Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

4.6(4,002)2 h 15 minFree cancellationBy Fort Sumter Tours

About this activity

Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing access to Fort Sumer National Historic Site and Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point.

Cruise by top Charleston sites from your ferry. 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
✓Access 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)

Not included

✕Food & Beverages
✕Parking

Meeting and pickup

Tour requires a ferry boat to and from the island. Please select ferry departure location at checkout.

Good to know

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
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 restrooms on Fort Sumter are unavailable; 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, 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.

Cancellation policy

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

More things to do in Charleston

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

Travel by horse-drawn carriage along the picturesque streets of Charleston and take in the history of this South Carolina city. See highlights such as historically significant homes, churches and gardens while listening to informative commentary about the city’s role in our nation's history from your certified guide. Enjoy the relaxed pace of a carriage tour as you soak up the southern charm of C…

4.8(11,153)1 hFree cancellation

From £37.77 per person

Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Every corner of Charleston hides a world of history. Join us as your guide shares with you hundreds of years of stories, history, and local knowledge. This is a relaxing 2-hour stroll through the quaint and charming streets of the historic district including the French Quarter and the residential area "South of Broad", all the while learning about the people and events that shaped Charleston.

4.9(7,088)2 hFree cancellation

From £22.66 per person

Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: Explore Historic Charleston

Charleston's oldest carriage company invites you aboard for the tour that started it all. Since 1972, Palmetto Carriage Works has explored the streets of this historic city with licensed guides who bring real local knowledge, wit, and humor to every ride. Discover stunning houses, lush gardens, grand mansions, charming churches, and picturesque parks while learning about Charleston's rich history…

4.8(3,891)1 hFree cancellation

From £37.73 per person