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 Liberty Square
Liberty Square: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., downtown Charleston
Departing Patriots Point
Patriots Point: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant
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
3,768 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 recommend
LaDalle C,Jul 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very fun and interesting experience. Smooth ride on the ferry and the tour guides were very informative if you had any questions. Only thing I don’t recommend is going in peak July heat, absolutely awful. But that was our bad, we still had a fun time anyways!
The boat ride is about a...
Patrick L,Jul 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat ride is about a half hour. There is not much on Ft Sumter but I is felt it was worth learning about what happened there
This was a great outing! ...
Tracy P,Jul 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great outing! Be sure to have a hat and water because there is limited shade and no AC on the ferry.
Great ferry ride; ok experience at the fort
MaryDelle R,Jul 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The ferry to Fort Sumter was smooth and easy. Fort Sumter itself is okay. The museum is the most interesting part. The fort grounds are just historical ruins, which is fine but not extremely interesting unless you can imagine the battles and life there. Perhaps a more interactive exhibit would serve well…? Fort Moulton has a more interesting historical presence but is not as prominently located. History buffs probably know this. I did not.
Excellent!
kcarl94,Jul 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve been on many Naval vessels and none have you an experience like this. We traversed deep into the belly of the beast. We didn’t pay any extras for tours and saw so much. Plan on spending some time on the 4 tours that come with the basic ticket.
Great for all!
Jill W,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Fort Sumter tour was amazing! I highly recommend. I loved the flag raising ceremony and how kids (and adults) were allowed to participate and learn about the flag. Lots of great infomation about the history of the site!
Great experience, staff...
Denis R,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, staff are very knowledgeable. We had a fantastic day trip. We will definitely go back.
Fort Sumter visit
Kevin K,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I really enjoyed the view of Charleston on the ride out to the monument Rangers were great in informing all the guest of the important events that happened there.
Lovely trip. Horrible direction to the ferry
Sarah C,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Viator gives horrible directions to meet the ferry. The rest of your visit will be awesome. You board the ferry by the USS Yorktown store. Unfortunately, Viator sent us to an area a 1/2 mile away. 45 minutes later we found the ferry.
Great experience! The...
Elena D,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! The Rangers are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend! Thank you National Park Service!
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