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
3,518 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The start of the war
tomoJ2285TQ,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice tour informative and historic
Wouldn’t do it again
nanannrad,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The positives: Rangers were great. Boat ride was smooth. Fort Sumter is worth visiting. Boat was clean. Snacks offered on board. The negatives: Boat was packed! Cool day so no one wanted to be on the top deck. Not enough seating on lower decks to accommodate all. Had to sit on floor on way back. Way too many unruly children. Why people would bring very young children on this trip baffles me. They just run around in the museum and boat and could care less about the Fort. They are too young to appreciate the Fort. An 18 and older tour would be a great idea. One hour is not long enough at the Fort.
Not stage to be on the water for older people
rebjames2017,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Freezing cold. 30 MOHwind. Why did t you cancel the tour. The entire boat was miserable
DO NOT book the Ft Sumter...
Michael S,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00DO NOT book the Ft Sumter trip through Viator! Their website is incorrect as you cannot pick both the time of the AND the location of the ferry pick-up. The ferry has a set time/location that alternates and does not change. If you pick a time, and they let you pick a location, there's a 50/50 chance the ferry will be at the other site. That's what happened to us. The Ft Sumter personnel were very nice/helpful to change the time of our tickets & luckily the new time worked for us. Ft Sumter employees said that the've contacted Viator several times to get this error changed, but they have refused to change it so far.
It was a very enjoyable...
Thomas R,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a very enjoyable trip. A ton of history. The only suggestion I would make is have someone talk about the fort on the way out to it. Otherwise, well worth it
Canceled our trip but still the museum was cool
TJ M,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Didn't go because it was too windy. The museum was really cool though. They refunded our our money without any problem.
Boarding process was...
Helene M,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Boarding process was easy. Ranger Roger was wonderful. Unfortunately the intercom system only worked on one deck. The museum on the fort’s island was really good. We had enough time to observe the flag raising and tour the museum. The amount of time allotted was perfect
Interesting
Stephen G,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was interesting. Gave a lot of history of the fort. Half hour boat ride to fort. Seemed a little pricey.
Great Boat Ride and Lot's of History
paintgirlchgo,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Worthwhile tour -- take the first tour of the day to take part in the flag raising at Fort Sumter. Guides/Rangers are knowledgeable, boat ride was a terrific way to see both the Charleston area and Fort Sumter from the water (snacks for sale), on island - lot's of history to see and read about. There's a gift shop as well, I didn't venture in, but it's there.
Informative trip with harbor views
jbnelson,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We boarded the ferry and went to the top deck to get a good view of the harbor. It was extremely windy that day but the crew did a great job informing the crowd. Once on Fort Sumter the rangers were very informative. The museum was very interesting and a nice break from the wind. It contained various items from the period. I probably enjoyed more than your normal tourist being a former social studies teacher. Would recommend even if you’re not a history buff. The views of Charleston and surrounding area are worth the trip.
From US$43.00
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