Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry in Charleston booking from $32.00

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Overview

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.

City: Charleston

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $32.00

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

Starting at $32.00

Make a reservation

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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)

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
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.
3:30 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.
Charleston County has now dropped into a medium risk level for Covid-19, therefore masks are not required, but optional.

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.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Enjoy scenic views of top Charleston sites during your cruise to Fort Sumter, including Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.

Fort Moultrie

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

Enjoy scenic views of Charleston such as Battery homes during your cruise to Fort Sumter.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (372)

klkoctar

Dec 2020

My wife and I did this tour on December 8, 2020 and it was remarkable. The whole experience was one of the best tours we have taken. The weather was cold but it didn't stop us from enjoying a valuable Civil War History lesson.The boat ride was awesome with the crew being very curtious and professional. Once we got to the island the Park Rangers and volunteers took us back to the battles fought there and we were excited but saddened at the same time with what started with the 1st lost life of the Civil War ended up costing over 600,000 American lives. I encourage everyone that visits the Charelston area to take the tour, because you won't be disappointed. Thanks from a Texas couple to the Fine Hospitality shown from the Great State of South Carolina.

K1235AXmeganc

Dec 2020

We recommend taking the trip in the afternoon. This way you can see the lowering of the flag and watch the sunset on the water! Lots of history located here, so take your time!

SeniorTravelTales

Nov 2020

Arriving at the Liberty Square and the brick building of the National Park Service for Fort Sumter, it was a breeze to check in. If you arrive early you can watch a great video on the history of Fort Sumter. (Note: It was also showing on the 2nd deck TV screen along with some other videos of the Fort and a good video on the different type of cannons.) Going out we opted to seat on the top deck –which is open but has a roof to it. Great for viewing Charleston Harbor, Patriot’s Point, Pinckney Castle, the Battery and White Point Garden. Additionally, we could see Morris Island and where Fort Johnson was located. Doing a self-guided tour of the Fort with its many storyboards and pictures, we gained terrific insight into the Fort, it’s structure, its significance in the Civil War, destruction after 22 months of being under siege and efforts to preserve it. This was despite the weather changing from cloudy to misty to raining. The 9:30AM is the first boat of the morning and the Rangers have a ceremony for the raising of the American Flag that guests will enjoy. Due to CoVid the Museum was closed. Despite the weather challenges we thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Fort Sumter. Buying the Combo Package through Bulldog Tours we had the Historical Charleston Walking Tour and the Fort Sumter Tour. Good savings and both are great tours

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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

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