Mississippi may be best known for its blues and riverfront towns, but its cruise and boat tours reveal a side of the state that’s just as compelling: mysterious bayous, lush swamps, and even spooky legends. With waterways that stretch through Bay St. Louis, Pearlington, and into the Honey Island Swamp, Mississippi offers a range of experiences—from eerie ghost cruises to eco-adventures—that bring you face-to-face with the natural beauty and ghostly tales of the region.
These tours provide more than just sightseeing—they’re immersive stories told from the water, often guided by the legendary Mystic Molly, who shares tales of the past, legends of Rougarou creatures, and spooky Christmas stories. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly cruise, a haunting adventure, or an eco-friendly exploration, Mississippi’s boat tours deliver authentic experiences that are hard to match.
Quick Overview
Our list includes four standout options for cruises and boat tours in Mississippi. Two are haunted bayou adventures with spooky stories and legends—Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise and Pearlington Haunted Bayou Cruise. For holiday fun, the Santa and The Rougarou’s Creepy Christmas Cruise & Haunted Trail offers a spooky seasonal twist. Finally, the Swamp Eco Cruise and Walking Tour provides a family-friendly, eco-focused exploration of the Honey Island Swamp.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these Mississippi boat experiences to help you decide which might suit your interests best.
1. Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise
At number 1 on our list, the Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise offers an hour-long journey into the shadows of Bayou Caddy from Bay St. Louis. This tour is guided by Mystic Molly, who shares chilling ghost stories and legends of the past while you glide through the Mississippi Sound’s back bayous. It’s a small-group experience, which means more personal attention and a chance to soak in the stories at a relaxed pace.
The cruise explores the Mississippi Devils Swamp and the Honey Island Swamp, where you’ll encounter stories about spirits, old legends, and maybe even see wildlife like blue herons or alligators. It’s not just ghost stories—this tour also features live music themes, making the atmosphere even more captivating. After the cruise, you can warm up with hot chocolate and s’mores at the spooky campsite, adding a fun, communal ending to the adventure.
Guests love Mystic Molly’s storytelling—one callout is, “Mystic Molly was amazing. The landscapes were beautiful, and the stories were knowledgeable and entertaining.” The tour is priced at $79 per person, making it a reasonably priced thrill for those interested in ghost lore and swamp scenery. If you’re a fan of stories that blend nature with the supernatural, this cruise offers a memorable hour on the water.
Bottom line: Perfect for ghost-story enthusiasts and those curious about local legends, this small-group tour combines storytelling, wildlife, and a dash of spooky fun.
2. Pearlington, MS: The Haunted Bayou Cruise
Coming in at number 2, the Pearlington Haunted Bayou Cruise offers another chance to explore Mississippi’s haunted waterways, but with a slightly different vibe. Priced at $84 per person, this cruise is available for a limited 100-day window, so check the schedule early.
On this tour, you’ll join Mystic Molly as she narrates eerie legends while navigating the marsh mists. It’s a longer-standing tour that has earned a perfect 5-star rating from recent reviewers, who praise the spooky stories and the fun ride through the back bayous. The tour emphasizes encounters with “old spirits,” and the stories are designed to send a chill down your spine. Expect to see marsh scenery and wildlife along the way, but the real highlight is the storytelling—delivered with humor and a touch of the macabre.
This cruise is best suited for those who want a focused haunted experience, with a relaxed pace and personal narration. It’s a bit pricier than the first, but the reviews suggest it’s well worth the investment if you’re in search of a spooky adventure and engaging storytelling.
Bottom line: For those seeking an intense, story-driven haunted tour with a small-group feel, this cruise offers a memorable, spine-tingling ride through Mississippi’s ghostly bayous.
3. Santa and The Rougarou’s Creepy Christmas Cruise & Haunted Trail
At number 3, the Santa and The Rougarou’s Creepy Christmas Cruise & Haunted Trail provides holiday-themed spooky fun, priced at $79 per person. It’s about an hour long, and it’s perfect if you’re visiting during the Christmas season or want a unique holiday experience. The tour combines storytelling about Santa and the Rougarou (a Louisiana werewolf figure) with a boat cruise on the bayou.
What sets this tour apart is the festive twist—it features a Krampus-style story, blending Christmas cheer with supernatural scares. After the cruise, you and your family will have the option to step off and explore a haunted trail in the swamp, making it suitable for guests of all ages who enjoy holiday spooks. Mystic Molly’s storytelling adds a masterful touch, making the experience both fun and slightly unsettling—ideal for those who want a holiday adventure with a twist.
While reviews are limited, the tour’s concept of combining Christmas tradition with creepy legends provides a fresh way to celebrate the season. It’s best suited for families and groups looking for a holiday-themed thrill rather than a pure ghost story.
Bottom line: A fun holiday option that mixes Christmas storytelling with spooky swamp adventures, perfect for families and holiday travelers seeking something different.
4. Swamp – Eco – Cruise and Walking Tour
Finally, the Swamp Eco Cruise and Walking Tour offers a more tranquil and environmentally focused experience. Costing $79 per person for about two hours, this tour is ideal if you’re interested in wildlife, flora, and conservation.
Beginning on a comfortable pontoon boat, you’ll travel through the Pearl River into the Honey Island Swamp, where you might see alligators, coastal birds, and other swamp creatures. After the boat ride, there’s an option to step onto a boardwalk trail for a guided walk into the swamp, observing plant life and remnants of old logging operations. It’s a relaxed, educational tour highlighting the region’s ecology and natural beauty.
Unlike the more spooky or legend-based tours, this experience offers a chance to connect with the environment, making it perfect for families, nature lovers, and those wanting a calm, informative outing. Reviews are currently sparse, but the focus on wildlife and conservation makes it a good pick for eco-conscious travelers.
Bottom line: An eco-friendly choice that combines boat and walking tours, giving you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Mississippi’s wetlands and swamp ecosystems.
How to Choose Your Mississippi Boat Tour
When selecting the best cruise or boat tour, consider what kind of experience you’re after. Are you interested in ghost stories and legends? The Haunted Bayou Cruises (#1, #2) will satisfy your appetite for spooky tales and supernatural encounters. If a holiday-themed adventure appeals, then Santa and The Rougarou’s Creepy Christmas Cruise offers a unique seasonal experience.
For those who want a more relaxed, wildlife-focused outing, the Swamp Eco Cruise and Walking Tour provides insight into the swamp’s flora and fauna. Budget-conscious travelers should weigh the value of each experience—most tours are around $79 or $84, and reviews suggest that spending a little extra can significantly enhance your experience.
Booking early, especially for the limited-season haunted cruises, is highly recommended. Check availability in advance and consider your interests—whether it’s ghost stories, eco-tourism, or holiday fun—to choose the best Mississippi water adventure for your trip.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi’s cruises and boat tours provide a fascinating way to explore its waterways, whether you’re seeking spooky legends, nature encounters, or a seasonal holiday thrill. The haunted bayou cruises offer a perfect blend of storytelling and scenery, with Mystic Molly guiding the way through ghostly tales and wildlife sightings. For more eco-minded travelers, the swamp tour combines wildlife observation with environmental education.
If you’re planning ahead, consider your schedule, interests, and whether you’re traveling with family or on your own. The best tours—like the Historical Haunted Bayou Cruise—are popular, so booking early will ensure you don’t miss out. No matter which experience you pick, a boat ride in Mississippi promises an authentic glimpse into its natural and mysterious sides.