St. Augustine: GhoStAugustine Shadow Ride Haunted Tour by EV

Discover St. Augustine’s haunted past on a 1-hour electric cart tour. Hear ghost stories, true crime tales, and pirate attacks from a friendly guide.

If you’re considering a spooky night out in historic St. Augustine, the GhoStAugustine Shadow Ride Haunted Tour might catch your eye. This isn’t your average ghost tour — you’ll hop onto a small electric cart and cruise through some of the city’s most haunted streets, listening to stories of murders, pirates, and paranormal activity. It’s a fun, lively way to experience the dark side of this charming city, especially if you prefer something quick and engaging over long walking tours.

What really caught our attention are two things: First, the small group size (limited to just 7 participants) makes for a more intimate and personalized experience. Second, the focus on true stories and carefully researched tales promises authenticity, not just ghostly legends made up for entertainment. That said, a possible drawback is the tour’s one-hour duration — it’s pretty short if you’re craving detailed history or a slow-paced exploration. Still, for those who love spooky stories and a bit of nighttime adventure, this tour could be just right.

This experience is especially well-suited for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling, history, and a dash of the eerie. It’s not designed for children under 6, and it’s best to be comfortable riding in an open-air vehicle, especially at night. If you’re looking for a quick, engaging way to add some ghostly intrigue to your trip, this shadow ride hits the mark.

Key Points

  • Intimate group size provides a more personal experience.
  • Authentic, researched stories about murders, pirate attacks, and hauntings add credibility.
  • The one-hour duration makes it a quick, evening activity that fits well into a tight schedule.
  • Comfortable electric cart allows for a relaxed ride through the historic district.
  • Tour is not suitable for children under 6 or those sensitive to spooky stories.
  • Starting points vary depending on the time, but both are centrally located on St. George Street.
You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the GhoStAugustine Shadow Ride Haunted Tour

When you sign up for this tour, you’re in for a condensed but colorful journey through St. Augustine’s darker stories. For just $39, you’ll hop onto an open-air electric cart, which offers a breezy, unobstructed view of the city’s narrow streets. The ride lasts about an hour, making it perfect for an evening activity after dinner or before heading back to your hotel.

The tour covers the North, South, and central districts of historic St. Augustine, giving you a broad look at the city’s haunted spots. Your guide will narrate stories of gruesome murders, ghost sightings, pirate attacks, and other horrific events that have left their mark. The tales are true and well-researched, according to reviews and the tour description, which adds a layer of credibility that ghost-story enthusiasts appreciate.

The Meeting Points and Timing

The tour begins either at BEERHAMMER’S (inside Heritage Walk Mall at 162 St. George Street) if your start time is before 9 pm, or at the entrance to Heritage Walk Mall if it’s after 9 pm or if the mall is closed. Meeting at these central locations means you’re right in the heart of the historic district, ready to cruise past some haunted sights.

The Experience Itself

Once seated in the small electric cart, you’ll be guided through the city streets, with narration provided live in English. The open-air design means you’ll get fresh night air, but be prepared for cooler temps if you’re out late. The stories include hauntings, true crime murder mysteries, pirate attacks, and other dark tales, all of which will keep you engaged without feeling overly staged.

The Stories and Their Authenticity

The reviews point out that the stories are true, carefully researched, and include details of vile pirate attacks and gruesome murders. This level of detail helps make the experience believable rather than just spooky stories. One reviewer appreciated the “thoroughly researched” nature of the tales, which adds credibility, especially for those skeptical of ghost stories.

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The Group and Tour Style

With limited to 7 participants, the tour creates a cozy atmosphere where you can ask questions or listen closely without feeling lost in a crowd. This small group size also means the guide can tailor their narration a bit more, making it feel personal rather than a scripted performance.

The Value of the Tour

At $39 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to experience some of St. Augustine’s darker history. Compared to longer or more elaborate ghost tours, the one-hour Shadow Ride feels like a quick taste — but one that’s packed with intrigue. For those interested in ghost stories that are rooted in history, it’s a good deal.

However, it’s worth noting that food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included, so plan accordingly. You’ll be exploring the city in the evening, so dress comfortably and bring your camera to capture the sights and maybe a ghostly shadow or two.

The Itinerary

While the tour doesn’t follow a strict schedule with multiple stops, it’s designed to give you a broad overview of haunted sites across the city. The narration will point out haunted sights like murder mysteries and pirate attack locations as you glide past.

The journey is primarily about storytelling, so you won’t visit any specific haunted building inside — instead, the stories are connected to the streets, alleys, and landmarks you see along the way. That means you get a live, narrated experience with a focus on the chilling tales that give St. Augustine its spooky reputation.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Many visitors have remarked that the stories are “true and well-researched”, which adds a layer of trust for history buffs or skeptics who still love a good scare. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide made the stories feel real, and I loved the way the history was woven into the ghost tales.” Others appreciated the small group setting that kept things intimate and engaging.

That said, some noted that the short duration leaves you wanting more, especially if you’re fascinated by the city’s history. If you prefer lengthy, detailed ghost tours or visits to specific haunted locations, this may feel a bit light. But as a nightly quick adventure, it hits the right notes.

The Practical Details

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Price: $39 per person
  • Included: Electric cart ride, live narration, access to historic districts
  • Not included: Food, drinks, hotel pickup/drop-off
  • Meeting points: Inside or at the entrance to Heritage Walk Mall, depending on the time
  • Group size: Limited to 7 people for a more personal experience
  • Best for: Adults and older teens; not suitable for children under 6
  • Language: English
  • Cancellation: Free if canceled 24 hours in advance

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a fun, spooky, and concise glimpse into St. Augustine’s haunted tales, this Shadow Ride is likely to be a good pick. It’s especially appealing if you prefer small group, storytelling-based experiences rather than large ghost hunts or walking tours. The authentic stories and personalized feel make it stand out, though the short length might leave some wanting more detail or a broader exploration.

It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to combine a bit of history with a night of ghostly storytelling without committing to a multi-hour tour. The price is reasonable for the intimate experience and the central location makes it easy to include in an evening’s itinerary.

On the downside, if you’re someone who loves longer, more immersive ghost adventures or isn’t comfortable riding in an open-air vehicle at night, you might find this tour a bit light. Still, it’s a good, straightforward way to add a spooky twist to your visit.

Ready to Book?

St. Augustine: GhoStAugustine Shadow Ride Haunted Tour by EV

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 6 years old; the haunted stories and the open-air cart ride might be too intense or uncomfortable for very young kids.

Where does the tour meet?
Before 9 pm, it starts at Beerhammer’s inside Heritage Walk Mall at 162 St. George Street. After 9 pm, it begins at the entrance of Heritage Walk Mall, near the bright Tervis cup store.

How long does the tour last?
The ride lasts about 1 hour, making it a quick and manageable activity for an evening.

What’s included in the price?
You get an open-air electric cart ride through historic districts and live narration about ghost stories, murders, and pirate attacks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, a live guide narrates the stories in English throughout the ride.

If ghost stories and a tiny window into St. Augustine’s dark past sound appealing, this Shadow Ride could be just what you’re looking for. It offers a cozy, authentic, and fun way to experience the city’s haunted reputation without overdoing it — perfect for a quick night adventure or a spooky addition to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: