Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 1

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 2

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 3

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 4

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 5

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 6

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 7

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 8

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 9

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 10

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 11

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 12

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry photo highlight 13

1 / 13

Charleston, Boat Charters

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

2 hr 15 min

Viator

4.5/5

Product code: 77337P1

4.5 · 386 reviews

Price from

$35

Live availability on Viator

No request form needed
Live availability and booking handled by Viator

Check availability

About this activity

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.

See the boat

What is included

1-hour Self-Guided Tour to explore Fort Sumter and its well-preserved ruinsOther

3:30 tour departing from Patriots Point is a 3 hour tour in total timeOther

Access to the Fort Sumter Museum, Bookstore, and Souvenir ShopOther

Admission to historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, South CarolinaOther

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

Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War with a National Park RangerOther

Food & Beverages (available for purchase)Other

GratuitiesOther

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or strollerStroller accessible

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.Other

Public transportation options are available nearbyPublic transportation nearby

Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point (30-minutes each way)Other

Service animals allowedPets welcome

Suitable for all physical fitness levelsPhysical easy

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 aOther

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.Other

Itinerary

1
Fort Sumter National Monument
1 hr - 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.
2
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.
3
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Enjoy scenic views of top Charleston sites during your cruise to Fort Sumter, including Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
4
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.
5
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.
6
Battery & White Point Gardens
Enjoy scenic views of Charleston such as Battery homes during your cruise to Fort Sumter.

Cancellation policy

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

Standard

Weather cancellation available

Refund rules

100% refundable until 1 day before departure

0% refundable from 0 to 1 day before departure

Reviews

5/5

Must visit experience

The tour was beautiful and the story told in the fort Sumter by the expert was engaging and insightful.

Reviewed by Karthi_tripadv - 2022-12-31

5/5

Fort Sumter Tour

The boat ride was relaxing and comfortable. The boat guide was informative and knowledgeable. The fort was very interesting. The rangers were knowledgeable and exciting to listen to as they spoke about the events of the fort and the history of the fort. A great and close up view of USS Yorktown as the tour boat left the dock. We very much enjoyed.

Reviewed by angelkC7125VO - 2022-12-30

5/5

A wonderful excursion that provides more than just a boat ride to Fort Sumter.

Much more than just a boat ride to see Fort Sumter. We received information provided by the Ranger while onsite and additional history given by our chaperone on the boat made the excursion well worth the cost.

Reviewed by Cynthia M - 2022-12-30

4/5

The boat ride was great...

The boat ride was great and the ranger on the boat was great about the history. The fort was boring and not much to see. Glad we took the the tour.

Reviewed by CONNIE_S - 2022-12-30

4/5

Fort Sumter

Very experienced and knowledgeable tour guide but the time spent at the fort should be more than an hour as there is so much rich history to see.

Reviewed by 466marniew - 2022-12-30

Ready to check Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry?

Review live times, prices, and availability directly with Viator.

Check availability