Key West: Fort East Martello Ghost Tour & Robert the Doll VIP

Summary

Walk haunted halls at night meet robert the doll in key west

You’ll walk through Key West’s haunted Fort East Martello at night, hear local legends from your guide, and meet Robert the Doll face-to-face. Try real ghost-hunting equipment during your own VIP hour — even inside rooms closed to regular visitors. If you’re curious (or brave), this is one night you won’t forget easily.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I saw the old stone walls of Fort East Martello lit up against that sticky Key West night. It’s not like I scare easy, but something about walking through those echoey halls with just a flashlight and a handful of strangers (plus our guide, who grew up here) made my skin prickle. The air smelled faintly like rust and salt. Our guide, Dave, started off with a story about yellow fever that made me shiver even before we got to the ghost-hunting part.

They handed out these weird little gadgets — K-2 meters, dowsing rods, stuff I’d only seen on TV. We shuffled from room to room, listening for creaks and whispers (I swear I heard something in the old hospital wing). The main event was Robert the Doll. You sit there in this dim room while Dave tells you his history — people really believe he moves or curses you if you don’t ask permission before taking his photo. I tried to say hi to him (quietly), and honestly, my hands were sweating. Li laughed at me for being so nervous but didn’t get much closer herself.

The best part of the VIP experience? After the stories and group tour, they let us roam around with all that ghost-hunting gear. There’s this hush when everyone spreads out — just footsteps on concrete and your own breathing. At one point, someone’s meter started flashing like crazy near an old cannon. Maybe it was nothing… or maybe not? Hard to say. I still think about that silence after midnight, standing by myself in a place most people only see in daylight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided and solo ghost hunting

• Join 60-minute guided ghost tour
• Walk through Fort East Martello rooms
• Sit 20 minutes with Robert the Doll
• Hunt ghosts solo for 60 minutes (VIP)
• Use ghost-hunting equipment (VIP)
• Explore former Yellow Fever hospital (VIP)
• Take photos with Robert the Doll

Top questions

How long is the Fort East Martello ghost tour?

The general admission tour lasts 1 hour; the VIP experience is 2 hours total.

Is ghost-hunting equipment provided?

Yes, all necessary ghost-hunting tools are included for guests.

Can you take photos with Robert the Doll?

You can take photos at the end if you feel brave enough!

Is parking available at Fort East Martello?

Yes, parking at Fort East Martello is included with your ticket.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.

What makes the VIP experience different?

The VIP ticket adds an extra hour of independent ghost hunting with exclusive access to more areas.

Is this tour family-friendly?

The tour is open to all ages but may not be suitable for very young children or those easily frightened.

Do tours run in low light or darkness?

Yes, most of the experience takes place in low-light conditions inside the fort at night.

What’s included

Your evening includes after-hours entry to Fort East Martello, use of authentic ghost-hunting equipment like K-2 meters and dowsing rods, parking right at the fort, a guided walk led by a local expert who knows all the stories (and some jokes), plus an extra hour exploring on your own if you book VIP — even inside rooms usually closed off to others.