Experience Untold Spain

Untold Spain is a 2-hour St. Augustine walking tour that centers on over 300 years of Spanish history.The Polaris Pirate herself will engage you with an evening of forbidden secrets and the stories the British period tried to snuff out.

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About the tour

Your adventure begins at the Castillo.

With the Polaris Pirate (Christina M. Kaplan) as your guide, you’ll begin the evening along the perimeter of the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. With its walls towering beside you, this everlasting symbol of Spain’s former grip on the region sets the stage for what’s to come. Once the sun descends below the coquina stone of the Castillo De San Marcos National Monument, the oldest streets of the Ancient City begin to whisper their stories.

Into the heart of the city.

From there, the walking tour continues along past quiet gardens and colonial lanes, and into the heart of Spanish St. Augustine. Around every corner there are ancient landmarks and present-day businesses woven with Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic character. Because of Christina M. Kaplan’s deep love of history, and curiosity surrounding her own Spanish and Cuban roots, every step is set on showcasing the beauty, weight, and complexity of heritage within St. Augustine’s foundation.

This is not a meandering sightseeing tour bogged down by names and dates. Instead, Christina invites you to question everything, engage with her, and forge a living connection to this city and to our history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Untold Spain?

Untold Spain is a 2-hour evening walking tour led by certified St. Augustine tour guide and historian Christina Kaplan. Untold Spain is an interactive, revealing, and above all culturally rich experience exploring the St. Augustine, Florida’s Spanish, Cuban and Hispanic history.

Who is the guide?

Your tour guide for the Untold Spain walking tour is The Polaris Pirate herself, Christina M. Kaplan! Christina is a Miami-born Cuban-American author (Whispers of the Castillo), historian, and certified tour guide. Additionally, Christina’s family history is rooted in Spain, so the topic at hand is close to her heart. Click here to learn more about Christina.

How long is the tour?

Untold Spain is a 2-hour interactive walking tour. You begin at the Castillo de San Marcos, then continue to other landmarks including the Avero House, the Hispanic Garden, and more. There is a brief break on St. George St. before continuing on. Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and bring a water bottle. Please eat before you arrive as food and drink stops are not guaranteed. Historic-district shops set their own hours and often close when the street is quiet.

Is Untold Spain a ghost tour?

No. Untold Spain focuses on the living culture and history of Spanish, Cuban, and Hispanic St. Augustine. In contrast to other evening St. Augustine walking tours, it is a reflective and romantic alternative to the ghost related experiences St. Augustine, Florida has to offer.

What ages is the tour for?

Untold Spain is for adults who want a historically rich and intimate walking tour of St. Augustine after sunset. Christina welcomes guests 16 and up, and anyone under 18 comes with an adult. Additionally, she keeps each group to 10 guests at maximum, so the evening stays personal.

When do tours start?

Untold Spain walking tours will officially begin on October 1st. From then, evening tours run Monday – Friday at 7:00pm. You can follow @thepolarispiratetours on Instagram for the latest news on when bookings begin.

Where does the tour meet?

The tour begins in front of the Castillo de San Marcos, directly across the street from the Pirate & Treasure Museum. Use the crosswalk and wait by the map in front of the Castillo. The museum is a landmark only. This tour does not go inside and is not part of the museum.

Please arrive about 10 minutes early with your phone ready for check-in. If running behind, the tour departs at 7:10pm at the latest.

Where do I park?

Use the Historic Downtown Parking Facility at 1 Cordova St., across from the Visitor Center. From there it’s a short walk to the meeting point in front of the Castillo de San Marcos, across from the Old City Gates.

Give yourself a few extra minutes to park and walk over so you still arrive about 10 minutes early.

How much does it cost?

Tickets will be available online soon. Follow @thepolarispiratetours on Instagram for the latest updates on when they become available. Until then, here are the ticket options and their prices:
– Untold Spain Tour Ticket: $30 per person
– Tour Ticket: + Signed Copy of Whispers of the Castillo: $50 per person

¿Hay visitas guiadas en español? / Are there Spanish-speaking guided tours?

No se ofrece como una visita guiada aparte. Christina habla inglés y español con fluidez y con gusto puede atenderle en español, ir intercalando el español durante el paseo, o ayudar si alguien de su grupo se siente más cómodo en español. La visita guiada del grupo se realiza en inglés.

Not as a separate tour. Christina is fluent in English and Spanish and is happy to speak with you in Spanish, fold in Spanish along the walk, or help if someone in your party is more comfortable in Spanish. The group tour is guided in English.

Know Before You Go

Come prepared

  • Meet in front of the Castillo across the street from the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
  • Be there by 6:50pm with your phone ready for check-in. The walk leaves at 7:10pm at the latest.
  • Park at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility, 1 Cordova St. Give yourself time for the brief walk over.
  • Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.
  • Bring a water bottle. Eat beforehand. Food and drink stops are not guaranteed. Historic-district shops set their own hours and often close when the street is quiet.
  • 16+. Under 18 comes with an adult.
  • …And don’t forget your curiosity!

Cancellation Policy

  • 48 hours or more before the tour: full refund. Processing fees may be withheld.
  • 24-48 hours before: one free reschedule to another published date, if a seat is open. No cash refund.
  • Inside 24 hours, or a no-show: no refund.
  • Tickets are non-transferable.
  • If we cancel for weather or safety: full refund or a reschedule for a new date, your choice.
  • Rain or shine otherwise. Light rain does not cancel the walk.

Follow @thepolarispiratetours for the latest info!

Tours will officially begin starting October 1st, with tickets available very soon! Until then, be sure to follow our Instagram to be notified when tickets for Untold Spain go live!

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Contact

If you have any questions about The Polaris Pirate Tours, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Fill out this form or contact us directly at tours@thepolarispirate.com.