St. Augustine Haunted History Boat Tour: Moonlit Ghost Cruise on Matanzas Bay
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; must be able to walk down ramps and climb a few steps to board.
Overview
Cruise Matanzas Bay after dark to hear the haunted lore and layered history of St. Augustine. This 90-minute moonlit boat tour mixes archival fact with spine-tingling local legends and a sailor’s view of the city’s oldest landmarks.
St. Augustine Haunted History Boat Tour: Moonlit Ghost Cruise on Matanzas Bay
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The salt air in Matanzas Bay turns colder as the sun slides beneath the bridge and the city lights wink on. From the boat, the shoreline looks different—stone walls and Spanish-era roofs casting long, angular shadows, the lighthouse keeping a slow, impartial watch. Guides with measured voices take the microphone and the city's older stories begin to unfurl: shipwrecked sailors, colonial conflicts, and a lighthouse keeper who still makes nightly rounds in rumor.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for boarding
Parking and the dock are a short walk from the lot—plan to be at the marina at least 20–30 minutes early to find parking and check in.
Dress for wind and spray
Bring a light windbreaker or layers; the open deck gets chillier once the sun sets.
Secure footwear only
No heels or flip-flops—stable, closed-toe shoes are required for dock ramps and uneven gangways.
Motion-sickness precaution
If you’re susceptible to seasickness, take medication before boarding—the bay is mostly calm but night conditions can be unpredictable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins commonly follow the boat at dusk.
- Wading birds such as herons and egrets hunt the shallow edges at low tide.
History
St. Augustine’s waterfront has been a strategic harbor since 1565; centuries of colonial conflict and maritime trade shaped the city’s architecture and folklore.
Conservation
The bay is part of a living estuary—respect wildlife by staying on designated routes and avoid feeding animals; operators follow local waste and fuel protocols to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in St. Augustine
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Light waterproof jacket
Blocks wind and light spray during evening cruises.
fall specific
Stable closed-toe shoes
Required for safe boarding and walking on docks.
Small flashlight or headlamp
Helps when navigating ramps and returning to parking in low light.
winter specific
Compact camera with stabilization
Captures low-light views of the shoreline—use a tripod strap or steady surface for long exposures.
summer specific