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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
2 Hours 15 Minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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.
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)
- Food & Beverages (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Select a meeting point
Mt. Pleasant (must select option at checkout) Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Mt. Pleasant (must select option at checkout) Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
End Point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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.
1 Hours • Admission Ticket Included
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Enjoy scenic views of top Charleston sites during your cruise to Fort Sumter, including Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
• Admission Ticket Free
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
• Admission Ticket Free
Battery & White Point Gardens
Enjoy scenic views of Charleston such as Battery homes during your cruise to Fort Sumter.
• Admission Ticket Free
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.
- 3:45 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.
Operated by Fort Sumter Tours
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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