There are few things in life more thrilling than experiencing a little bit of the unexplained. If you’re looking for a spine-tingling, hair-raising experience on your next Florida Keys road trip, then take a look at these spooky Key West ghost tours!
Key West is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States. It certainly has a dark side with terrifying tales of ghosts and spirits lurking in every corner of the charming city.
From the historic Old Town to haunted pub crawls to museums, Key West ghost tours revel in the city’s spooky past. But they also offer a look into the island that few visitors get to see.
There are plenty of ways to get your fill of paranormal activity in Key West! Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled ghost tour or want to see some of these legendary spirits yourself.
Read on for a list of 12 spooky Key West haunted ghost tours, including things to do in Key West to discover its haunted history and exactly what a ghost tour is.
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What is a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour is an organized, guided event that teaches visitors about the haunted history of a specific place. Tours vary depending on the location but can include:
- Walking tours
- Family-friendly tours
- Adult only tours
- Ghost hunts
If you’re ready to take your ghost hunting adventures to the next level, choose a ghost tour that includes a paranormal investigation.
Some tours allow you to bring ghost hunting equipment like dowsing rods, EMF readers, thermal detectors, and other tools, while others provide equipment. Many don’t include anything but an interesting and informative expert guide.
Spooky Things to Do in Key West & Ghost Tours
As one of America’s most haunted cities, these spooky Key West ghost tours are perfect for those who want some thrilling excitement. Especially while on a Key West day trip!
Join local guides for mysterious journeys through the haunted streets of Old Town Key West. And hear stories from others who have had close encounters with ghosts, ghouls, and spirits.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Key West was originally called “Cayo Hueso” or “Bone Island” by the Spanish settlers exploring the areas? It got this name because of the human bones scattered all over the island. The bones belonged to the Calusa Indians that used to live in the Florida Keys.
1. Key West Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
Climb aboard the “Trolley of the Doomed” and participate in the popular Key West Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour. Your guide on this “frightseeing” tour, dressed as a 17th-century gravedigger, will let you in on some of the darkest stories of Bone Island. The guide will also offer insight into why Key West is considered one of the most haunted places in the United States.
The ghost trolley will take you to some of the most famous haunted spots in Key West. All while your “ghost host” recounts the terrifying tales that have been passed down for centuries. They’re not just made-up stories either – all are based on actual historical facts mixed with local lore.
You’ll learn about the famous Lady in Blue, visit sacred grounds and lost tombs, and much more. You will learn all the tales of misfortune, murder, disease, and forgotten souls.
This ghost tour is one of our favorites that you just don’t want to miss.
Hot tip: Bring your camera and ask your guide how to snap a paranormal picture!
2. The Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour
If you’re looking for a spooky vacation destination, then Key West is the place to be, and Ghost City Tours Key West offers this fun ghost tour for families.
This spine-chilling Ghost of Key West walking tour will take you off the beaten path to learn all about the island’s dark side and see places you might have not seen otherwise.
A knowledgeable tour guide will let you in on the secret past of these locations with stories that will, quite possibly, haunt you forever.
You’ll visit some of the most haunted places in Key West, including locations featured on the TV shows Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters.
Your adventure will include a church destroyed by natural disasters several times over and a mansion said to be haunted by a captain with hidden treasure.
Hot tip: Wear good walking shoes because this tour is an hour and a half of moderate walking.
3. Civil War Fort Ghost Hunt with Robert the Doll
This Civil War Fort ghost tour is a genuine ghost hunt that features the Robert the Doll Experience created by ghost hunter and author David Sloan. Even seasoned ghost hunters pursue this adventure, and it’s one of the best Key West ghost tours you can take.
Learn about the eerie history of the spirits of Civil War soldiers at the fort, Key West’s haunted history, and Robert the Doll – the scariest doll in the world. It includes a 60-minute guided hunt, genuine ghost hunting equipment, and a 25-minute lockdown with Robert the Doll.
Robert the Doll has been featured on many ghost hunting RV shows. He’s a mischievous doll whose story begins in the early 20th century with a young boy named Eugene Robert Otto.
A servant in his house gave him a handmade doll that he named Robert. The pair forged a bond, but Robert had sinister secrets and caused terrifying events.
Soon terrifying events were occurring in the house, and Robert was moving around on his own. I’ll save the rest of the story for you to learn on your Civil War Fort Ghost Hunt. But let’s just say Eugene was never the same, and Robert the Doll continues to haunt visitors today. Is he possessed? You’ll find out!
The interactive ghost hunting tools provided on this ghost tour are:
- Trigger objects
- K-II electromagnetic field detectors
- Dowsing rods
- REM pods
- FLIR thermal imagers
- Custom-made spirit boxes
- Laser temperature guns
- New experiments and equipment periodically
If you want to actually see ghosts, this is the tour to take as visitors experience paranormal activity as the fort is home to more than 42 spirits.
Hot tip: You get an additional hour in the fort with just flashlights, a ghost meter, and other ghost hunting equipment if you’re a VIP ticket holder.
4. Historic Ghost Tour: Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Shipwrecks are a huge part of Key Wests’ history, and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is filled with artifacts dating back to the 1600s.
Wreckers and salvagers would recover precious cargo from ships making a fortune overnight. And in the 1800s, it is partly how Key West became one of the wealthiest cities in the United States.
Visitors swear the museum is haunted. Maybe it’s haunted by the cursed souls who died aboard the wrecked ships, who’s to say?
If you want a self-guided experience with the possibility of unexpected goosebumps, get your Shipwreck Treasure Museum admission ticket here.
Hot tip: Climb the 65-foot lookout tower for a fantastic view of Key West and the surrounding areas.
5. The Original Key West Ghost Hunt
If you’ve always wanted to go on a ghost hunt, this is your chance. A friendly host will lead you on a journey to Key West’s most haunted locations, including to two which they have exclusive access.
You’ll get to try out ghost-hunting equipment like dowsing rods, EMF meter, and spirit board as you journey through these spooky Key West haunted spots.
Discover Old Town and listen to the heart-stopping stories that shaped Key West’s history. Haunted dolls and unsolved murders are just some of the tales in store. This tour will leave you more than entertained – it will leave you terrified!
Hot tip: Come up with a question you’d like to ask the dead during your ghost hunt because you might just get the opportunity.
6. The Dark Side of Key West Ghost Tours Ghost City Tours of Key West
The Dark Side of Key West ghost tour is one of the best Key West ghost tours for adults. Ghost City Tours will guide you through the darkest history of Key West, including some of the landmarks on the island.
You’ll visit some of the most iconic locations such, as Tony’s Saloon, The Artist House, Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and more. This 90-minute walking tour is a unique way to learn things about Key West that no one tells you. These things will make you see it in a different light as you uncover the dark history of the island.
Hot tip: The tour ends at Captain Tony’s Saloon, which was originally an icehouse that supplied ships. But it also served as a makeshift morgue in the summer of 1865 when a hurricane hit Key West. You never know what you’ll see there.
7. Key West Ghost and Mysteries Guided Tour
From the start of this Key West ghost and mysteries tour, you’ll know you’re about to go on a wild adventure as the tour guide begins with an insight into ghost-hunting lingo. You will also be shown how to capture spirits on camera.
The tour guide will take you on an enthralling journey through Key West to learn about the spirits that haunt the island.
You’ll have chances to capture ghostly activity on your camera and use a dousing rod. There will be stops at the Fort East Martello Museum, the home of Robert the Doll, the Ernest Hemingway House, and the Oldest House Museum in Key West.
The ghost tour is very interactive, so you can ask all the questions you like.
Hot tip: You might get some scary surprises when you look back on your photos of this tour. People say they’ve found images of orbs and even people who weren’t actually there.
8. Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl
This adult-only tour combines the fun of Key West ghost tours and pub crawl into one. Your local tour guide will take you on a two-hour journey through the dark streets of Bone Island, stopping at three different haunted bars where you get discounted drinks.
There’s lots of time to chat with others in your group, as the walking pace of this tour is friendly and casual.
At the end of your adventure, you’ll go home with a souvenir t-shirt, some unforgettable memories, and hopefully not nightmares!
Hot tip: This activity is a lot of fun to do with a group of friends, but if you go alone, you’ll be sure to make some new ones.
9. Key West Haunted History Private Walking Tour
If you want a dive deep into Key West’s sinister past, try this 2-hour private ghost tour and customize your own adventure.
A friendly local will guide your group (up to 12 people) on a walk of your chosen haunted places in Key West while recounting the chilling tales as you explore. Each ghost story brings you closer to understanding the mysterious hauntings throughout Key West.
Some of the tour options include haunted bars, theaters, and lots of historic mansions. The best thing about a private tour is you get to ask the tour guide as many questions as you like.
Hot tip: Your tour will end at Duval Street, where you’ll find many of Key West’s best bars and restaurants.
10. 6th Sense Haunted Tour of Key West
Who better to guide you on a ghost tour than someone who has a 6th sense? The expert tour guides will give you advice on how you can hone your 6th sense in some of the most haunted spots in the country.
You’ll get to use paranormal investigation equipment, including EMF readers and pendulums, with the help of your tour guide.
The tales you’ll hear on this tour, are based on more historical truth than you’d like to believe, and will likely haunt you forever. Just wait for the Water Witch and Corpse Bride stories.
Hot tip: Due to the subject matter, this Key West ghost tour is PG13. In saying that, many participants say it’s some of the most fun, they’ve had with their teenagers.
11. Bloody Bones Smartphone Escape Game in Key West
A self-guided experience that the whole family can enjoy together, is a terrific way to explore Key West’s spooky side. All you need is a smartphone with an Internet connection to participate, and you can do it any time of day or night in this 1-hour adventure.
During this tour, you’ll be sent to six different haunted places in Key West, where the chilling story behind each location will be shared.
This tour involves solving puzzles, riddles, and trivia questions before being able to move forward. If you complete the challenge with a “good score,” you’ll come away with a survivor certificate.
Hot tip: While it may be tempting to play this game on bikes, the best way to enjoy the adventure is on foot.
12. Key West Cemetery
If you want to go rogue and explore on your terms, visit the Key West cemetery and create your own ghost tour. It is said there are more people buried in the Key West cemetery than there are people alive on the island.
This is the place where Count Von Vosel’s corpse bride originally lay. The cemetery is also apparently protected by a ghost who is, by all accounts, an angry spirit. Some have heard a little girl’s voice that guides them to the gravestone of a 12-year-old girl.
With lots of hair-raising paranormal activity stories surrounding the Key West cemetery, visit only if you dare!
Hot tip: Be sure to be respectful while you are at the Key West cemetery. If you don’t, the ghost lady might just come for you!
Key West Ghost Tours: Perfect Spine-Tingling Adventures
The nights get dark in Key West; and not just because the sun goes down, the horror stories don’t end there (not even close!). From strange dolls to the dark history of Key West to riding on the ghost trolly, you’ll love all the Key West ghost tours.
Whether you’re looking for a spooky experience or just want to learn more about the history of one of America’s most haunted cities, a Key West historical ghost tour might be just what you need.
These spine-tingling scary ghost tours and adventures are your skeleton key to unlocking the paranormal history of Key West.
So, which of these Key West ghost tours are you going to add to your itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.
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