Rediscover this quiet island full of stories, sand and surprises

Story by Sheila Paz

Just a short ferry ride from Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie feels like stepping into another world — a place where sandy lanes meander toward deserted beaches, lined with weathered cottages and tucked-away art studios. This remote, mostly car-free haven is a true Lowcountry treasure where nature, history and culture drift together on the ocean breeze. For locals craving peace, quiet and a slower pace, Daufuskie offers the ultimate summer escape. Spend your day sipping a signature Scrap Iron cocktail, exploring by golf cart, strolling empty shores, wandering underdeveloped maritime forests or immersing yourself in the island’s rich Gullah history and traditions. However you choose to spend your time, Daufuskie invites you to unplug, breathe deeply and savor the sweet, unhurried spirit of island life.

Getting there

There are two ways to reach Daufuskie: by ferry or powerboat. While it may be tempting to kayak or swim, strong currents, boat traffic and the sharks of Calibogue Sound make that a risky proposition — although it’s not unusual to spot deer swimming between the islands. Fortunately, reaching Daufuskie via boat is part of the fun. It’s a 20- to 45-minute ride across the sound. Many ferry services offer golf cart rentals, a must for covering ground unless you’re planning to hit well over 10,000 steps. Here are the best ways to get there:

H2O Sports

Price: $45 for adults, $35 for children 12 and younger

Golf cart rental: $80 (half day), $120 (full day)

Details: The quickest ferry to Daufuskie departs from Harbour Town Marina and takes about 20 minutes. Multiple departure and return times are available daily. H2O Sports also can arrange your golf cart in advance so it’s waiting for you when you arrive at the dock. h2osports.com

Vagabond Cruise

Price: $40 for adults, $20 for children, free for infants

Golf cart rental: $85 for 3 hours

Details: Year-round morning ferry (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) departs from Harbour Town, reaching Freeport Marina in about 30 minutes. You’ll have three hours to explore with a four-seater golf cart available on arrival. An afternoon ferry (11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) is available April–September, giving you 4 1/2 hours on the island. vagabondcruise.com

Lowcountry Ferry

Price: $30 for adults, free for children 5 and younger

Details: Offers one-way tickets (return must be booked separately) with daily departures from the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Departures from Daufuskie’s Melrose Landing are at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. Golf carts must be reserved separately. lowcoferry.com

Island Head

Price: $50 for adults, $40 for children ages 3-12, $10 for children 2 and younger

Details: Departing from Broad Creek Marina, this ferry offers both one-way and roundtrip options, with a 45-minute cruise each way. For the best value, opt for the Meals & Wheels package, which includes roundtrip ferry service, a golf cart rental and a $20 meal voucher — $95 for adults and $75 for children 12 and younger. islandheadhhi.com

Haig Point

Details: Haig Point offers private ferry transportation exclusively for its residents and guests, featuring a fleet of double-decker ferries and high-speed water taxis. Service is reliable, with ferries departing on a set schedule — or water taxis available on call 24/7 for a nominal fee. Departures are from the private Haig Point Embarkation Center on Hilton Head, just below the Cross Island Bridge. Valet service ensures your luggage, golf clubs and other belongings are transported directly to your accommodations, so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride. haigpoint.com

Where to roam

Cruising the sandy lanes in your rented golf cart, you’ll quickly discover that Daufuskie Island is full of hidden treasures. From historic landmarks and scenic beach strolls to farm-fresh finds, every turn leads to a new adventure. Here’s where to point your cart for the ultimate island experience.

First Union African Baptist Church

Built in 1884 after the original structure was lost to fire, the First Union African Baptist Church stands as one of Daufuskie’s oldest and most cherished landmarks. The church has welcomed worshippers for generations, and Sunday services remain open to all who wish to attend.

Sandy Lane Beach

If swimming, shelling and sweeping coastal views are calling your name, follow Beach Road to the end. There, a rainbow of chairs will guide you to Sandy Lane Beach, where you can soak in views across the Calibogue Sound to Harbour Town and all the way down to Savannah.

Marsh Tacky Society

A visit to Daufuskie isn’t complete without meeting its most legendary residents — the marsh tackies. These small, hardy horses once helped early settlers navigate the swamps and sands of the Lowcountry. Stop by to learn about their history and conservation efforts to protect this unique breed.

The Roost Farm

Tucked away on three acres, The Roost Farm is a sustainable slice of paradise owned by Laura and Adam Furfari. Home to chickens, ducks, guinea hens, pigs, a mini pony, donkeys, horses and a cow, this working farm invites visitors to experience chemical-free, farm-fresh living. Book a guided tour at theroostdaufuskie.com.

Mary Fields School

Built in the early 1930s, this two-room schoolhouse served generations of Daufuskie children and gained literary fame as the setting for Pat Conroy’s The Water is Wide. Though it closed in 1997, the building now houses School Grounds Coffee and Daufuskie Blues, continuing its role as a community hub.

Silver Dew Winery

Next door to the lighthouse museum, you’ll find Silver Dew Winery, set in a historic wick house once used to store lighthouse supplies. Wander the vineyard, taste muscadine wine, and savor a refreshing sip of island history.

School Grounds Coffee

Need a caffeine boost? Step inside School Grounds Coffee, located in the historic Mary Fields School. Sip a handcrafted brew while browsing historic photos and documents that tell Daufuskie’s story. Pro tip: Ask owners Brian and Pam for a custom drink recommendation; they love creating something special.

Daufuskie Blues

Also located within the old schoolhouse, Daufuskie Blues is where artisans Leanne McJunkin Coulter and Rhonda Davis bring the ancient art of indigo dyeing to life. Stop by to admire their creations, and learn how oxygen transforms indigo into its signature deep blue.

Bloody Point Lighthouse Museum

Unlike towering lighthouses you may know, the Bloody Point Lighthouse was built as a lightkeeper’s home with a rooftop tower guiding sailors away from Daufuskie’s treacherous shores — once a haven for pirates and shipwrecks. Today the restored house serves as a museum brimming with island lore.

Old Daufuskie Crab Company

No trip to the island is complete without a meal at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. Dig into local seafood, watch the tide roll in and, if you dare, order a Scrap Iron — the island’s signature cocktail with a serious kick. Word to the wise: a few too many, and you just might miss your ferry back.

Iron Fish Gallery & Studio

Local artist Chase Allen creates whimsical, hand-crafted metal sculptures of fish, mermaids and other coastal creatures. His outdoor gallery, tucked beneath a canopy of trees, is a must-visit for art lovers and souvenir hunters alike. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a piece of Daufuskie to hang at home.