Introduced as a fundraising program in 2005, Climb with the Keepers is a unique tour specifically designed for those wishing to experience the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station in an intimate and informative way.
Each Climb with the Keeper Tour is led by a volunteer docent dressed as one of the light station’s “Old Lighthouse Keepers.” Climb with Keeper Tours are offered outside of the museum’s normal hours of operation to ensure a truly memorable experience. Tours may be scheduled either in the morning before the museum opens, or evening after it is closed. All Climb with the Keeper Tour dates and times are subject to staff and volunteer docent availability.
This is a truly intimate event as participants are given the unique opportunity to tour the lighthouse and museum with a lighthouse keeper when no other guests are present. The tour encompasses the entire lighthouse facility including many areas that are normally closed to the general public. In addition to a the three keepers’ dwellings, the world-famous Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit Building, and the Oil Storage House, Climb with the Keeper participants will be treated to an informative tour of the tower’s lantern room where they can examine the operational 3rd order Fresnel lens and learn what it took to maintain this beautiful lighthouse optic and to restore it to its original condition.
Please contact Programs Manager by phone at (386) 761-1821 or via email at lighthouse@ponceinlet.org for more information about this special program.
Time Requirements: The Climb with the Keeper Tour takes approximately two hours to complete.
Physical Requirements: Tour participants should be in good physical condition and able to climb 213 steps to the top of the Lighthouse.
Group Size Restrictions: Due to limited space within the Lantern Room and the intimate nature of this private offering, each Climb with the Keeper Tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
Reservations Requirements: Climb with the Keeper Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance to allow staff adequate time to schedule Lighthouse Keeper tour guides. To register, please fill out the Climb with the Keeper Tour Reservation form (see link below) and submit to programs manager either by fax at (386) 761-3121 or email at lighthouse@ponceinlet.org.
Tour Cost: The cost of participation is $35 per person. Due to the participation restrictions of eight people per tour, group rates do not apply.
Payment: Scheduled tours must be paid for by check or credit card at the time of registration.
Cancellations: As a courtesy, please notify programs manager of your need to cancel or reschedule your Climb with the Keeper Tour at least two days prior to the date of your scheduled arrival. Cancellations (or no-shows) with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.