Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore Fort Sumter Tours in Charleston, SC
Fort Sumter Tours stands as the authorized concessioner for Fort Sumter National Monument, offering exclusive boat access to this pivotal Civil War site since 1961. Our family-owned operation, rooted in Charleston's maritime heritage, provides immersive historical experiences through guided tours, educational exhibits, and seamless connections to other regional attractions. With a fleet of vessels operating from downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant, we combine over six decades of expertise with modern amenities to ensure safe, informative journeys through the harbor.Our commitment extends beyond tourism, encompassing community service and preservation efforts that honor Charleston's rich cultural legacy. Through strategic partnerships and multi-generational leadership, we deliver exceptional value while maintaining rigorous safety standards across all operations.
Services
Fort Sumter Tours
Dinner Cruises
Combo Packages
Group Tours
Sunset Cruises
Harbor Tours
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- We are the official concessioner with exclusive docking rights at Fort Sumter
- Family-owned since 1961 with deep Charleston maritime roots
- Offer combo packages with 5+ Charleston historic attractions
- Maintain 98% on-time departure reliability across 100,000+ cruises
- Provide accessibility options for visitors with special needs
What people say
Informative presentation
Saw dolphins
Great Jr. Ranger program
Learned history
Well-organized
Services
Fort Sumter Tour
Experience the birthplace of the Civil War with our flagship tour. Travel 30 minutes through Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter National Monument, where 60 minutes of exploration await. Learn from onboard narration and self-guided exhibits about April 12, 1861's historic events. Includes round-trip transportation from two convenient departure points.
Dinner Cruise
Combine history with dining on our Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy barbecue dining while passing iconic landmarks like USS Yorktown and Ravenel Bridge. Expert guides share Civil War stories during your 2.25-hour journey that includes 60 minutes at Fort Sumter. Perfect for special occasions with climate-controlled indoor seating.
Combo Packages
Maximize Charleston exploration with bundled experiences. Choose from 6+ combinations including plantation tours, city bus tours, or walking tours. Save up to 25% versus individual bookings while gaining deeper historical context across multiple sites. Packages include guaranteed reservations at partner attractions.
Group Tours
Custom solutions for groups of 20+. Special pricing available for schools, military reunions, and corporate events. Charter entire vessels for exclusive access to Fort Sumter with tailored educational programming. Includes dedicated check-in and priority boarding for seamless group management.
Sunset Cruise
Witness Charleston's beauty at golden hour with our seasonal sunset cruises. Professional photographers guide guests through optimal viewing points while sharing Civil War naval history. Includes wine/beer service and climate-controlled viewing areas. 2.5-hour duration with extended Fort Sumter access.
People
George E. Campsen, Jr.
Founder
Third-generation Charleston mariner with 50+ years in tourism. Oversees historical content accuracy and vessel operations. Graduate of The Citadel with 25+ years legislative service shaping SC tourism policy.
Rick Mosteller
Operations Director
25-year hospitality veteran managing daily tour logistics. Coordinates with National Park Service for schedule compliance. Holds degree in Marine Science from College of Charleston. Ensures ADA accessibility standards across all vessels.
Stan Seckinger
Finance Director
CPA with 30+ years in tourism finance. Manages fleet maintenance budgets and pricing strategy. Serves on Charleston Travel Council. Implements sustainable practices reducing environmental impact by 40% since 2015.
Questions
Where can I purchase tickets?
Buy online through our website or at either departure point. Call 800-789-3678 for assistance.
What tour packages are available?
Choose from 6+ combo options including plantation tours, city tours, and dinner cruises.
Are there accessibility options?
Liberty Square ramp accommodates wheelchairs. Contact us day-of for accessibility confirmation.
What's the cancellation policy?
100% refundable with 2-hour notice. Sunset cruises require 24-hour cancellation.
Can I bring food onboard?
Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks allowed. No outside alcohol permitted.
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