THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board a narrated harbor ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point and visit Fort Sumter National Monument—where the Civil War began. This short cruise plus a one-hour self-guided visit pairs sweeping Charleston views with on-site ranger interpretation.
Board a narrated harbor ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point and visit Fort Sumter National Monument—where the Civil War began. This short cruise plus a one-hour self-guided visit pairs sweeping Charleston views with on-site ranger interpretation.
Book with Fort Sumter Tours
Book directly with Fort Sumter Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve NowVerified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Fort Sumter Tours · Charleston, South Carolina
The ferry slips away from Liberty Square and the harbor breathes around the hull—tides tugging at pilings, gulls eyeing the wake, and the silhouette of Fort Sumter sharpening as the vessel cuts across the water. Passengers lean against the rail for a clearer view of Rainbow Row, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and, from the Patriots Point route, the hulking deck of the USS Yorktown.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; must be able to climb a flight of stairs to access parts of the fort.
Choose Liberty Square (Downtown Charleston, Fort Sumter Visitor Center) or Patriots Point (Mt. Pleasant); select at checkout.
The ferry has accessible restrooms and remains docked during the visit; restrooms on the fort require climbing stairs.
Tours run rain or shine, but the captain may cancel for safety—cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund otherwise.
Yes. Tickets are valid only for the named individual and must match a valid photo ID at boarding.
Fort Sumter’s bombardment in April 1861 marked the start of the Civil War; the fort’s brick walls and cannon placements reflect 19th-century coastal defense design.
The fort’s ruins and surrounding tidal habitats are sensitive to erosion and visitor impact—stay on designated paths and pack out trash.
Fort Sumter Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Fort Sumter Tours
Book directly with Fort Sumter Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now