Explore the Haunted History of the Ancient City After Dark
The Moonlit Mysteries: Haunted History Boat Tour shares spooky tales from the sea
Let us take you out on the water, on our Moonlit Mysteries: Haunted History Boat Tour, just as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness cloaks the town, to hear the most intriguing ghost tales of the ancient city. It’s a cruise you’ll always remember — or rather, never forget.
With a history spanning over 460 years, it’s no surprise that St. Augustine is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Even with its beautiful sandy beaches and charming cobblestone streets, its history is long and much of its past brutal — from the yellow fever epidemic to the battles at the Fort; the horrific killings on what the Spanish named Matanzas Inlet and Matanzas Bay (“matanzas” meaning “slaughter”) to the everyday tragedies of everyday people spanning over four centuries. St. Augustine’s supernatural pervades every landmark, from the Lighthouse to the Old Jail, St. Francis Inn to the Castillo de San Marcos. History and hauntings hide inside old coquina walls and flicker from within inns and old homes. One of the things that makes St. Augustine’s paranormal activity so unusual, and so believable, is the consistency of which the same stories are told, over and over, with the same, small details relived, over and over.
One of the most haunted places in St. Augustine is the St. Augustine Lighthouse, a place that the show Ghost Hunters said has “some of the most compelling paranormal evidence ever captured in Ghost Hunters history.” Many staff and visitors over the many years have reported paranormal experiences, including unexplained noises and laughter, and most especially, apparitions of three little girls — the Pittee Girls, who tragically lost their lives while the lighthouse was being built in 1873. The girls’ fathers were overseeing the construction of the site, and the girls while playing, accidentally drowned in the nearby Salt Run. And while it’s been 145 years since the accident, ever since, strange occurrences continue to be attributed to the girls. From seeing swings moving while there is no breeze, hearing tiny laughter running through the grounds, seeing wet footprints in the Keeper’s house, and the list goes on.
Another terrifying haunt is St. Augustine’s Old Jail, which is thought to be one of, if not the most haunted place in town. Operated from 1891 to 1953, the jail was known for its harsh, inhumane conditions that included torture, lack of sanitary conditions and hangings. The structure was built in the style of Romanesque Revival to look like a normal home, to mask the fact that some of the most dangerous criminals at the time were locked behind its bars. It was the city’s only jail for more than 60 years, where both men and women were imprisoned. Guests touring the facility often report hearing loud footsteps, wailing and screaming, and some even describe feeling cold spots in the air, or a cold hand, touching their shoulder.
A ghost story that locals especially know well, is that of the girl at the pillars on the north side of St. George Street —the Old City Gates — where a 9-year-old girl, the daughter of the gatekeeper, can be seen near midnight waving to cars and playing along the gates’ leftover walls. Legend says the girl’s name is Elizabeth, and she suffered from yellow fever in 1821. Her grave is unmarked just across the street, in the Huguenot Cemetery, which is also known for many spirits floating about.
And the ghostly tales go on and on! Join us, on our Moonlit Mysteries Cruise, where this haunted history and more comes alive on the water. With the stars glowing from above and the moon casting shadows in the water’s wake, the Moonlit Mysteries Cruise takes you across Matanzas Bay to the historic bayfront, which tells a different story — one of restless spirits, eerie legends and the lingering echoes of centuries past. Led by our captivating guides, you’ll cruise along the bay hearing chilling tales that are steeped in spine-tingling lore. With a bar on board, you’ll have cozy cocktails to keep you warm, and snacks are available for purchase as well. Tours are offered on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, starting Saturday, September 13th and running through November 14th. Departure time will vary, starting at 8:30pm in September, and getting earlier as the weeks move on, timed with the setting sun. Tickets are $39 each, and the tour is 75 minutes long. Ages 13 and older are welcome onboard, but do know, the spooky tales are geared toward adults.
We’re located at the Windward Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Marina, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084. We offer free parking and restrooms are on board. Our vessels are just a short walk from our boutique, located at Dock A-23, A-24 and A-25. Book your mystery cruise here, or email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about your next sail.
