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
3,490 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great ferry trip and tour!
shannon c,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ferry ride was great. We got lots of information on the trip out. The Fort and the rangers were so great and interesting. The ride back was great just to enjoy the views!
Sumter side trip
Charles L,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip! I have wanted to see Fort Sumter for some time. Boat was clean and on time. I disagree with some of the other reviews which were critical saying trip was too short. I thought the length was fine. It is a very small fort and didn’t take long to see everything.
Highly recommend
Amy b,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend! The ferry ride was great. We saw dolphins! We enjoyed touring the fort and learning about the events that occurred there. Would recommend booking through Viator. No service fees unlike booking directly with the NPS.
The ferry was a very...
Courtney M,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ferry was a very pleasant ride to Fort Sumter. It is a self tour with park rangers nearby to answer any questions. It is amazing to witness this history!
Spring break trip with my granddaughter.
laurieh438,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience. Staff was educational and informative.
Family trip
523geraldms,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything went smoothly and the rangers are very informative.
Worth the Trip
Desiree M,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really great experience to Fort Sumter. If you’re a history fan this is a must do in Charleston. It’s a beautiful ferry ride and historic site.
Great boat ride too and...
Victoria S,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great boat ride too and from Fort Sumter. Loved getting to explore the fort on our own and with assistance from guides as needed.
Very informative and interesting tour!
Pat I,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ferry left on time and we were seated comfortable for the ride to the fort. The park ranger did such a great job telling us all about the history of the forts. Walking around the fort was very enjoyable And reading all the strategically positioned information plaques was great: we even got to witness the raiding of the flag. Highly recommend!
Must see
Passenger47839678916,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an excellent tour for the price and duration. The boat ride and staff were very helpful.
From US$43.00
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