Fort Sumter Access and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Reviews(3,845)
Victor sent me an email saying our reservation was missing info about 2 days prior to event. Said I needed to select our pick up point. Then in my app it showed me the address to be picked up. We were an hour early. No boat came. Contacted Viactor they said that boat didn't pick up at that point at 10:45. I apparently had picked another pick up area over 6 months ago. Viactor wouldn't take any responsibility for sending me an email saying there was missing info. Over an hour on a call and they wouldn't even give us a credit. It was Viators fault not the boat operator or us. Ruined my husband's birthday. Day was all messed up so we decided to not go to our carriage ride so it didn't remind us of victory. Never again.
Fun spotting dolphins on the way. The Rangers were very informative and eager to share their knowledge.
The crew at the landing and on the ferry was very helpful and very friendly. Their comments on the way out and back were fun and entertaining. I walk with a cane and have some difficulty navigating stairs…they made sure that I did do safely. The fort itself was very exciting for me and my spouse because we are both history buffs. My only disappointment was that the lifts designed to help people to the top were not working and I could not get to the top of the stairs to see it all. What I could do was a lot of fun but it would have been great to see the view from the top.
The ferry ride was very informative and pleasant. The fort was amazing to see. The booking process was not the best as I booked 1045am from Port Liberty and all my emails said that. Upon arrival we were told that departure was from a different location and we had to wait an hour and 15 mins for the next one. The park employee said it happens a lot with the Viator bookings. At 100 degrees out, that was frustrating. Turned out to be a great time but be sure to compare actual tickets to your emails and confirmation.
All went as advertised. Paid parking is conveniently located at the nearest public street, both street and loot parking. Your guide was knowledgeable and informative. Ferry had a cash bar, but this was not advertised so I had no idea it was there.
Excellent service to the Ft. Unfortunately the handicap services were broken down at the Fort which was no one’s fault but the sea water.
Excellent history and boat ride
This was an very informative 2 hour tour. It takes about 30 minutes by boat to get to Ft. Sumter and points of interest were shared on the ride. The Park Rangers were very friendly and gave a 5 minute intro to the Fort along with points of interest. We then explored on our own. There is a museum and gift shop. It's amazing standing on the ground where history happened. The Rangers reminded us that it's hot and to stay hydrated.
We enjoyed the ferry ride and appreciated the history lesson! What a blessing that the crowd got to help fold the flag until the next day! It was a great way to beat the heat!
Great history lesson. Go on the early ferry to help raise the flag when you get there. Ask questions to learn more
