Why do I have to drive all the way to Bluffton to get to Daufuskie?
We know it sounds a bit counterintuitive. Especially if you are on Hilton Head’s south end and peering over at Daufuskie. But the answer has to do with our intricate waterways.
Take a look at the map below. See that body of water separating Daufuskie Island from Hilton Head’s south end? That is Calibogue Sound. The sound opens up to the Atlantic. It is a relatively large body of water that can become quite blustery and nasty with the winds and tides. If you plan to cross this body of water, we recommend you do it in a partially enclosed boat.
Which is what the ferry does. It follows the intracoastal waterway, which is a network of rivers and creeks running within the protected waterways of our coast. It does cross the Calibogue sound, however it is a partially enclosed boat so you are not out in the elements. Because of the path of the river, Daufuskie Island Ferry departs from the Bluffton side of the Hilton Head bridges, following the Calibogue Sound south into the Cooper River to Daufuskie.
Otherwise we work with May River Excursions, a water taxi company from Old Town Bluffton. Again, look at the waterways. Traveling from Bluffton to Daufuskie via water, you stay in the small creeks and rivers protected by our marsh system. So regardless of the winds or tides, this route is a safe bet in an open boat. Not only that, but it is a quick trip only taking 25 minutes.
With our intricate waterway system, you can tell it is much faster to travel in the lowcountry via water. But we say make a day of it! After you spend the day exploring Daufuskie, check out Bluffton. This quaint little town has a neat Lowcountry feel and is the perfect way to spend an evening.
