Walk deeper into Bonaventure Cemetery with a private guide and see sections most public tours miss. This three- to four-hour daytime tour mixes local lore, funerary art and coastal plain scenery beneath live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.
Walk deeper into Bonaventure Cemetery with a private guide and see sections most public tours miss. This three- to four-hour daytime tour mixes local lore, funerary art and coastal plain scenery beneath live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.
The tour begins under canopies of live oak whose branches reach like patient guides, Spanish moss brushing the path as the Wilmington River watches nearby. On a private walk through Bonaventure’s quieter acres, the air seems to slow; monuments and cast-iron fences punctuate lanes where the city’s past meets the coastal plain.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bonaventure, Historic Savannah, Low Country & Private with Shannon Scott Tours · Savannah, Georgia
The tour begins under canopies of live oak whose branches reach like patient guides, Spanish moss brushing the path as the Wilmington River watches nearby. On a private walk through Bonaventure’s quieter acres, the air seems to slow; monuments and cast-iron fences punctuate lanes where the city’s past meets the coastal plain.
Bonaventure sits on over 200 acres of former plantation ground turned public cemetery; its Victorian funerary art, family plots and famous Gracie Watson statue trace Savannah’s 19th- and early-20th-century stories. The terrain is characteristically low and sandy—coastal plain soils with salt-influenced marshes close to the river—so drainage shapes where graves and paths sit. Expect moss-draped oaks that react to the tide and light, lending moments of surprising quiet even on busy days.
A private guide like Shannon Scott opens sections usually skipped on group routes, pointing out sculptural details, local lore and conservation efforts. You’ll move at a deliberate pace: photo stops, interpretive pauses, and access to hidden lanes and river outlooks not typically on standard tours. The mood is contemplative rather than brisk; the guide manages logistics including a restroom stop and air-conditioned transport between points.
Practical notes: plan for three to four hours, bring a refillable water bottle, insect repellent in warm months and sturdy shoes for uneven ground. Respect grave markers, keep voices low, and allow time for photography—the low afternoon light through the oaks is when the place reveals its character.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking over irregular surfaces
Private tours typically start at the Bonaventure Cemetery entrance near Bonaventure Road; the confirmation will include exact pickup or meeting instructions.
Some lanes are paved and accessible, but many historic sections have uneven ground; contact the operator ahead to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Yes—photography is allowed, but guests should avoid climbing on monuments and follow any restrictions the guide notes for sensitive sites.
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time; weather or insufficient travelers may also trigger refunds.
Bonaventure occupies former plantation land and evolved into a public cemetery notable for Victorian-era monuments and local figures; it gained wider fame from the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
The cemetery balances public visitation with preservation—respecting monuments and staying on designated paths helps protect fragile soils and historic features.
Bonaventure, Historic Savannah, Low Country & Private with Shannon Scott Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The tour begins under canopies of live oak whose branches reach like patient guides, Spanish moss brushing the path as the Wilmington River watches nearby. On a private walk through Bonaventure’s quieter acres, the air seems to slow; monuments and cast-iron fences punctuate lanes where the city’s past meets the coastal plain.
The tour begins under canopies of live oak whose branches reach like patient guides, Spanish moss brushing the path as the Wilmington River watches nearby. On a private walk through Bonaventure’s quieter acres, the air seems to slow; monuments and cast-iron fences punctuate lanes where the city’s past meets the coastal plain.
Bonaventure sits on over 200 acres of former plantation ground turned public cemetery; its Victorian funerary art, family plots and famous Gracie Watson statue trace Savannah’s 19th- and early-20th-century stories. The terrain is characteristically low and sandy—coastal plain soils with salt-influenced marshes close to the river—so drainage shapes where graves and paths sit. Expect moss-draped oaks that react to the tide and light, lending moments of surprising quiet even on busy days.
A private guide like Shannon Scott opens sections usually skipped on group routes, pointing out sculptural details, local lore and conservation efforts. You’ll move at a deliberate pace: photo stops, interpretive pauses, and access to hidden lanes and river outlooks not typically on standard tours. The mood is contemplative rather than brisk; the guide manages logistics including a restroom stop and air-conditioned transport between points.
Practical notes: plan for three to four hours, bring a refillable water bottle, insect repellent in warm months and sturdy shoes for uneven ground. Respect grave markers, keep voices low, and allow time for photography—the low afternoon light through the oaks is when the place reveals its character.