Fort Sumter National Monument Tours
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A top historic attraction in South Carolina, Fort Sumter National Monument is famous for being the site where the Civil War began. Today, the sea fort, accessible only by boat, retains much of its original stone structure—plus a few lodged cannonballs—letting visitors experience a piece of American history firsthand.
The Basics
Fort Sumter National Monument is composed of three sites: Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. The simplest way to visit is with guided tour tickets. Basic tours include round-trip transportation to Fort Sumter (accessible only by boat), commentary from a National Park Service ranger during the 30-minute ferry ride, and a guided tour inside the fort. The Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center is located at the downtown ferry launch on Liberty Square and provides additional information about the historic site. You can also catch views of Fort Sumter on a historic Charleston walking tour, Charleston harbor tour, or paddleboard tour of the harbor.
Though part of the Fort Sumter National Monument, Fort Moultrie is on Sullivan’s Island and accessible only by car. Look for tours that combine a visit to both forts to easily see them in a day. Fort Moultrie also offers self-guided tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fort Sumter National Monument is a must for history buffs and Civil War enthusiasts.
- Book early to guarantee entry—tours sell out far in advance.
- Fort Sumter is accessible only by boat.
- Both forts are located on islands—dress in layers if visiting during cool weather.
- Fort Sumter does not require an entrance fee, but Fort Moultrie does.
- Tours to Fort Sumter typically last 2.5 hours. Plan to spend roughly 30 minutes in the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center.
- Most of Fort Sumter is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Fort Sumter is accessible only via commercial ferry or private boat from either the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center or Patriots Point, across the Ravenel Bridge in Mt. Pleasant. The Visitor Education Center is located in on Liberty Square in downtown Charleston and is open daily to the public. Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan’s Island, is accessible only by driving.
When to Get There
Because the Fort Sumter National Monument is largely outdoors, it’s best to avoid the hot and humid summer months, roughly June through September. Spring and fall bring mild climates that make exploring more pleasant.
Fort Sumter’s Three Wars
Though famous for its role in the Civil War, Fort Sumter was actually named after an American Revolutionary War General and built as a response to the War of 1812.
Address: 1214 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, USA
12 Tours and Activities to Experience Fort Sumter National Monument
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Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
1039
See the Charleston Harbor by boat with a leisurely sightseeing tour along the Cooper River to Fort Sumter National Monument. This fully-narrated tour focuses on Charleston history from Civil War sites to antebellum houses and landmarks, passes under Cooper River bridges, and explores a waterfront that’s home to bottlenose dolphins and pelicans.
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From
$34.72
From
$34.72
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour
274
Charleston's colonial history, laid-back vibe, and beautiful sites continue to steal the hearts of visitors to the Holy City. See the highlights of the peninsula in comfort on this 90-minute guided tour on a climate-controlled minibus with a maximum of 15 passengers. This narrated tour keeps you cool as you ride past must-see Charleston sights such as the Battery, the Citadel, Old City Market, and Hampton Park as well as enjoy spectacular views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse at a distance.
Bonus: Admission to Charleston Powder Museum is also included with the price of your tour.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Schooner Sunset Sail on Charleston Harbor
110
Watch the sunset from the water on a 2-hour evening cruise aboard an 84-foot (25-meter) classic tall ship. As the crew hoists the sails of the schooner, you'll glide through Charleston Harbor to enjoy the glow of twilight over one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Drinks are available for purchase on board.
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From
$68.50
From
$68.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private 2-3 Hour Charleston Sailing Charter (Sunsets & Day Sails)
85
We are a family owned sailing charter business. Come enjoy a day of sailing and seeing the historic sites of Charleston from the water in a 36' Beneteau Sailboat. We offer hourly, daily, or customized tours according to your desires for up to 6 guests maximum (USCG Rules & Regulations). Sit back and relax while a professional crew caters to your every need on your private yacht. Most tours are 2-3 hours in length and circle the entire Charleston harbor before returning to the docks where you boarded the vessel. Bring your favorite beverages, a picnic, or you can also request gourmet catering to fit your desires. A professional photographer can be requested as well. If you are looking for a romantic evening we can accommodate with a 3 hour sunset sail with downtown Charleston in the background. We want to make sure you have the 5 star experience you deserve and will do everything we can to ensure this. Book now to enjoy the Charleston views from your privately chartered yacht!
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From
$400.00
per group
From
$400.00
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More
166
Experience the charm and beauty of Charleston on a morning or afternoon walking tour. With an entertaining guide, take a leisurely stroll through the city’s Historic District, passing antebellum mansions, hidden gardens, historic churches and graveyards, as well as famous sites like Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, and the Waterfront Battery. Along the way, learn about Charleston’s rich history and contemporary culture.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Charleston Attraction & Tour Pass for 1, 2, or 3 Days
30
Charleston sightseeing pass includes admission for 30+ top tours, attractions, and restaurants. Choose from a 1-, 2-, or 3-day option—days don’t have to be consecutive and can be used anytime within a 10-day window, making this an easy addition to your existing itinerary. Each ticket includes tours such as a carriage ride or trolley tour, plus skip-the-line access to select Charleston museums and plantations.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00

90-Minute Historic Walking Tour of Charleston
42
Charleston’s historic alleyways and pocket gardens can’t be reached by car or carriage, making this Charleston walking tour an excellent option for visiting the Holy City’s enticing nooks and crannies. Follow a guide through the French Quarter, down to the Battery, and right past Rainbow Row as you learn about the city’s 350-year history from a licensed tour guide.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Sunset Cruise
11
We offer a Private Sunset Cruise for up to 20 passengers. You and your family or friends enjoy being on the water with a Licenced Captain and Crew to attend to your needs. We provide unique local knowledge of Charleston Harbor. You play the music you want. Bring anything you would like to eat or drink. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a beautiful Charleston Sunset.
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From
$769.24
per group
From
$769.24
per group

A Charleston Harbor tour on a polynesian style real bamboo motorized tiki bar.
6
Get away, take a break as you cruise with us on this little slice of paradise. Our Tiki cruise tour will give you a Polynesian Island feel while enjoying the historic waters of the Lowcountry.
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From
$66.67
From
$66.67

Charleston Harbor Stand up Paddleboard Tour
5
Explore Charleston’s harbor and historic sights on a 2-hour stand-up paddleboard tour with an experienced guide and instructor. Learn to steer your board, then paddle alongside a small group on a route that changes with the season. Cruise past island forts that saw decisive battles in the Civil War, and take in views of the stunning Ravenel Bridge’s diamond-shaped towers. Experience stand-up paddleboarding for the first time, or brush up your skills with help from an instructor on a tour that combines the best of Charleston’s culture and natural beauty.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00

Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise
33
See Charleston from the water during a dinner cruise that includes a barbecue buffet and live entertainment. Watch the sky change color as the sun sets, and take in sweeping views of Charleston. Choose from classic dishes such as pulled pork, smoked chicken, mac and cheese, and coleslaw, and have the option to purchase drinks from the bar.
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From
$55.66
From
$55.66
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Shell Hunting Expedition
2
Depart for this 3 hour shell hunting excursion from Ripley Light Marina situated just less than a half mile outside downtown Charleston. Relax on a short cruise over to beautiful Morris Island while enjoying the sights and sounds of the breathtaking Charleston Harbor. Pass just feet from historical landmarks, wildlife, and natural habitats. Disembark onto this unspoiled barrier island while our naturalist amazes you with historical facts, ecology, tideline critters, and tips on finding wonderful seashells, sharks teeth and more. Departure times and dates may vary as this expedition is low tide dependent so to maximize your experience finding some awesome shoreline treasures.
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From
$51.29
From
$51.29
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
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