Top Experiences in Bonaventure Cemetery

Come on our History Walking Tour presented by Junket!
Did you know that this is one of the world's busiest and most popular cemeteries? Yes, it is also regarded as one of Savannah, Georgia's most eerie cemeteries. Many residents of Savannah believe that this 160-acre area has a special strength and energy that sets it apart from other parts of the city. The area here has long made the ideal location for funerals and visiting the deceased because it is discretely tucked into the Wilmington River. There are no monuments or statues that compare to those seen here. Numerous azalea trees may be seen here, and Spanish moss covers everything, including the tombs. Many famous Savannahians are interred here, and their monuments are not to be missed. Come discover the history and beauty of this peaceful plot of land.

Bonaventure Cemetery Tours is a guided walking tour through Savannah's world-famous Bonaventure Cemetery, a treasured American landmark preserving over 170 years of history. Immerse yourself in its picturesque landscape, rich legacy, and timeless symbolism, and learn about the captivating lives of its famous inhabitants. More than meets the eye, it truly is a place where death and beauty meet.

Bonaventure shouldn't just be toured, it should be storied! As Shannon Scott or his gifted protoge stroll you though a dreamy outdoor art, life & death museum with spectacular natural splendor, you'll be awestruck by not only the depth of stories, but hidden meanings of art and symbolism that adorns graves and how so much of it connects not just to Savannah but the greater world! There is no touring Savannah without Bonaventure and we are the story crew most dedicated to proving that well known local truth!

Our Guided Tours of Bonaventure Cemetery walk you through the beautiful park-like setting of the Victorian Cemetery. You will quickly appreciate the history and the cemetery's residents who create the one-of-a-kind Bonaventure.

If you have 10 or more guests in one group, please get in touch with the private & group sales coordinator with Ghost City Tours.

Savannah’s ONLY after hours, cemetery tour! Conducted by Shannon Scott, this specialty adult tour delves into layers of secret society topics, root doctor ritual work, gangsters, bootleggers, murderous lovers and other clandestine story gems that Scott defines as “the taboo tales” of Bonaventure. For fans of Midnight In The Garden of Good & Evil? This is the ultimate show as you roam the grounds discussed in the novel where many of the characters are now buried and per expectation told in a highly personal, maverick manner by The Bard of Bonaventure, Shannon Scott!

Celebrating our 26th season!

Truth is stranger than fiction.
Who would have thought that a story about characters in a sleepy little southern town would have created such a stir?
Shocking soirées! Scandalous affairs!
Don’t let the Southern charm fool you! Even the rumors whispered beneath dripping Spanish mass are enough to make a man blush- and it’s all true!
We are proud to present to you a lovely saunter through the pages of John Berendt’s runaway best seller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. If you love gossip, you’ll love his tour!!

Save the walking for the squares. Sit back, relax and let our passionate historians share the awe and beauty of one of the most picturesque cemeteries in the world. Let us teach you the "language" of the old cemeteries, then explore more after our tour if you like.
 
We are members of Bonaventure Historical Society. Excellent customer service and truthful accounts are important to us. We are family and pet friendly. We love what we do and we want to share our beautiful cemetery and her history with you.

The only FULL WALKING TOUR of Bonaventure Cemetery WITH TRANSPORTATION and most accurate Bonaventure Tour, bar none! Most other tours start at the gate and regurgitate a scripted tour of myth, legend, and flat out lies that was written to separate visitors from their money. With me, you get a 6th generation Savannahian and academically trained historian with 30 plus years in the Savannah hospitality business who has the inside scoop and who loves sharing the stories. All this and Southern Hospitality too! Door to door service from downtown or meet me at the cemetery if you'd rather drive yourself.
Complimentary bottled water and everything else you'll need for a stroll through the oaks.

Our expert guides have been trained by a 30 year teaching veteran and are very experienced, they have a total of 100 years of teaching and tour guide experience. Our tours are researched by a professional historian and are accurate and full of information! You will learn about the cemetery's history, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the people that are buried on the property, funerary symbols, nature, and wildlife!

You will be touring one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the United States with an expert tour guide!

Experience Savannah like a local with your own Private Guide

Combine our Savannah Style tours into an all-day VIP experience and let us show you the best Savannah has to offer - both inside and outside the Historic District!

VIP tours include a stop for lunch *cost of lunch not included

Come on our Haunted Pub Crawl tour presented by US Ghost Adventures!
On select nights, come have a few sips of local spirits while hearing about the city's local haunted Spirits and while exploring the beautiful streets of Savannah. Join us on the new Spirits of Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl and visit the city’s historic haunts and ghostly pubs and enjoy booze and Boo's at some of its most infamous paranormal and tipsy hotspots.

Drinks not included in price.

Allow us to tailor a tour specially designed with your interests in mind.
Craft this driving tour to your own historical interests.

Pick the place to begin and choose which themes y'all would like to focus on. Private tours in the past have been based on the following:

Irish History, Architectural themes, 1900's focus, Spooky Savannah, Jewish History, Women’s History, Military History, Lowcountry Stories, & more!

Enjoy our charming historical city from a clean air-conditioned 2023 Santa Cruz vehicle. Spacious for 3 and can fit up to 4 guests. This tour can include an airport pickup as well with plenty of room in the back for suitcases.

Experience can include Tybee Island or Bonaventure Cemetery. If you prefer to tour mostly downtown Savannah there's a whole lot to see!

Experience Savannah like a local with your own Private Guide

From beautiful homes to stunning churches to historic sites, let us do the driving and show you the best Savannah has to offer - both inside and outside the Historic District!

Your day begins with a walking tour of Bonaventure Cemetery to learn about the lives of notable inhabitants like Academy Award-winning songwriter Johnny Mercer, Georgia’s first governor Edward Telfair, philanthropist Mary Telfair, as well as the tragic tales of poet Conrad Aiken and Gracie Watson. The Cemetery walking tour meanders under moss draped oaks and along the bluff of the Wilmington River. Bonaventure Cemetery, dating back to 1846, is one of the most beautiful cemeteries.
Following the cemetery tour, you will have lunch on your own at one of our favorite local restaurants.
After lunch, your visit to Wormsloe includes a breathtaking drive down the famous live oak tree lined drive. You will take a short walk to see the Plantation Tabby Ruins that date to the 18th Century and visit the museum of the Georgia State Park Historic Site. Finally, a stop is scheduled at the Famous Savannah Byrd Cookie Company headquarters for shopping and tastings of Byrd’s Famous Cookies.

With every step, you'll uncover the untold stories, the remarkable characters, and the profound artistry that make Bonaventure Cemetery a place like no other. Join us in exploring this enchanting oasis, where moss-draped oaks whisper tales of the past, and every gravestone is a chapter in Savannah's rich history. Step into a bygone era as we explore the exquisite architecture, symbolism, lush landscapes, and intriguing tales that have made Bonaventure Cemetery an iconic destination. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, our tour will leave you with a profound appreciation for this haunting and iconic landmark.

Plus, we're the ONLY audio-enhanced walking tour of Bonaventure Cemetery. Your live host will be mic'd and you'll receive complimentary earbuds to easily hear your host from 75-100 feet to enhance your walking experience.

Segway your way through one of the most beautiful Victorian cemeteries around! Our groups travel through time as you marvel at Savannah's breath-taking Bonventure Cemetery. Your knowledgeable tour guide will share the history of the cemetery, explain the statuary and funerary art.  A cemetery Segway tour covers the cemetery from corner to corner taking in the 100+ acre property. An experience you will never forget!

Join us on the Best of Savannah Small Group Tour. Your tour will begin with a friendly tour guide picking you up directly from your hotel in downtown Savannah.

Your first stop is the Wormsloe Historic Site. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the lush forest and explore Oak Avenue.

We then make our way to the world famous Bonaventure Cemetery, passing through the Isle of Hope along the way. Upon reaching Bonaventure, you will be able to explore this renowned cemetery.

Next, embark on a narrated driving tour. Your guide will regale you with captivating stories and historical insights about the city's architectural wonders.

Finally, enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Savannah River.
Boats Operate Seasonally:
December - January: Operating Saturday & Sunday
February: Operating Wednesday-Sunday
March - November: Operating daily

The tour is one hour shorter in the winter months due to the boat closure.

Our journey ends with a relaxing drive back to your downtown Savannah hotel.