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 Patriots Point
Patriots Point: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant
Departing Liberty Square
Liberty Square: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., downtown Charleston
Reviews
3,541 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth the time
Chris J,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The ferry ride over to the fort was informative. The guide giving the talk was easy to listen to and gave background to the growth of the Charleston area and Fort Sumter’s role in it. The Fort itself is in ruins so not very exciting but the museum was nice.
Xxxx
Debrs B,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Do the tour the history is awesome …… …………………———————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Be careful what you wish for!
Jodi D,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Unfortunately, this fell way below our expectations. The reason being, we were on the ferry boat and the island with 300 school teenagers. That made for a very loud and aggressive group and very hard to see or hear anything. This was a waste of money to us.
Great tour!
Cyndie R,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Get there early! Listen to the history lesson at the fort. Stay off the canons and foundation bricks. I love learning about our nations history and this tour did not disappoint!
Fun trip to Charleston
Bill K,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide is great! Had lots of interesting information. Very knowledgeable for sure. The ferry ride was good too.
Great history lesson
P4871COjimr,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00While Fort Sumter itself was not much. The park rangers were exceptional, providing details of its construction and its importance before and during the civil war. On the ferry over to the Fort a very detailed talk was given and in the fort the ramgers were available to answer any and all questions.
Worth the Visit
Sherpa51700076876,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good, quick trip out to Ft Sumter. Felt like appropriate amount of time to see the fort. Great weather and enjoyed the boat ride and historical information.
Fort Sumter
myras976,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on the last tour of the day and got to help lower the flag. Very cool experience.
Great place!
Sonya K,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great information! Such a cool place to tour! Park staff members were friendly and eagerly answered questions.
Ft Sumter
Sherrie C,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great ferry ride with park ranger commentary. Fort Sumter was interesting. Lowering flag ceremony was awesome!
From US$43.00
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