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
3,317 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I say skip it
DavidF345,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The trip was just OK. There's not much left of the fort. The boat ride is OK, though you are not very close to Charleston so you can't get good pictures of the city.
Great experience
Kelly L,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on a dreary day but it was perfect - not crowded at all! Loved how attentive the park rangers were and the ferry ride was beautiful and we saw dolphins!
Fort Sumner Tour
Patricia L,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was very informative and gave us the opportunity to see where the beginning of Civil War took place.
Best looking Ranger Andy lifting the yellow TODAY cup to Lori & Dave's 25th!
David J,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dress warm for this waterway to history! Informative Ranger shared a quick tour of the forts origin and self proclaimed Best looking Ranger Andy celebrated our 25th anniversary with a toast to Sunday TODAY. Cheers!
The experience was really...
Charles B,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was really good. Everything was on time and organized. Viator always does a good job in this area. We learned about the start of the Civil War, which is history worth knowing.
Exceptional experience...
Peter M,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Exceptional experience from ferry departure to return. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. A tremendous piece of Civil War history
Flag lowering at end of day is FUN
melissatL1446AF,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a GREAT experience. Ease of pre-purchasing tickets on Trip Advisor; ferry had plenty of seats and clean; tour guides had plenty of fun facts and history to share; and time at fort was perfect. We loved helping with the flag at the end of the day.
Small fort but with great...
Gautam D,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Small fort but with great history. Very informative and felt blessed to visit the very place where civil war first started
I had an excellent time...
Stephanie B,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had an excellent time and appreciated the boat ride to and from the fort. I wish we had longer than an hour to walk around, but I loved every second.
Fort Sumter tour December 2025
A3278BRloriw,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ferry ride and staff were amazing. National park rangers were quite knowledgeable and friendly. Only disappointed that the museum wasn’t handicap accessible since the lift was out of service.
From US$43.00
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