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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Return Ferry

By Fort Sumter Tours
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is €37 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h 15m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing Admission to Fort Sumer National Monument and Round-Trip Ferry Transport 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.

Activity location
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
    • 29482-9748, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • Fort Sumter Visitor Center
    • 340 Concord Street
    • 29401, Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Departing Liberty Square
  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes2h 15m
    2h 15m
  • English

Liberty Square: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Liberty Square, 340 Concord St., city centre Charleston
Starting point:
Fort Sumter Visitor Centre, 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Language options: English
Price details
€36.96 x 1 Adult€36.96
Total
Price is €36.96
Departing Patriots Point
  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes2h 15m
    2h 15m
  • English

Patriots Point: This Fort Sumter Tour departs from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant
Starting point:
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

Language options: English
Price details
€36.96 x 1 Adult€36.96
Total
Price is €36.96

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Access to the Fort Sumter Museum, Bookshop, and Souvenir Shop
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War with a National Park Ranger
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Admission to historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina
  • What's includedWhat's included
    1-hour Self-Guided Tour to explore Fort Sumter and its well-preserved ruins
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Round-Trip Ferry Transport from Liberty Square or Patriots Point (30-minutes each way)
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food & Drinks (available for purchase)
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Service charge

Know before you book

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure.
  • ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS at Fort Sumter Tours ticket windows, as well as on board each vessel: All major credit and debit cards ONLY beginning December 1st, 2025.
  • The ferries are equipped with an lift/lift and handicapped accessible bathrooms. The Liberty Square boarding ramp can accommodate electric & manual wheelchairs and scooters except in extreme tide situations. Although the bathrooms on Fort Sumter are accessible only by climbing a flight of stairs, the ferry remains at the Fort so that bathrooms on the boat are available during your visit.
  • There is currently no Lift Service at Fort Sumter – the museum, bathrooms, bookshop and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs.
  • Please note the Fort Sumter Tour is a boat excursion dependant 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 cancelled due to weather. That decision is made at the time of departure and throughout the duration of the tour.
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Fort Sumter National Monument
  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
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 Harbour 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 artefacts 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 Centre in city centre Charleston for those who select the Liberty Square departure option during checkout.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Pass by)
Enjoy scenic views of top Charleston sites during your cruise to Fort Sumter, including Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Pass by)
For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.
Fort Moultrie (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.
Battery & White Point Gardens (Pass by)
Enjoy scenic views of Charleston such as Battery homes during your cruise to Fort Sumter.

Location

Activity location
  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Fort Sumter National Monument
    • 29482-9748, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Meeting/Redemption Point
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Fort Sumter Visitor Center
    • 340 Concord Street
    • 29401, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    40 Patriots Point Rd
    • 40 Patriots Point Road
    • 29464, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, United States

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