Taking a guided tour with Tour Daufuskie is a great way to get a local’s perspective and insight into our rustic and quirky island. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, we have a guided tour for you!
The guided History & Artisans tour is a classic favorite! If you’re looking for a great overview of the past and present of Daufuskie Island, this tour is the one. While we can’t possibly cover everything in this 2.5 hour guided golf cart tour, we can tailor the tour to each group’s specific interests. Common historic stops include the First Union African Baptist Church, Maryfield School (where famous author Pat Conroy taught and wrote a novel based off his experience), Billie Burn Historic Museum, Gullah Learning Center, and a number of original Gullah-constructed homes. Evidence of Civil War, Native American, and Gullah history can be found throughout the island. A handful of artisans practice their craft on Daufuskie, and this is your chance to visit their galleries. Chase Allen at The Iron Fish creates unique coastal sculptures from rusted metal, while Lancy and Emily Burn spin Native American inspired pottery at Silver Dew Pottery. “Daufuskie Blues” dyes fabric with blue indigo, creating eye-catching patterns and designs. Jan Crosby offers her luxurious hand-crafted soaps with an island flare at Daufuskie Peach. At “Wine and Woodworks”, Mike Loftus creates hand-carved wooden kayaks and canoes. Not only will you get the chance to visit their galleries and view their work, but you’ll also learn more about each artisan from your local guide. There’s no better way to get to know Daufuskie Island’s past and present! $45/person, 2.5 hours
Sallie Ann Robinson is a 6th generation native on Daufuskie Island. As the only native professional tour guide on the island, Sallie’s tours are highly sought-after and are available Tuesdays & Saturdays at 9am & 2pm. In this 2.5 hour guided golf cart tour, Sallie will provide personal insight into what it was like to live on Daufuskie Island as a native Gullah. One of her more notable experiences is that she was a student of Pat Conroy at the Maryfield School; she is remembered as “Ethyl” in his book The Water is Wide. Sallie’s enthusiastic, humorous, storyteller style will leave you both entertained and informed about the history of Daufuskie Island and its people. $65/person
Tour Daufuskie’s Kayak & Paddle Board Tours are a hit among outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and nature lovers alike! Whether you want to cruise slowly and enjoy the scenery, or push yourself to exercise, these paddling tours are a great option for your group. The tour can embark from two places, offering two different experiences. For an ocean-front paddle, we start at the Kayak Shack near the Melrose-on-the-Beach Pool & Restaurant. We may also leave from the County Dock, which offers more creeks and inlets to explore. Either way, you’re in for a scenic and memorable ride. $55/person, 1.5 hours
Daufuskie Island’s ecology is unique, to say the least. Wood storks and egrets roost in trees above ponds inhabited by alligators. Dolphins are a common sight on the shore, along with pelicans, osprey, and bald eagles. Marine life is evidenced along the sandy beaches in the form of shells, turtle tracks & nests, and the occasional horseshoe crab. In our “Wild Daufuskie” Eco-tour, you’ll have the chance to get an up-close look at some of these creatures. You will also hear fun facts about these animals and conservation information from our naturalist guide. Plant life can’t be forgotten – Daufuskie is known for its lush and untouched landscape. Learn about both the flora and fauna in this exciting eco-tour! $35/person, $25/children under 12. Kids under 5 are free!
Don’t forget – Tour Daufuskie also offers golf cart rentals! If you are more interested in a self-guided adventure, this would be the choice for you. A Tour Daufuskie representative will set you up with a detailed map and orientation, and then you’ll be sent off to explore the island on your own. A 4-seater golf cart costs $75 for a 4-hour period.
