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.
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‘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
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 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
3,257 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Explosive!!
richardbC9586JF,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting and a good interpretive of the story! Enjoyed the boat ride with interesting comments by the skipper! It was also a beautiful, pleasant day to be out in the Charleston Harbor.
Fabulous Fort Sumter Ferry & Tour
Sara P,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Fort Sumter Tour was excellently done! Walt Young, our National Park Service ranger/guide was exceptional. He provided a comprehensive overview of the history and engaged attendees by asking questions. The ride to and from Fort Sumter and our time at Fort Sumter flew by! I wish the tour was longer! Our whole group enjoyed it and are especially appreciative to everyone who worked during the government shutdown. Bonus points for seeing dolphins on the boat ride.
Great look at history!
Sherri R,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I enjoyed the trip to Fort Sumter to learn more about our nation's. The park rangers who guided us were extremely knowledgeable a d answered any questions we had.
Great day out
Daniel H,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Overall great way to explore this great historical site. Rangers had done an excellent job explaining.
Somewhat underwhelming.
Michelle B,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Quick tour. Not much to see. But a must see, if only for the experience. Wish there was access to every area of the fort.
IAside from the weather, an interesting couple of hours.
Karen K,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It can be be uncomfortably rough, cold and windy in the winter months.. Other than that it was very informative and we enjoyed the museum when arrived early. The park rangers were very helpful and accommodating.
Ft Sumter
michael b,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Booked the event and it was cancelled due to high winds. Have not heard if the refund was issued. If it has, great experience! Easy to use and a good platform to get tickets!
Boat Crippled--Should have requested a Refund!
cjmiller427,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00The boat we were supposed to be on was crippled, and we had to get on another boat that looked like it had been repurposed from an old ferry used in the 1960s. It was sea-worthy, barely. The U.S. Park Service employees were fantastic and did a wonderful job considering the circumstances. If I had to do it all over again, I would have requested a refund due to the boat issue.
Rangers are knowledgeable and fun
Candice A,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ranger Chris was outstanding! He shared a wealth of knowledge about Fort Sumter and the start of the Civil War in a way that was both engaging and easy to follow. His passion for history really made the visit memorable.
A great trip & tour
andrew c,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A 'must do' when visiting the City. A wonderful boat ride and interesting tour of a landmark in our Country's history. Great historical significance no matter which view, in the Fort or a 360 around. Rangers provided great commentary, minus one preachy race-shaming interjection.
From $40.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Fort Sumter Tours