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‘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

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

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

4.57

3,295 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2375

615

192

Worth the Visit
DBJV4471,
Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
It was very nice to see. The history is very Interesting. The ferry ride to the fort was informative. The fort itself was small, but the museum was filled with excellent information.
Ft Sumter visit
Robert D,
Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ride over was fine. Enclosed seating kept you warm. The park ranger on-site was very good in explaining the fort and the attacks.
Good excursion, needs much more
Gary K,
Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
No bathrooms on the island. The excursion needs a guide. I feel there was so much to learn there that I did not learn. I felt that it should have been so much more.
Was a rainy day but we...
alanaq10,
Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Was a rainy day but we didn’t let that stop us! We had a great time visiting Fort Sumter. The history is incredible and a must visit!
Fort Sumpter - worth a visit
Stuart F,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience! National Park Service Rangers and volunteer guides were friendly and extremely informative on the history and significance of this site.
A real piece of American history.
Linda G,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Depending on when you go, be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for the weather. I should have been better prepared for the cold. All tour guides were great!
Fort Sumter is a must see!
Barbara S,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a wonderful way to experience the history of our country. The park ranger's presentation explained how Fort Sumter came about and how it was the beginning of the civil war. It was the harbinger of the next four years to come. The explanation of the meaning of the stars on the flag and raising the flag were the highlights of the tour.
more time needed
Nancy K,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was very interesting and the narration on the boat was informative. I feel we needed more time at the fort.
Historically Beautiful and Informative
Kevin M,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very friendly and knowledgeable park rangers who made the experience exceptional. The ferry ride was beautiful with great vies of the city and the opposite coastline where many attacks on the fort were launched. On the first ferry of the day we physically took part in the flag raising which was special, and informative. Gre6tour for those who care about history.
Interesting history lesson
Nomad64948978448,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
A nice little boat ride over and back on the boat. We had several dolphins following the boat back so this definitely added to the tour. The fort was interesting and our ranger did an excellent job of giving us the background of the fort.