Ghost Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear: An Authentic Haunting Experience in New Orleans

Imagine wandering the historic streets of New Orleans at night, armed with ghost hunting gear like EMF detectors, trying to catch whispers of spirits in the air. For just $20 per person, this one-hour tour offers a glimpse into the city’s dark tales and restless souls. It’s designed for those who love spooky stories, a dash of paranormal activity, and a bit of interactive fun. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you through landmarks such as Jackson Square, the LaLaurie Mansion, the Andrew Jackson Hotel, and Pirate’s Alley—each with its own ghostly secrets.
What drew us in was the idea of actively participating in the ghost hunt, not just listening to stories but actually using EMF detectors to “detect” spirits. Plus, the tour’s focus on notable haunted spots like Madam LaLaurie’s dark legacy and the film locations from “Interview With The Vampire” promise an engaging blend of history and the supernatural. We also appreciated the accessible nature—it’s a short, lively experience perfect for an evening outing, especially if you’re curious about New Orleans’ haunted reputation.
However, one potential drawback is the variable quality of guides and the reliance on equipment that can sometimes produce more noise than meaningful signals. And, as some reviews have mentioned, the experience can be marred by poor organization or even the guide not showing up, which is worth considering. This tour would best suit adventurous travelers eager to mix history, ghost stories, and a bit of interactive fun in a lively city setting.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
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- Interactive experience with ghost-hunting equipment like EMF detectors
- Knowledgeable guides who bring stories and local legends to life
- Historic landmarks like LaLaurie Mansion and Pirate’s Alley with haunted reputations
- Short, one-hour duration perfect for an evening activity
- Tours operate rain or shine, with no hotel pickup, meeting at Jackson Square
- Variable reviews highlight the importance of reliable guides and organization
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Exploring New Orleans’ Haunted Streets: A Detailed Review
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The Basics: What You Get and Who It’s For
This ghost tour is priced affordably at $20 per person, making it accessible for many travelers. It lasts about one hour, generally offered in the evening, which suits those wanting a quick but memorable experience after dinner or before bed. Your meeting point is right outside the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, a central and picturesque spot that instantly sets the historic mood.
The tour is led by an experienced guide, who takes you through some of the most famously haunted locations in the French Quarter, all while handing out EMF detectors for active ghost hunting. It’s a group activity, with equipment provided for each party, ensuring everyone can participate. The experience is wheelchair accessible and involves a lively, outdoor walk through the illuminated streets, making it a flexible and inclusive option.
The Highlights: What Makes It Unique
One of the biggest draws is the active engagement with paranormal gear. Unlike simply listening to ghost stories, you’ll use EMF detectors—devices that detect electromagnetic fluctuations—that may or may not indicate spirits, but certainly add a fun, interactive dimension. The guide’s knowledgeable storytelling helps flesh out the tales behind landmarks like Madam LaLaurie’s mansion, infamous for her sadistic practices in the 19th century, and the historic Pirate’s Alley, which whispers tales of nautical spirits.
We loved the way the guide connected stories to the actual location, making history feel alive—sometimes quite literally. For instance, as you stand near LaLaurie’s mansion, the guide might share chilling details about the tortured souls believed to linger there, giving a sense of stepping into a real-life ghost story.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Stops and What To Expect
Jackson Square is the starting point, where the tour’s atmosphere begins to thicken as lights and shadows combine with stories of restless spirits. Expect to hear about Madam LaLaurie’s legacy, a dark chapter in New Orleans’ history, and then move on to explore the haunted halls of the Andrew Jackson Hotel—a spot where history and the supernatural intertwine.
Next, the tour ventures into Pirate’s Alley, a narrow, atmospheric passage that’s legendary for its pirate legends and ghostly tales. With EMF detectors flickering and beeping, you’ll be encouraged to share your own experiences and interpretations. Finally, the guide points out locations tied to “Interview With The Vampire”, blending fiction with reality, which adds a layer of fun for film buffs.
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Authenticity and Atmosphere
While some reviews highlighted issues like guides not showing up or poor organization, others praised guides who made the stories lively and engaging. One traveler noted, “Our guide was funny and I enjoyed my time spent with him,” showing that with the right guide, the experience can be genuinely entertaining. Conversely, a disappointed visitor shared, “The guide didn’t show up,” highlighting the importance of confirming booking details and expectations.
The outdoor setting means you’ll feel the cool night air, hear distant sounds, and see shadows flicker—elements that heighten the sense of authenticity. The short duration keeps the experience punchy, but if you’re expecting a deep dive into haunted history, this might feel more like a fun romp than an in-depth investigation.
The Practicalities: Value and Logistics
For $20, you get a guided walk with all necessary ghost hunting gear, making it a good value for a quick, interactive experience. The meeting spot is easy to find, and the rain-or-shine policy means you’re covered come rain or clear skies—just dress appropriately.
Keep in mind, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at Jackson Square. The one-hour length makes it ideal for an evening activity, especially if you want a taste of the supernatural without a huge time commitment.
The Realities: Benefits and Limitations
The interactive element—using EMF detectors—adds excitement, but it’s worth knowing these devices sometimes produce ambiguous signals that are open to interpretation. This can lead to some lighthearted fun, but not necessarily concrete proof of spirits.
Guides can make or break the experience. While some reviewers rave about funny and knowledgeable guides, others warn about poor service or guides who don’t show up—a reminder that booking with a reputable operator is key. The limited length means you get a taste of New Orleans’ haunted side, but not a comprehensive history.
Who Will Love This Tour?
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This activity is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to combine history with some paranormal fun. It’s well-suited for group outings, especially those who enjoy interactive experiences rather than passive listening. If you’re curious about local legends, haunted landmarks, or simply want a lively way to spend an evening in the French Quarter, this tour delivers an entertaining snapshot of New Orleans’ spooky reputation.
However, if you’re looking for a serious ghost-hunting expedition or a highly organized tour, you might find the experience a bit lightweight. Be prepared for some light-hearted ghost stories mixed with fun gadget use, rather than rigorous paranormal investigation.
The Sum Up
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The Ghost Tour with ghost hunting gear offers a fun, lighthearted way to explore some of New Orleans’ most haunted spots, with a focus on interactive storytelling and local legends. It’s most suitable for those wanting a quick, engaging, and affordable experience that combines history, a bit of spookiness, and some hands-on ghost hunting.
While the equipment and guide enthusiasm can enhance the experience, it’s important to remember that results are often subjective, and organizational hiccups can occur. For travelers who enjoy ghost stories with a touch of adventure, this tour hits the right notes. Keep expectations manageable, dress for the weather, and you’ll likely leave with some fun memories—and possibly a story or two of your own.
FAQ
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Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally family-friendly, especially since it’s only an hour and features outdoor walking. However, consider the spooky stories and dark themes, which might be unsettling for very young children.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking outdoors in the evening. Weather in New Orleans can be humid or rainy, so bring a jacket or umbrella if forecast calls for rain.
Are the EMF detectors real ghost-hunting tools?
They are standard EMF detectors, commonly used in ghost investigations. They might pick up electromagnetic fluctuations, but these signals are often open to interpretation.
Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the outdoor walk is relatively flat, but confirm with the provider beforehand if you have specific needs.
What happens if it rains?
The tour goes ahead rain or shine. Dress appropriately, and be prepared for outdoor walking in wet conditions.
Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the price. If you enjoy the guide’s storytelling, tipping is appreciated.
What if the guide doesn’t show up?
One review mentioned this issue, so it’s wise to confirm your booking ahead of time and arrive at the meeting point early. If the guide is absent, contact the provider directly.
In the end, this ghost tour offers a playful peek into New Orleans’ haunted reputation—perfect for those who love a spooky story and a hands-on approach. Just be sure to temper expectations for ghostly encounters and focus on the fun of participating in a paranormal “hunt” in one of America’s most historic and atmospheric cities.
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