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 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
3,663 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best way to get to...
Gary M,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The best way to get to Ft. Sumter. Quick and comfortable. Good narration from the Park Service Rangers.
A nice visit.
Gerry424,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very nice, quick trip into an important moment in American history. The ride there and back is fun and the guide was terrific! You only get one hour onsite but that winds up being enough. Worthwhile for anyone.
Humbling.
Gregg L,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The check in is at Liberty Square. The app says check-in is at Fort Sumpter. Otherwise, the tour was easy and interesting. The volunteers and rangers bring the history to life.
Unique tour
Robert B,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a tour to Fort SUmter, about 5 miles out into the bay. Fort was cool and also seeing Charleston from the water
Great 3 hour addition to your Charleston experience
Kevin M,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Well done excursion from Charleston that's just the right amount of time. 30 minutes each way on the ferry out to Fort Sumpter with a brief but informative live narration on the way to set up the tour at the Fort (one hour ashore). Recommend spending time in the museum on the island which does a great job of describing everything. We almost missed it and wish we had more time inside the nice AC reading all the material. Highly recommended addition to the charm of walking around Charleston.
Worth the visit!
Global825794,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great narration on the way over and a bit on the way back. Be sure to get in line early if you want seats together with a good view up top. Downstairs can be stuffy. Go on the first or last ferry if you want to participate/ watch the flag raising/lowering ceremony BUT be warned it takes 15 minutes to raise the flag and I think longer to lower it. If you actually read signs and wanted to go through the museum (like we did) you won’t have enough time to do it all and also watch the flag ceremony. We ran out of time and really had to rush through the museum.
It was an informative...
Crystal A,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an informative tour. Enjoyed it and learned a lot. It was good to have access to food and drinks and a restroom on the ferry.
Buy a tour and pay to park
Z3308NFjn,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00They don’t tell you you need to pay at least $12 for parking. What a sham!
OK but disappointed
Y247HFgaryf,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The boat ride was good, but most of the commentary by the guide was about slavery, and not much about Ft. Sumter and its role in history. For example, no mention was made that the fort had a role in WWII.
wrong address
Greg F,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00the meeting point on Viator is misleading the meeting point is not right it carries you to a dead end road that emergency vehicles are only allowed to use.
From US$43.00
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