How to Get to Daufuskie Island by Ferry (And What It Costs)
Ever wondered about that quirky little island off the coast of South Carolina that you can only reach by boat?
Daufuskie Island sits between Hilton Head and Savannah, and it’s one of those rare places in America with no bridges connecting it to the mainland. That means if you want to visit, you’ll need to hop on a ferry.
Let me break down everything you need to know about getting there, what it costs, and how not to screw up your trip. (Plus some sneaky insider tips I picked up along the way.)
How to Get to Daufuskie Island by Ferry
Ferry Options: Where to Catch Your Boat
There are several ferry companies that can get you to Daufuskie, each leaving from different spots and offering slightly different experiences.
The main departure points are:
- Buckingham Landing in Bluffton (this is the main public ferry dock)
- Harbour Town Marina on Hilton Head Island (touristy, but convenient)
- Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head (good for day trips)
- CC Haigh, Jr. Landing on Hilton Head (mostly for residents)
The most popular operators include:
Daufuskie Island Ferry Co. – The workhorse public ferry that leaves from Buckingham Landing and takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Melrose Dock on Daufuskie.
Vagabond Cruises – These folks offer a narrated cruise from Harbour Town that’s about 30 minutes each way. Bonus: you might spot dolphins!
Island Head Ferry – Leaves from Broad Creek Marina and takes about 45 minutes. They specialize in day trips where you can rent golf carts right at the dock.
H20 Sports Water Taxi – The speediest option at just 20 minutes from Harbour Town. It’s reservation-based and they’ll help arrange golf carts for you.
If you’re feeling fancy (or have a big group), private water taxis and charters are also available. You’ll pay more, but get to call the shots on timing.
Ferry Schedules: Don’t Miss the Boat!
The public ferry (Daufuskie Island Ferry Company) runs several times daily:
To Daufuskie:
- 7:00 AM
- 10:00 AM
- 1:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
- Friday night special: 9:00 PM (for you party animals)
From Daufuskie:
- 8:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 2:30 PM
- 5:30 PM
- Friday night: 10:30 PM
Each crossing takes about 30-40 minutes, so plan accordingly!
The day trip ferries like Island Head and Vagabond have their own schedules, typically with morning departures and afternoon/evening returns. Island Head, for example, might offer 9 AM (return 4 PM), 11 AM (return 6 PM), and a seasonal 1 PM (return 8 PM) option.
Pro tip: If you’re arranging for a golf cart rental or pickup on Daufuskie, avoid scheduling around the 30-45 minutes before and after ferry arrivals. That’s when the dock is most chaotic with people coming and going.
What It’ll Cost You
Ferry tickets aren’t dirt cheap, but considering you’re getting a boat ride and some great views, they’re reasonable:
- Vagabond Cruises: Adults $39.95, kids $19.95, babies free
- H20 Sports Water Taxi: Adults $45, children $35
- Island Head Ferry: Around $42 per person
- Lowcountry Ferry: Starting at $30
Hidden cost alert! If you’re leaving from Harbour Town, you’ll need to pay a $9 cash Sea Pines Gate Pass just to access the marina. They don’t tell you this when you book online!
Golf cart rentals on the island typically run about $85 for 3 hours, which sounds steep until you realize it’s pretty much the only way to get around.
If you’re a resident or property owner on Daufuskie, you can get a special discount card for the Lowcountry Ferry. Kids under 5 ride free with an adult on most ferries.
The Boat Ride Experience
The ferry crossing is actually part of the fun! Most boats are comfortable with bathrooms, and some even have snack bars or sell adult beverages.
Vagabond Cruises and some other operators give you narrated tours during the crossing, pointing out landmarks and sharing local history. Keep your eyes peeled for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, herons, and other Lowcountry wildlife that often make appearances.
Bringing stuff: Most ferries let you bring bikes aboard for free, but you can’t bring your own golf cart. The ferries don’t have a ton of storage space, so pack reasonably. If you’re moving to the island or bringing loads of gear, the Lowcountry Ferry offers climate-controlled storage and a luggage barge for larger items (extra fees apply).
What Happens When You Get There
Depending on which ferry you take, you’ll land at:
- Melrose Dock (public ferry)
- Freeport Marina (day trips)
- A private dock (water taxis)
Freeport Marina is conveniently near the Old Daufuskie Crab Company, which makes for a perfect lunch or dinner spot!
Once you’re on the island, your transportation options are:
- Renting a golf cart (recommended!)
- Biking
- Walking (fine for small areas, but the island is bigger than you think)
The island has no paved roads, so those golf carts come in handy. If you’re on a day trip, the ferry companies usually have partnerships with golf cart rental companies. Some even have the cart waiting for you when you arrive.
Don’t miss checking out the Haig Point Lighthouse, the First Union African Baptist Church, and the Mary Fields School (where author Pat Conroy taught, as described in his memoir “The Water is Wide”).
How to Not Screw Up Your Trip
Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first visit:
Book everything in advance! Especially in summer and on weekends, ferries and golf carts sell out.
Double-check the schedule the day before. Ferry times can change with seasons and weather.
Arrive early – boarding usually starts 30-45 minutes before departure, and latecomers get left behind (for real).
Bring essentials: Sunscreen, water, bug spray (the bugs can be brutal!), and cash for those places that don’t take cards.
Don’t forget the gate pass if you’re leaving from Harbour Town. That extra $9 cash catches many people off guard.
Respect the locals: Daufuskie is primarily a residential community with some tourist attractions. Stay on public roads and be mindful that people live there.
Check the tides if you’re using the barge service, as schedules may change based on water levels.
Other Ways to Get There
If you’re a member or guest of Haig Point (the fancy private community on the island), they have their own private ferry service. Non-residents typically can’t use this service unless they’re staying at Haig Point accommodations.
Got your own boat? You can dock briefly at the County Dock (public, open 24/7) or Freeport Marina (daytime docking is free, overnight costs extra). Just be sure to check ahead for space and any special rules.
Why Bother With All This?
You might be wondering if Daufuskie is worth all this ferry-scheduling effort. The answer is absolutely yes. The island’s remoteness is exactly what preserves its magic – the untouched beaches, the lack of traffic, the rich Gullah culture, and a pace of life that feels like stepping back in time.
There’s something special about a place you can’t just drive to. The journey becomes part of the adventure, and the limited access keeps Daufuskie from turning into just another overcrowded beach town.
So book that ferry, rent that golf cart, and enjoy one of the most unique island experiences the East Coast has to offer. Just don’t be the person who shows up without a reservation or misses the last boat back!
