Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Fort Sumter National Monument, 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29482-9748
Visit historic Fort Sumter National Monument located in Charleston, SC with the only operator in the city offering Admission 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401-1530
Ferries depart from the Fort Sumter Visitor's Center in downtown Charleston for those who select the Liberty Square departure option during checkout.
Pass By: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Charleston, SC
Enjoy scenic views of top Charleston sites during your cruise to Fort Sumter, including Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
Pass By: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-4377
For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the historic USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.
Pass By: Fort Moultrie, 1214 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482-9748
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.
Pass By: Battery & White Point Gardens, East Battery & Murray Blvd., Charleston, SC 29401
Enjoy scenic views of Charleston such as Battery homes during your cruise to Fort Sumter.
See Availability.
1: Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, 340 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
2: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
2 hours 15 minutes(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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 the restrooms on Fort Sumter are accessible only by climbing a flight of stairs, 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, restrooms, bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs.
Please note 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.
3:45 tour departing from Patriots Point is a 3 hour tour in total time.
Charleston County has now dropped into a medium risk level for Covid-19, therefore masks are not required, but optional.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 385 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : Jeffrey_N
Captain could not dock the ferry due to high winds at Ft Sumter so we had to turn around. A waste of precious time for us.
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Posted On : 2024-05-16
Posted By : Dodger57
We enjoyed the boat ride out to Fort Sumter. Unfortunately due to the winds we were unable to dock after multiple attempts. We were bummed out that we couldn’t get off to see the fort. We were given a full refund. 👍🏻
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Justin_S
The ferry ride was enjoyable and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. The history of the fort was very interesting.
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Robin_K
Go out on the first boat of the morning if you can - The visitors on that boat have the opportunity to help raise the flag in the morning. Staff and boat were excellent.
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Jan_S
The park ranger was very knowledgeable. Loved the fact that you could walk around and explore on your own. Boat ride there and back was relaxing.
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Mark_D
The museum was very nice and our tour guide and the park representatives (Wald) were very knowledgeable and friendly. Despite a rainy day, it was a great excursion!
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Regina Z
Rangers were very knowledgeable about the history and gave us a very interesting experience. Museum part was also very interesting.
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Richard_D
Very informative talk given by the park ranger on site.
While some of the old fort has been retained it unfortunate how much of the old fort is gone. That’s why the ranger talk was so helpful to get a good idea of the fort in its day.
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Posted On : 2024-05-14
Posted By : Jan_K
Unfortunately, I read full cancellation when made reservation the night before and did not click on it to see that I couldn’t cancel as already within 24hours. When went to change to an earlier time the next morning due to possible weather, I couldn’t cancel so went with a different provider. I tried to do chat but no one answered. Not happy about not getting refund.
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Posted On : 2024-05-14
Posted By : Sam_N10693
Definitely worth a visit! On the ferry to Fort Sumter, park rangers provided a lot of information surrounding the fort. We also were able to help raise the American flag since we were the first group of the day. There is a lot to explore and so much history. We definitely recommend.
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Posted On : 2024-05-14
