Fort Sumter National Monument tours, things to do and tickets

Visit historic Fort Sumter with the only operator in Charleston providing Admission to Fort Sumer National Monument and Round-Trip Ferry Transportation from Liberty Square or Patriots Point.

Cruise by top Charleston sites from your ferry such as Rainbow Row and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. For those departing from Patriots Point, experience views of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier from up-close.

Explore the grounds of Fort Sumter and stand 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 who will greet you upon arrival. Your approximate 1-hour visit to Fort Sumter allows ample time to explore well-preserved fort ruins and browse Museum Store souvenirs.

Then enjoy the beautiful views of the city as you ride the ferry back to Charleston.

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.

Experience the best Charleston Harbor has to offer on this sightseeing cruise. Take in sights like Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the Ravenel Bridge with live narration from an expert tour guide.

Meet us at Aquarium Wharf near Concord St. and Calhoun St. in Charleston SC as you experience historic Charleston Harbor aboard our classic 84-foot Tall Ship for a unique sailing experience. There is no better way to witness all our beautiful Charleston sites as we hoist the sails and set off through the waters, past some of the most historic sites in the country and witness to some of the most playful bottle nose dolphins racing around the harbor. Sail by notable sites such as Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, Arthur J. Ravenel Bride, and the Battery.

Relax and experience beautiful panoramic views aboard the Spirit of Carolina on this 2.5-Hour Luxury Dinner Cruise of Charleston Harbor. Guests will receive a 3-Course Dinner made to order from local seasonal ingredients, along with our full service bar. As you dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, listen to the live onboard music entertainment and enjoy stunning harbor views (and even watch the sunset during the summer months). Cruise past top Charleston sites such as Fort Sumter, the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge for incredible photo opportunities.

FOOD ALLERGIES/DIETARY RESTRICTIONS - Please call the operator after booking to inform of any food allergies or dietary restrictions. As this a boat, space is limited and we will need to ensure we have the proper ingredients ahead of time. Additional details provided in your confirmation after purchase.

Discover the shoreline landmarks of the oldest and largest city in South Carolina on this cruise of the Charleston Harbor. Pass important Civil War sites including Fort Sumter & Castle Pinckney, stately antebellum homes along the Battery, and an aircraft carrier from World War II. Enjoy fresh air and harbor views as you learn about Charleston’s rich history and well-known residents from a certified Guide. Friendly dolphin often accompany the boats.

* Daytime Harbor Cruises depart from Aquarium Wharf or Patriots Point (Specific departure locations must be selected at checkout).

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor for over 12 years, our sailing yachts are the highest quality and operated by two professional crew to give you the best experience possible.

Standard 2 hour charters are private, only you and the guests in your party will be on board. Additional hours can be added for $275/hour.

We depart from the safe Harbor City Marina downtown Charleston and sail out towards fort Sumter or the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge, past the battery and the historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. We always point out the bottlenose dolphins that we see and try to get as close as we can for your viewing pleasure.

Great for children and adults alike, we have plenty of shade, two bathrooms and soft drinks refreshments are included.

We strive to provide the best customer service giving our guests the finest sailing experience available in Charleston.

There are only a handful of tour guides that are native to the area. I am one of them. My family has been in the Carolinas since 1735 and came to the Charleston area in 1786 to preach abolition of slavery. This city is my home and I love to welcome people into it. I love the history, culture and people, both alive and long gone, that make up an American story, the story of Charleston. I am part of the community and walking the streets with me is like being on a walk around the neighbourhood. I know the history like the back of my hand and thankfully, over the years, have gotten to know the residents that live in the areas we walk through. Join me. I am not part of some big tour company. I am a sole proprietor. When you book with Peninsula Walking, you get me.

Join me to see famous landmarks, like Rainbow Row, the Battery, Ft. Sumter, stately mansions and beautiful gardens.

Tours run at 10:00 am daily.

All tours conducted by local tour guide with 30 years experience. On all our tours you will see The Battery, Rainbow Row, The City Market, Iconic places of Worship, Fabulous Architecture, Cobblestone Streets, Lush Gardens, Quaint Alleys, Mansions of the Wealthy, where South Carolina Seceded from the Union and homes of a few celebrities. You also will have a chance to briefly exit the tour bus at The Battery and get a view of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. Escape the heat, as our tours are conducted on a new sightseeing bus with a super cold air-conditioner. You are assured of receiving that "personal touch" since all tours are conducted by the owner who's family sailed into Charleston Harbor in 1740. Tours last 90 minutes.

No other tour captures the Complete Charleston experience like this one. Snap! takes you where no others go on this 6 hour adventure!

Spend the day with me on this small group (limited to 8 people), full day adventure and learn what makes the Charleston Lowcountry so historical, controversial and beautiful, all in the comfort of my 2021 Mercedes Sprinter. I am a city certified tour guide that takes you outside the limits.

Stroll down Charlotte Street. Gaze upon the prolific Morris Island Lighthouse. Shag down Folly Beach Pier. Behold the Angel Oak Tree. Contemplate Drayton Hall. Magnolia Plantation and Old St Andrew's Church. Salute Citadel College. Learn of Sullivan's Island notorious past. March around Fort Moultrie. Visit Charleston Lighthouse. See the USS Yorktown. Cruise across Charleston harbor on the Water Taxi.

This is an active tour (8000 total steps!) with several walks during the day. We will stop for a quick lunch to-go or bring your own.

There is so much more awaiting you off the Charleston peninsula! Here is your opportunity to take a small group, 1/2 day tour (8 or less) in my 2021 Mercedes Sprinter. This tour has something for everyone, while we visit the most picturesque spots outside the limits in the Lowcountry. Get your dose of lighthouses, beaches, piers, forts and endless history. You will quickly understand how important the Charleston area is in American history, while taking in the ocean breeze.

First, we travel to Folly Beach to visit the lighthouse, beach and pier. Next, a drive through historical Citadel Military college. Then, on to Sullivan's Island, and to stroll the grounds of Fort Moultrie, out to the beach, and the best view of Charleston from the water. Finally, the lighthouse.

I am a city certified tour guide that takes you outside the limits!
There are walks on this tour, and includes beach dunes.

There is a 4 person minimum for this tour to operate. Please discuss mobility issues before.

Sail the Charleston Harbor, see dolphins, amazing sunsets or even participate in real sailing yacht regattas. Fate is not only the most demanded but also the largest and nicest sailing yacht available for Charter in Charleston, known for her beauty under sail, exquisite appointments below deck and the best customer service in the industry.

Charters depart from Downtown Charleston just minutes from most hotels. Standard sails are 2 hours, sailing to Ft Sumter or the Ravenel bridge depending on wind conditions.

We can narrate and give a full history tour or we can just put on some great music and let you enjoy yourselves and take in the beautiful sights of the Charleston Harbor. Its up to you

We provide complimentary bottled water and soft drinks but you're welcome to BYOB or make it easy and have it catered through Caviar Bananas and enjoy charcuterie, wine, champagne, beer or brunch on board during your trip, delivered directly to the boat.

#1 activity on TripAdvisor since 2010

Embark on an exclusive sailing adventure on board "Esprit de Joy," tailor-made for groups of up to 6 guests for a 2.5-hour charter embracing Charleston's scenic Harbor. The golden hour of sunset is our prime booking time, offering you the opportunity to witness one of the most awe-inspiring sunsets.

Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Charleston and discover firsthand why it is affectionately referred to as "The Holy City." Be sure to note the iconic landmarks such as Castle Pinckney, Ravenel Bridge, USS Yorktown, and the historically significant Fort Sumter.

While you are more than welcome to bring your own selection of beverages & snacks, we go the extra mile by providing an onboard cooler with chilled bottled water & ice. We also have plastic champagne flutes and souvenir cups that you can take home as cherished mementos.

Our dedicated captain is here to ensure every moment on board is nothing short of extraordinary.

Liz Legare Duren is a tenth-generation Charlestonian, an award-winning author, a recipient of the 2020 Best of Charleston award, and has been a licensed tour guide since 2003. Her love of history, her family connection, and masterful storytelling make taking a tour with her intimate and interesting.
Join Liz as she leads you on a small group tour of her favorite city. Wander down cobblestone streets admiring window boxes and ironwork. Travel down alleyways and visit the stunning views of the harbor and Fort Sumter all while hearing the history of the city throughout its triumphs and its tragedies.

Sail the Charleston Harbor, see dolphins, amazing sunsets or even participate in real sailing yacht regattas. Fate is not only the most demanded but also the largest and nicest sailing yacht available for Charter in Charleston, known for her beauty under sail, exquisite appointments below deck and the best customer service in the industry.

Charters depart from Downtown Charleston just minutes from most hotels. Standard sails are 2 hours, sailing to Ft Sumter or the Ravenel bridge depending on wind conditions.

We can narrate and give a full history tour or we can just put on some great music and let you enjoy yourselves and take in the beautiful sights of the Charleston Harbor. Its up to you

We provide complimentary bottled water and soft drinks but you're welcome to BYOB or make it easy and have it catered through Caviar Bananas and enjoy charcuterie, wine, champagne, beer or dinner on board during your trip, delivered directly to the boat.

Sail the Charleston Harbor, see dolphins, historic forts, or even participate in real sailing yacht regattas. Fate is not only the most demanded but also the largest and nicest sailing yacht available for Charter in Charleston, known for her beauty under sail, exquisite appointments below deck and the best customer service in the industry.

Charters depart from Downtown Charleston just minutes from most hotels. Standard sails are 2 hours, sailing to Ft Sumter or the Ravenel bridge depending on wind conditions.

We can narrate and give a full history tour or we can just put on some great music and let you enjoy yourselves and take in the beautiful sights of the Charleston Harbor. Its up to you

We provide complimentary bottled water and soft drinks but you're welcome to BYOB or make it easy and have it catered through Caviar Bananas and enjoy charcuterie, wine, champagne, beer or dinner on board during your trip, delivered directly to the boat.

#1 activity on TripAdvisor since 2010

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor for over 12 years, our sailing yachts are the highest quality and operated by two professional crew to give you the best experience possible.

Standard 2 hour charters are private, only you and the guests in your party will be on board. Additional hours can be added for $275/hour.

We depart from the safe Harbor City Marina downtown Charleston and sail out towards fort Sumter or the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge, past the battery and the historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. We always point out the bottlenose dolphins that we see and try to get as close as we can for your viewing pleasure.

Great for children and adults alike, we have plenty of shade, two bathrooms and soft drinks refreshments are included.

We strive to provide the best customer service giving our guests the finest sailing experience available in Charleston.

Welcome to Mystique, the beautiful 43ft sailing yacht operated by the longest running private charter company in Charleston's history. #1 activity on Tripadvisor since 2012, our sailing yachts are the highest quality and operated by two professional crew to give you the best experience possible.

Standard 2 hour charters are private, only you and the guests in your party will be on board. Additional hours can be added for $275/hour.

We depart from the safe Harbor City Marina downtown Charleston and sail out towards fort Sumter or the Arthur Ravenel Jr bridge, past the battery and the historic forts on the Charleston Harbor. We always point out the bottlenose dolphins that we see and try to get as close as we can for your viewing pleasure.

Great for children and adults alike, we have plenty of shade, two bathrooms and soft drinks refreshments are included.

We strive to provide the best customer service giving our guests the finest sailing experience available in Charleston.

I promise you're going to learn more about history on this tour than on any other tour in this town. I will teach you things you did not know, and challenge things you think you know.

But... we start by discussing what's important to you about history. What you like, and what you hope to learn. This allows me to focus the conversation where you want.

I use a story format and I ask you a lot of questions to spur discussion. I'll walk you down the path of Charleston in a funny, interesting, sometimes irreverent way.

We'll start at Waterfront Park and head south to the famous Charleston battery. We'll see some amazing sights and have some fascinating discussions about the very colorful history of the early fort of Charles Towne.

When we’re finished we’ll end up very close to where we started, the proud new owners of the most valuable souvenir you can take home from your trip – knowledge.

So come on ya'll, this tour ain't gonna book itself! :)