Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Overview
Available languages
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
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.
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.
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 Patriots Point
Patriots Point: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant
Departing Liberty Square
Liberty Square: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., downtown Charleston
Reviews
3,637 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fort sumpter tour
Carmen G,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience…glad we went…the ferry boat tour guide was an amazing storyteller and I wish my history teachers would’ve been like him! Highly recommend
Ranger talk was...
Joseph D,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ranger talk was excellent. The flag raising ceremony was very nice. They do this for the first tour each day.
Viator Let Me Down
David Z,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Viator let me down on this one. I went to the national park service thinking that's where i should go to get the ferry over to ft sumter. There was NO address as to where to go to for the ferry on my ticket pkg. I was told by ranger i was probably suppose to go to Patriots Point for my ferry. Didnt have enough time to go over there so we paid for this other ferry thru the Park Service. That means i paid twice for the ferry over to Ft Sumter. Once for Patriots Point which i guess is where i was suppose to go and then paid again for the ferry ride thru the park service. Why? Because that was the only one i saw available. I didnt realize that there was more than one ferry service available. It would have been nice if Viator had warned me about this and given me the exact address that i needed to go to for this ferry service. If they had i wouldn't have had to pay $172 for the ferry service to Ft Sumter!! Be forewarned about all this cause i certainly didnt know about all this!!!
Fort Sumpter Trip
Ronald B,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Small but interesting fort. Boat trip was windy but fun. The staff at the fort were friendly and very knowledgeable.
Good experience
Susan M,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour length was just right. Sumpter self guided info was sufficient for time at fort. Lovely viewsbod the bay and city from the boat.
Fun tour and a great time.
Morris L,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a Great time taking the tour and the presentation was great. It was time well spent. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Charleston SC.
Park volunteer on board...
Lisa D,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Park volunteer on board ferry and at the fort was very knowledgeable! Worth visiting. Lots of history !
We had a great time! The...
Cathy I,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time! The ranger narration was both funny and interesting. My son got to help with the flag raising! We will definitely recommend this tour!
Well organized and...
LORIMER E,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized and informative experience. The ferry ride includes amazing views of Charleston Harbor and historical perspectives from a tour guide. At the fort, we were given a comprehensive overview of the fort and its history by National Park ranger.
Fort Sumter visit
U1439MLdennist,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a good experience. Could of had more time on the island
From US$43.00
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