Fort Sumter Admission with Roundtrip Ferry
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic ferry ride through Charleston Harbor
- Explore historic Fort Sumter at your own pace
- Engaging exhibits detailing Civil War history
- Breathtaking views of the Charleston skyline
- Opportunity to spot dolphins during the ferry ride
Full description
Included / Excluded
- 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
Important information
Know before you book
- Ferry schedules may vary; confirm departure times in advance.
- Tickets are non-refundable if canceled less than 2 hours before departure.
- No food items are allowed on the Fort Sumter grounds; plan accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against sun exposure.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the ferry ride.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- 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 restrooms on Fort Sumter are unavailable; 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, 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.
Traveler reviews
Worth the trip
We enjoyed the ferry ride and time at the fort. We were told about a group lowering the flag so decided to do that and hubby got to help roll the flag. The museum was very informative and had a guide there to explain things. Unfortunately the flag was in storage - because it needed a break from being on display (maybe to prevent light exposure damage?). Worth the trip.
Raising the Flag at Fort Sumter
Very organized loading at pier. Sit up top if possible. Audio was very clear on the ferry ride to Fort Sumter. The Park Ranger did a nice job of teaching us the history of Fort Sumter. Once at the Fort we enjoyed a nice walk around the Fort. We found the Flag Ceremony enjoyable and a bit emotional. The staff did a great job.
Ferry to Fort Sumpter
This was an interesting tour. The history was fascinating and to see the impact of the war that was still visible was amazing. The ferry ride was good with information being provided as we passed landmarks.
Great experience
It was a pleasure to learn about Fort Sumter and the history around iir. Our guide was very knowledgeable
Outstanding trip to Fort Sumter
Truly outstanding visit to Fort Sumter. The best part was the Park Service volunteer Jim Morgan who spoke about the Civil War on the boat trip to the Fort and the Revolutionary War (as it affected Charleston Harbor) on the return trip.