Audio Guide of Fort Sumter

Access to the fort is exclusively by boat through Fort Sumter Tours, the official concessionaire. Boats depart daily from Liberty Square and Patriots Point, generally between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, depending on the season.

Admission to the National Monument itself is free, but you must pay for the ferry ticket to get there. The approximate cost is $32 to $37 USD for adults, and booking online in advance is strongly recommended to secure your spot.

The full experience lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes in total. This includes the relaxing round-trip boat ride across the bay and a full hour to explore the ruins and museum inside the fort.

Fort Sumter is the 'Ground Zero' of modern American history: this is where the first shots were fired that began the Civil War in 1861. Visiting it means walking on the stage where the nation’s destiny changed, ideal to complement with a good historical audio guide.

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather; if you visit in the height of summer, book the first ferry of the morning (9:30 AM). That way, you will avoid the oppressive midday heat and enjoy the site with fewer crowds.

Yes, the ferries are equipped with ramps and accessible restrooms, and the fort has an elevator to reach the main museum areas. However, use caution, as some outdoor paths may have uneven surfaces due to their age.

If you depart from Patriots Point, you can visit the massive USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at the Maritime Museum. If you leave from downtown at Liberty Square, you are just steps from the South Carolina Aquarium and Charleston’s beautiful historic district.

Arrive 30 minutes before the ferry departs for boarding, and bring water and sunscreen, as there is very little shade at the fort. I suggest downloading our audio guide before sailing so you do not have to rely on mobile signal on the island and can understand every detail.