Fort Sumter Admission with Roundtrip Ferry
From$43
2h 15m
Commentary: Guide · en
Charleston, USA
About this activity
Experience Charleston's rich history with a self-guided tour of Fort Sumter, including a scenic ferry ride and informative exhibits.
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
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.
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
Itinerary
1
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.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
2
Ferries depart from the Fort Sumter Visitor's Center in downtown Charleston for those who select the Liberty Square departure option during checkout.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: Enjoy scenic views of top Charleston sites during your cruise to Fort Sumter, including Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: Fort Moultrie is a series of forts along Sullivan's Island. Enjoy views of the fort as you cruise by or while on Fort Sumter.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: Enjoy scenic views of Charleston such as Battery homes during your cruise to Fort Sumter.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
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 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.
Traveler reviews
4.63,684 reviews
5
2,656
4
675
3
216
2
46
1
91
Great Historical experience
Very informative and you will learn something you did not know. I highly recommend doing this, especially if you are a history buff. I have our only 4 stars as we only had 1 hour to explore and we did not get to read all of the info and had to rush through the museum.
Mike_GJun 1, 2026VIATOR
Educational and interesting.
This is a very interesting and important element to fully appreciate Charleston. The rangers and volunteers, especially Steve, were terrific. I salute their efforts in these difficult times.
dsteinfeldMay 31, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great experience for the history buff
Awesome experience. Get there early if you want to sit in the open air seats of the ferry boat- they fill up quickly. The tour could have been a little longer IMO but I love all things history so the more time the better. The knowledge of the park rangers was very good as well as the boat captains. Well worth the money. I suggest leaving from Liberty Square as there is much more info about Ft Sumter and Charleston available there vs Patriot Point.
Andrea_AMay 30, 2026VIATOR
Great experience!
It was well organized and the rangers knowledge was do helpful and very interesting .
Roam05932775367May 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Must for everyone in the area
Very good trip, great moderator and very educational. Enjoyed it much and it was a total of two hours.
MICHAELA_DMay 30, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
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. 3:45 tour departing from Patriots Point is a 3 hour tour in total time. Charleston County has now dropped into a medium risk level for Covid-19, therefore masks are not required, but optional.