Tickets & tours

Fort Sumter Tickets

The fort has no entrance fee, but you must buy a ticket for the authorized ferry. Prices change based on the platform and combo 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$46 GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: Exploring the historic monument at your own pace

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$225 GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: Full day discovering Charleston and Ft Sumter

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$44 GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: A quick sightseeing cruise past Fort Sumter

Morris Island Lighthouse standing in the water under a cloudy blue sky.

Top rated

Small group4 h4.9 (45)Free cancellation

Get Out of Town! Lighthouses, Beaches and Forts Tour! Folly to Sullivan's Island

There is so much more awaiting you off the Charleston peninsula! Here is your opportunity to take a small group, 1/2 day tour (8 or less) in my 2021 Mercedes Sprinter....

Bottled water
Enjoy a local snack from Charleston.

From$85per person

Viator$85 GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: Small group exploring beaches and forts

Boat tour1 h 30 min4.8 (330)Free cancellation

Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise Scenic Views and Dolphin Spotting

Experience the beauty of Charleston Harbor during a sunset cruise! Leave from iconic Shem Creek and cruise past landmarks like Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Fort Sumter....

Bottled water
Fuel surcharge
Restroom on board

From$58per person

Viator$58 GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: Relaxing views of Fort Sumter at sunset

Boat tour1 h to 11 h4.8 (1,096)

Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting

Not your typical Water Taxi. Best value in Charleston! includes dolphin sightings(frequent but not guaranteed). Most affordable and convenient harbor cruise +...

Dolphin cruise included in every trip.Dolphin sightings frequent but not guaranteed.

From$17per person

Viator$17 GetYourGuideCompare

Best for: Affordable harbor views with dolphin sightings

Ferry prices start around $35-$46, but expect higher costs for combo tickets.

What will it cost your group?

Enter your group and compare totals on both platforms. From-prices; children are priced as adults unless the listing gives a child rate.

Adults

Children

Option	Viator total	GetYourGuide total
ferry & self-guided tour	$46	Compare
day trip & lunch	$225	Compare
harbor history cruise	$44	Compare
forts & beaches tour	$85	Compare
sunset dolphin cruise	$58	Compare
water taxi cruise	$17	Compare

Viator and GetYourGuide side by side

Compare official access and harbor sightseeing options.

Option	Duration	Viator from	GetYourGuide from	Rating	Best for
ferry & self-guided tour	2 h 15 min	$46	Compare	4.6 (7,122)	Exploring the historic monument at your own pace
day trip & lunch	11 h to 12 h	$225	Compare	4.3 (275)	Full day discovering Charleston and Ft Sumter
harbor history cruise	1 h 30 min	$44	Compare	4.4 (4,802)	A quick sightseeing cruise past Fort Sumter
forts & beaches tour	4 h	$85	Compare	4.9 (45)	Small group exploring beaches and forts
sunset dolphin cruise	1 h 30 min	$58	Compare	4.8 (330)	Relaxing views of Fort Sumter at sunset
water taxi cruise	1 h to 11 h	$17	Compare	4.8 (1,096)	Affordable harbor views with dolphin sightings

How to choose

If you want to walk on the fort: take the ferry & self-guided tour.
If you just want to see the fort from the water: take the harbor history cruise.
If you want a cheap harbor ride with potential dolphin sightings: take the water taxi cruise.
If you are staying in Myrtle Beach and need transport: take the day trip & lunch.

Ticket questions

Do you have to take a ferry to Fort Sumter?

Yes. Private boats are strictly prohibited from docking at the fort. You must use the authorized Fort Sumter Tours ferry.

Does the National Park pass cover the Fort Sumter ferry?

No. The federal entrance fee to the fort is $0, but the park pass does not cover the mandatory private ferry fee.

How much does it cost to go to Fort Sumter?

Adult ferry tickets typically range from $35 to $46. Combo tours that include other attractions can cost up to $78.

From Viator

Recent reviews

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