Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS at Fort Sumter Tours ticket windows, as well as on board each vessel: All major credit and debit cards ONLY beginning December 1st, 2025.

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 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.

1 hour • Admission Included

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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

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

4.57

3,332 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2406

618

193

The tour guides were...
Jim R,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guides were fantastic. They explained the history surrounding the fort in a compelling and relatable fashion.
Charleston
Michelle S,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Good experience. Boat was older. Rangers knowledgeable. We had plenty of time at the Fort. Would recommend.
Fort Sumter
Safari24461886565,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour! It was very exciting to learn the history of Fort Sumter. The Ranger was very informative and knew everything there was to know!
Fort Sumter tour
Resort727717,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour. Our guide Russell was amazing. Lots of interesting info shared enthusiastically.
Tour of Fort Sumter
O9052FFrobertg,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I learned a few things I never knew about the fort and its place in the U.S. Civil War! Very educational and cool tour to Ft. Sumter!
Very worth the trip to see Ft. Sumter
Debra K,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Super easy to navigate. Plenty of parking, though that cost is not in the admission price. Ferry ride was lovely, snacks, drinks, and bathrooms available on the boat. Great Natl Park Guides at Ft Sumter with an informative talk and available to answer any questions. Very important US history, make the trip to see this!
Very well done!
Pioneer11732911956,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very professional. I loved everything about the experience trip. The Rangers were very knowledgeable and experienced with every aspect.
Fort Sumter
Christine S,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Very interesting history with Fort Sumter. Enjoyed the history of the fort provided by the rangers. Enjoyable boat ride over.
Do not recommend, cannot get your money back if you are late
Destiny C,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00
We were from out of town and I booked the trip about an hour before the event. When we arrived at the place to get on the ferry the parking had to be paid for and it was a quarter mile away from the ferry. There weren't any clear signage dictating where the ferry was. We had to be directed by a employee. Im 5 months pregnant and dont walk very fast so we missed the ferry by 2 mins it was pulling away as we were trying to get to it. When we talked to the ticket clerk she was rude and coarse. Said she couldnt refund us for being late. And that they had canceled the next ferry due to weather so we couldnt even take that one. She said to reach out to Viator to work on getting a refund. Viator said they would send the operator a email about getting a refund. Im having a hard time understanding who is supposed to be refunding me. They said I can only get a refund 24hrs in advance but I didn't book the event early than that. For $86 dollars its absolutely ridiculous that I cant get my money back! I DID NOT GET TO EXPERIENCE THIS EVENT!
Fan and informative family outing
Maryland1traveler,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Book in advance as they do sell out. The rangers do a nice job trying to make it as interesting as possible. There is a lot to look around on the island and quite easy to spend an hour there going through the museum and reading the exhibit signs outside. Boat has 3 levels (two indoor and one outside) with lot of seating options.

From US$43.00