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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

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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.

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

1

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
2

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

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

3,205 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2298
607
190
37
73
  • Ranger Andy makes history come to life at Fort Sumpter

    Pamela H,

    Oct 29, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    It was all great. Especially Ranger Andy. He was fabulous. I learned so much about the start of the Civil War!

  • Great tour

    Jessica L,

    Oct 28, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Great experience. Really enjoyed the experience learning about the history of the fort and Charleston, even saw some dolphins on the journey to the fort.

  • It was great visiting the...

    Marvin R,

    Oct 28, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    It was great visiting the place where the civil war started. You get a pleasant boat ride then a brief story about the fort then got to explore the site. As other people have stated, the time in the fort could be a little longer. We got an extra bonus by joining some other visitors and chatting about Charleston on the way back to the starting point.

  • Good Tour

    Philip C,

    Oct 28, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    We were very excited to tour Fort Sumter. The visitor's center is very attractive and informative with helpful Park Rangers. There is also a gift shop. We took the boat ride to the Fort and listened to an informative presentation on the way. We were the last tour of the day and were able to witness the lowering of the Flag. The Rangers were helpful and well informed.

  • Fferry ride was smooth,...

    Dana P,

    Oct 27, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Ferry ride was smooth, even in choppy waters. Professional and efficient crew. NPS gave detailed chat at Ft. Sumter.

From $40.00

4.57
3,205 reviews
Check availability

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Operated by Fort Sumter Tours

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