Mississippi might be famous for its music and blues, but it’s also a fantastic place for boat tours and cruises that reveal its mysterious, swampy, and sometimes spooky side. What makes Mississippi especially appealing are its unique back bayous and marshes that offer both natural beauty and ghostly tales. We particularly enjoy the Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise for its combination of eerie storytelling and wildlife sightings, or the Haunted Bayou Cruise from Bay Saint Louis for its fun, old-souls-in-the-mist vibe. If you’re in the mood for something seasonal, Santa and The Rougarou’s Creepy Christmas Cruise & Haunted Trail delivers a spooky holiday twist that’s perfect for families. Each offers a different way to experience the state’s swampy landscape and folklore firsthand.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find three standout boat experiences: a haunted bayou cruise with ghost stories, a shorter but equally spooky adventure from Bay Saint Louis, and a Christmas-themed cruise with a creepy twist. Whether you’re into ghost tales, wildlife sightings, or holiday spooks, these tours show off Mississippi’s distinctive character and love of storytelling. Now, let’s dive into what makes each one special.
1. Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise
This one-hour haunted bayou cruise from Bay St. Louis is a perfect pick for those interested in ghost stories and swamp wildlife. As you glide through the Mississippi Sound and into the Louisiana Honey Island Swamp, Mystic Molly shares tales of the past, ghosts, and legends that bring the murky waters alive. The tour’s musical theme adds a fun, lively element to the otherwise spooky atmosphere, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
What sets this tour apart is the small group size, which allows for a more personalized experience. You’ll likely see blue herons, alligators, and cypress trees while Mystic Molly recounts stories of ghostly sightings and local legends. The tour concludes with the option to gather around a campsite and enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores—perfect for warming up after the eerie adventure. With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 28 reviews and many travelers praising the guide’s storytelling skills, this cruise offers excellent value at $79 per person.
Bottom line: If you want a compact, story-rich experience that mixes wildlife and ghost tales, this cruise hits the mark. It’s great for families, couples, or anyone curious about ghostly legends along the Mississippi coast.
2. Bay Saint Louis, MS: The Haunted Bayou Cruise
For around $84, this Haunted Bayou Cruise also immerses you in ghost stories along the marshy back bayous, with Mystic Molly guiding the way. The tour spans about 100 days of the year, which suggests a seasonal schedule, but that makes it all the more special when available. This cruise focuses on encountering “old souls in the marsh mist”, where unsettling legends come alive as you drift through the peaceful yet mysterious waters.
This experience stands out for its storytelling atmosphere and the chance to meet Mystic Molly, who narrates legends with flair. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more immersive, suspenseful experience that emphasizes the legends of the swamp. Reviews are limited but glowing, emphasizing the eerie ambiance and storytelling skills. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy a darker, more atmospheric adventure and are comfortable with ghostly tales, making it ideal for October or cooler months.
Bottom line: If you love ghost stories and want a more seasonally tailored experience, this cruise offers an engaging, suspenseful ride through Mississippi’s haunted swamp.
3. Santa and The Rougarou’s Creepy Christmas Cruise & Haunted Trail
This Creepy Christmas Boat Tour and Haunted Trail is a unique holiday twist that combines festive cheer with spooky storytelling. At around $79 per person, this one-hour cruise features Mystic Molly narrating a Krampus-style Santa tale while gliding through the bayou. The tour then continues into a haunted trail where guests can step off the boat and explore the swamp’s darker side.
The highlight is the blend of holiday fun with a spooky edge—imagine Santa with an axe or a rougarou lurking in the shadows. This tour is perfect for families or groups looking to add a little fright to their holiday celebrations. It offers an interactive experience, with the haunted trail providing a more active, immersive component. While reviews are limited, they emphasize the storytelling quality and unique holiday atmosphere. The tour balances festive fun with a spooky thrill, making it a memorable holiday outing.
Bottom line: If you’re after a seasonal adventure that brings holiday cheer with a creepy twist, this cruise and trail combo offers an original take on Mississippi’s spooky side.
How to Choose
Picking the right boat tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If ghost stories and wildlife are your thing, the Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise offers a compact, story-filled ride. For a more atmospheric, seasonally tailored experience, the Haunted Bayou Cruise from Bay Saint Louis might be your best bet. If you’re traveling during the holidays and want a festive, spooky adventure, the Creepy Christmas Cruise & Haunted Trail brings holiday fun with a twist.
Consider your budget, time, and whether you prefer wildlife sightings, ghostly legends, or holiday spookiness. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure your spot on these popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi offers a surprising variety of boat tours that reveal its natural beauty and mysterious legends. The Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise stands out for its engaging storytelling and wildlife encounters, while the Bay Saint Louis haunted cruise is perfect for those seeking a darker, atmospheric experience. For holiday travelers, the Creepy Christmas Cruise offers a fun, spooky seasonal outing.
Each tour provides a different window into Mississippi’s unique character, so your best choice depends on what kind of adventure you’re after—whether it’s ghost stories, wildlife, or holiday spooks. To ensure a spot, remember to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Whatever you choose, these cruises promise a memorable experience on the Mississippi waterways.