Cemeteries at night hit different. This New Orleans cemetery and paranormal bus tour mixes bus storytelling with time inside major burial grounds, so you get both the gothic vibe and the real-world culture that shaped it. I like how you’re not stuck staring out the window; you actually walk the grounds, then try paranormal-style tools as the guide keeps things moving.

What I really like is the contrast: ornate Masonic tombs alongside Catholic-style cemeteries and memorial sites tied to New Orleans’ more recent tragedies. I also appreciate the human side—guides such as Kendall, Roy, Henry, and Trish tend to bring history, humor, and a clear sense of group control, which matters once the lights are out.

One possible drawback: the experience can feel short or uneven depending on the day. A couple people reported that bus narration was minimal, that they expected more cemetery stops than they got, or that parts of the schedule (like a snack stop) took longer than expected.

Quick hits before you ride into the dark

• Two hours, bus-first timing: you’ll spend a mix of time driving and walking, so set your expectations for movement.
• Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 stop: triangular street layout, square-and-compass symbolism, and elaborate group-funded tombs.
• EMF-style investigation tools: the guide helps you use the included gear, and you may also be directed toward an app.
• Katrina memorial time: you’ll hear about the Hurricane Katrina impact and be able to pay respects at the memorial cemetery.
• Small-ish groups (max 24): easier to manage at night than the big bus crowd.

Night bus, live commentary, and EMF tools that keep you engaged

This is a New Orleans paranormal investigation bus tour where the vehicle matters as much as the stops. You start at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys at 1140 Decatur St, and you’ll return there at the end. The format is built around a moving timeline: ride through town, listen to the guide, then do focused cemetery time after dark.

The included “paranormal” part isn’t just cameras and vibes. You get tools to communicate with the paranormal, and the guide helps you use an EMF reader during cemetery time. That’s important because “having gear” is one thing; “knowing how to use it” is another. In a few reports, people said instructions around the extra app weren’t clear, so if you’re interested in the gadget part, be ready to ask right away how to run it.

One more thing: the tour is capped at 24 travelers. That’s a sweet spot for a night walk—enough people for energy, but not so many that you’re constantly losing your place when the group stops.

City Park stop: mossy oaks and the perfect pre-cemetery mood

Before the burial grounds, you’ll head to City Park, an outdoor space that New Orleanians have leaned on for generations. It’s a huge 1,300-acre urban park that dates back to 1854, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want before night-time cemetery time. Historic oaks and sweeping Spanish moss create that classic New Orleans look—softening the mood in a way that makes what comes next feel even sharper.

Practically, this stop also helps you reset. If you’re coming from the French Quarter, the park break is a good transition from bar-hopping energy to quieter, more reflective walking. Just don’t expect it to replace the cemetery portion; think of it as your tone setter.

Masonic Temple Cemetery #2: the architecture is the main spooky clue

Your anchor stop is Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons. If you’ve only seen New Orleans cemeteries as a single style, this is where the city shows off its layers. The Masonic layout and tomb shapes don’t look like the Catholic examples you’ll often see in photos.

Here’s what makes it special when you’re actually there:

• Tombs were often purchased using pooled resources from Masonic lodges, which helps explain the cemetery’s communal, structured feel.
• The cemetery covers two oddly shaped city blocks, with Conti Street bisecting the grounds. The overall triangular plan is tied to Masonic symbolism—matching ideas of the square and compass.
• You’ll see cast-iron picket fences enclosing sections, plus oak allées along the northern and western edges.
• Tombs sit compactly in rows with a wide paved promenade through the middle, giving you access to smaller internal walkways.

Why this matters for your night experience: in the dark, you start noticing patterns—lines, angles, and repetition. Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 gives you plenty to look at, so even if you’re not fully buying into the paranormal angle, you’re still getting a strong architectural and cultural payoff.

More stops than you expect: Katrina memorial plus other burial grounds

The tour is described as exploring New Orleans cemeteries and other paranormal activity centers by bus, but the exact day-to-day mix can feel different. What you can count on is a focused cemetery-heavy evening with a memorial component.

One of the biggest emotional anchors is the Hurricane Katrina memorial cemetery. Your guide will explain the lasting effects of Katrina and you’ll have a chance to pay respects. This isn’t treated like a jump-scare moment. It’s the kind of stop that grounds the whole night in a real New Orleans story—not just cemetery aesthetics.

Based on the tour’s general pattern, you may also see (or drive past on the route) places such as:

• Charity Hospital pauper’s field
• St. Louis Cemetery #3
• Holt Cemetery
• The Odd Fellows Rest (connected to members of a lesser-known society)

Two practical notes from what people report:

1. Some nights feel like you spend most of the time at one main cemetery, with other stops shorter or more “drive-by” than expected.
2. A cafe or snack stop can pop up in the schedule. If you care most about walking the cemeteries, it’s worth mentally prioritizing the ground time over the bus ride.

Also, Marie Laveau’s tomb is not on this tour. It’s located in St. Louis Cemetery 1, and that specific stop isn’t included here.

The guide factor: why Roy, Kendall, Henry, and Trish get named

In a tour like this, the guide is everything. The best departures keep the group engaged, manage the pace, and explain what you’re looking at without turning it into random ghost theater.

From the reports attached to this tour, names come up often: Roy, Kendall, Henry, and Trish. People describe them as mixing history, humor, and paranormal-style stories in a way that feels social—like you’re in it together, not just lined up to be lectured.

That said, a few red flags show up too. Some people felt there was too little bus narration and too much music. Others said the paranormal app wasn’t explained well enough to use confidently. And one report described a schedule hiccup connected to conflict at a café stop that pushed the vibe off track.

My practical advice: if you want more history and less hype, arrive ready to ask questions in the moment. During cemetery time, you’ll get the best value when you’re not hesitating—ask what you should watch for, ask what the guide thinks is important about the tombs you’re seeing, and then listen closely before your group moves.

The nighttime vibe: what you’ll notice once the group starts walking

Night cemetery tours are a specific kind of sensory experience. You’ll likely notice:

• Lighting changes how tomb surfaces look (edges and carvings become harder to ignore).
• Silence gaps happen fast when the group is told to quiet down for “readings” or investigation.
• Group size affects your comfort—24 travelers is big enough for energy but not so large you’re constantly separated.

A few people mentioned capturing unusual things on camera and leaving more open-minded than they arrived. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the interactive angle can be fun because it turns walking into an activity.

One more thing: you may hear morbid stories, including topics tied to funerary methods. The tour is listed as appropriate for ages 6 and above, but it does cover unsettling themes, so I’d use common sense for younger kids.

Price and time: $30 for a bus tour that can feel short

The price is $30 per person for about 2 hours. That’s not outrageous for a New Orleans evening tour that includes pickup/drop-off and guided cemetery time. You’re paying for two things:

1. Transportation + narration so you’re not piecing together stops on your own.
2. Access and timing, since some of the appeal is specifically getting into the cemeteries after dark.

But value depends on expectations. If you’re hoping for multiple long cemetery walks (and lots of deep explanations at each), some departures can disappoint. There are reports of only one cemetery being strongly visited, with other stops feeling minimal. There are also reports of time being spent on a restroom/snack break that felt too long.

Here’s how I’d decide if it’s worth it for you:

• If you want an easy, guided night activity with a mix of history + paranormal tools, $30 for two hours can be a fair deal.
• If you want maximum time on multiple cemeteries with lots of detailed figures at each, you’ll want to be extra alert to whether this specific outing matches your ideal.

What to pack (and what not to overthink)

This one is mostly practical. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking on cemetery paths and you’ll need to handle steps to get on/off the bus. Layered clothing helps because New Orleans evenings can shift.

One more practical reality: the bus used for this tour is not wheelchair accessible. The tour also isn’t described as strenuous overall, but you still need the ability to walk and navigate a few steps.

If you’re prone to frustration with group settings, treat this like a night out where pacing can’t be perfectly tailored. The tour keeps the group together on a schedule, and at night, that’s normal.

Should you book the NOLA GhostRiders cemetery and paranormal bus tour?

I’d book it if you want:

• A guided night in New Orleans cemeteries without having to plan logistics
• A hands-on paranormal component using an EMF reader
• A guide-led experience that often mixes history, comedy, and spooky atmosphere (especially with guides like Roy, Kendall, Henry, or Trish)

I wouldn’t book it if you need:

• Long, equal time at several cemeteries on every departure
• Lots of consistent bus narration every minute
• Extremely detailed, figure-by-figure cemetery history as the main focus

If you’re flexible and you mainly want a fun, social, after-dark New Orleans experience with meaningful stops like the Katrina memorial, this tour can be a solid use of your time.

FAQ

What is the approximate duration of the New Orleans Cemetery and Paranormal Investigation Bus Tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours, roughly.

How much does the New Orleans Cemetery and Paranormal Investigation Bus Tour cost?

It costs $30.00 per person.

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The tour starts at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys at 1140 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Which cemetery does this tour visit?

This tour typically visits several burial sites, including the Charity Hospital pauper’s field and Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, along with places such as St. Louis Cemetery #3 and Holt Cemetery, plus others.

Is Marie Laveau’s tomb included?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery 1, which is not included on this tour.

Does the tour include a stop related to Hurricane Katrina?

Yes. Your guide will explain the lasting effects of Hurricane Katrina, and you can pay respects at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery, plus visit the Odd Fellows Rest.

Does the tour include tools for paranormal communication?

Yes. The tour includes tools to communicate with the paranormal, and your guide helps you use the included EMF reader.

Is the tour family friendly?

Yes. It is appropriate for ages 6 and above, though it does include morbid tales that can be scary for younger guests.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?

No. The bus used for this tour is not wheelchair accessible, and you must be able to walk and navigate a few steps to board and exit.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, the amount paid is not refunded.