Patriots Point offers ghost tours of aircraft carrier Yorktown

Just in time for Halloween but to be offered year-round, Patriots Point now offers ghost tours of the World War II-era aircraft carrier Yorktown.

The 90-minute guided walking tour at night will include a 5½-minute introductory video that includes clips from a “Ghost Hunters” show that aired in May and explorations of multiple levels of the ship docked on the side of Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant.

Unexplained noises, footsteps and shadowy figures have been reported throughout the old warship, where 141 sailors lost their lives during the war.

Patriots Point officials emphasized that the tours are not meant to belittle the memories of those who died in battle or served on the historic vessel. Rather, they are a way for the public to experience the ship’s unexplained mysteries firsthand in areas normally off limits to tours.

“In the evening this place can be pretty creepy,” Patriots Point spokesman Rob Clark said.

The cost is $25 for visitors 12 and older. Tours will run in-season Thursday through Sunday at 7:30, 8, 9:30 and 10 p.m. Off-season tours will be offered at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Reservations are required, and each tour is limited to 15 people.

In addition to the Haunted Ship Tour, Patriots Point will offer a three-hour excursion for experienced ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.

Visitors must provide their own ghost-hunting equipment to explore reported “hot spots” of paranormal activity on the Yorktown.

Cost for the advanced tour is $45 for visitors 16 and older. Tours run from 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. At least 48 hours advance reservation is required, and space is limited.