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
3,602 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A meaningful experience, on several levels
Julie G,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful park service guide- both entertaining and very informative. Since we were on the first tour of the day, we had the privilege of participating in the flag raising. This was very moving experience. Learning the multiple perspectives of those who built, attacked, and defended Fort Sumter was very meaningful. I will never forget touching the fingerprints of enslaved people, forever embedded in the bricks. I’m very grateful for the whole experience.
Fort Sumtner
Mary D,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience. From boat ride to exploration of the fort. All personnel were professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend
The Fort Sumter visitor...
Loren H,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Fort Sumter visitor center was organized very nicely. The presentation at the Fort and the exhibits gave a true picture of the experience at the fort durning the civil war.
An excellent historical experience.
christinesW6122LO,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was excellent. The Park Ranger used the ferry trip out to Fort Sumter to explain the history. Rangers were available inside the museum to answer questions. My friends and I took part in the flag raising, an experience I will recommend to others!
Not enough time. Very rushed. Overpriced
J2249SVginah,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The tour is fine but the price for basically one hour of time at the fort is a bit high. I think they should give more time to be able to read all the info, visit museum and the store. Was very rushed.
Fort Sumpter
Burrell J,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience ferrying over to Fort Sumpter. The ferry was easy to board and a quick 35 mins from dock to dock. Once we arrived at the Fort, we were treated to a history narration and flag lowering by the National Park Service Rangers. Very enlightening experience to hear about the events leading up to the 1st shots fired and surrender of the Fort.
Couple trip
Katie T,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, lots of history to learn. Perfect for history geeks. Boat trip was smooth sailing. Wonderful views of the harbor and the USS Yorktown. Highly recommend the trip.
Good Combo Activity
C7262BLamys,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good combo activity…ferry ride and history. Rangers/volunteers were very accessible and knowledgeable. Difficult to hear narration on the ferry…especially in the front of the interior 2nd level.
Well run. Guide was very...
Jayne W,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well run. Guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Park rangers were all helpful and friendly.
Very Informational.
Beth R,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This was very informative. The rangers did a great job keeping your interest with humor, while educating the crowd about the history.
From US$43.00
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