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
Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure.
ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS at Fort Sumter Tours ticket windows, as well as on board each vessel: All major credit and debit cards ONLY beginning December 1st, 2025.
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.
Please note 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 (available for purchase)
Gratuities
Options
Departing Patriots Point
Patriots Point: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant
Starting point:
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
Departing Liberty Square
Liberty Square: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., downtown Charleston
Starting point:
Fort Sumter Visitor Center, 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Reviews
3,306 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fort Sumter tour December 2025
A3278BRloriw,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ferry ride and staff were amazing. National park rangers were quite knowledgeable and friendly. Only disappointed that the museum wasn’t handicap accessible since the lift was out of service.
Go see it
Kim L,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The fort was awesome. We helped take down the flag and fold it. Everyone that worked there was very informative and could answer any question that was asked.
Great ferry ride....
Karen K,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great ferry ride. Wonderfully i formative Park Rangers. They were great at answering the numerous questions. Flag ceremony was really nice. Perfect weather
It was a wonderful tour....
Rebecca W,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful tour. Even with my 8 year old child was excited about the ferry ride and touring the fort.
Core Piece of American History
Dave M,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a core piece of American history. The ferry ride was smooth and offered great harbor views, and the fort and ranger talk were very interesting. Worth seeing.
For aged people lots of...
Vivian S,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00For aged people lots of steps but handrails available. Taking down the flag at dusk was amazing as volunteers were asked to participate.
Recommend the Fort Sumter Tour
Kevin K,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a Great Experience visiting Fort Sumter. Everything was very timely, and the guide explained the history on the way, and since we were the 1st batch of the day, we had the opportunity see Flag Hoisting on the Fort. If you are someone interested in History and enjoy nice views of the Sea, highly recommend this tour.
Ferry to the Fort
Colette D,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an interesting and informative experience. The ferry ride over to the fort was beautiful. The views from the fort were lovely. The fort itself is in pretty decent condition to walk around and experience. What history might’ve been like living on the fort.
Highly recommended tour
veram270,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Beautiful views of the bridge. Very informative and nice to watch the Dolphins and Pelicans. Fort was impressive and loved the 35 star flag ceremony. A beautiful day for young and old to learn about history.
My 13 year old son LOVED...
Jolene K,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My 13 year old son LOVED this! It was great to learn more about our history in person. Guides we wonderful!
From US$40.00
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