may river excursions

Tour Daufuskie: Not Just Island Operations

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Tour Daufuskie is the only locally owned and operated tour company on Daufuskie Island. But we don’t just take care of transportation and tours solely on Daufuskie. 

When you book a guided tour or self-guided rental with Tour Daufuskie, we can coordinate getting you and your group to Daufuskie Island. 

Although Tour Daufuskie does not operate any boat transportation services, we do have numerous partners who run exceptional water services. Located all over the Lowcountry, we can coordinate the easiest option to fit your needs. 

We understand. Getting to Daufuskie Island can be tricky. Navigating the different water transportation services, times and details can become overwhelming. Don’t let that discourage you from visiting Daufuskie Island. We are experts on the waterways, boat services, tours, and island details. If you are unsure about a day on the island, give us a call. Our receptionists are always available to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have. We can schedule the transportation, the tour or rental, and all other aspects of your day. 

We know the island. We know the surrounding Lowcountry. We know how to make things easy. 

Call us to book your tour! (843)842-9449. 

A Year With Sallie: The Word Has Gotten Out

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Screen Shot 2018-01-28 at 1.38.03 PMHaving been in the public eye for years, Sallie is no stranger to the press. However, 2017 featured a number of articles and videos on the author, chef and expert of Gullah culture. With too many to count, Tour Daufuskie has picked a few of our favorites from this past year. 

 

SC ETV: Gullah Chef Sallie Ann Robinson – Featuring Sallie and her incredible cuisine. 

 

USA Today: Get off the beaten path and head to the South’s Low Country -Brian Barth visited the Bluffton, SC area early in the year. May River Excursions brought him over to enjoy a day on Daufuskie Island. One of the Daufuskie gems Barth features in his article is Sallie Ann.Sallie Ann's_cardfront

And Hilton Head Monthly, a couple times. Popular Chef and Author Sallie Ann Robinson and Daufuskie Deviled Crab . 

The word is beginning to spread. Sallie’s infectious laugh, remarkable story-telling skills, and upbeat personality makes for a memorable time. How could one not write about her?

 

Interested in her tours? 

Get more information here!

More People, More Fun: Hosting Large Groups

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Looking for something off the beaten path to entertain your group? Come spend a day on Daufuskie Island.

20935115_831797660315495_7227380518880467332_oTour Daufuskie can create an excursion tailored to you. From a private, catered family adventure to a seamless team building event, Tour Daufuskie can craft an unforgettable experience on this unique island.

We get it. Navigating a group trip to Daufuskie may appear to be a logistical nightmare. However, we have it under control. From transportation to the island to epic adventures on Daufuskie, we can handle all of the details.

Getting your group to our bridgeless island is part of the experience. Tour Daufuskie can schedule boat transportation to meet your people on boatneeds. We work with a number of water touring companies in the Hilton Head, Bluffton and Savannah area. We can schedule open-aired rides with knowledgeable captains, comfortable and enclosed trips with professional staff, or leisurely cruis22426589_857093377785923_7342165182138508940_oes focused on the Lowcountry’s beautiful waterways.

Once on the island, Tour Daufuskie can offer an assortment of tours and activities. With a slew of local guides on hand, no adventure is impossible. Your day can focus on Daufuskie’s unique and rich history. Or, we can spend the day with Daufuskie’s many artisans. Our supply of kayaks and paddleboards, as well as miles of white sandy beaches, offer endless possibilities for your group. We can also coordinate a day with Sallie Ann Robinson, 6th generation native Daufuskie islander and expert on the Gullah culture. (Check out more on Sallie Ann.)

22180094_852486388246622_4978760734750743816_oWith numerous restaurants on the island, grabbing a bite to eat can be easily coordinated. Or, we can provide a picnic option for your group to dine at one of the many beautiful outdoor venues on the island.

Tour Daufuskie can offer half day and full day adventures. Activities, tours, transportation, dining. You name it, we do it.

Give us a call to create an unforgettable island exploration for your group and to get more details on group rates and tour packages.

May River Excursions: water taxi from Old Town Bluffton to Daufuskie Island

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Anyone who’s planned a trip to bridge-less Daufuskie Island knows how many boat options exist for transportation to and from the island.  It’s enough to make anybody’s head spin!

One of the quickest and most scenic routes to Daufuskie is through May River Excursions, located at 81 Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton.  The trip takes about 25 minutes and costs $45 per person round trip.

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May River Excursions leaves from the public dock in Old Town Bluffton.

After you check in with Molly in the May River shop, you’ll head down the historic road to Bluffton’s public dock.  There you’ll hop on the water taxi with one of their many experienced captains.  May River Excursions has a route unlike any other to Daufuskie.  You’ll wind through small creeks and inlets, feeling as though you’re taking a secret “back way” to the island.

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Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant on this 25 minute boat ride

Along the way, you’re sure to spot some wildlife.  Dolphins, fish, herons, eagles, and ospreys are a common sight!  The dolphins are especially social, and if you’re ahead of schedule, your captain may slow down to give you a better viewing.

Once you’re done touring Daufuskie Island and head back to the mainland, you may want to spend some extra time exploring historic Old Town Bluffton.  This charming little town offers unique dining and shopping opportunities for your group.  If you’re lucky enough to be in the area on a Thursday, be sure to stop by the local farmer’s market, usually open 1pm-6pm.

Remember, May River offers more than just rides to Daufuskie!  If you’re looking for more adventure, try a fishing charter, crabbing charter, or dolphin excursion.  For more info, call May River at (843)304-2878.

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Getting to Daufuskie Island by Water Taxi or Ferry

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With the number of water taxi and ferry ride options to Daufuskie Island, it’s no wonder that visitors get overwhelmed with the logistics of their trip.  Tour Daufuskie is here to help you determine which ride best suits your group’s needs!  From a large ferry to a semi-private taxi, there is an option for everybody.

 

From Hilton Head or Old Town Bluffton

May River Excursions (843)304-2878

Offering the most scenic trip to the island, the May River Excursions water taxi is a joy ride to say the least.  They operate out of Old Town Bluffton, which is just a short drive from Hilton Head Island.  In this 25 minute boat ride, you will wind through rivers and creeks where shorebirds and dolphins are a common sight.  Your captain will drop you off at the Public Dock (also known as the “County Dock”), where the beloved Marshside Mama’s Cafe sits.  Make sure to set enough time aside to explore the historic Old Town Bluffton before or after your visit to Daufuskie!  With art galleries, a pottery shop, restaurants, and a farmers’ market on Thursdays, Old Town Bluffton is a great way to extend your daytrip.  Water taxi tickets are $45 round trip.  Call Tour Daufuskie at 843-842-9449 to reserve your water taxi to Daufuskie Island!

 

Daufuskie Island Ferry (843)940-7704

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The Melrose Landing on Daufuskie Island

The public ferry leaves from the Buckingham Landing and arrives on Daufuskie at the Melrose Landing.  They provide dollies for transporting luggage from your car to the dock, and friendly staff are always happy to help load up your bags onto the boat.  Keep in mind that you must arrive 30 minutes early!  For those folks craving some fresh air, a few seats are available outside on the back of the boat.  Alternatively, the ferry offers indoor air-conditioned seating with plenty of windows to get a great view of the waterway.  A round trip costs $35, and each way takes about 1 hour.  There are four scheduled arrivals and departures each day, with a later run offered on Friday nights.  They highly recommend reserving your seat after the purchase of your ticket; this is especially important during the summer and holiday weekends.  Good news – Tour Daufuskie can book your tickets with the ferry! Just give us a call at 843-842-9449 and we’ll set up your whole day.

 

From Savannah, Tybee Island, Wilmington Island

Bull River Marina (912)897-7300

Bull River Marina in Savannah, GA

Bull River’s water taxi costs $45 per person round trip or $225 total for a 6-person ride.  The water taxi to Daufuskie departs three times a day from Savannah and takes about 30 minutes.  They drop-off at a handful of docks on Daufuskie; County dock, Freeport Marina, Bloody Point, and Haig Point.  For those of you on Tybee Island who want to check out some quieter sands, Bull River also offers beach drop options.

 

Once you arrive on Daufuskie

If you are just visiting for the day, you are going to need a golf cart for transport around the island.  Your cart can be delivered to any of the public docks on the island.  Most of the sights on Daufuskie are located on sandy roads, so biking can be very difficult — carts are the way gain a full perspective of the island.

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If you’re staying overnight on Daufuskie and have luggage with you, you have one more piece to the puzzle.  Golf carts are not built to carry the weight of a group of people and their luggage, so you need to make arrangements to transport luggage to your rental.  Try Daufuskie Transit at (843) 338-2570 or email at DaufuskieTransit@gmail.com.  They will meet you at the dock, load up all of your luggage onto a trailer, and shuttle it to your rental home for only $20.  If any of your group will be traveling to the rental home with Daufuskie Transit, you will be charged $20 per person.

 

Figuring out the logistics of your trip doesn’t need to be stressful- just give yourself the time to plan ahead!  Trust us, when you arrive to the island you will be glad for it.

NEW Water Taxi To Daufuskie Island from Old Town Bluffton

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NEW Water Taxi To Daufuskie Island from Old Town Bluffton

Great news!  May River Excursions, owner of the most scenic water taxi ride to Daufuskie Island has partnered with Tour Daufuskie, Daufuskie Island’s premier outdoor locally owned tour guide & golf cart rental company.

Daufuskie Island Golf Cart Rentals

Daufuskie Island Golf Cart Rentals

May River Excursions leaves from Old Town Bluffton, SC.  This quick and amazingly scenic 15 minutes water taxi to Daufuskie Island will be guided by first class, knowledgeable & licensed boat captains who will provide you with a safe and informative route to a very special underdeveloped island recently named #10 on the top 11 small islands to visit in the United States!

Upon arrival, Tour Daufuskie‘s friendly staff will greet you at the dock and your Daufuskie Island adventure will begin.  Whether you have decided to book a guided Daufuskie Island history and artisans tour or you have decided to explore on your own via Tour Daufuskie’s self guided Daufuskie Island golf cart rental package, your day will one that is not   soon forgotten.

There are many advantages to taking the May River Excursions water taxi to Daufuskie Island from Old Town Bluffton, SC.  We may be a couple dollars more expensive but you might want to consider the following when booking your tour:

1.  HUGE time saver!  Your vacation time is precious and we understand that!  Other ferry & water taxi companies to Daufuskie Island can take up to 1 hour each direction…that’s 2 hours out of your day not including the extended lines and check in times.  Our trip from Daufuskie Island Water taxi out of Old Town Bluffton takes only 20-25 minutes.  That saves 2 hours of your day!

2.  Flexibility.  May River Excursions can cater their arrival and pick up times to your liking.  We think you will find this stress free flexibility to be priceless!  Trust us when we tell you it’s best not to be worried about the daily ferry leaving you behind on a bridge-less island.  You will not be confined to ferry schedules and our group is certainly open to allowing you to extend your time on Daufuskie Island if you decide your original tour is simply not enough time. You’re on vacation, relax.

3.  Our professional & courteous staff is second to none.  The May River staff and the Tour Daufuskie staff have a similar passion for making all visitors feel welcome.

4.  Local Tour Guides-  To become a Tour Daufuskie’s tour guide, one must be a “local”.   It’s “company policy” that all Tour Daufuskie guides must live on Daufuskie so that our visitors are ensured a true insiders view as to what life is like living on a bridge-less island.

5.  Dolphin Tour Included- True, this is a water taxi service to Daufuskie Island but the May River is home to several pods of Dolphin so it is very likely that you will spot some of these amazing mammals on your way over from Harbor Town.  Good news is that the captain has the flexibility to take the time to get you up close to the dolphins so if that’s something you’d like to do, simply ask.

6.  NO lines, no waiting…more time saved!  May River Excursion water taxi’s hold up to 16 guests at a time so this eliminates all of the processing time involved with larger groups boarding the larger and slower ferries.

7.  SMOOTH SAILING-NO SOUND CROSSING=smooth crossing.

Don’t hesitate to call May River Excursions out of Old Town Bluffton at to book your water taxi over to Daufuskie Island today.  Come explore this underdeveloped island with Tour Daufuskie, Daufuskie Islands locally owned and guided outdoor company.   Tour Daufuskie also offers guided kayak tours, stand up paddle board lessons, biking tours, bird watching tours, eco-tours, and so much more!

 

 

Tour Daufuskie Logo, Daufuskie Island

Tour Daufuskie Island

 

Melrose Kayaking Tour Daufuskie Island

Tour Daufuskie’s guided kayak tours are amazing!