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Water activity

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

4.7  / 5
2016 reviews
Activity provider:Fort Sumter Tours
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Water activity

Charleston: Fort Sumter Entry Ticket and Ferry Ride

Activity provider:Fort Sumter Tours
4.7  / 5
2016 reviews

From US$ 35 per person

Certified
Certified by GetYourGuide

Take a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter, where America’s deadliest war began. Explore the grounds at Fort Sumter National Monument and visit the Museum there.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 2 hours in advance for a full refund
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore the grounds of Fort Sumter National Monument
  • Cruise to Fort Sumter from Liberty Square or Patriot's Point
  • Listen to knowledgable National Park Rangers tell stories about the Civil War's first battle
Full description

Enjoy a ferry ride to the grounds of Fort Sumter and explore the grounds at your own pace. Pass by the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and take in the sights of Charleston’s stately Rainbow Row and Battery homes.

As you approach Fort Sumter, graceful sailboats and playful dolphins add to the photogenic scene. If you depart from Mt. Pleasant you will enjoy views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close, while tours embarking from downtown will see Aquarium Wharf as they depart and return. Arrive at The Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, which sits prominently at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor, a strategic location that was crucial to its defense.  While here, explore the grounds of Fort Sumter. Stand on the grounds 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. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs. A visit to Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park provides a window into the life and trials of America’s heroes, from the Civil War to today’s modern conflicts.

Learn about the events leading to the war from knowledgeable National Park Rangers who will relay stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger. Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

Includes
  • Fort Sumter National Monument entry ticket
  • Ferry transportation
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase)
  • Tips
  • Access to USS Yorktown CV-10
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Intoxication

Know before you go

  • Food and non-alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside the fort’s museum
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited outside. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on the return boat trip only
  • Tours run rain or shine
  • Duration is around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This includes a relaxing 30-minute narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter

From US$ 35 per person

  • Give this as a gift

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 2016 reviews

Review summary

  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

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The boat ride offered a prime view of the city. The rangers had lots of great stories to share and were super helpful and informative. A bunch of us folded the flag after it was lowered, and the indoor exhibit at the fort was excellent. Overall a great experience!

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September 4, 2023

B
Barbara – CanadaVerified booking

Helpful?

I took my 70-year-old father and three sons, aged 9, 13, and 14, on this trip to the fort. The boat ride was great. It lasted about 25 minutes. You have the choice of sitting upstairs on the covered deck or below inside where it is air conditioned. There are bathrooms on board and a snack area to buy drinks and some snacks. We had a beautiful, clear day, although it was hot because it was June. A tour guide spoke over the intercom to give us the history of the fort and surrounding area. It was very informative. Once at the fort, my sons participated in the flag raising ceremony during the morning tour. It was hot on the island but there is an air-conditioned museum to look through which was very well done and laid out. We had a great time walking through the museum and my sons learned a lot. We explored the island a bit more and made it back on the boat to head back to the mainland. Overall, it was an excellent and memorable experience.

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July 1, 2023

K
Katie – United StatesVerified booking

Helpful?

We got great info on the ride to Fort Sumter, and we got to watch and/or participate in the flag raising while a Park Ranger narrated the history and the flag that we planned on raising. Very cool experience. We then got to walk around and check everything out. Bathroom and water refill station were amazing to have at the Fort since it was very hot that day! It was a great couple hours for a tour.

Read more

June 27, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Product ID: 390813

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  • South Carolina
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  • Fort Sumter National Monument

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