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.
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.
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3,734 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting
Betty A,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very informative, staff knew history. The fort history and artifacts were in tact. Would return and bring family/friends
The boat tour is nice, the monument itself is crap, because of the bad condition it is in.
EdwardMoses,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The boat tour to it, was nice and the people were very informative and nice. But there is where it stops. The fort itself is a major disappointment. The fort falls slowly to pieces and everywhere are things blocked off, because of hazardous conditions. Don’t understand that such an important monument is not been taking care off . This is not worth your money,
Great Tour for US History
Lisa S,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a great tour to learn or refresh knowledge of the Civil War. The boat ride to the fort is great. We even saw a dolphin. The rangers are so helpful and knowledgeable when you get to the fort. Plan for the gift shop and observation deck first!!
Great tour
Priyanka V,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, boat was very comfortable. Go early so you can pick your seat since people line up at the dock 30 min before departure.
A Pleasant Experience
Patrick K,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Ft Sumter experience was very good. The volunteer giving us the history of the fort and the Charleston area did an excellent job on the boat trip to the fort. The Park Service personnel were also very helpful. We were allotted an hour at the fort which was just fine; not too long or too short.
Fun and informative!
Elizabeth B,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It’s a well run experience, nothing fancy but definitely as advertised. Ample time on the island and a smooth ride back and forth.
Awesome Fort, full ride
Angie S,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00While we really enjoyed Fort Sumter and the Vietnam experience after. We were disappointed with only 2 short recorded messages about something we were supposed to see somewhere up ahead..... Maybe left, maybe right, who knows as we were off to the right side of the ferry a little more than half way back and could not hear. 1st recorded message came about halfway through the trip to the fort and then the caption "we assumed" told everyone about using the toilet before we got off the boat and that we only had an hour at the fort and to not be late Coming back or we would be left. Then a second recording.... Again, of something we couldn't hear. The fort was pretty cool, and the park ranger very knowledgeable and kind. Trip back on the ferry was completely without any recording or announcements from the captain. The girl selling items in the ferry was very nice as were the people meeting us when we got on and off. Being told what was around us... Such as where Fort Multrie was or anything else would have enhanced the trip so much. Would recommend the Trip, but hopefully with a different Captain
A lot of information....
michael l,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00A lot of information. Could use mote time on site. Could not hear/understand what was said over the speakers on the way to Sumpter.
A must go to place
Tonya G,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The 30 minute ferry ride was nice. They offer snacks, drinks, and hot dogs to purchase. Once on Fort Sumter, there are guides there if you like to be more educated on areas there. We did self guided. We really enjoyed learning about the history.
Connecting the Past and Present!
John S,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fascinating place to visit for anyone who is interested in history! The park rangers are extremely knowledgeable and you get exactly what you pay for in terms of the logistics of the experience. The total time at the fort itself is limited to one hour due to the ferry schedule so, if you’re someone like us who likes to take their time and read all the historical markers, you may want to plan a follow up visit the next time you are in Charleston. That being said, all of that information was clearly presented before we booked the tour and the experience completely exceeded our expectations! We saw a flag raising which was led by a park ranger that was very moving! The park ranger also did a great job connecting the events of the American Civil War with our present day political climate in a nonpartisan manner which was highly insightful! One last word of advice, the gift shops at the visitor center at Liberty Square and at the actual fort carry the same merchandise so you may be better off saving your souvenir shopping for the visitor center in order to give yourself more time to explore the fort! This isn’t a big deal but just something to be aware of for visitors. Overall, this is a must see for anyone who is interested in America’s past or present!
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