Part of our charm, and what makes Daufuskie so authentic and irreplaceable, is that there is no bridge to Daufuskie Island. The only way to get here is by boat. It is an important aspect of Daufuskie’s culture. This isolation has quelled growth common on sea islands in the South Eastern United States. But it does add a factor in visiting the island. Luckily, Tour Daufuskie has partnerships with a few water transportation services to get your party to the island. We’ll give you a quick run down of the different options we can set up, but take a look at our Water Transportation Page for more details! Getting Here
For those of you staying in the Hilton Head Island area, we recommend May River Excursions Water Taxi or Daufuskie Island Ferry. Both are reputable companies offering an excellent level of service.
May River Excursions
May River Excursions, leaving from Old Town Bluffton, is an extraordinary ride through the protected creeks and marshes to Daufuskie Island. May River operates a fleet of Carolina Skiffs; open-aired boats made to traverse the Lowcountry’s estuaries. We have set runs departing at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and returning at 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm, however we can offer flexibility dependent on the day’s schedule.
Daufuskie Island Ferry
Daufuskie Island Ferry, departing from the base of the Hilton Head bridges, is another excellent option in getting to the island.
The Daufuskie Island Ferry runs partially enclosed boats perfect for traveling across the waterways from Hilton Head to Daufuskie. Reliable, economical and professional. The ferry is a 50-55 minute trip, departing at 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm; returning at 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
Outside Hilton Head
Outside Hilton Head
We have recently partnered with Outside Hilton Head. For those of you in the downtown Savannah area, we can offer a run from the Westin Savannah Harbor on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A 35 minute trip on an open-aired water taxi departs at 9:00 and returns at 3:30.
Staying in Palmetto Bluff? Outside Hilton Head is also running trips for guests from Palmetto Bluff to Daufuskie Island on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. This 25 minute trip takes you through beautiful salt marshes and creeks to Daufuskie Island. Departure time is at 9:00, returning at 3:30.
Bull River Marina
Although we cannot set it up for you, we do recommend Bull River Marina out of the Tybee Island area. Bull River is a great
Bull River Marina
option for those coming from the Savannah area. This 30 minute trip tends to run at set times, however they also offer private charters to Daufuskie Island. Running both smaller, open-aired boats and a larger partially enclosed boat, Bull River Marina is sure to meet the needs of all people in your group.
They best part about all of these options? Tour Daufuskie meets you at the dock once you arrive. You don’t have to walk to a seperate company. No need to wander around unattended carts and hope you picked the right one. An attendant will be ready and waiting for your group. No empty cart. No finding your own way. No confusion. We take care of it all.
