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Historic ruins seen during Fort Sumter tours in Charleston, SC
Tickets start at $26.00

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Fort Sumter Tours & Ferry Tickets, Charleston, SC

Discover where American history began with our Fort Sumter tours in Charleston, SC. Hop on to our service that offers the ferry to Fort Sumter (convenient and reliable access to this historic landmark). Each tour includes a scenic boat ride through Charleston Harbor, a 2.25-hour stay at Fort Sumter, and a return trip. This is just perfect for history lovers, families, and groups (yeah, the views are actually worth it).

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Fort Sumter Tours – Departure Point Comparison

Our Fort Sumter tour is designed for travelers who just want a proper and chill experience. The tour begins with a relaxing ferry ride from either Liberty Square or Patriots Point, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Charleston’s waterfront and harbor.

Patriots Point01
~2 hrs 15 min
10:45 AM & 1:30 PM daily
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Patriots Point Mount Pleasant

30-min narrated Fort Sumter ferry across Charleston Harbor
Ranger talks + Q&A at the fort
~1 hr exploring fort, museum, visitor centre exhibits
Access to America’s National Parks Store on site
Waterfront & USS Yorktown views at ferry return
Visitors staying in Mt. Pleasant or combining with USS Yorktown & Naval Museum
Liberty Square02
~2 hrs 15 min
9:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 2:45 PM daily
340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401

Liberty Square Downtown Charleston

30-min Fort Sumter boat tour from downtown
Ranger talks + live historic commentary during cruise
~1 hr exploring fort, museum exhibits, ranger talks
Access to the gift shop & historic displays at the fort
Charleston skyline & harbor views on return
Visitors staying downtown Charleston, near the Aquarium & Historic District

Why Choose Us

Historic Access

Historic Access

Guaranteed Fort Sumter tour tickets with ferry ride included (no hidden fees)

Instant Booking

Instant Booking

Quick and easy online booking with immediate confirmation

Scenic Harbor Cruise

Scenic Harbor Cruise

Relaxing ferry ride across Charleston Harbor with stunning skyline and water views

Expert Rangers

Expert Rangers

Learn from National Park Service rangers who share powerful stories of the Civil War

Flexible Departures

Flexible Departures

Multiple daily departures from Liberty Square and Patriots Point

Trusted Experience

Trusted Experience

Top-rated tours enjoyed by thousands of history lovers every year

Why Choose Us
Highlights

Why Visit Fort Sumter?

So, Fort Sumter, yeah! That's the place where the whole Civil War was fought in 1861. At the entrance of Charleston Harbor, it is one of the most visited places. A Fort Sumter tour gives you the best chance to walk through the grounds where history changed the course of America. You get this ferry ride across the harbor (which, by the way, is pretty cool), then a walk through the fort itself. Absolutely memorable tour!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the ferries to Fort Sumter leave from?

The ferry to Fort Sumter runs from two points:

• Liberty Square in downtown Charleston
• Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant

How long does the Fort Sumter tour take?

Fort Sumter tours take about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It includes the boat ride both ways and around 1 hour on the fort itself.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yeah! Because Fort Sumter tickets sell early.

How much do tickets cost, and what’s included?

Fort Sumter tour tickets include the Fort Sumter ferry ride, entry to the fort, and other programs by rangers. Prices are as per the age, like for adults, which range around $40, and for children and seniors, it’s different.

Which is better: Patriots Point or Liberty Square departure?

Both provide the same tour experience at the fort. Patriots Point is easier for visitors staying in Mount Pleasant or those who want to pair the trip with the naval museum. Liberty Square is more convenient for downtown Charleston stays.

What should I bring for the tour?

Pack light: comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat. And yeah, tickets. It’s enough.

Is Fort Sumter wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes, the Fort Sumter ferry and fort grounds allow wheelchairs and strollers. Just note, some areas may have uneven surfaces.

What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?

Fort Sumter boat tours in Charleston, SC, run rain or shine. If there’s severe weather, the Fort Sumter ferry may be delayed or canceled for safety. In that case, tickets can be rescheduled.

Are ranger talks and flag ceremonies part of the tour?

Yep! Fort Sumter tours in Charleston, SC, include ranger talks about the fort’s history, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the daily flag ceremony too.

Fort Sumter tours Charleston SC with views of cannons and harbor

Our Unforgettable Fort Sumter Tours Experience

*Take a ferry ride to Fort Sumter and just see where American history changed forever. This is where the very first shots of the Civil War were fired. Step inside the fort. Touch the bricks. Stand by the cannons. The rangers tell stories that stay with you. All of this brings the old days back to life. The ride itself is very special, with wide views of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. Every ticket includes your two-way ferry and time to explore the fort on your own. And yes, we are a private booking company, so if anything feels unclear, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help!

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Book your Fort Sumter tickets and explore the site where the Civil War began. Enjoy an unforgettable visit to one of America’s most historic coastal forts.

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