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.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips 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
Hilton Head Sunset Sail on Stars & Stripes
Watch Hilton Head's vibrant sunset while relaxing or helping crew aboard the historic Stars & Stripes
Spot Dolphins & Wildlife on Hilton Head Jet Ski
Zoom across Hilton Head’s waterways on a guided jet ski ride and spot local wildlife.
Parasail Over Hilton Head for Harbour Town Views
Parasail over Hilton Head for views of Daufuskie Island and Harbour Town Lighthouse
Guided 2-Hour Mini Boat Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head
Drive your own mini boat on a guided dolphin tour near Harbour Town
Daufuskie Island Ferry with 4.5 Hour Exploration
Cruise to historic Daufuskie Island and explore for 4.5 hours at your own pace.
Dolphin Watching Tiki Boat Tour in Hilton Head
Cruise Hilton Head waters on a shaded tiki boat, spot dolphins, and customize activities with expert captains.
Mini Boat Tour to Disappearing Island
Operate your own mini boat to a hidden low-tide island on a guided two-hour adventure.
Sunset Mini Boat Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head
Pilot your own speedy mini boat at sunset and watch playful dolphins in Hilton Head's scenic waters.
Private 2-Hour Yacht Charter in Hilton Head Island
Explore coastal gems on an intimate six-guest charter with a dedicated captain and flexible shore time
Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Hilton Head
Customize your half-day on the water with up to eight guests and a dedicated captain
Rent a 25' Pontoon Boat in Hilton Head Island
Cruise Hilton Head with a 25' pontoon rental for up to 15
Drive Your Own Creek Cat Guided Tour in Hilton Head
Drive your own Creek Cat on a 2-hour guided Hilton Head tour
Disappearing Island & Dolphin Tour in Hilton Head
Spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and roam a low-tide island on this 2-hour Hilton Head boat tour
Daufuskie Island Boat Tour from Hilton Head
Enjoy a narrated cruise and three hours of free time to explore historic Daufuskie Island
Hilton Head 1.5-Hour Dolphin Cruise
Cruise Calibogue Sound on a 90-minute narrated dolphin tour
Sunset Creek Cat Guided Tour in Hilton Head
Drive your own Creek Cat on a guided sunset cruise near Harbour Town
Customize a 5-Hour Boat Adventure in Hilton Head
Build your own 5-hour boat day with islands, towns, and water activities
2-Hour Private Kayak Tour in Hilton Head Island
Design a private kayak tour or lesson around your group’s goals
5-Hour Private Lowcountry Day Charter in Bluffton
Build your own 5-hour private Lowcountry day on the water
Customized 7-Hour Lowcountry Boat Adventure From Hilton Head
Build your own 7-hour Lowcountry day by boat from Hilton Head
Explore Savannah On A 7-Hour Private Boat Charter
Design your own private Lowcountry boat day from Savannah
Design Your 7-Hour Private Lowcountry Day in Bluffton
Build a private 7-hour Lowcountry day with boating, water sports, and island options
Historic May River Cruise in Bluffton
Cruise the May River and learn Bluffton’s history
Bluffton Dolphin Viewing Cruise on the May River
Cruise the May River to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
Explore the May River Ecology in Bluffton
Learn about May River wildlife on a 1.5-hour ecology excursion
Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Bluffton
Private inshore fishing for up to 6 in Bluffton backwaters
Catch Crabs on a 1.5-Hour Bluffton Charter
Harvest crabs on a private Bluffton charter with gear included
Explore Lowcountry Backwaters on a Private Boat Tour
Cruise the Lowcountry backwaters with a private local captain
4-Hour Daufuskie Island History Tour From Hilton Head
Cruise to Daufuskie Island and tour historic sites by golf cart
4-Hour Guided Daufuskie Island Tour From Hilton Head
Cruise by boat to Daufuskie Island for history, local sites, and art studios
4-Hour Guided Daufuskie Island History Tour
Cruise to Daufuskie Island and explore Lowcountry history by golf cart
Explore Daufuskie Island History & Artisans From Savannah
Tour Daufuskie Island by boat and golf cart with a naturalist-historian guide
Sunset Tiki Boat Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Cruise at sunset on a tiki boat with island music, up to 6 guests
Dolphin Watching & Beach Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Enjoy a captain-led cruise ideal for beachcombing, fireworks, or extended dolphin spotting
Private Dolphins & Daufuskie Island Stop Tour
Spot dolphins and visit Daufuskie Island on a private 2-hour cruise
Guided 2-Hour Jet Ski Eco Tour in Hilton Head
Ride a guided jet ski tour through Hilton Head saltmarsh creeks
Cruise to Daufuskie Island From Hilton Head Island
Cruise through the saltmarsh to Daufuskie Island, then explore by golf cart and dine outdoors
Cruise Hilton Head on a Sea Ray Sundeck Rental
Rent a Sea Ray Sundeck and cruise Hilton Head with space for up to 6
5-Hour Daufuskie Island Gullah Cultural Guided Tour
Spend a day with Sallie Ann Robinson on Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island Full-Day Cruise From Tybee Island
Cruise from Tybee Island to Daufuskie with time to explore on your own
Ride a Round-Trip Water Taxi to Daufuskie Island
Water taxi day trip from Savannah to Daufuskie Island and back
Dinner With The Dolphins Cruise
Dine on a cruise with dolphin sightings, narration, and Lowcountry views
Dinner With The Dolphins Inside Dining Cruise
Dine on a plated menu with cabin views as you cruise Hilton Head waterways with captain narration
Ride a One-Way Water Taxi to Bull River Marina
Return by water taxi from Daufuskie Island to Bull River Marina
Ride a Roundtrip Water Taxi to Daufuskie Island
Fast roundtrip water taxi to Daufuskie Island with multiple daily departure times
Cruise Hilton Head on a 3-Hour Adventure Charter
Private 3-hour cruise with dolphin spotting, sandbars, and swim stops
One-Way Ferry Ticket From Hilton Head To Daufuskie
Ride the one-way ferry from Hilton Head to Daufuskie in about 45 minutes
Customize a Private Boat Charter in Hilton Head
Cruise Hilton Head on a private 25 ft boat with a United States Coast Guard captain
Daufuskie Island Beachcombing Cruise From Hilton Head
Cruise to Daufuskie for driftwood beachcombing and Lowcountry wildlife spotting
Cruise at Sunset in Savannah
Private 2-hour sunset cruise for up to 6 on Savannah’s waterways
Ride a Private Water Taxi to Daufuskie From Savannah
Private water taxi from Savannah to Daufuskie Island for up to 6
Explore Daufuskie Island History Tour From Hilton Head
Cruise by boat to Daufuskie Island for Lowcountry history and landmarks
Daufuskie Island History Tour From Hilton Head Island
Boat to Daufuskie Island for a small-group history tour
Guided Daufuskie Island Historic Tour From Savannah
Tour Daufuskie Island’s historic sites and art by golf cart
Cruise Hilton Head At Sunset & Watch Fireworks
Sunset dolphin cruise with Tuesday-night fireworks in Shelter Cove