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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

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Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 15 minutes

Mobile ticket

Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing Admission to Fort Sumer National Monument and Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point.

Cruise by top Charleston sites from your ferry such as Rainbow Row and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.

Explore the grounds of Fort Sumter and stand where America’s deadliest war began at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. The first shots were fired here, igniting a conflict that saw more than 700,000 casualties. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War and explore its origins with a National Park Ranger who will greet you upon arrival. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs.

Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time

Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure time

Accepted payment methods include all major credit and debit cards only

The ferries are equipped with an elevator/lift and handicapped accessible restrooms. The Liberty Square boarding ramp can accommodate electric & manual wheelchairs and scooters except in extreme tide situations. Although the restrooms on Fort Sumter are accessible only by climbing a flight of stairs, the ferry remains at the Fort so that restrooms on the boat are available during your visit.

There is currently no Elevator Service at Fort Sumter – the museum, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs.

The Fort Sumter Tour is a boat excursion dependent on changing weather and tide conditions, Fort Sumter Tours cannot and does not guarantee accessibility. Ramps used to access the ferry can vary based on tides and adverse conditions.

Tours run rain or shine. Only the Captain has the final say as to whether he feels it needs to be canceled due to weather. That decision is made at the time of departure and throughout the duration of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

1

Fort Sumter National Monument

Visit historic Fort Sumter National Monument located in Charleston, SC with the only operator in the city offering Admission to Fort Sumter plus Round-Trip Ferry Service. Experience a relaxing 30minute Narrated Harbor Cruise to historic Fort Sumter, where America’s deadliest war began. You will learn about the events which led to the outbreak of America’s most bloody war. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a National Park Service Ranger, who will provide further details about Fort Sumter and its pivotal role in the American Civil War. On the fort you will find a very informative museum (360 Video of Museum) with many historic artifacts and a souvenir shop. After your roughly one hour visit, you will enjoy a scenic cruise back to your departure point.

1 hour • Admission Included
2

Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center

Ferries depart from the Fort Sumter Visitor's Center in downtown Charleston for those who select the Liberty Square departure option during checkout.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Access to the Fort Sumter Museum, Bookstore, and Souvenir Shop

Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War with a National Park Ranger

Admission to historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina

1-hour Self-Guided Tour to explore Fort Sumter and its well-preserved ruins

Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point (30-minutes each way)

Food & Beverages

Parking

Options

Departing Liberty Square

Liberty Square: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., downtown Charleston

Departing Patriots Point

Patriots Point: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant

Reviews

4.57

3,563 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2566
659
210
43
85
  • History lives

    MaryK D,Apr 23, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    Kevin was wonderfully knowledgeable. Need a better speaker in the back however, couldn't hear too well. So sit in front. Ft was amazing to walk in and on. Fyi...You have to pay to park. Good distance walking to boat. Small space to use restroom.

  • Good -but bring a jacket for the boat.

    BRENDA R,Apr 22, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    This is a good tour. However, the trip on the boat is chilly so bring a coat. The fort does most t have bathrooms available so use the ones on the boat.

  • Charleston highlights

    John V,Apr 22, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great organized trip and visit. Excellent narrator on site. Wished for 30 more minutes.

  • A must see! I learned so...

    shirlene y,Apr 22, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    A must see! I learned so much about the revolutionary war and the civil war. We visited both forts which gave us a great perspective of the conflicts!

  • Fort Sumter visit

    Adventure24002227091,Apr 22, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    4.00

    The well organized trip was on time, lean and efficient. The park rangers were very knowledgeable and easy to talk to about all aspects of the war, the fort and history. Fort Sumter visit

  • Fort Sumpter

    Margaret C,Apr 22, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Take your time to take in the history. Excellent tour. I enjoyed. I would not recommend kids under 10

  • Good historical accounts...

    Joy L,Apr 21, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Good historical accounts of civil war battles and interesting to give perspectives on the artillery from that period.

  • Historically Significant

    Jacqueline B,Apr 21, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    You are given an hour but more time is needed to see both the fort and museum. No public restroom at the fort.

  • It was okay. Didn’t need...

    Grishma B,Apr 21, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    3.00

    It was okay. Didn’t need to book beforehand. The fort itself was okay and lacking some info. More exhibits and guides would’ve been helpful.

  • Manage your expectations

    John S,Apr 21, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    The excursion went smoothly. The fort is basically ruins. If you are expecting to see an intact fort, you will be disappointed. The location and knowledge of the park rangers will allow you to understand the fort’s importance

From US$43.00

4.57
(3,563 reviews)
  • Free cancellation
Check availability

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