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Guided Tours

Get behind the scenes and hands-on!

Welcome to Guided Tours!

For those visitors who are looking for an enriched experience onboard, try one of our guided group tours–Flight Operations, Hard Hat or Paranormal Investigations. These special, behind-the-scenes experiences are guided by LEX volunteers and are scheduled upon request.

 

PLEASE BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR AT LEAST 3 BUSINESS DAYS* IN ADVANCE TO ALLOW FOR SCHEDULING OF A GUIDE AND PAYMENT PROCESSING.

*Submitting a request does not guarantee a tour. Payment in advance is required to confirm booking.
We hope to welcome you aboard soon!

Flight Operations Tour

A true adrenaline rush, you’ll take part in the operational sequence of a naval aviator see what it’s like to be an aircraft carrier pilot! It’s a hands-on experience you’ll never forget. Guests should dress comfortably and wear closed-toed shoes. Recommended for ages 8 years and up. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tours last three (3) hours and are available on a limited basis.
This tour is only available on Saturdays at 9:00am.
(Tours must be booked 3 business days in advance.)

Ready Room Briefing

Ready Room Briefing:  Feel the excitement start to build as you get briefed and trained on everything you’ll see and do on the Flight Deck!

Catapult Launch Procedure

Step into the boots of the Flight Deck personnel and experience the rush of working with these powerful warbirds on the deck of the USS Lexington!

Primary Flight Controls

Primary Flight Controls (Pri-Fly): Learn all about the specialized roles and equipment that the aviation team utilizes to control flight operations aboard a floating aircraft carrier!

Aircraft Recovery Procedure

Aircraft Recovery Procedure: You know how the crew launches the planes off of the ship. Now it’s time to learn how they get them back onboard safely!

Book your Guided Tour

$ 50 / Per Person

Make a Reservation

Reservations and payment are required in advance. Tours are scheduled daily upon request and are based on availability. Ten people maximum. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No refunds.

Hard Hat Tour

This adventure is a deep exploration of 15 different areas not on the public tour. It includes areas from the 02 level to the 6th deck, lasting 3-4 hours. The tour will include climbing steep ladders, confined spaces, dimly lit or dark compartments. Guests will be provided with a hardhat and small flashlight. Guests should dress comfortably and wear closed-toed shoes. Recommended for ages 12 years and up. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This tour is available only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays beginning at 9:00am.
(Tours must be booked 3 business days in advance.)
  • Secondary Conn
  • Forward Battle Dressing Station
  • Forward AFFF
  • Forward Diesel
  • Brig
  • Damage Control Central
  • Gyrocompass Room
  • Fireroom #1
  • Power Shop
  • Power/Rewind Shop
  • Bomb Elevator
  • Scullery
  • Magazine
  • Ordnance Shop
  • Aft CHT
  • Galley
  • Laundry

Book your Guided Tour

$ 50 / Per Person

Make a Reservation

Reservations and payment are required in advance. Tours are scheduled daily upon request and are based on availability. Ten people maximum. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No refunds.

Ghost Tour

A trained paranormal guide leads these tours through spaces around the ship that have reported unexplained sightings or activity. Our ghost tours normally commence in the evening after the ship has closed, at 6 p.m. Tours last three (3) – (4) four hours. That’s when regular visitor activities and noises have settled for the night.

Ghost Tours are scheduled based upon the availability of guides and are available on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. (Tours must be booked 3 business days in advance.)

 

Tour Guidelines

  • The tour will be led by the ship’s paranormal investigator who will guide you to the sites of frequent anomalies.
  • You must bring your own flashlight. Your guide will be equipped with some paranormal-detecting equipment, but you can feel free to bring your own paranormal equipment.
  • Paranormal activity is unpredictable, so there is no guarantee of encounters with any entities.
  • Tours include climbing steep ladders, confined spaces, dimly lit or dark compartments. Please advise your paranormal guide of any pertinent medical conditions before the investigation begins. Please dress comfortably and wear rubber-soled walking shoes.
  • Recommended for ages 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Book your Guided Tour

$ 50 / Per Person

Make a Reservation

Reservations and payment are required in advance. Tours are scheduled daily upon request and are based on availability. Ten people maximum. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No refunds.

Late-Night! Paranormal Investigation

This late-night experience is for semi-professional and professional investigators interested in serious paranormal investigations.  Your group will investigate the ship using your own methods and equipment at night when the ship is closed to the public and ends at approximately 2:00 am. 

Paranormal Investigations are scheduled based upon the availability of guides. (Investigations must be booked at least 3 business days in advance.)

 

Tour Guidelines

  • The ship will appoint a Ship’s Representative who will inform you of Lexington’s protocols and safety requirements, of which the Representative is charged with enforcement.  The Representative will guide you to sites of past paranormal activities, accenting the most recent and/or persistent.   
  • Your team will appoint a Team Leader who will supervise the Team in using their equipment and investigation techniques.  The Ship’s Representative will remain in the area to ensure that required safety and other protocols are observed and to answer any questions you may have. 
  • You must bring and use your own gear.  Keep in mind that the ship has numerous ladders, small doors and hatches, cramped spaces, etc. making small, portable gear preferable.   Excess equipment can be locked away for safety.  Be sure to bring fully charged equipment and/or spare batteries.  Battery drain does occur periodically
  • Soda and water machines are available.  You may bring small snacks and water canteens aboard.  If not from this area, summers especially can be very hot, humid, and uncomfortable.  Staying hydrated is a must. 
  • Investigations will include activities which can be physically taxing.  Please advise the Ship’s Representative of any pertinent medical conditions before the Investigation begins. 
  • Dress comfortably and wear rubber-soled, close-toed walking shoes.
  • Paranormal activity is unpredictable, so there is no guarantee of paranormal activity or encounters. 
  • Recommended for ages 18 and up.  
  • USS Lexington maintains priority publication rights to all paranormal evidence, including photos, videos, or audio recordings of paranormal events captured during an Investigation. 

Book your Guided Tour

$ 75 / Per Person

Make a Reservation

Reservations and payment are required in advance. Tours are scheduled daily upon request and are based on availability. Ten people maximum. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No refunds.

For more information call 361-888-4873 ext. 321 or 800-LADY-LEX ext. 321 or email Tour Reservations.