Long Beach Ghost Tour
Meeting point
Surf City Marina Boat Sales at 337 W 8th St, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly year-round; usually departs at 8:00 PM.
Ticket Price
Adults from $26; Children (7-17) from $17 (children under 6 free)
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
Overview
Beyond the sun-drenched beaches and colorful umbrellas of Long Beach Island lies a maritime history fraught with peril and paranormal activity. On the Long Beach ghost tour, you’ll trade the boardwalk lights for the moonlit shadows of Ship Bottom, the "Gateway to LBI." Known as the Sands and Spirits tour, this haunted history tour reveals that the shifting sands of the Jersey Shore hide more than just seashells—they hide the restless souls of those claimed by the Atlantic.
Long Beach Island has served as a graveyard for hundreds of ships, and on this ghost walk, you will hear the documented accounts of those who never made it back to shore. From the tragic legacy of the SS Powhatan to the legendary sightings of the Jersey Devil roaming the salt marshes, US Ghost Adventures expert guides lead you on a chilling journey through the island's most active supernatural hotspots.
This is the premier haunted tour in Ship Bottom, blending authentic historical research with bone-chilling local lore. Whether you are a local "LBI-er" or a vacationer looking for paranormal tours near Barnegat Light, this lantern-led walk captures the eerie essence of the shore after dark. Prepare to see the island in a new, spectral light.
What to Expect
Join your professional storyteller for a 60-minute, approximately one-mile haunted walk through the historic streets and coastal vistas of Ship Bottom. This ghost tour near you focuses on the maritime tragedies and local legends that have shaped LBI for centuries.
- Ship Bottom Borough Hall: Start your journey at this central landmark where the spirits of the past are said to linger near the town’s administrative heart.
- The SS Powhatan Tragedy: Stand near the shoreline and hear the heart-wrenching story of the 1854 shipwreck. Learn why locals still report the sounds of phantom cries and the sight of "ghost lights" bobbing on the waves during storm surges.
- The Gateway Stories: Explore the area where the original entrance to the island once stood, uncovering tales of early settlers and the mysterious disappearances that occurred before the modern bridge was built.
- Jersey Devil Lore: Discover why the Pine Barrens' most famous resident is frequently spotted along the LBI marshes, and hear the terrifying firsthand accounts of those who have seen the "Leeds Devil" under the glow of a summer moon.
- Atmospheric Storytelling: Your guide will weave together tales of pirate gold, haunted beach houses, and the "Lady in White" who waits for a sailor who never returned.
- Practical Details: This is a rain-or-shine event. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the ocean breeze, which can turn chilly after sunset. The route is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, and we are pet-friendly for all leashed companions.
Public street parking on Long Beach Blvd and near Borough Hall. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms on route; use local facilities before the tour begins. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Fully accessible on flat, paved sidewalks and street crossings. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pet-friendly! Bring your leashed dog on this haunted stroll through downtown. (for more info contact tour operator)
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly; a great blend of spooky lore and local history. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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More Ghost Tours in New Jersey
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Princeton Purgatory Ghost Tour
Princeton Battle Monument, 55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ 08540
Long Beach Ghost Tour
Surf City Marina Boat Sales at 337 W 8th St, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas