Things to do nearDaufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island, a remote Sea Island off the South Carolina coast, draws visitors with its Gullah heritage, car-free roads, and unspoiled marshland scenery.
Daufuskie Island sits between the Calibogue Sound and the New River in South Carolina's Beaufort County, reachable only by boat. That isolation has preserved a landscape and culture largely unchanged for generations, drawing travelers seeking something genuinely off the beaten path.
The island's Gullah-Geechee heritage is its cultural heart. Descendants of enslaved Africans built a self-sufficient community here, and their traditions in language, craft, and faith still echo across the island. The old Haig Point Lighthouse and the Mary Fields School, where author Pat Conroy once taught, are quiet landmarks that tell layered stories.
Outdoors, the island rewards those who slow down. Cyclists and golf-cart riders move through maritime forests and past tidal creeks teeming with herons and egrets. The beaches on the Atlantic side are wide, shell-strewn, and rarely crowded.
Daufuskie Island offers a rare combination of natural beauty and living history that few places along the Eastern Seaboard can match, making it well worth the ferry ride.
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Tips for visiting Daufuskie Island
Arrive on an early morning ferry from Hilton Head to make the most of cooler temperatures and quieter trails.
Rent a golf cart at the dock, as it is the most practical and enjoyable way to explore the island's unpaved roads.
Visit the historic First Union African Baptist Church, one of the oldest Black congregations in South Carolina.
Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months, as the marshside areas can have heavy mosquito activity.
Try fresh local shrimp at one of the small waterfront eateries near the ferry landing before heading back.
Top tours & experiences near Daufuskie Island
America's Cup Yacht Sunset Sail on Hilton Head Island
Watch Hilton Head's vibrant sunset while relaxing or helping crew aboard the historic Stars & Stripes
Hilton Head 1.5-Hour Dolphin Cruise
Cruise Calibogue Sound on a 90-minute narrated dolphin tour
Dolphin Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Private calm-water charter with a custom route for your group
Daufuskie Island 8-Hour Private Boat Charter
Cruise through salt marshes and explore Daufuskie Island at your own pace
5-Hour Guided Daufuskie Island Tour
Explore Daufuskie Island by boat and golf cart with a captain-led tour
Yamaha Jet Ski Rental on Hilton Head Island
Zoom across Hilton Head’s waterways on a guided jet ski ride and spot local wildlife.
Round-Trip Water Taxi to Daufuskie Island from Savannah
Water taxi day trip from Savannah to Daufuskie Island and back
Historic May River Cruise in Bluffton
Cruise the May River and learn Bluffton’s history
Daufuskie Island Ferry & Golf Cart Day Trip
Ride to Daufuskie Island and explore its beaches, history, and local stops by golf cart
25' Pontoon Boat Rental on Hilton Head Island
Cruise Hilton Head with a 25' pontoon rental for up to 15
One-Way Ferry Ticket From Hilton Head To Daufuskie
Ride the one-way ferry from Hilton Head to Daufuskie in about 45 minutes
Parasail Over Hilton Head for Harbour Town Views
Parasail over Hilton Head for views of Daufuskie Island and Harbour Town Lighthouse
Daufuskie Day Trip Boat & Cart Tour
Pair a round-trip boat ride with a group cart tour on Daufuskie
Afternoon Ferry Cruise to Daufuskie Island
Explore Daufuskie Island with a narrated ferry ride and time ashore
Bachelorette Party Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Customize a private celebration cruise with island stops and your own playlist
Guided Daufuskie Island Historic Tour From Savannah
Tour Daufuskie Island’s historic sites and art by golf cart
Private Savannah Boat Charter Along River Street
Cruise Savannah’s waterways with your group, captain, and your own soundtrack
Guided Mini Boat Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head Island
Take the wheel on a guided mini boat adventure through Hilton Head waters
Private Water Taxi to Daufuskie Island
A private boat transfer that lets your group set its own Daufuskie Island plans
Bluffton Dolphin Viewing Cruise on the May River
Cruise the May River to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
Full-Day Daufuskie Island Gullah History Tour from Savannah
Explore Daufuskie Island with Gullah-led stories, coastal cruising, and a golf cart tour
Hilton Head Boat Rental to Daufuskie & Harbour Town
Rent a Sea Ray Sundeck and cruise Hilton Head with space for up to 6
Customize a Private Boat Charter in Hilton Head
Cruise Hilton Head on a private 25 ft boat with a United States Coast Guard captain
Hilton Head Island Pontoon Boat Rental
Navigate Hilton Head waterways at your own pace by pontoon boat