Paranormal Investigation of the Old Fort Grounds

A Closer Look at the Paranormal Investigation of the Old Fort Grounds in St. Augustine

Thinking about spicing up your visit to the nation’s oldest city with a touch of the supernatural? This Paranormal Investigation of the Old Fort Grounds offers an intriguing blend of history and ghostly tales, wrapped in a two-hour outdoor experience. It’s run by Ghost Tours of St. Augustine, a company known for its serious research and engaging storytelling.

What we like about this tour is its emphasis on learning about local legends and its effort to include guests in hands-on paranormal investigations. You’ll get to handle EMF meters and spirit boxes, which adds an interactive element that feels more authentic than just listening to ghost stories. Plus, the tour’s focus on iconic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Huguenot Cemetery ensures you’re exploring some of the most atmospheric ruins and burial grounds in the city.

One thing to keep in mind is that the experience might not meet everyone’s expectations if you’re hoping for intense paranormal activity. Some reviews mention that it’s more of a historical walk with some light investigation, rather than a full-on ghost hunt. It’s best suited for those genuinely curious about the city’s haunted past and who enjoy a bit of equipment demonstration and storytelling.

This tour feels perfect for visitors who appreciate historical context, enjoy atmospheric outdoor settings, and are open to a relaxed, educational approach to ghost hunting. It’s also well-suited for families or groups who want a guided experience that combines history with a bit of spooky fun.

Key Points

• Interactive Experience: Use of shared paranormal equipment like EMF meters and spirit boxes makes this tour engaging.
• Historical Context: Guides are knowledgeable about the stories and legends tied to the Old Fort and surrounding sites.
• Outdoor Focus: Entirely exterior, making it easy to enjoy regardless of weather and avoiding long indoor walks.
• Limited Intensity: Some reviews suggest it’s more storytelling than a true paranormal investigation.
• Accessible for Most: No minimum group size, and service animals are welcome.
• Cost-Effective: At $35 per person, it offers a moderate price for a themed evening activity in historic St. Augustine.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The tour begins at 4 Granada Street, with guests assembling just before sunset at 8:30 pm. From there, you’re led through a short ghost tour en route to the Castillo de San Marcos, the nation’s oldest masonry fort, which provides a perfect haunted backdrop.

The Journey to the Fort

While many focus on the main event at the fort, the introductory segment is equally valuable. You’ll hear about Henry Flagler’s often darkly shaded history and learn about the city’s ghostly tales. The guide’s wealth of historical knowledge shines here, setting the scene for your paranormal exploration. The tour is approximately 2 hours long, with about 75 minutes dedicated to the investigation at the fort itself.

The Investigation at Castillo de San Marcos

Once at the fort, the guide distributes paranormal equipment, demonstrating how to use EMF meters and spirit boxes. The idea is to help guests connect with the spirits rumored to inhabit these ancient walls. However, some reviews suggest that the actual paranormal activity observed might be light, with one reviewer noting that there’s “not a lot of paranormal investigating,” despite the event’s promise.

During the investigation, you’ll explore exterior areas of the fort, including the Santo Domingo Redoubt, City Gates, and the Huguenot Cemetery. These sites are historically significant and reputedly haunted. The outdoor setting allows for atmospheric experiences—think low lighting, historic walls, and the sounds of the night.

Atmosphere and Authenticity

The tour aims to balance education and entertainment. We loved the way guides are able to weave stories that connect the physical sites to legends and ghost stories. Still, it’s worth noting that some guests may find the activities somewhat subdued. The focus on equipment demonstrations and the outdoor setting means this isn’t a high-energy ghost hunt, but rather a relaxed exploration with some fun gadgets.

The Verdict from Past Participants

One reviewer, Nadine B., described her experience as “lots of walking not a lot of paranormal investigating,” highlighting that the tour leans more toward historical storytelling. She also pointed out the length discrepancy—expecting a 1.5-hour event but getting a bit more or less depending on the night.

This suggests that if your goal is to have an intense or ghost-filled experience, you might find this tour somewhat light. Nonetheless, if you enjoy learning about local legends, engaging with paranormal tech, and exploring historic sites at night, you’ll likely find it worthwhile.

What’s Included and What Isn’t

The paranormal equipment provided is a definite plus, especially for those new to ghost hunting. The tour departs rain or shine, with rain checks available—so bad weather doesn’t necessarily ruin your plans. However, parking fees are not included, so plan accordingly if you’re driving. The meeting point on Granada Street is central and accessible, and the tour is capped at 20 guests, which allows for a more intimate atmosphere.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $35 per person, this tour offers a fair value, especially considering the inclusion of equipment demonstrations and the guided storytelling. While some may wish for more paranormal activity, many find the mix of history and ghostly lore satisfying. It’s an affordable way to experience a spooky side of St. Augustine without committing to a full overnight investigation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for visitors who enjoy historic outdoor settings, storytelling, and light paranormal investigations. It’s suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace and value guides with solid historical knowledge. Families, couples, or groups interested in combining history, ghosts, and a bit of fun will find it appealing. However, if you’re looking for a high-energy ghost hunt, you might want to seek out other options.

Final Thoughts

This paranormal investigation tour offers a charming, if somewhat mild, exploration into St. Augustine’s haunted past. It’s a good choice for those who want a guided, outdoors experience that emphasizes storytelling and historical context over intense ghost hunting. The inclusion of equipment and knowledgeable guides enhances the authenticity, making it an engaging way to spend an evening in this historic city.

While it might not satisfy hardcore ghost hunters, it provides a balanced introduction to local legends with enough interactive elements to keep most visitors entertained. If your idea of fun involves a mix of history, atmosphere, and a sprinkle of the supernatural, this tour could be just the right fit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers and families, especially since it’s outdoors and not physically demanding.

Are paranormal investigation equipment provided?
Yes, the tour supplies shared equipment like EMF meters and spirit boxes, along with demonstrations on how to use them.

Can I bring my own paranormal gadgets?
Absolutely, guests are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they wish.

What should I wear for this outdoor tour?
Dress comfortably for outdoor evening conditions—layers and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is there any indoor component to the investigation?
No, the entire investigation takes place outdoors around the fort and nearby landmarks.

What if it rains during the tour?
The tour departs rain or shine. Rain checks are available if weather makes participation impossible.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 2 hours, with about 1 hour and 15 minutes dedicated to investigating inside and around the fort.

Is the tour appropriate for non-English speakers?
While not explicitly stated, most guided tours are best enjoyed by English speakers, given the storytelling format.

What is the group size?
The tour caters to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

In all, if you’re curious about St. Augustine’s haunted sites and enjoy a relaxed, outdoor setting with some tech to keep things interesting, this tour could be a good pick. Just go in with the right expectations—more about storytelling and atmosphere than a high-energy ghost chase.