Magpie
4.6(3,783 reviews)

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

4.6
3,783 reviews
5
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92

Great tour for those interested in history

So my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. I think our kids found it a little underwhelming (except our 15 year old who is much into history). Our NPS guides were great though. Informational and entertaining. Not their fault our girls didn’t want to read all the stuff in the museum exhibits. Ferry ride was nice. Covered. Bathrooms and a concession window. Beer and wine available on return trips.

Katie_AJul 14, 2026VIATOR

Devastating History

Kinda rushed Nice ferry ride. Fort experience and museum were cool. Just needed more time to explore before ferry returned to mainland

Derek_HJul 14, 2026VIATOR

We had a great time....

We had a great time. Don’t sit when you’re on the boat, go to the front and stand on the bottom level. Much better experience and we got to see so many dolphins. We were the first tour of the day so had the honor to help fly the flag for the day. Was a neat experience

Cassie_KJul 14, 2026VIATOR

Heat and screaming child took away from experience

Historical part was great but July isn’t the best time to do this. It’s was beyond sweltering! I thought the price was a little high especially when a toddler screamed and cried the whole trip! It made it much less enjoyable but no fault of the tour. I would do it again but in the fall or spring!

SheilaT1960Jul 13, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great value Great tour!

The booking process was simple, there was good communication for receiving your tickets via email and app. The ferry ride was exceptional with great information about Ft Sumter being provided by the man on the ferry. The tour length was perfect. We had plenty of time to look around before needing to get back on the ferry. They are very prompt so when they say they are leaving, they are. So don’t be late.

Marcey_PJul 12, 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.

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