New Orleans: Guided Nighttime Ghost Hunt — An Authentic Paranormal Experience in the French Quarter
If you’re visiting New Orleans and looking to add a dash of the supernatural to your trip, the Guided Nighttime Ghost Hunt offers an intriguing way to do so. Unlike traditional ghost tours that simply tell spooky stories, this experience puts you in the middle of the action, armed with real ghost-hunting gear and led by seasoned investigators. It’s perfect for those curious about the paranormal, history buffs, or anyone eager for something a bit different after dark.
What we really appreciate about this tour is how interactive it is — you get the chance to handle the equipment and possibly capture your own evidence of spirits. Plus, the small group size (no more than 13 participants) makes it feel more personal and engaging. One thing to consider is that the tour runs rain or shine, so if weather isn’t cooperating, be prepared with an umbrella and suitable footwear. It’s best suited for adults or older teens who are genuinely interested in ghost stories or paranormal investigation.
This tour is especially appealing if you enjoy hands-on experiences, small-group adventures, and learning about the mysterious side of New Orleans’ long history. It blends entertainment with a touch of the unknown — perfect for an evening out in the city’s lively French Quarter.
Key Points

- Hands-On Investigation: Use real ghost-hunting equipment like SLS Cameras, REM pods, and spirit boxes.
- Exclusive Access: Investigate inside two haunted locations in the French Quarter, with locations varying nightly.
- Expert Guidance: Led by experienced paranormal investigators, many of whom have special abilities enhancing the experience.
- Capture Evidence: Take photos, videos, and audio recordings of potential paranormal activity.
- Small Group Size: Limited to 13 participants, fostering a more personalized and interactive experience.
- Flexible Booking: Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting at the Ice House Bar in Hotel Provincial, the tour begins with a quick meet-and-greet where your guide will introduce the equipment and set expectations. This initial briefing is essential because it helps you understand how to operate the gear and what kinds of phenomena to look out for. From there, you’ll head into your first haunted location, which varies depending on the night. These locations are not just “haunted” in stories but are places that investigators have explored thoroughly, often with exclusive access after hours.
The atmosphere inside these buildings — often small, intimate spaces — lends itself well to paranormal investigation. You’ll learn to use tools such as SLS Cameras which can visually detect spirits as stick-figure shapes, REM pods that light up when spirits are near, K2 meters for electromagnetic field detection, and spirit boxes for communication. Expect some thrill as you watch the devices respond or light up, and your guide will share insights based on their experience.
Throughout the evening, you’ll also take turns recording audio or snapping photos, trying to catch evidence. Several reviews mention sensations like tingling or electric feelings, which, while subjective, add to the overall excitement. Some participants even report feeling a connection with spirits or experiencing activity that seems beyond coincidence, as one reviewer noted: “I reached out my hand to a spirit on the SLS camera, and it shook my hand!”
The tour wraps up with a debrief, often in a comfortable setting where you can share your experiences and ask questions. Since locations vary, you might find certain spots more active than others, but the overall goal is to give you a genuine, hands-on feeling of what it’s like to hunt for spirits in a historic part of the city.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in New Orleans
The Value of the Experience

At $64 per person for three hours, this ghost hunt offers a compelling blend of entertainment, education, and adventure. The use of real investigation gear makes it stand out from typical ghost tours, which often rely solely on storytelling. You’ll learn how each device works and see firsthand how investigators attempt to communicate with the unseen.
Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and professionalism. One reviewer shared: “Chris, our guide, was very engaging and made sure we understood how to use the equipment beforehand.” The guides’ credibility, combined with the small group setting, helps create a more authentic and less commercialized experience.
The price also covers the equipment and personalized guidance, making it good value especially for those genuinely interested in paranormal activity or curious about New Orleans’ darker side. Since the tour is designed to be interactive, it appeals to those who want to participate actively rather than just watch from the sidelines.
Authenticity and Atmosphere

One of the major draws for this tour is its authenticity. You’re not just listening to ghost stories; you’re actively participating in a real investigation. The locations are carefully chosen and often vary, giving repeat visitors a fresh experience each time. Reviewers frequently mention how engaging and fun the experience is, with some even feeling a genuine connection or witnessing activity.
The atmosphere inside these historic buildings is evocative, often dark and quiet, which enhances the suspense. The guides’ storytelling and professionalism help keep the experience grounded while leaving room for genuine surprises.
Practical Details & Tips

- Meeting Point: The Ice House Bar at Hotel Provincial makes for a central, recognizable spot.
- Duration: Three hours, usually in the evening, ideal for after dinner or as a nightcap activity.
- Group Size: Limited to 13, ensuring everyone gets attention and a chance to handle gear.
- What to Bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes (think walking and standing), umbrella (weather-dependent), and water.
- Age Restrictions: Must be 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult; minors under 8 are not suited for this tour.
- Weather: The tour proceeds rain or shine, so prepare for outdoor conditions.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility issues, call ahead to check suitability, as some locations may be tight or require stairs.
What the Reviews Tell Us

Based on over 50 reviews, this tour maintains a high satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5. Commentators highlight the guides’ engaging personalities, their ability to make the equipment accessible, and the genuine feeling of connection with spirits. Many reviewers mention the thrill of using equipment like SLS cameras and EMF meters, describing moments where they felt sensations or saw responses that seemed beyond coincidence.
One guest noted, “It exceeded our expectations — fun, exciting, funny, and scary. Our guide was a storyteller who kept us engaged from start to finish.” Another added, “Our guide had special abilities that made the experience more credible,” which adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The overall consensus is that this is not just a ghost tour but an active investigation, making it ideal for serious ghost enthusiasts or those simply curious about New Orleans’ spooky reputation. Participants often leave feeling they’ve gained not only a good story but also a sense of participation in something mysterious.
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Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves hands-on experiences, enjoys learning about different types of ghost-hunting technology, or just wants a memorable story to tell, this tour fits the bill. It’s well-suited for adults and older teens, especially those with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. The intimate group size and focus on practical investigation make it less suitable for large, noisy crowds or young children.
Those interested in local history will also appreciate the guide’s insights into the haunted locations, blending stories with real-time investigation. If you’re a skeptic, you might find it fun and a little thrilling, but the tour also respects all beliefs, emphasizing the experiential aspect over claims of definitive proof.
The Sum Up

The New Orleans Guided Nighttime Ghost Hunt offers a genuinely engaging way to explore the city’s haunted reputation. By combining expert guidance, authentic equipment, and exclusive access to historic locations, it stands out from more superficial ghost tours. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to participate actively, learn about paranormal tools, and maybe even capture some spooky evidence themselves.
While the price might seem steep for just three hours, the level of interaction and the quality of the guides largely justify the cost. For those seeking a memorable, slightly eerie adventure that balances fun with a touch of the mysterious, this ghost hunt is an excellent choice.
For history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, or just those looking for a different kind of night in New Orleans, it offers a unique perspective on the city’s long-standing reputation for being haunted. It’s an experience that will likely leave you with more questions than answers — and that’s part of the fun.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for participants aged 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult, and children under 8 are not suited for this experience.
Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at the Ice House Bar, located in the Hotel Provincial, a convenient and recognizable spot in the French Quarter.
How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours, usually in the evening, giving you ample time for investigation and discovery.
What equipment do we get to use?
You’ll have the chance to use a variety of real ghost-hunting tools, including SLS Cameras, REM pods, K2 meters, MEL Meters, and spirits boxes.
Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing at the time of booking, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
If you have mobility concerns, it’s best to call ahead to confirm if the locations and activities are suitable.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, an umbrella if needed, and water to stay hydrated.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly and prepare for outdoor conditions.
What is the group size?
Limited to no more than 13 participants, ensuring a more engaging and personalized experience.
Can I expect actual paranormal activity?
While many participants report sensations and responses to the equipment, the tour’s focus is on investigation and fun. Experiences vary, but the guides do their best to facilitate genuine moments.
In summary, this ghost hunt in New Orleans offers a memorable, hands-on peek into the city’s spooky side. Whether you’re a skeptic or believer, you’ll appreciate the expert guidance, exclusive access, and the thrill of using real ghost-hunting gear. It’s a fun, unusual way to spend an evening and discover a different layer of this vibrant city.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Guided Tours in New Orleans
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