Fort Sumter Tours
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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
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Fort Sumter Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor
Fort Sumter Tours
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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Fort Sumter Tours - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)
Fort Sumter Tours
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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
FORT SUMTER TOURS (Charleston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Fort Sumter Tours
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Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Fort Sumter Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Fort Sumter National Monument
Price & Hours
- Facilities 3.0
- Atmosphere 3.5
You probably remember Fort Sumter as the place where the first shot of the Civil War was fired back in 1861. Today, you can see for yourself where all the action happened by taking a ferry to the actual fort. Take your time exploring the thick stone caverns, which still house several Civil War-era cannons. You should also stop by Fort Sumter's small, yet informative museum, which provides more in-depth information about the fort's role in the war. According to most Charleston visitors, Fort Sumter is a must-see, especially for kids and history buffs.
Fort Sumter National Monument is perched on a small island in Charleston Harbor several miles southwest of the city. Ferries to the monument depart from the Fort Sumter visitor center (in Charleston) and from Patriot's Point , which sits just opposite of the harbor in USS Yorktown State Park (parking is available at both departure points). Though the ferry ride is not the main attraction, most enjoyed it, calling it relaxing and a great way to see some of the area's dolphins. Both ferries to the fort and ranger talks take place daily, but hours vary depending on the season. Guided tours aren't available at Fort Sumter, but you can listen to a 10-minute, ranger-led history discussion before heading out on your own self-guided tour; rangers and volunteers are available to answer any questions you may have.
While it is free to explore Sumter itself, the ferry ride costs $37 for adults and $23 for kids ages 4 to 11. Children 3 and younger are free. The National Park Service highly recommends purchasing your ferry ride tickets in advance, which you can do at the Fort Sumter Tours website . For more information about the history of the fort, visit the National Park Service website .
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As you explore this picturesque neighborhood, save time for a break beneath the old live oaks in nearby White Point Garden where several Civil War relics and memorials commemorate the city's role in the battle. Start your tour of the Battery at the 8-acre Waterfront Park (home to the giant pineapple fountain featured on many Charleston postcards), then follow the walking paths on East Battery Street for the nearly mile-long stroll to White Point Garden.
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Home › Tours › Fort Sumter Tours
Featured Tour Fort Sumter Tour & Boat Cruise
Tours are selling out – book online to reserve your trip today!
Embark on a Historic Adventure
Fort Sumter tours depart daily from two locations: downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service concessioner. We provide the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. We offer many departure times daily from two convenient locations: Liberty Square in downtown Charleston or Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant.
Board your tour boat and get ready for a relaxing 30-minute cruise to historic Fort Sumter.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by National Park Service rangers who will provide programming and answer questions about the history of Fort Sumter and its pivotal role in the American Civil War. Learn about the events that led to the outbreak of America’s most bloody war ( read the tour narration ).
Spend an hour exploring Fort Sumter before boarding the boat for a cruise back to your departure point.
Please note: Men’s Restrooms at Fort Sumter Under Repair
Currently, the men’s restrooms at Fort Sumter are out of service. However, there are restrooms available on the ferry boat, which remains docked at the fort for the duration of your stay.
Grab a snack!
Tour boat concessions offer a variety of drinks and snacks (including healthy options) available for purchase during the cruise to and from the fort.
Please note: No food items are allowed on the Fort Sumter grounds.
Browse the Gift Shop
America’s National Parks Museum Store is located in the Fort Sumter Visitor Center at Liberty Square and at Fort Sumter.
Shop a selection of souvenirs perfect for history buffs, including books, CDs and DVDs about Fort Sumter and the Civil War.
Please Note
Call us at 843-722-2628 with any questions regarding wheelchair accessibility.
During the spring and summer months, our 3:45 p.m. departure from Patriots Point will make a brief interim stop at Liberty Square before and after the tour.
Restrooms and water are available on the boat, which will remain at the dock during your visit.
Boats will Depart Promptly!
Please plan to arrive 30 minutes early.
Ticket Prices
Senior/active military, children (4-11), children 3 and under, details you need to know about fort sumter tours.
Fort Sumter Tour tickets are 100% refundable if canceled 2 hours in advance of the departure time. If tickets are canceled less than 2 hours from departure time they are non-refundable. Rates and times are subject to availability and change without notice.
America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, frequently referred to as the National Parks pass does not apply to the ferry fee. This includes the Interagency Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade Pass and Annual passes.
Fort Sumter tours cruise in most weather conditions year-round. The Charleston area experiences a high number of lightning strikes during the summer. Know the latest weather conditions and seek safe shelter in the event of lightning or thunder. Lightning identified within 10 miles of Fort Sumter will prompt the closure of the observation deck, and visitors are advised to shelter in the fort’s museum or on the ferry. The National Park Service and Fort Sumter Tours will inform visitors when there is a possibility that storms may impact the length of time visitors can spend at the fort. For more weather information, visit www.nps.gov/fosu .
Accessibility
The Fort Sumter Tour is a boat excursion. Due to changing weather and tide conditions, Fort Sumter Tours cannot and does not guarantee accessibility. The Liberty Square boarding ramp can accommodate electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters except in extreme tide situations. The Patriots Point location cannot accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. To ensure your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend calling Fort Sumter Tours on the day of your visit at 843-722-2628 .
There is a lift at Fort Sumter enabling visitors to access the museum, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter. In addition, the tour boat does have restrooms and will remain at the fort during your visit. The tour boats are equipped with an elevator/lift and handicapped accessible restrooms. Please visit the National Park Service Accessibility page for more details.
No concealed weapons are allowed on any vessels operated by Fort Sumter Tours.
Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter due to the high volume of visitors to this secluded island fort. Fort Sumter Tours does not permit pets on board vessels. Please visit the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park website for details.
Public Notice
This service is operated by Fort Sumter Tours, a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting the operations in a satisfactory manner. Prices are approved by the National Park Service.
Please address comments to: Superintendent Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park 1214 Middle Street Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 [email protected]
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Last updated: September 27, 2019
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Fort Sumter Tours. 1,664 reviews. #24 of 173 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Charleston. Boat Tours. Write a review. See all photos. About. Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service Concessioner providing the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. Once aboard, enjoy a 30 minute narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter.
Specialties: Charleston, South Carolina has a long, rich history and so does SpiritLine Cruises. With over 50 years of experience operating passenger vessels in Charleston Harbor, you can trust us to provide the ideal experience on the water. Our family-owned company has safely hosted over 12 million passengers on over 100,000 Charleston boat tours and events. Established in 1961. Fort Sumter ...
Book your tickets online for Fort Sumter Tours, Charleston: See 1,610 reviews, articles, and 575 photos of Fort Sumter Tours, ranked No.266 on Tripadvisor among 266 attractions in Charleston.
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry. 957. Historical Tours. 2-3 hours. Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing Admission to Fort Sumer National Monument and …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 90% of travellers. from. ₹3,361.
Book your tickets online for Fort Sumter Tours, Charleston: See 1,641 reviews, articles, and 575 photos of Fort Sumter Tours, ranked No.266 on Tripadvisor among 266 attractions in Charleston. ... Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service Concessioner providing the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. Once aboard ...
Apr 19, 2024 - Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service Concessioner providing the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. Once aboard, enjoy a 30 minute narrated cruise to historic Fo...
2 hours 15 minutes. from AU$46.40. Reserve. Overview. Visit historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, the site of the battle which signified the start of the American Civil War. This tour is provided by the only operator within the city that includes both round trip ferry service in addition to entry into Fort Sumter.
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Fort Sumter Tours. 1,665 reviews. #24 of 173 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Charleston. Boat Tours. Write a review. See all photos. About. Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service Concessioner providing the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. Once aboard, enjoy a 30 minute narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter.
To ensure your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend contacting Fort Sumter Tours on the day of your visit at 843-722-2628. Please note that copies of the vessel's narration are available to visitors with hearing impairments.
Fort Sumter Tours is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. 306 reviews of Fort Sumter Tours "This a fun place to visit for history buffs, and especially important to Civil War buffs. Visitors must take a ferry to the island. The guides are well informed and although there aren't a lot of exhibits and typical museum attractions it's still an ...
Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service Concessioner providing the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. Once aboard, enjoy a 30 minute narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter. On arrival to the Fort you will be greeted by National Park Service Rangers, who will provide further details about Fort Sumter & its ...
Admission to historic Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point (30-minutes each way) 1-hour Self-Guided Tour to explore Fort Sumter and its well-preserved ruins. Experience the opening battle of the American Civil War with a National Park Ranger.
Fort Sumter Tours. 1,646 reviews. #24 of 173 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Charleston. Boat Tours. Write a review. See all photos. About. Fort Sumter Tours is an authorized National Park Service Concessioner providing the only commercial boat transportation to Fort Sumter. Once aboard, enjoy a 30 minute narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter.
Fort Sumter Tours is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. 307 reviews of Fort Sumter Tours "This a fun place to visit for history buffs, and especially important to Civil War buffs. Visitors must take a ferry to the island. The guides are well informed and although there aren't a lot of exhibits and typical museum attractions it's still an ...
Guided tours aren't available at Fort Sumter, but you can listen to a 10-minute, ranger-led history discussion before heading out on your own self-guided tour; rangers and volunteers are available ...
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry. 983. Historical Tours. 2-3 hours. Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing Admission to Fort Sumer National Monument and …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 90% of travelers. from. $39.
The Patriots Point location cannot accommodate wheelchairs or scooters. To ensure your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend calling Fort Sumter Tours on the day of your visit at 843-722-2628. There is a lift at Fort Sumter enabling visitors to access the museum, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter.
2015 Image of Fort Sumter taken from the tour boat. Photo:NPS/Taormina. Fort Sumter Historic Fort Sumter is located in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by the concession-operated tour boat. Fort Sumter does not charge an entrance fee; however tickets for the authorized concession-operated ferry are required and may be purchased in advance.