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Access the island where the American Civil War began. You need a ferry ticket to reach this historic harbor fort.

South Carolina, United States

Visit Fort Sumter

Access the island where the American Civil War began. You need a ferry ticket to reach this historic harbor fort.

See tickets and pricesPlan your visit

4.6 from 7,122 traveller reviews on Viator & GetYourGuide

  • 2 h 15 mintotal tour time
  • 60 mintime on the island
  • 34 hoursinitial bombardment
  • 3days closed per year

Tickets & tours

Choose your Fort Sumter experience

Select the official ferry or a scenic harbor cruise.

All 6 options
A black cannon on a grey carriage inside a brick fort structure.Most booked

Ticket2 h 15 min4.6 (7,122)Free cancellation

Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry

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...

  • 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

From$46per person

Viator$46GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: Exploring the historic monument at your own pace

Powered by GetYourGuide
White and green tour boat sailing under a large cable-stayed bridge.Best value

Boat tour1 h 30 min4.4 (4,802)Free cancellation

Charleston Harbor Live Narrated History Day or Sunset Boat Cruise

Stunning up close views of Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, The USS Yorktown, The Ravenel Bridge and much more! Dolphin sightings are common on almost every cruise! We are...

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • 90-minute Charleston Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Charleston, South Carolina
  • Select from Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset Departure Times

From$44per person

Viator$44GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: A quick sightseeing cruise past Fort Sumter

Powered by GetYourGuide
People browsing goods at an indoor market with stalls and crafts.

Day trip11 h to 12 h4.3 (275)Free cancellation

Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

We have packaged our tour in such a way that you will experience Charleston much better and less expensive than if you drove to Charleston from Myrtle Beach and...

  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

From$225per person

Viator$225GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: Full day discovering Charleston and Ft Sumter

Explore

Explore the fort

Discover the visitor centers and historic grounds.

All topics
Aerial view of Fort Sumter island with a tour boat at the dock.3 spotsLiberty Square CenterDowntown Charleston departure point and educational museum.Explore Photo: tour listing on ViatorOpen wooden doors of a brick fort looking out toward the water.3 spotsHistoric Island FortThe historic, pentagonal island fort where the Civil War began.Explore Photo: tour listing on ViatorWoven sweetgrass baskets displayed on green tables outside a brick building.3 spotsThe Ferry RideThe 30-40 minute harbor cruise to the historic island.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Fort Sumter National Monument

Private boats are strictly prohibited from docking at the fort.

You must take the authorized concession ferry.

Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Full planner

  • Time needed

    The official tour takes exactly 2 hours and 15 minutes. This includes 60 minutes on the island.

  • Best time to go

    Spring and fall offer the best weather. Morning tours are cooler during the summer.

  • Getting there

    Ferries depart from Liberty Square in Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

  • Budget

    The fort itself is free to enter. The required ferry ticket typically costs from $35 to $46.

About Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter is an artificial island fort in Charleston Harbor. The first shots of the American Civil War were fired here on April 12, 1861. The initial bombardment lasted 34 hours before the fort surrendered.

Today, the site is managed by the National Park Service. It is accessible only via a concession-operated ferry. The fort grounds feature preserved ruins and massive 19th-century cannons.

Visitors can depart from downtown Charleston or Mount Pleasant. Learn more about your options in our Ferry Departures Compared guide. Plan ahead, as food and drinks are restricted on the island.

View at Fort Sumter National Monument
Fort Sumter National Monument

How we compare tours

  • Authorized access

    We highlight the only ferry permitted to dock at the fort.

  • Water views

    We compare harbor cruises for visitors who only want to see the fort from the water.

  • Clear rules

    We outline exact park rules so you avoid surprises at the gate.

From Viator

What travelers say

4.6

7,122 reviews of the ferry & self-guided tour on Viator & GetYourGuide

It was a pleasure to learn about Fort Sumter and the history around iir. Our guide was very knowledgeable
Lori_E2026-10Viator
Truly outstanding visit to Fort Sumter. The best part was the Park Service volunteer Jim Morgan who spoke about the Civil War on the boat trip to the Fort and the Revolutionary War (as it affected Charleston Harbor) on the return trip.
Elwood_H2026-10Viator
Interesting and entertaining tour. Best for individuals without mobility concerns. Coach transportation was timely and safe.
Escape271434363222026-09Viator
We traveled in a very comfortable luxury bus. Our bus driver was knowledgeable and friendly. It was a full day of sightseeing well worth the fee paid
Vanessa_H2026-06Viator
This experience is goated and our captain was so cool and very informative. You absolutely SHOULD book this if you’re coming to Charleston!
Samuel_G2026-10Viator
Get there early if you want a seat on the Sunset Cruise tour. It is popular for good reason! The Captain and crew were wonderful and gave an amazing tour. Very entertaining. Relaxing yacht rock music playing, dolphins swimming along side the boat, incredible sunset painted sky and shoreline views of the city. Just beautiful! Highly recommend. Went with friends to celebrate a birthday.
Beth_G2026-10Viator
We enjoyed seeing several historical sites on one trip. Tom was knowledgeable and encouraged questions and comments. Very interesting experience if you enjoy history!
Ellen_G2026-09Viator
A great alternative visit to the downtown Charleston tours with the opportunity to visit historic sites on the outskirts of the city. Friendly and informative tour guide.
carolynkJ2283IW2026-05Viator
So much fun! The captain/host were such nice guys, played great music, and saw so many dolphins! 10/10
Sidnee_T2026-10Viator

Travel tips

Practical advice

All travel tips
Tour boat cruising near a cable-stayed bridge during a golden sunset.Tickets and PricesUnderstand the ferry costs and booking details for Fort Sumter.Read Tour photoFerry Departures ComparedCompare the Liberty Square and Patriots Point ferry departures.Read Tour photoPark Pet PolicyThe official pet policy for the Fort Sumter ferry and island.Read Tour photoBest time to visitFind out the best months and times of day to visit Fort Sumter.Read Tour photoWhat to WearPack smart for the breezy ferry ride and uneven historic fort terrain.Read A white tour boat approaching Fort Sumter National Monument over the water.Visiting With KidsPlan a family trip to Fort Sumter with activities and rules for kids.Read

FAQ

Quick answers

All questions

How long does the Fort Sumter tour take?

The total tour experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. This includes a 30 to 40-minute ferry ride each way and exactly 60 minutes to explore the fort.

Do you have to take a ferry to Fort Sumter?

Yes. The site is located on an island in the harbor. You must take the authorized concession-operated ferry to access the grounds.

Can I take my own boat to Fort Sumter?

No. Private boats are strictly prohibited from docking at or accessing the fort. You must buy a ticket for the official ferry.

How much does it cost to go to Fort Sumter?

The federal entrance fee to the fort is $0. However, the required ferry ticket typically costs between $35 and $46 for adults. Check our Tickets page for combo tour pricing.

Where does the ferry to Fort Sumter leave from?

Ferries depart from two locations. You can leave from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.

Are dogs allowed at Fort Sumter?

Pets are strictly prohibited on the fort and in park buildings. The only exception is for ADA-recognized service animals.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Ready to visit Fort Sumter?

Book your ferry tickets early to secure your preferred departure time.

Viator$46GetYourGuideCompare

or compare all 6 options