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 Dolphin Mini Boat Tour in Hilton Head
Take the wheel on a guided mini boat adventure through Hilton Head waters
Afternoon Ferry Cruise to Daufuskie Island
Explore Daufuskie Island with a narrated ferry ride and time ashore
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
Dolphin Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Private calm-water charter with a custom route for your group
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
Daufuskie Island Morning Ferry From Hilton Head
Narrated Ferry Cruise With Time to Explore 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
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
Explore Lowcountry Backwaters on a Private Boat Tour
Cruise the Lowcountry backwaters with a private local captain
Sunset Tiki Boat Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Cruise at sunset on a tiki boat with island music, up to 6 guests
Bachelorette Party Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Customize a private celebration cruise with island stops and your own playlist
2-Hour Dolphin Cruise in Hilton Head Island
Private pontoon cruise with local history, marsh views and dolphin watching
2-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in Hilton Head Island
Explore Hilton Head’s saltmarsh waterways with guided riding and free-ride time
Cruise Hilton Head on a Sea Ray Sundeck Rental
Rent a Sea Ray Sundeck and cruise Hilton Head with space for up to 6
Daufuskie Island 8-Hour Private Boat Charter
Cruise through salt marshes and explore Daufuskie Island at your own pace
6-Hour Boat Charter in Savannah
Shape a private coastal day around islands, wildlife, and your interests
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
Private Water Taxi to Daufuskie Island
A private boat transfer that lets your group set its own Daufuskie Island plans
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
Sunset Cruise in Savannah
A private open-air evening cruise through Savannah’s marshes and waterways
Private Water Taxi From Savannah to Daufuskie Island
A private boat transfer to Daufuskie Island's secluded shores
4-Hour Boat Charter in Savannah
Shape a private coastal outing around islands, beaches, wildlife and shark-tooth hunting
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
Hilton Head Island Pontoon Boat Rental
Navigate Hilton Head waterways at your own pace by pontoon boat
Hilton Head Island Sunset Sailing Cruise
Sail the historic Stars & Stripes into a Hilton Head sunset
Private Savannah Boat Charter
Cruise Savannah’s waterways with your group, captain, and your own soundtrack
Daufuskie Island Ferry & Golf Cart Day Trip
Ride to Daufuskie Island and explore its beaches, history, and local stops by golf cart
6-Hour Savannah Yacht Charter From Hilton Head
Set your own course between Hilton Head, Daufuskie Island, and Savannah
2-Hour Water Taxi to Daufuskie Island From Savannah
Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and explore Daufuskie Island
Private Boat Charter in Hilton Head
Tailor your time on the water with a captain-led cruise or sandbar outing
Private Hilton Head Island Boat Charter
Design your own Hilton Head Island cruise aboard a yacht-class vessel
Daufuskie Day Trip Boat & Cart Tour
Pair a round-trip boat ride with a group cart tour on Daufuskie
90-Minute Private Yacht Charter in Hilton Head Island
Classic mahogany yacht charter for your private group
Hilton Head Island Pontoon Rental
Chart your own course through Hilton Head Island waterways
Private Savannah River Delta Charter
Cruise salt marsh waterways to remote islands and waterfront stops
Daufuskie Island Private Water Taxi
Private water taxi service for Daufuskie Island travel
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watch Sunset Cruise
Watch for dolphins as the sun sets over Hilton Head waterways
Hilton Head Island Dolphin Watch Cruise
Cruise Hilton Head’s waterways with live captain narration
Savannah to Daufuskie Island 45-Minute Ferry
One-way ferry passage from Savannah to Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island Gullah History Guided Tour
Explore Daufuskie Island with Gullah-led stories, coastal cruising, and a golf cart tour
4- to 8-Hour Yacht Charter in Savannah
Your private captain-led cruise, tailored around your celebration
5-Hour Guided Daufuskie Island Tour
Explore Daufuskie Island by boat and golf cart with a captain-led tour
Private Savannah Boat Cruise
Cruise Savannah’s coastal waterways aboard a private boat with music and games
Lowcountry Island Guided Cruise From Savannah
Cruise tidal waterways and explore Daufuskie, Bluffton and Hilton Head
Savannah Tidal Lowcountry Guided Eco Tour
See Lowcountry wildlife and tidal landscapes on a relaxed coastal outing