Top Haunted Boat Destinations in the U.S. for a Spooky Halloween

Updated October 7, 2024

If you’re into ghost stories and all things spooky, why not take your Halloween to the water this year? Instead of haunted houses, how about haunted islands, forts, and eerie shores? There are some seriously creepy places in the U.S. you can access by boat, making for a perfect Halloween adventure. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love a good scare, these haunted boat destinations will give you all the chills. So, grab your crew, hop on your yacht, and check out these top haunted destinations to cruise to this October.

1. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

What’s spookier than cruising past one of the most haunted prisons in the world? Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America’s most dangerous criminals, has a creepy history that’s perfect for Halloween. People have reported hearing ghostly whispers, footsteps in empty hallways, and even spotting shadowy figures. Cruising by Alcatraz on a foggy night will give you serious goosebumps, especially when you think about the spirits that might still be lurking in those cells.

Spooky Factor: Ghostly prisoners, eerie whispers, and creepy cold spots

2. Dry Tortugas, Florida

Want to really up the creep factor? Make your way to Dry Tortugas, home to the isolated Fort Jefferson. It’s an old Civil War prison with some serious ghost stories, including the spirit of Dr. Samuel Mudd, a prisoner accused of being involved in the assassination of President Lincoln. The fort is spooky enough during the day, but at night, with nothing but the stars and the sound of the waves, it’s downright haunting.

Spooky Factor: Civil War ghosts and a super remote, eerie atmosphere

3. The Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire & Maine

These little islands off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine are beautiful… but also haunted. The most famous story? A gruesome double murder back in the 1870s. Since then, people have reported seeing ghostly figures, strange lights, and even hearing eerie cries. Boating around these foggy, isolated islands on Halloween will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a ghost story.

Spooky Factor: Haunted by victims of a murder, with ghost sightings and strange noises

4. Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island might seem like a summer paradise, but when Halloween rolls around, it gets a whole lot spookier. The island is famous for ghost ship legends and haunted lighthouses, especially the Southeast Lighthouse. Visitors have claimed to see ghostly figures walking the cliffs. Cruising past Block Island on a foggy night is like boating through a real-life ghost story, and if you’re lucky (or not!), you might spot one of the island’s famous spirits.

Spooky Factor: Haunted lighthouse and creepy shipwreck stories

5. Roanoke Island, North Carolina

Roanoke Island is the site of one of the biggest mysteries in American history—an entire colony disappeared in the 1500s, leaving only the word “Croatoan” carved into a tree. To this day, no one knows what happened, and ghost stories abound. Boating around Roanoke on Halloween gives the island an extra layer of mystery, with visitors often reporting ghostly figures or strange occurrences. It’s the perfect place for a Halloween adventure.

Spooky Factor: Mysterious disappearance of an entire colony and ghost sightings

6. Pea Patch Island, Delaware

Pea Patch Island is home to Fort Delaware, one of the most haunted places in the Northeast. The fort held thousands of Confederate prisoners during the Civil War, and many didn’t make it out alive. These days, people report hearing footsteps, seeing ghostly soldiers, and experiencing cold drafts in otherwise empty rooms. Cruising to this haunted fort on Halloween night is the perfect way to add some serious chills to your holiday.

Spooky Factor: Ghosts of Civil War soldiers and haunted fort vibes

7. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Daufuskie Island, located between Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, is a quiet and remote island with a rich history—and a haunted one at that. Once home to Native American tribes, European settlers, and later, enslaved people, the island has seen its share of dark events. Locals report seeing ghostly figures wandering the old tabby ruins and hearing eerie voices near the island’s cemeteries. Cruising around Daufuskie on Halloween night will give you a sense of the island’s haunted past, especially with its deserted shores and dense forests adding to the spooky vibe.

Spooky Factor: Ghostly figures, haunted ruins, and eerie cemeteries

How to Make Your Halloween Yacht Adventure Extra Spooky

If you’re planning to check out these haunted boat destination this Halloween, here are a few tips to make your trip even spookier:

Fog Machines: Bring along a portable fog machine to create a creepy atmosphere on deck.
Spooky Lighting: Use glow-in-the-dark lanterns, skeletons, and ghost decorations to set the mood.
Ghost Stories: Share some ghost stories with your crew as you cruise through these haunted waters.
Creepy Music: Play some eerie music to really get into the Halloween spirit.

A Spooky Halloween

Why settle for a regular Halloween when you can cruise to some of the most haunted places in the U.S.? Whether it’s ghostly prisoners at Alcatraz or the mystery of Roanoke Island, these haunted boat destinations are sure to make your Halloween unforgettable. So, grab your friends, hop on your yacht, and get ready for a Halloween adventure full of ghostly encounters and spine-tingling fun!