Fort East Martello Ghost Hunt

A guided after-dark tour of Fort East Martello, a seated encounter with Robert the Doll, then time to investigate the Civil War fort on your own with ghost-hunting gear.

Overview

Fort East Martello is a Civil War-era fort on the ocean side of Key West, and this tour gets you inside it after dark, when the daytime crowds are long gone. The fort has been named one of America's Top 10 Haunted Destinations by USA TODAY. The evening runs for 2 hours and is built in three parts.

It starts with a 30-minute guided ghost tour through the fort, covering its documented history and the stories attached to it. Then comes a 30-minute seated encounter with Robert the Doll himself, where the guide separates what is actually recorded from what has grown into folklore, and covers the recent unexplained activity around him. After that, when the standard visit wraps up, VIP guests stay behind for another 60 minutes of independent paranormal investigation, using ghost-hunting equipment to explore the fort on their own.

This version suits travellers who want more than a walk-past storytelling tour. Reviewers who took the extended option describe wandering the fort with spirit boxes and other tools, some reporting responses and others simply enjoying the atmosphere. It also works for people who prefer history over scares: several said the fort's architecture and backstory were a highlight even when the paranormal side stayed quiet.

What's Included

Included

30-minute guided ghost tour of Fort East Martello
30-minute seated encounter with Robert the Doll
60-minute independent paranormal investigation inside the fort
Use of ghost-hunting equipment
Exclusive after-hours access to Fort East Martello
Free parking at Fort East Martello

Not Included

Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Meet at Fort East MartelloYour guide meets you at the fort's main entrance, at 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, by the massive anchor and flag pole. Free parking is available at the fort.
Guided ghost tourA 30-minute guided ghost tour through Fort East Martello, covering the fort's history and its hauntings.
Seated encounter with RobertA 30-minute seated encounter with Robert the Doll, including the documented history behind his legend and recent unexplained activity.
Extended paranormal investigationAfter the standard experience ends, VIP guests stay inside the fort for a 60-minute independent paranormal investigation with ghost-hunting equipment.
Tour endsThe activity ends back at the main entrance meeting point. Total duration is 2 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, based on the listing and what past guests have reported.

Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. You make your own way to Fort East Martello at 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, directly in front of the airport, and meet your guide at the main entrance by the anchor and flag pole. Free parking at the fort is included, and the site is near public transportation.
Darkness and comfort. The tour takes place in a low-light environment, and reviewers on the extended visit describe the fort as very dark and spooky. One traveller also mentioned it was hot inside.
Group size. The tour is capped at 25 travellers. One reviewer said the smaller group made the experience feel more personal, and a guide was noted for keeping both timid participants and enthusiastic ghost hunters engaged.
What you get out of it. Results vary on the paranormal front. Some reviewers reported voices on the spirit box and other responses, while others found little activity but still enjoyed the history and the after-hours access. Go in open-minded rather than expecting guaranteed contact.
Accessibility. The listing states the tour is wheelchair accessible and that service animals are allowed. Most travellers can participate, according to the operator.
Sober arrival. Visibly intoxicated or impaired guests are denied entry without a refund. Arrive sober.

Common issues. Not every guest encounters paranormal activity, and several reviewers said the experience felt anticlimactic on that front while still enjoying the history and setting. The fort can be hot inside, and the extended portion is genuinely dark, which may not suit everyone. One reviewer reported arriving to find the tour cancelled with little notice. Guests who show up impaired will be turned away without a refund, and cancellations made less than 24 hours before start time receive no refund.

What To Sort Out Before You Book

What is included in the VIP ghost hunt?

The 2-hour experience includes a 30-minute guided ghost tour of Fort East Martello, a 30-minute seated encounter with Robert the Doll, and a 60-minute independent paranormal investigation after the standard visit ends. Ghost-hunting equipment, exclusive after-hours access, and free parking at the fort are all included.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No, hotel pickup is not included. You meet your guide at the fort's main entrance at 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, by the massive anchor and flag pole. The fort sits on the ocean directly in front of the airport, and free parking is available on site.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point, the fort's main entrance. The full experience runs 2 hours.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the listing states the tour is wheelchair accessible and that service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation, and most travellers can participate. Keep in mind the tour takes place in a low-light environment.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience's start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before start time are not refunded or accepted. Cut-off times are based on local Key West time.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travellers. One reviewer mentioned the smaller group made the experience feel personal, and families with teenagers have reported the extended VIP portion was a hit with their kids.