USA

Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

4.6
2 hours and a half
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Overview

What's Included

✓ 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)

✗ Not Included

  • Food & Beverages
  • Parking

Itinerary

1
Stop 1
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
Stop 2
Ferries depart from the Fort Sumter Visitor's Center in downtown Charleston for those who select the Liberty Square departure option during checkout.
3
Stop 3
Enjoy scenic views of top Charleston sites during your cruise to Fort Sumter, including Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
4
Stop 4
For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.
5
Stop 5
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
Stop 6
Enjoy scenic views of Charleston such as Battery homes during your cruise to Fort Sumter.

Meeting & End Point

📍
Meeting Point
Tour requires a ferry boat to and from the island. Please select ferry departure location at checkout.
🏁
End Point
Tour requires a ferry boat to and from the island. Please select ferry departure location at checkout.

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Good to Know

  • 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
  • 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 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.
  • 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.

Known For:

Special Instructions

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time

Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure time

Ferry Departure Locations (based on selection at checkout):

Liberty Square (9:30 am, 12:00 pm & 2:45 pm only)
340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
*Must match selection made at checkout

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (10:45 am & 1:30 pm only)
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
*Must match selection made at checkout

Accepted payment methods include all major credit and debit cards

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Traveler Reviews

4.6
⭐ Top Rated 🔥 Popular Choice ✅ Free Cancellation

Where to Stay in Charleston

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