How do you get to Daufuskie Island? Find all your answers HERE
How do you get to Daufuskie Island? Find all your answers HERE
FAQ & VENDORS
DRG GUIDE TO SUCCESS
STEP 1: Book a passenger only boat to Daufuskie
STEP 2: Book your ground transportation
STEP 3: Getting around on Daufuskie
STEP 4: Groceries
STEP 5: Book your adventures
STEP 6: Locations of special interest & support our locals
STEP 7: Yoga, Zumba & Stretching classes
STEP 1: Book a passenger only boat to Daufuskie
FROM HILTON HEAD/BLUFFTON AREA:
Island Head: www.islandheadhhi.com
Lowcountry Ferry Company (Formerly Daufuskie Island Ferry). Please check out the website for new departure location and procedures: www.lowcoferry.com
May River Excursions: www.mayriverexcursions.com
Hilton Head by Boat: hiltonheadbyboat.com
Sky Pirate Parasail: skypirateparasail.com
FROM SAVANNAH AREA:
Savannah Ferry Services: islandshuttleboattours.godaddysites.com
Bull River Marina: www.bullrivermarina.com
Arriving by Private Boat - Docking Options:
Freeport Marina: www.daufuskiedifference.com
STEP 2: Book your ground transportation
- Daufuskie Life - https://www.daufuskielife.com/
STEP 3: Getting around on Daufuskie
CARTS - Premier 4 and 6 passenger golf carts
Island Essentials is DRG's exclusive golf cart provider, and they offer discounted golf cart rates for all DRG guests
BIKE RENTALS
SPORTS ADDICTION- BIKES
FUSKIE BIKES: ELECTRIC BIKES
STEP 4: Groceries & Meal Service
You will be provided with a STARTER SUPPLY of soap, dishwasher soap, toilet paper, paper towels and trash bags. If you need additional items our team offers a Stock the House Package (for an additional cost) that includes 25 household items that will be placed in your unit upon arrival. SEE PACKAGE
Island Shack Cafe
www.IslandShackCafe.com
843-505-5111
Freeport Marina General Store: Basic items
D'Fuskies Eatery: Basic items
Local Islanders who make delicious home-cooked meals and will deliver them to your vacation home. Call at least a week in advance- reservations required.
Earnestine- (843)842-3011
Sallie Ann Robinson- (912) 604-8210
Chef Mau Plascencia (can prepare meals and deliver).
Low Country Grocery Runner: Delivery Service
Up in Smoke BBQ restaurant- www.upinsmokebbq101.com
Frye's Chicken- www.restaurantji.com/sc/bluffton/frye-s-corner-/
Dine on the Deck- www.facebook.com/DaufuskieIslandRumCompany
Daufuskie Island Liquors- located at 103 Buckthorn Lane
STEP 5: Book your adventures
FISHING AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
May River Excursions: www.mayriverexcursions.com
Island Head Fishing Charter: www.islandheadhhi.com
TOURS
Sallie Ann Robinson Tours: (912)604-8210
BEACH GEAR
http://www.daufuskiewaves.com/
STEP 6: Locations of special interest & support our locals
The Daufuskie Rum Company: https://www.daufuskierum.com
The Iron Fish Art Gallery : https://ironfishart.com
The Bloody Point Lighthouse and Silver Dew Winery: https://www.daufuskiedifference.com/locations/bloody-point-lighthouse
Daufuskie Blues: https://www.daufuskieblues.com
Daufuskie Soap Company: https://www.daufuskiesoapco.com
The Daufuskie Island Museum: https://daufuskiemuseum.org
The Daufuskie Island Community Farm: https://daufuskieartisanvillageandfarm.com
The Rob Kennedy Historic Trail : https://daufuskiemuseum.org/rob-kennedy-trail/
The First Union African Baptist Church: http://www.fuabchurch.org
STEP 7: Yoga, Zumba & Stretching classes
‘Fuskie F.I.T. (Fun Interval Training) offers group exercise classes as well as Yoga, Zumba & Stretching classes at the Melrose Beach Club on Daufuskie Island. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Classes are led by Caroline White, A.C.E (American Council on Exercise) Certified Instructor with over 30 years experience in the field. Classes are designed to improve flexibility, strength and endurance and are structured to meet the needs of all ability levels, thus enabling each participant to work at their own comfort level.
Visit www.fuskiefit.com for schedule and discounts available to Daufuskie Rental Group clients.
For our visitors
The logistics of getting to Daufuskie might seem a little daunting. However, the DRG team is ready to assist you and your family make your way over to our beautiful island. The information below should be helpful as you plan your trip
Bottom line? - We strive to make the process of coming to Daufuskie as effortless as possible for our guests.
There is no bridge to Daufuskie, so you will have to get here by boat. (Island motto? "No Bridge - No Problem!") Your car will stay on "the other side". The policy and rates for parking and luggage fees varies depending on what boat service you choose. You will leave your car in a parking lot maintained by your ferry or water taxi company. Note that there has been extra demand for these services lately, and you should call as soon as possible for reservations.
From Hilton Head/Bluffton Area:
For those coming from the Hilton Head area, you will either be taking a ferry or a private water taxi services.
May River Excursions: www.mayriverexcursions.com/daufuskie-water-taxi; 843-304-2878. Bluffton is the last town before Hilton Head. Flexible schedule; 25 minute ride to Daufuskie. Not a covered boat, so bringing a rain jacket is advised. This is a popular service and booking as much in advance as possible is recommended.
Hilton Head Island Boat Charters: www.hhiboatcharters.com. 843-892-9440. Captain Neil and Captain David.
Hilton Head by Boat: Goes out of Palmetto Bay Marina. Call Captain Jimmy for availability: 843-304-3847
Sky Pirate Parasail: Goes out of Broad Creek Marina (843) 842-2566. Note: You may be parking a little ways from the dock, so drop off your bags first and then go park.
Daufuskie Island Ferry Company (www.daufuskieislandferry.com) Departs from Buckingham Landing dock off Highway 278 immediately before the bridge to Hilton Head. Four 45-minute roundtrips each day, and one additional evening trip on Fridays. Current rate is $55 per person roundtrip, with a $10 a day parking fee at a remote parking lot. Bags limited to one bag less than 50 pounds per guest; you will be charged for additional bags. Gratuity expected for crew if they transport your bags via trailer to the boat. Policies change, and we highly recommend you check the ferry website for current prices and policies.
Island Head: www.islandheadhhi.com
From the Savannah, Georgia area:
Island Shuttle Boat Tours: Private water taxi by Captain Dan Foulds. Recommended for Savannah transport if available. At this time, they can take only 6 passengers per boat, but we believe they have two boats: 912-657-5222. Foulds.Daniel@gmail.com. www.Savannahboater.com.
Bull River Marina: www.bullrivermarina.com/daufuskie-island-ferry; 912-897-7300. This service is located between Savannah and Tybee Island.
Yes, assuming you are able to set up docking, which can be in a little bit of short supply during the busy seasons. Contact the Freeport Marina at (843) 785-8242 to inquire about docking policies and charges. If there is no availability, contact us directly for private dock options.
There is no car ferry to Daufuskie. Our vacation guests leave their cars parked at their boat service's parking location, and then use a golf cart to get around here. Most of the resort areas on Daufuskie restrict the use of regular vehicles for residents and guests.
The check-in time for all DRG properties is 4:00 pm, and the check-out time is 10:00 am.
Several Daufuskie companies provides ground transportation for dock-to-vacation service. The rates as of this writing are $20 per person roundtrip; Extra charges will apply if the amount of your luggage necessitates an additional vehicle and driver, or for extra large items such as bikes.
Can our golf cart be left at our arrival dock for transport to our vacation home?Most cart rental groups and DRG property owners do not drop off golf carts at the dock for vacation home guests , Golf carts are not designed for the wear and tear that results from the excessive weight of passengers, luggage, and coolers.
Most cart rental groups and DRG property owners do not drop-off golf carts at the dock for vacation home guests , Golf carts are not designed for the wear and tear that results from the excessive weight of passengers, luggage, and coolers.
Most people get around the island by golf cart, usually either a 4-seater or 6-seater. A 4-person cart typically costs around $65 a day.
All golf cart drivers on Daufuskie are expected to have a valid driver's license and to comply with South Carolina Rules of the Road. Driving on the beach is strictly prohibited to protect the dunes and the wildlife, and especially to prevent destruction of Loggerhead Turtle nests. Children are NOT allowed to drive carts, the driver must always be sober, and no alcohol is allowed on the carts.
Bikes are available for rent on the island through Sports Addition, Advance reservations are recommended.
Some folks choose to turn their vacation into a walking holiday. The island is (roughly) five miles by three miles, and its paved and dirt roads are well-suited for nice walks. There are several miles of walkable beaches, and endless small roads and paths throughout our wooded island.
There is no traditional grocery store on Daufuskie. Island residents and visitors must bring their groceries with them on the boat OR get help from a service that delivers groceries to your departure dock:
LOW COUNTRY GROCERY RUNNER
1) Online : www.cybervaletgrocery.com
2) Email : keri@lowcountrygroceryrunner.com
3) Phone : 843-505-8568
There are now two General Stores on the island, both of which offer basic food supplies. The Freeport General Store also has an arrangement with ABC Liquor and offers beer, wine, and hard spirits. In addition to basic groceries, D'Fuskies, located at the county/public dock, offers deli selections and sandwiches, home made pizza, some produce, eggs, milk, etc.
Also, Wine and Woodworks (located next to Freeport Marina) carries some nice wines, as does the Bloody Point Lighthouse and Silver Dew Winery. You can buy premium regular and spiced rum, bourbon, and vodka at the Daufuskie Island Rum Company on Haig Point Road.
Most Saturdays, fresh shrimp and produce can be found at a stand located on Haig Point Road near the intersection of Church Road from about 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Tips for Bringing Groceries: You can minimize space and weight by using dry ice, freezer packs, and/or and frozen food instead of bags of ice, and by drinking tap water (it's very safe here!) instead of bringing bottled water. (This is also good for Daufuskie as we currently have no island-wide recycling program.)
There are currently three restaurants on the island, all of which you can reach by golf cart:
- The Old Daufuskie Crab Company located at Freeport Marina
- Bell’s at the Beach Restaurant on Melrose.
- The Island Shack Cafe located off of School Rd
- Daufuskie Island Rum Company, which is at the Daufuskie Distillery
D'Fuskie's offers pizza and deli sandwiches. Casual dress is very much the norm at all four.
Tip: Each restaurant has outdoor seating if you want your canine member of the family to accompany you.
There is also the wonderful School Grounds Coffee Shop, located at 203 School Road in the former Mary Field School, and there are usually home made cookies and muffins in the morning.
There are several local islanders who make delicious home-cooked meals and will deliver them to your vacation home. Contact us if you would like more information and to place an order prior to coming to the island.
See our Local Dining page for more information.
Daufuskie boasts wonderful and unique artisan studios (especially Daufuskie Blues, the Iron Fish Art Gallery, and Daufuskie Soap), two eclectic General Stores, fun items at the Daufuskie Rum Company and Wine & Woodworks, and more. See our Shopping page for more information.
Aside from the historical Mt Carmel Baptist Church (now part of the Daufuskie Island Museum), Daufuskie has one non-denominational church, the historic First Union African Baptist Church, located at the intersection at Church Road and School Road. Services are at 10:00 am every Sunday, vacation wear is acceptable, and visitors are warmly welcomed.
Your DRG vacation home includes the following:
- All linens, including sheets and towels
- A grill, either gas or charcoal (Charcoal not provided)
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Washer and Dryer
- Coffee Maker - Auto-drip unless otherwise indicated
- A starter supply of coffee and coffee supplies (generally enough for at least two pots), a roll of paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher and dish washing soap. Need additional items? Add on the Stock the House package and cut out the extra costs and hassle of transporting these items by boat. LEARN MORE
- Hair dryers
- At least 4 beach chairs.
- Pack N Plays and high chairs upon request, subject to availability. (Contact us prior to your trip)
Don't forget to bring:
- Beach towels
- Bug spray
- Sunblock
- Rain Jacket
- (Recommended) Cold & Cough and Allergy medications, especially Benadryl for both adults and children for allergic reactions.
Packing Tips:
Most people end up packing more than they need. This is a very casual island, including the restaurants. Also, all of our vacation homes include a washer and dryer.
We suggest that you avoid bringing big over-sized suitcases in lieu of regular-sized bags that are easier to handle by your boat crew and ground transport services. Use freezer packs, dry ice, or frozen food for your coolers instead of bags of heavy ice.
Worried about forgetting something?
Add on the Stock the House package and cut out the extra costs and hassle of transporting these items by boat.
As isolated as our little island may seem, we do have access to immediate and efficient emergency services. Should you have need of medical services, call 911 and tell the operator you are on Daufuskie Island. They will notify the Daufuskie Island Fire Station where there is a team of firefighters and paramedics on call 24/7. When necessary, they will transport emergency patients to Hilton Head or Savannah by boat or helicopter.
Burke’s Pharmacy, on Hilton Head, will deliver prescriptions to the boat docks servicing Daufuskie.
Kids LOVE Daufuskie! They especially enjoy riding in golf carts, the endless quiet beaches, the pools, the Daufuskie Island Community Farm, horseback riding, and the casual and fun restaurants. It really is the perfect place for family vacations, and families often come back again and again.
Tour Daufuskie, offers a variety of outdoor activities including kayaking, paddle boarding, golf cart tours, etc. Tour Daufuskie also rents beach chairs and tents, and other beach items.
Be sure to check out the other pages on our website. In addition, once you make a reservation for a Daufuskie Rental Group property, we will send you comprehensive information to help you plan your visit and will be available for questions and assistance. Once here, you will find a notebook in your vacation home with additional information, including maps of the island
Background reading prior or during your trip can help enhance your appreciation of the island and the area:
The Water is Wide was authored by Pat Conroy, and based on his experiences as a teacher at Daufuskie's Mary Field School. (Now our island's community center.) The book was made into the movie “Conrack”, starring Jon Voight.
Daufuskie Island (Images of America) was co-authored by two Daufuskie residents and offers a beautiful portrayal of Daufuskie's people from past times.
Gullah Homecoming the Daufuskie Way and Cooking the Gullah Way, Morning Noon and Night by Daufuskie resident Sallie Ann Robinson celebrates the culinary heritage of the native islander population.
An Island Named Daufuskie by Billie Burn provides a comprehensive history of Daufuskie.
The Freeport Marina General Store has two very interesting CDs about the history of Daufuskie and narrated by the marina owner, Wick Scurry. Other books providing information on our island and the surrounding Low-Country area can be found at this store at the island's museum, and at the School Grounds Coffee Shop.