Fort Matanzas Torchlight Event
Fort Matanzas National Monument Tours
Experience evening candlelight tours of Fort Matanzas complete with cannon firings. You will be entering a 1st person environment as if you and other guest are living with soldiers and sailors in the year 1783. A park ranger will guide you before you enter the fort and immerse yourself in a night during the American Revolutionary War. In 1783 the decision was made to reinforce Fort Matanzas. As the other British colonies (1st 13 US States) continue their revolt against the crown, St. Augustine became more important to the British in their attempt to maintain their hold on the colonies in North America. The reason for this was that Florida remained loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution, and thus St. Augustine became an important military post for housing soldiers and harboring refugees fleeing from persecution in the colonies in rebellion against the United Kingdom.
As you cross the river by boat, the clock turns back to an evening in 1783. Darkness may shroud the surrounding landscape, but Fort Matanzas is illuminated by candlelight as you arrive. Come inside the Fort and enjoy an evening as a guest of the British guards. Cannon Firings take place during your tour.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Environmental Concerns
- Uneven surfaces.
- Flashlights are encouraged outside the fort for tours during the evening hours. Guides will have lanterns to illuminate the inside of the fort.
- High decibel sounds with cannon firings.
- Check In/Arrival Time
A digital or printed copy of the ticket must be checked with Photo ID prior to tour time. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour time. Late arrivals may not be accomodated due to tour capacity.
- Unaccompanied Children
Unaccompanied children are prohibited on the ferry to the fort. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by someone age 16 or older on the ferry.
- Parking
Limited parking, please be considerate by not lingering in parking lot after tour. Car pooling is strongly recommended.
- Restrooms
Restroom facilities are located only at the parking lot to Fort Matanzas National Monument Visitor Center. There are no bathrooms on the boat or on the island.
