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.
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
Parking
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
Reviews
3,459 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not enough time
Suzanne K,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00It takes 30” each way to get to the fort, then there is a 20” talk you can listen to. By the time you go thru the museum, it is time to leave. Definitely not enough time to see all of it! You’re better off just reading about it.
A historic military site
Sasha L,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great time at Fort Sumter and learned a lot about the important role it played in the Civil War. The ranger talk was very informative. I got to help them take down the flag for the evening. It felt very special to participate as a veteran.
Great History!
KarenSue W,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ferry ride is nice. Go on top for fresh air or stay below to stay out of the weather. Really loved the Fort. The Rangers were friendly and very informative. The one thing we were disappointed in was the length of stay at the Fort. It needs to be longer than an hour or the choice to take a different ferry back if you wanted to absorb more information at the Fort.
Great Tour
gretchenf2026,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The ferry ride to the Fort was great. The ranger doing the informative talk was thorough and enthusiastic. The weather was cold and very windy but we still had a great time. The museum was nice but very busy. I could definitely have spent more than an hour at the Fort to get the full experience. Highly recommend.
Cancelled Excursion
Kristopher C,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If your excursion gets cancelled for weather, they do an excellent job of working with the operators to refunding your money.
Fun and informative family outing!
437makesham,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just the right amount of time for an outing, 30 minutes out 1 hour at the fort and 30 minutes back. We had plenty of time to walk the grounds, read most of the historic information and grab a couple of items from the gift shop. It was a warm sunny day (80s) and very windy. Any cooler temperatures with wind like that you’d need a coat! The ferry was ok (could use a little TLC) but staff were friendly and there were just enough concessions available (drinks, chips, nuts, $5 hot dogs.). Tip: if it’s nice out and you want to sit on top of the ferry get in line early. We were about mid in line and seating was limited. We were fine sitting inside.
Didn’t go
William F,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We went to the wrong dock and didn’t get to go to the island.
Fort Sumter
Bob P,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience- very informative. National Park Service rangers were approachable and knowledgeable. It was interesting seeing Charleston Harbor and learning about the impotence of Fort Sumter. The NPS brochure was also very good.
Great trip to Fort Sumter.
spiesak,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting trip with informative history about the civil war, slavery and the history of Charleston and Fort Sumter.
Good and bad.
DENA W,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00There are two ferry pickup locations, make sure you know which one you are leaving from. The staff at the visitor's center were super. They got our tickets switched to the different ferry and the rest of the excursion was great!
From US$43.00
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