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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

Charleston, United States

From HK$280.97

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Up to 24 hours in advance.
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  • 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Visit historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, the site of the battle which signified the start of the American Civil War. This tour is provided by the only operator within the city that includes both round trip ferry service in addition to entry into Fort Sumter. Enjoy a scenic 30-minute cruise each way along Charleston Harbor from two convenient departure locations, Liberty Square and Patriots Point. On the way, view top Charleston sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery from your ferry. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by National Park Rangers who will relay stories of America's deadliest war before your 1-hour self-guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument. Make sure to leave time for a stop at the museum and souvenir shop before making your way back to Charleston or Mt. Pleasant.
  • Fort Sumter National Monument Admission Ticket with Round Trip Ferry Service
  • Ferry departure from two convenient locations, Liberty Square and Patriots Point
  • 30-minute scenic ferry ride each way along Charleston Harbor
  • 1-Hour Self Guided Tour of Fort Sumter and its ruins
  • Hear stories of the American Civil War from Fort Sumter's National Park Rangers
  • Access to the Museum, Bookstore, and Souvenir Shop

What's Included

  • Admission to historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina
  • Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point (30-minutes each way)
  • 1-hour Self-Guided Tour to explore Fort Sumter and its well-preserved ruins
  • Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War with a National Park Ranger
  • Access to the Fort Sumter Museum, Bookstore, and Souvenir Shop
  • Food & Beverages (available for purchase)
  • Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

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End point

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What To Expect

Fort Sumter National Monument

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center

Admission Ticket Free

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Pass By)

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Pass By)

Fort Moultrie (Pass By)

Battery & White Point Gardens (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • 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
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Charleston County has now dropped into a medium risk level for Covid-19, therefore masks are not required, but optional.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 385 travelers

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.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

about cancellations.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Mary_S
What an AWESOME experience! It was a beautiful & peaceful ferry ride! We enjoyed the views of the bridge & the city, the bay, and the boats going by. The ferry ride did get pretty windy and chilly so I recommend bringing a jacket, but I was okay without one despite that I am typically always cold. We learned so much during the trip; on the ferry ride as we passed certain locations they had facts play over the speakers, and while we were at the fort the Park Ranger gave a very informative speech (about 10 to 15 minutes) about the history of the fort and all that happened there. Throughout the fort there are signs that teach you quite a bit too about each area. We appreciated being in a place with such rich history! The Fort is so well taken care of and has incredible views. The Park Rangers are very knowledgeable and friendly, and the ferry staff was great, as well. We wished would have had longer to explore the Fort; you are given an hour (We still got to see pretty much the whole Fort and enjoy the experience. It would have been even better to have an hour & a half to 2 hours because there is so much to see, read & learn, as well as to to just take in the views & what all happened there.). It was an Unforgettable and Great experience! We absolutely recommend it!!!

Reviews

4.5
745 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 745 reviews
Epic
Ginny_W, May 2023
Awesome to be in a place of historical value. Ferry ride was great, wish the stay in Fort was longer.
Awful Experience
Phyllis_N, May 2023
The actual time spent at the fort was very brief, and very rushed. The bathroom facilities, for the men were unavailable at the fort, so they had to wait in line and use the facilities on the ferry itself. The admission was overpriced. Even with a senior discount. There was no time to actually enjoy the experience at the fort as the Rangers kept rushing us along and giving us time constraints, I would never recommend this trip to anyone
Not ADA accessible
Mike_T, May 2023
Accessible elevator was out of order, Mens restroom was out of order, unable to hear anything that was said during the flag raising and grounds were not properly maintained for ADA accessibility. I would not recommend this tour to a handicapped person.
Great
Catherine_m, May 2023
If your in Charleston & like history . This is a wonderful trip . The trip pick up drop off was right on time . Would really recommend this company . We had zero issues .
Great field trip in Charleston!
Jeff, May 2023
Besides the excitement of Charleston, take a moment and experience the history of the region. It’s a somber field trip to Ft. Sumter. The history and significance of the area is unparalleled for anyone who can appreciate our history. Absolutely incredible to walk the grounds, see the guns, and put yourself in the same spot as those who fought there during the Civil War. Not to mention the boat ride is quite enjoyable.
Excellent to see where the war really started
STEPHEN_P, May 2023
The change in the fort caused by the war and the original size expected to house 650 men. Location in the middle of the harbour was very interesting
My Ft Sumter awakening
Betty_H, May 2023
The guides were helpful with the details of who, what, where and when. Very interesting museum with lots of facts.
Park Ranger steals the show!
Chris_Z, May 2023
The park ranger Andy, made the visit all the better. GREAT presenter! He made the fort come alive with his history.
Great trip!
Jodi_L, May 2023
Great tour, loved the flag ceremony at the fort. Informative and personable park rangers. Would recommend this trip!
Great tour
Janice_D, May 2023
Beautiful tour, great ferry ride the narrator was excellent. He was very informative and I really thought it was very special when he took the flag down and the children were involved in folding the flag. It’s nice to see in this world we live in the children are still interested in such an event.
Flag folding
epsedatem, May 2023
Helping to take down and fold the flag ceremony. We took the last trip of the day. I would recommend going on an earlier tour. I felt a bit rushed trying to get through the museum. I only got 1/2 way through before the park ranger announced the 10 min boat departure.
Great Tour
y_M, May 2023
A great day of sightseeing and history The boat ride with the ranger was a great learning experience The Fort was an incredible piece of history
First time on a Fort
Anitra_S, May 2023
We were the first tour over and was able to assist with raising the flag. It was awesome to walk around and see the rich history. I loved it!!!
History goldmine
Tammy_D, May 2023
Very educational. The ranger who did our informational lecture was so knowledgeable, educated, and animated. Totally enjoyed her.
Great Experience
Koelle_M, May 2023
Was very moving raising the flag and being able to participate in this. You must take the first boat out in order to participate in this.
It was very interesting...
Beth_M, May 2023
It was very interesting and the guides on the ferry were very informative and helpful! I feel we needed more time to look around. It's kind of rushed once you get there, but it's worth the trip to see it.
A True Historical Location
LethaGrace_M, May 2023
Seeing the fort in relation to Charleston. Walking in the Fort! Riding the Ferry! Feeling the rain and wind! This was a Great Adventure!
Moving experience
Paul_C, May 2023
My wife and I enjoy historical sites. The ranger stationed at the site gave a very informative talk about the history of the fort after our arrival at the fort. He pointed out several important details of the fort that we were able to view while we were there.
Awesome
Kenneth_R, May 2023
I am a huge Civil War buff. The history behind Fort Sumter was awesome. The town of Charleston is awesome!! Loved every minute of it.
Informational and educational
Linda_F, May 2023
Great boat ride with historical information given. It was so nice walking around, reading the informational boards, and being part of the flag raising in the am.
A must-see experience for all of us Americans
aindorf, May 2023
The ferry operation was very smooth and professional. The National Park rangers did a fantastic job of educating us on the pivotal role Fort Sumter played in the Civil War. It was a pleasant day out on the water and great way to learn about an important chapter in American history.
Fort Sumner!
CharleneReinauer, May 2023
We enjoyed the ferry ride. SSWD Alphonse on the ride back. The ranger who spoke did a nice job of exposing the history and events of the fort. If you are a history buff this is a trip for you.
Ft. Sumter ferry/tour was awesome!
Dodie_B, May 2023
My sister and I had the thrill and pleasure of participating in the flag raising ceremony, it was a touching moment. We enjoyed the ranger’s speech and love for the Civil War, Ft Sumter’s roll and Charleston. I highly recommend this tour!
The historical...
John_O, May 2023
The historical significance of this fort in US history can not be overlooked. It was great to put “Boots on the ground” at a place you have heard about since grade school
Fort Sumter tour
Denise_T, May 2023
There was a fantastic women ranger who did a fantastic job explaining everything. Our daughters got to help lift the flag which was fun. An hour is not long enough to see everything and go to the museum. You need at least 2 hours to read everything in the museum.
Important Look into America's History
Frank_A, May 2023
Informative, humorous talk during trip to the fort, putting what we saw in context and enhancing the experience.
The ferry ride was nice!...
Reynold_M, May 2023
The ferry ride was nice! The ranger’s talk and history lesson was great!! I would recommend this tour to all that come to the Charleston area!
If you have a creative mind, you can visualize the war in your head while viewing the Fort and it’s remains.
Regina_L, May 2023
This was a nice trip. Looking at the actual remnants of the ruins of the American Civil War of 1861. While visiting, I remember most of this from our History class is high school. To actually be here, in the midst of the ruins, and walking through the museum, gave me an eerie feeling. I’m glad they preserved this bit of history for many to see. I would definitely recommend you take a trip to Fort Sumter.
Just buy your own ticket
Denise_R, May 2023
You don’t really need to sign up for this “tour”. There really isn’t a tour. You can just show up at the Visitor Center and buy a ticket. Either way, you’re just getting a ferry ride to the island. Don’t get me wrong, Fort Sumter is absolutely worth a visit, you just don’t need to go thru Viator to have this experience.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Lovely, breezy ferry ride...
Jody_M, May 2023
Lovely, breezy ferry ride to the fort. Gracious rangers willing to answer any questions and direct us.
...

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Product code: 77337P1

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