky atmosphere and want a respectful yet thrilling glimpse into the city’s haunted spots. Families with older children, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy storytelling will find it particularly engaging.

The Sum Up: Why It’s a Good Choice

This Spirits-N-Spirits bus tour offers a well-rounded, atmospheric look at New Orleans’ most haunted and historic sites. The knowledgeable guides, combined with exclusive access to secret burial places and meaningful stops like the Katrina Memorial, make this a compelling option for those interested in the city’s dark side.

At its core, it’s a fun, informative, and respectful way to appreciate New Orleans’ complex relationship with death, spirits, and folklore. The comfortable transportation and small group setting make it accessible and personal, while the stories add just enough thrill to keep you captivated.

If you’re eager to see a different, more mysterious side of New Orleans—without the hassle of walking through cemeteries at night—this tour is definitely worth considering. It sidesteps the superficial ghost stories, offering instead a glimpse into authentic local traditions and hidden histories—a true journey into the city’s haunted heart.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but because stories can be unnerving and the atmosphere spooky, it’s advisable for older children or teens who are comfortable with ghost stories.

Does the tour include walking or just bus transportation?
The tour is conducted via an air-conditioned vehicle, so there’s no walking involved during the stops, making it accessible for those who prefer not to walk long distances at night.

What are the main sites visited?
You’ll visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, Charity Hospital, and secret burial grounds, some of which are not open to the public normally.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is the tour loud or quiet?
The guide’s storytelling is engaging but not overly loud, designed so that everyone can hear comfortably in the vehicle.

Are cameras allowed?
Absolutely—many travelers keep their cameras ready, especially at sites like Charity Hospital, hoping to capture something supernatural.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for an outdoor, nighttime environment. The vehicle is air-conditioned, so dress accordingly.

Is there an age limit or restriction?
Most travelers can join, but the content might be intense for very young children. Check with the tour provider if in doubt.

This tour offers a unique blend of history, folklore, and genuine ghostly intrigue—an experience that leaves many travelers both spooked and enlightened. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories and sites will give you plenty to think about long after your night in New Orleans.