Guided Tours

Fort Sumter Park Ranger-Led Guided Tour with Round-Trip Ferry

Cruise out to Fort Sumter with a round-trip ferry ride from either Liberty Square or Patriots Point, with about 30 minutes of scenic harbor views each way.

Your ticket includes admission to Fort Sumter, so once you arrive, you’re free to explore this pivotal Civil War site at your own pace.

Enjoy narrated views of Charleston Harbor during the ride, adding context and stories before you even step onto the island.

With transportation, entry, and expert context all bundled into one easy ticket, it’s a hassle-free way to experience one of Charleston’s most historic landmarks.

Pick your preferred departure point, Liberty Square downtown or from Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, when selecting your ticket, so the cruise begins from the side of town that suits you.

Admission to Fort Sumter

Round-trip ferry transportation

Departure from Liberty Square (as per option selected)

Departure from Patriots Point (as per option selected)

30-minute cruise each way

1-hour self-guided tour to explore Fort Sumter

Access to the Fort Sumter Museum, Bookstore, and Souvenir Shop

Introduction and context by a National Park Ranger

Food and drinks (available for purchase on the ferry)

Souvenirs and gift shop purchases

Gratuities

Timeline
Map
Start point
2 starting points available
1. Fort Sumter National Monument
Tickets included
After a relaxing 30-minute narrated harbor cruise to the site where the American Civil War began, be welcomed by a National Park Service Ranger, explore the fort’s museum and souvenir shop during your approximately one-hour visit.
End point
2 ending points available
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Visit Fort Sumter by round-trip ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point, with a 30-minute cruise each way and one hour at the fort.

Getting started

Begin by checking in at your selected departure point, either Liberty Square in downtown Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. Present your booking, then board the ferry at your scheduled departure time. You will need to arrive 30 minutes early, since the boats leave promptly and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Fort Sumter and ferry experience

What to expect

This experience combines a harbor crossing with direct entry to Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began. You travel by water, spend one hour on the fort grounds, then return on the same ferry, which remains docked during your visit.

Features

Pick your departure point: Your ticket includes round-trip ferry transportation to Fort Sumter from Liberty Square or Patriots Point, with a 30-minute cruise each way to and from the fort.

Admission included: Entry to Fort Sumter is part of your ticket, so there’s no need to arrange separate passes.

Educational experience: Learn about the opening chapter of the Civil War through ranger insights and museum exhibits.

Flexible exploration time: Enjoy a self-guided visit, browsing the museum, bookstore, and grounds at your own pace before returning to Charleston.

What to bring

Be sure to have your booking confirmation handy, along with a valid photo ID if it’s required at check-in.

Since the tour runs rain or shine, it’s smart to dress for the weather and bring anything you might need to stay comfortable out on the water.

What’s not allowed

No food is allowed on Fort Sumter grounds.

Pets and concealed weapons are not permitted.

Cash isn’t accepted at the ticket windows or on board the ferry. All major credit and debit cards are welcome, so plan to pay electronically.

Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the ferries are equipped with an elevator/lift and accessible restrooms. The Liberty Square boarding ramp can accommodate both electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters, except during extreme tide conditions.

Keep in mind there’s currently no elevator service at Fort Sumter itself. The museum, bookstore, restrooms, and top level of the fort can only be reached by climbing stairs.

If needed, accessible restrooms are available on the ferry, which remains docked during your visit.

Infants and small children are welcome and can ride in a stroller.

Service animals are allowed.

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels, but because this is a boat excursion affected by weather and tides, accessibility may vary depending on conditions.

Additional information

Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, so arriving a little early will help ensure a smooth check-in.

Tours run rain or shine, and only the Captain can decide if weather conditions require a cancellation. That call is made at departure time or, if necessary, during the tour.

Public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to the departure point, and all major credit and debit cards are accepted at the ticket windows and on board.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.