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If Halloween makes you want to encounter spirits in a haunted house or embark on a ghoulish adventure, there’s no better place to uncover mysteries than aboard the spooky seas.
From historic New England villages to the haunted south, check out the following tours that offer everything from Halloween party cruises and family-friendly ghost boats to terrorizing treks across hallowed waterways.
Salem, MA
Discover Salem Harbor’s hidden secrets traced along this mysterious witch town. Mahi Mahi Harbor Cruises hosts a 75-minute tour featuring tales of local pirates, haunted islands and sea monsters. Enjoy face-painting for the kids, festive music and tarot card readings. Runs Thurs. – Sun. until Oct. 31, plus select Mondays.
Boston, MA
Enjoy a Halloweekend full of haunted boat rides that double as lively Halloween parties. Cruise along Boston Harbor while sipping spooky spirits and monster-mashing to devilish DJ sets. Embark on the Saints & Sinners Haunted Party Cruise on Fri., Oct. 27 or the Witches & Zombie Halloween Party Cruise on Sat., Oct. 28, both running from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Providence, RI
Providence River Boat Company ship captains and special guides from Providence Ghost Tours team up for spooktacular tours along Rhode Island’s moonlit waterways. Sightsee century-old architecture while hearing stories of where past souls once dwelled. Runs Weds. – Sun. until Oct. 29.
Erie, PA
Scallywags Pirate Adventures hosts two nights of frightening fun aboard this haunted happy hour cruise. The hour-and-a-half boat ride along Presque Isle Bay hosts a costume contest, cash bar and holiday entertainment. Runs Fri. Oct. 6 – Sat. Oct. 7 at 6:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Pittsburgh, PA
This sightseeing cruise recounts tales along Pittsburgh’s three rivers such as Allegheny County Jail ghost stories and monsters lurking beneath the Monongahela River. Be prepared for a costume contest, full bar and spooky surprises. Runs Fri. – Sun. until Oct. 29.
Duluth, MN
Docked along Lake Superior, the retired SS William A. Irvin freighter ship is open for historic tours through the summer and transforms into the ultimate ghost ship in the fall. Take a self-guided tour through dark hallways with flickering lights and slamming doors that leads to a maze of terror in the ship’s dungeon. Runs Thurs. – Sun. until Oct. 28, as well as Oct. 31.
Richmond, VA
Riverfront Canal Cruises celebrates three nights of boat tours narrating haunted historical tales while cruising down Richmond City Canal. Boats depart from the Canal Walk’s turning basin, and kids receive candy with admission. Runs Fri. Oct. 27 – Sun. Oct. 29, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Nashville, TN
Located just outside of Nashville, this southern attraction is perfect for thrill-seekers. Canoe the Caney embarks on a ghost tour through an historic military recreation base where you can canoe or paddle to an 1800s sunken cemetery. The burial ground is located just 15 feet below the water’s surface. Runs Fri. – Sat. until Nov. 11, as well as Oct. 31.
St. Augustine, FL
What’s spookier than a ghost ship? One that’s invaded by pirates of course! Black Raven Adventures’ two-hour interactive tour sails along the Matanzas River, cruising past the haunted Castillo de San Marcos and providing narrated history tours throughout one of the south’s most haunted cities. Runs Fri. – Sat. until Nov. 17.
Tampa, FL
Climb aboard the Pirate Water Taxi’s Pirate Pat or Latitude Lindsey II vessels, complete with a 45-minute haunted cruise along the Hillsborough River and a stop at Captain Patchy’s Pumpkin Barge. This family-friendly event provides pumpkins to all kids. Runs Fri. – Sun. until Oct. 29.
Bay St. Louis, MS
The Mystic Ghost Ride Company’s Mystic Molly theatrically narrates this unique BYOB excursion through dark, misty marshes of the Bayou Caddy and Mississippi Sound. Hear local tales of The Creeper, Reptilians in the Devils Swamp and the curse of the Old Oak Tree. Runs Weds. – Sun. until Nov. 4, then select days through the winter.
New Orleans, LA
Explore mysterious Mississippi waters aboard the glorious Creole Queen paddle wheeler to discover what haunts the riverbanks of the deep south. Storytellers share local legends on a tour complete with dinner, specialty cocktails and Halloween treats. Halloween only; Tues. Oct. 31., 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Galveston, TX
Learn about the history of Galveston Bay’s haunted harborside on this 90-minute tour aboard the Galveston Historical Foundation’s SEAGULL II. Cruises depart from the Galveston Historic Seaport at Pier 22. Runs Fri. Oct. 27 – Sun. Oct. 29, plus a special Halloween celebration on Oct. 31 with a costume contest.
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