Paranormal Investigation of the Old Fort Grounds

Paranormal Investigation of the Old Fort Grounds: A Closer Look

If you’re visiting St. Augustine and have an interest in the mysterious side of history, the Paranormal Investigation of the Old Fort Grounds offers a unique way to experience the city’s haunted past. For $35 per person, you’ll spend roughly two hours exploring the grounds of Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. It’s an experience that combines a brief ghost tour with a chance to use shared paranormal equipment, guided by knowledgeable tour leaders.

What makes this tour appealing is its focus on not just storytelling, but active ghost-hunting with EMF meters and spirit boxes. We particularly appreciate the opportunity to bring your own equipment and capture recordings or photos during the investigation. On the downside, some travelers have expressed disappointment over the actual amount of paranormal activity experienced, citing long walks and limited investigation time.

This tour might best suit visitors who are intrigued by ghost stories and want a guided, educational experience with paranormal gear, rather than a pure thrill-seeking adventure. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a balanced mix of history and ghostly intrigue, especially if you enjoy hands-on participation rather than just listening to stories.

Key Points

• Historical backdrop of St. Augustine’s military and local legends adds flavor to the paranormal investigation.
• Guided by knowledgeable guides who explain the history and equipment use clearly.
• Hands-on paranormal equipment—EMF meters, spirit boxes—are provided and demonstrated.
• Exterior-only tour focuses on the fort grounds and nearby haunted landmarks, not interior investigations.
• Two-hour duration offers a decent balance of walking, storytelling, and investigation.
• Rain or shine policy ensures the experience goes ahead, but rainchecks are available.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Location and Duration

Starting at 4 Granada Street, this tour takes you to some of St. Augustine’s most haunted sites, primarily focusing on Castillo de San Marcos. The two-hour span includes a short but informative ghost tour en-route and then a more focused investigation on the fort grounds. The tour operates rain or shine, which is good to know if you’re hoping for clear skies—and makes it more reliable in any weather. You should plan for a group of up to 20 people; this keeps the experience intimate but lively enough to share equipment and stories.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The tour begins with a brief overview of Henry Flagler’s morbid history—an unusual but intriguing start that sets a tone of complex history mixed with ghostly tales. Then, as part of the short ghost tour, guides share stories of the city’s haunted past and introduce the paranormal equipment you’ll be using.

The main event takes place at Castillo de San Marcos. Here, the guides pass out EMF meters and spirit boxes, demonstrating how to use them effectively. We loved the way the guide explained the equipment in simple terms, making it accessible even if you’re new to ghost hunting. As you explore the exterior of the longest-standing building in St. Augustine, you’ll have opportunities to take photos and record audio, encouraged to document any unusual phenomena.

What to Expect During the Investigation

The actual investigation involves wandering around the fort’s grounds, which are steeped in history and legends. The exterior-only focus means you’ll be exploring the fort’s walls, ramparts, and nearby haunted sites like the City Gates and the Huguenot Cemetery. This setup is ideal for those who prefer outdoor investigations or want to avoid interior restrictions.

That said, some reviews have expressed that there’s limited actual paranormal activity during the tour, with one reviewer noting, “Lots of walking, not a lot of paranormal investigating.” The focus appears to lean more toward history and equipment demonstration rather than intense ghost encounters, which might be a letdown for thrill-seekers hoping for tangible spirits.

Guides and Educational Value

The guides are generally praised for their knowledgeable, friendly approach, providing historical context along with tips on how to use the paranormal gear. This educational aspect adds value, especially for those interested in learning about ghost-hunting techniques. It’s clear that the company has a reputation for quality research, and guides seem genuinely committed to sharing both history and the paranormal.

The Price and Overall Value

At $35 per person, this tour offers a fair entry point considering the equipment, guided instruction, and the chance to visit a historic site after hours. However, the limited investigation time and the fact that most of the exploration is outdoors may not satisfy everyone, especially if your primary goal is to actually experience ghostly phenomena.

Practical Considerations

You should plan for parking fees unless nearby street parking is free. The tour departs at 8:30 pm, making it a perfect late-night activity, especially if combined with other evening sightseeing. Remember, gratuities are not included, but if you find the guides knowledgeable and engaging, tipping is always appreciated.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best for history buffs with a curiosity for the paranormal who enjoy a guided approach. Families or groups wanting an interactive, educational activity will appreciate the equipment demonstrations and storytelling. It’s also suitable for most travelers, as it involves walking outdoors and minimal physical exertion. However, if you’re expecting a ghost-hunting adventure with lots of spirit activity, you might find this tour a bit restrained.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $35, you get a two-hour guided experience that combines local history with a hands-on ghost hunt—assuming you’re comfortable with outdoor exploration and a moderate pace. The guides’ knowledgeable insights help make the experience engaging, even if the paranormal activity isn’t as intense as some might hope.

This tour offers a unique perspective on St. Augustine’s haunted sites, especially if you enjoy learning about ghost-hunting techniques and want access to historic landmarks after hours. It’s a good choice for those seeking a family-friendly, educational ghost tour that emphasizes participation and storytelling rather than just specter sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, the outdoor walking and focus on paranormal equipment suggest it’s best suited for older children or teenagers. Always check with the provider if traveling with younger kids.

Does the tour include interior investigations?
No, this is an exterior-only tour. The focus is on investigating the fort grounds and nearby haunted sites outside the buildings.

Can I bring my own ghost-hunting equipment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own paranormal gear, in addition to the shared equipment supplied during the tour.

What should I wear for this tour?
Since it is mainly an outdoor experience, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Be prepared for potentially cooler evening temperatures.

Is the tour available rain or shine?
Yes, the tour departs rain or shine, so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Rainchecks are available if needed.

How long is the actual paranormal investigation?
The investigation itself is part of a roughly 2-hour experience but the actual time spent actively using equipment and exploring may be less, with some reviews noting more walking than paranormal activity.

Is tipping expected?
Guide gratuities are not included but are always appreciated if you enjoyed the experience and the guide’s knowledge.

This paranormal investigation tour offers an intriguing way to experience St. Augustine’s haunted reputation, blending history with hands-on ghost-hunting. While it might not satisfy those craving dramatic spirits or intense investigations, it remains a value-packed, educational adventure for those with a curiosity about the supernatural and a love for historic sites.