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Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

3,924 Reviews 4.63 out of 5 stars Based on 3,924 reviews collected by City Sky Diving and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 92% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Charleston, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (7.7) days in advance.

2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

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
  • Food & Beverages
  • Parking
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

South Carolina 29412
USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Fort Sumter National Monument

Visit historic Fort Sumter National Monument located in Charleston, SC with the only operator in the city offering access 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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Fort Moultrie (pass by)

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.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-77337P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.63
3,924 reviews

Average 4.63 out of 5 stars based on 3,923 traveler reviews collected by City Sky Diving and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2,897
4 stars
729
3 stars
201
2 stars
48
1 star
48
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (7.7) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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
  • 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
  • Food & Beverages
  • Parking

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 385 travelers

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