Paranormal Encounter in St. Augustine

Our review of the Paranormal Encounter in St. Augustine offers a thorough look at what you can expect from this small-group ghost tour — perfect for those curious about the city’s paranormal tales. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty vivid picture of a genuinely engaging adventure.

We’re especially fond of how knowledgeable the guides seem, plus the fact that you get to use authentic ghost-hunting equipment—this isn’t just a storytelling walk. However, a potential consideration is the tour’s timing: running mostly after dark, it’s not ideal if you’re not comfortable walking through eerie, historic sites at night.

This tour is best suited for history buffs who like a touch of the supernatural, or anyone interested in giving ghost-hunting a try in a city packed with legends. It’s also a good pick for those who appreciate small, intimate groups for a more personalized experience.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring plenty of attention and interaction.
• Authentic Equipment: Use of EMF meters, dousing rods, and infrared cameras adds a hands-on element.
• Historic Locations: Visits include a haunted schoolhouse and the Old Cemetery, both steeped in local ghost stories.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides know their stuff about both St. Augustine’s history and paranormal tools.
• Value for Money: At $75 per person, considering the equipment use and access to haunted sites, it’s quite reasonable.
• Nighttime Adventure: The tour runs after dark, which amplifies the spooky atmosphere but might not suit everyone.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour kicks off with a meet-up at 12 St George St, conveniently near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. It lasts around two hours, starting at 8:30 pm, and features visits to key haunted sites. For $75, you get admission to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and plenty of time exploring St. Augustine’s darker corners.

A real highlight is the use of ghost-hunting tools — EMF meters, infrared cameras, and dousing rods. Several reviews praised guides like Jim and Matt for their friendliness and deep knowledge, which really enhances the experience. The small group size ensures everyone gets a chance to participate actively.

However, it’s worth noting that gratuity isn’t included, so if you love the experience, a tip is appreciated. Also, it’s not specifically tailored for children, but there’s no age restriction, so if your teens are into spooky stories, they’ll probably enjoy it too.

The Itinerary in Detail

The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

This spot is often the first stop, and it’s a good choice because of its significance in St. Augustine’s history. The schoolhouse is a preserved 18th-century building, and the guide will share stories about its haunted reputation.

Expect to explore the dark corners of this historic structure and maybe even feel an unexplainable presence. One reviewer mentioned walking in and feeling a “dark presence,” which shows how some find the energy here quite palpable. The guide will provide a live investigation with tools, so you’ll get a real hands-on experience.

The Cemetery and Historic Streets

From there, the tour moves into the St. Augustine Old Cemetery, where restless spirits are said to linger. This part takes about an hour and a half and is where most ghost-hunting equipment comes into play. You’ll walk through narrow, shadowy paths, listening to stories of ghost sightings and paranormal mysteries tied to the city.

Several reviews mention the guides’ ability to blend storytelling with the use of equipment to heighten the experience. One guest noted that the guide, Matt, “explained the gadgets very well,” which is great if you’re new to ghost hunting.

The Dark Alleys and Hidden Corners

The final part of the tour involves wandering through the city’s less traveled alleyways and back streets. This is where the atmosphere really ramps up — the darkness, historical ambiance, and ghost stories combine for a memorable night. Some guests quote feeling physical reactions, like difficulty breathing in certain spots, which adds to the thrill.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Travelers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and friendly approach. One wrote, “Jim was very knowledgeable and fun,” which is exactly what you want from a paranormal tour. The small group setting makes it easier to ask questions, participate actively, and feel immersed in the story.

Many reviews mention the sensation of interacting with spirits or experiencing unexplained phenomena, though these are naturally subjective and vary from person to person. The tools—dowsing rods, EMF meters—offer a tangible element that many find exciting and authentic.

While some had moments of intense feeling, like a woman walking into the schoolhouse and feeling unable to breathe, others appreciated just the eerie ambiance and storytelling. If you’re open-minded but not expecting full-on ghost encounters, this tour offers a perfect balance of history, mystery, and fun.

Pricing and Value

At $75 per person, the tour presents a fair value considering it includes admission to the historic schoolhouse and the use of paranormal equipment. Unlike typical walking tours that focus solely on stories, this experience invites you to actively participate, which enhances the value.

The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with many describing it as a “well worth it” experience. Given the small group size and the guides’ enthusiasm, you’re paying for an intimate, interactive session that’s quite different from just listening to ghost stories.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and adventurers looking for something different. It’s not necessarily family-friendly for very young children due to the dark, spooky environment, but older kids or teens interested in ghosts might find it fun.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of storytelling and hands-on activity, and who don’t mind walking through historic, potentially unsettling sites at night. If you’re into ghost-hunting or simply curious about the spooky side of St. Augustine, you’ll likely get your money’s worth.

Final Thoughts

The Paranormal Encounter in St. Augustine offers a compelling blend of history, mystery, and interactive fun. The guides’ knowledge and the opportunity to use real ghost-hunting tools set it apart from typical ghost walks. While it’s not for everyone — particularly if you’re averse to walking around dark cemeteries or historic sites at night — it’s a solid choice for those looking to add a little thrill to their visit.

This tour manages to strike a good balance between fun and authenticity, making it a memorable part of any trip to the nation’s oldest city. For a modest price, you get access to haunted sites, engaging stories, and the chance to see if you can make contact with spirits yourself.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of ghost hunting or want to learn more about St. Augustine’s haunted reputation, this experience could be just right.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While there’s no official age restriction, it’s primarily designed for older teens and adults due to the dark environment and spooky settings. Very young children might find it too intense.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers admission to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and the use of ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters and infrared cameras during the tour.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately two hours, starting at 8:30 pm, with stops at haunted sites in St. Augustine.

Are the ghost-hunting tools provided?
Yes, the tour provides tools such as EMF meters, dousing rods, and infrared cameras, which are used during the investigation.

Is this tour guided by knowledgeable professionals?
Absolutely. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge about both the city’s history and paranormal techniques, making the experience more credible and engaging.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, the Paranormal Encounter in St. Augustine offers a memorable peek into the city’s ghostly legends, with plenty of chances to participate actively. It’s a fun, atmospheric experience that puts you right in the middle of the supernatural stories that have haunted this historic city for centuries.