Quick Answers

Book online or visit either departure point (based on availability).

Privacy Policy

National Park Service Mask Requirements are in effect regardless of vaccination status.  Park visitors must wear a mask while: 1) inside all park buildings and in park areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained, and 2) on ferries to and from Fort Sumter (except on open deck areas).

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 – click here.

Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but they are not allowed inside the fort’s museum.  Please contact our Group Sales department for information regarding groups and this policy.

Daytime Tours:

• Fort Sumter Tours tickets are 100% refundable if cancelled 2 hours in advance of the departure time. If tickets are cancelled less than 2 hours from departure time they are non-refundable. Fort Sumter Tours will cruise in most weather conditions all-year round. Time on the Fort may be impacted by weather at the discretion of the National Park Service.

Sunset at Fort Sumter Cruises:

• Cancellations with refunds accepted up to 24-hours in-advance.

Bringing outside alcoholic beverages onto the boats and Fort Sumter is strictly prohibited.  Beer and wine will be available for purchase on the return boat trip only.  Intoxicated visitors are not allowed on the Fort.

The total tour time is 2 1/4 hours with about 1 hour spent on the fort.

Accessibility

• Ramps used to access the ferry can vary based on tides and adverse conditions. Due to this, the ferry departing from downtown Charleston or Patriots Point is not always fully accessible. To ensure that your visit will be fully accessible, we recommend that you contact the concessioner, Fort Sumter Tours, on the day of your visit at (843) 722-2628.
• Please note that copies of the vessels narration are available  to visitors with hearing impairments.  Braille copies of the park’s brochure are available to individuals with sight impairments.

No Elevator Service at Fort Sumter

• The museum, museum bookstore and top level of Fort Sumter are only accessible by climbing stairs.  For more information, visit the link below or please call (843-) 883-3123.  Visit the National Park Service’s page on accessibility to learn more.

Restrooms at Fort Sumter

• Restrooms at Fort Sumter are closed during the 9:30 boat visit from Liberty Square. Please plan to use the restrooms located on the boat during this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Downtown Charleston
Fort Sumter Visitor and Education Center, 340 Concord St. Charleston, SC 29401

Mt. Pleasant
Patriots Point 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464