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
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
6-Hour Boat Charter in Savannah
Shape a private coastal day around islands, wildlife, and your interests
Mini Boat Tour to Disappearing Island
Operate your own mini boat to a hidden low-tide island on a guided two-hour adventure.
Daufuskie Island Beachcombing Cruise From Hilton Head
Cruise to Daufuskie for driftwood beachcombing and Lowcountry wildlife spotting
Savannah Island Round-Trip Water Taxi
Reach boat-only islands with a same-day water taxi and local island recommendations
Private Hilton Head Island Boat Charter
Design your own Hilton Head Island cruise aboard a yacht-class vessel
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 Sunset Boat Cruise in Savannah
A private open-air evening cruise through Savannah’s marshes and waterways
Dolphin Tour & Daufuskie Island Stop from Hilton Head
Private pontoon cruise with local history, marsh views and dolphin watching
Dinner With The Dolphins Cruise
Dine on a cruise with dolphin sightings, narration, and Lowcountry views
Private Water Taxi From Savannah to Daufuskie Island
A private boat transfer to Daufuskie Island's secluded shores
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 Half-Day Island Hopping Boat Charter in Savannah
Shape a private coastal outing around islands, beaches, wildlife and shark-tooth hunting