Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours

Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours — A Deep Dive

If you’re visiting Virginia Beach and have a curiosity for the eerie and mysterious, the Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours offers an engaging hour of ghostly tales and haunting history for just $32 per person. This walking tour is an intimate way to explore the scenic coastline along the historic boardwalk, visiting iconic sights like the King Neptune Statue, the Norwegian Lady Memorial, and the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Led by knowledgeable guides who weave stories of shipwrecks, pirates, and maritime disasters, this tour promises a blend of local lore and spooky intrigue.

What we love about this experience is how it manages to combine scenic views with chilling stories, making the walk feel both picturesque and spine-tingling. The fact that it’s a small group (up to 35 participants) keeps the atmosphere cozy and interactive — you’re not just a face in the crowd. Plus, the detailed storytelling by guides like Justin and Shelly has drawn praise for making history feel alive and authentic.

One thing to consider is that some reviews mention the noisy city environment and the disorganized route, which can detract from the atmosphere if you’re expecting a truly haunting experience in complete darkness. Also, the average start time at 9:00 pm means you’ll want to be prepared for a late evening walk. This tour suits those interested in a lighthearted, historical ghost walk with scenic coastal views, especially if you’re intrigued by maritime legends.

This experience would appeal most to travelers who enjoy storytelling, local history, and coastal scenery — and who are open to a slightly casual, entertaining ghost walk rather than a deeply spooky or haunted experience. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo, you’ll find this tour offers a memorable blend of history and haunting tales.

Key Points

• Affordable and Accessible: At $32, the tour offers good value, especially given the scenic location and storytelling quality.
• Educational and Entertaining: Guides add depth with historical details, making it interesting even for skeptics.
• Scenic Coastal Walk: The route along the Virginia Beach boardwalk allows you to enjoy the sights while listening to spooky stories.
• Interactive Guides: Positive reviews highlight engaging, knowledgeable guides like Justin and Shelly.
• Short but Sweet: The one-hour duration is perfect for a quick ghostly taste without committing a whole afternoon.
• Consider the Environment: Some feedback notes noise and route disorganization, so manage expectations accordingly.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Starting Point and Meeting Details

The tour begins at the 3001 Atlantic Ave, right along the Virginia Beach boardwalk, with the meeting time set for 9:00 pm. Arriving prepared to walk and stay out of the cold or rain will serve you well, especially since the tour lasts about an hour. The group size is capped at 35 guests, which helps keep the experience intimate. You’ll be greeted by your guide, often in costume, which adds a fun, theatrical element to the storytelling, as one reviewer noted about their guide Kimberly.

Walking Along the Scenic Boardwalk

From the very first stop at the King Neptune Statue, you’ll appreciate the view of the Atlantic Ocean and the lively vibe of the beach at night. This statue, which seems to personify the sea itself, has an interesting backstory — and the tour guides often weave in local tales that make each stop more engaging. The Conch Shell Art Installation provides a hauntingly beautiful visual, transforming shells into art that sparks the imagination.

The Legendary Norwegian Lady Statue

One of the tour’s emotional highlights is learning about the 1891 shipwreck of the Dictator, commemorated by the Norwegian Lady Statue. This stop is packed with stories of tragedy and survival, making it a poignant moment amid the spooky tales. As one reviewer pointed out, the story of the wreck is “horrifying,” and learning about the maritime disaster adds depth to the walk.

Maritime Mysteries and Legends

The tour also explores Blackbeard’s legend, with stories connecting him to the Hampton Roads area, and the naval aviation monument, which hints at ghostly tales from the World War II era. These stories, shared with enthusiasm, help you see Virginia Beach not just as a beach resort but as a place with deep, sometimes haunted, maritime roots.

Historic Sites and Ghostly Encounters

The Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum is another key stop, where tales of rescue missions gone awry are recounted. Some reviews mention how guides like Krissy and Paige made these stories come alive with descriptive narration and humor. As one guest said, “The stories were great and beautifully told,” which speaks to the skill of the guides.

Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

While some reviews appreciated the interactive and humorous tone of the guides, others noted that the route can feel a bit disorganized — backtracking and walking in a straight line along the boardwalk can sometimes lessen the spooky ambiance. The timing with a local play at the end of the tour adds a fun touch, giving the night a lively, cultural backdrop.

The Overall Experience

Considering the price point, many guests agree that the tour offers solid value, combining history, local lore, and scenic coastal views. The reviews highlight the guides’ storytelling abilities, which are key to making the experience memorable. However, the noisy city environment and the lighthearted tone might not satisfy those seeking intense ghostly encounters.

Who is This Tour for?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, coastal scenery lovers, and those who enjoy storytelling with a humorous or theatrical flair. Families with teens (some reviews mention an age-appropriate atmosphere) will find it a fun, light evening activity. It’s also suitable for older travelers or anyone wanting a casual ghostly walk without heavy scares. If you’re expecting a deeply haunted or frightening experience, you might find this tour more charming than chilling.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth Your Time?

The Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours in Virginia Beach offers a well-rounded, affordable introduction to the area’s maritime legends and ghost stories. With friendly, knowledgeable guides and scenic surroundings, it’s a great way to explore the beach town’s hidden stories after dark.

While the experience leans more toward entertaining storytelling than spine-chilling horror, it’s ideal for those who appreciate a blend of local history and ghostly tales in a relaxed setting. The small group size, scenic walk, and engaging guides make it a memorable evening for a wide range of travelers.

If you enjoy stories of shipwrecks, pirates, and maritime mysteries, and you’re not overly concerned with total darkness or intense scares, this tour could be a highlight of your Virginia Beach visit. For a light, fun, and culturally rich ghost walk, it’s hard to beat the value and charm of Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but engaging experience perfect for an evening activity.

What is the starting point?
It begins at 3001 Atlantic Ave in Virginia Beach, right along the boardwalk, at 9:00 pm.

What is the tour cost?
The price is $32 per person, which many guests find is a good value considering the guided storytelling and scenic route.

Are there any age restrictions?
While specific age restrictions aren’t listed, some reviews mention that the tour is suitable for all ages, including teens and families.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, near public transportation and with a moderate physical activity requirement, making it accessible for most travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What if I want a darker, more intense experience?
The tour is described as fun and atmospheric but not heavily spooky. For a darker experience, ask if longer or more intense tours are available, or plan for a different ghost tour in the future.

In all, if you’re after an affordable, scenic, and storytelling-rich ghost walk in Virginia Beach, this tour offers a balanced mix of local lore, history, and coastal charm—a memorable way to spend an evening by the ocean.