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.
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.
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3,694 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Definitely worth doing to know more history!
Debra O,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nat’l Park ranger was very knowledgeable & great with kids!
Wonderful Tour Experience
taylormW7071RL,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. I brought my parents here for the first time, and the ferry ride was very calm and enjoyable. Seeing Charleston Bay from the water really shows how beautiful the peninsula is. The ferry operators and staff were kind and professional. The trip itself to the island was very quick, and the Fort itself was incredible. The park rangers were both well versed in the history of the Fort and answered all our questions. We spent the perfect amount of time on the Fort and were able to experience the majority of what it had to offer. I 100% recommend this tour for any visitors to Charleston.
Worth The Visit
Cindy C,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guides were very knowledgeable and could answer many questions. We should have visited the museum first, since we took many pictures and ran out of time to get the full history.
Amazing tour!
Sabrena W,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the tour of Fort Sumpter, we learned a few things on our tour that we did not know prior to the tour. National Park Rangers were very helpful and informative. Would highly recommend!
Ferry ride was the best part.
K9069GTrobinb,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00As someone who did not know what to expect, I actually expected the fort to be bigger. The ferry ride to and from was nice. Cool experience to have gone but not much to actually see.
Very interesting if you...
Todd G,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting if you like history. The volunteers provided some information on the boat ride over to the island. Would go again.
History comes alive
Cathy J,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. The volunteer was so informative and interesting Boat ride was comfortable with nice bathrooms and a snack bar.
Good service by national...
Naoko H,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good service by national park service personnel. Timing was great. Ferry was stable even in rough water.
Awesome Volunteer Guide
mikecO1993QM,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took this tour when visiting Charleston for the first time. I did the 12:00 tour on a Tuesday; the boat was just over 1/2 full. The tour was fantastic, primarily because the volunteer guide was amazing. He gave an absolutely fantastic talk while we were traveling to the island. On the island he took a group around and showed us his favorite parts of the fort. I learned so much from him--it really shows how much a guide can impact your view of the tour. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour!
Great visit to Ft. Sumter
Maggie N,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It's a great experience to explore Ft. Sumter, we were able to experience the Flag Lowing Ceremony and learned about the importance of Ft. Sumter during Civil War. The ferry ride is very comfortable, and great different views. Do try to sit on the left of top level to get better view when going to Ft. Sumter.
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