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.
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.
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 (available for purchase)
Gratuities
Options
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
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
Reviews
3,433 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very good and...
William B,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good and informative! The ferry ride overview was helpful and gave us good background to understand the history.
Russell is the BEST!
Karol C,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There is no parking at the Visitor's Center. The closest ramp is about a block away and is heavily used. Allow time to find a parking spot. That said the Visitor Center is very well done and the tour to Ft. Sumter is great, especially if you happen to have Russell as your tour guide on the ferry! Great guy, very knowledgeable and knows a lot of back ground information.
A quick review
Richard M,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00a little ... dry. But everything was well-organized and on-time. The narrator on the ferry was good.
The ferry ride is great...
Rebecca F,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The ferry ride is great and informative. Lots of history and points of interest. The crew was professional and respectful. We did not have enough time at the fort - an hour is too short. Possibly reduce the number of tours and increase the time in the fort to 1 1/2 hours.
Not enough time
Y3433IKpaulab,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Length of visit was not sufficient. Would have needed an additional hour to both tour the physical fort and tour the museum. Disappointed.
Family day out
lovew899,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everyone was very pleasant and informative. Made our experience even better.
Enjoyable boat ride to the Fort.
alesia s,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyable boat ride to the Fort. We saw so many dolphins on the way to it. Fort itself was an interesting site to visit. I would recommend this tour.
Not enough timr
Trek25823131012,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The info about the fort was really good. We were there for the raising of the flag. We felt we did not have enough time to really experience the whole fort, as in the museum. Another half of an hour would have been helpful.
Smooth sailing to Fort Sumpter
744cala,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organized, just the right amount of time, way to see Fort Sumpter.
A great experience well done.
Steve88765,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience is organized from start to finish. We booked through Travel Advisor, piece of cake. Boarding was easy and quick. Seating inside or out. Very nice 30 minute boat ride over, narrative by park ranger on historic facts and sights. Departure instructions about when to be on the boat return. About 1 hour allied to visit. Don’t be late, they don’t wait. No restrooms at Ft. Sumter, but you can return to the boat to use theirs. Be sure to attend the ranger’s talk upon arrival. Adds so much to understanding what happened. Actually walking the entire place only takes 30-40 minutes including the museum and gift shop (same stuff at the check in spot in Charleston. Return boat ride was nice. There are pricey sodas and candy if you can’t wait to be on shore. A delightful experience, highly recommend. After the
From US$43.00
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