Daufuskie Island Guided History Tour from Hilton Head
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Tucked between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, and accessible only by boat, Daufuskie Island is a real gem. This 4.5 hour Daufuskie Island trip provides a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of Lowcountry history on the undeveloped side of the island. Learn the rich history of the Native Americans, European settlers, the cotton trade, and the Gullah culture. We encourage you to wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
-Please be aware: Our tour is completely structured and does not include a stop for lunch.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Daufuskie Island
It begins with a boat ride from Shelter Cove Marina to the back side of Daufuskie Island. The ride is an important part of the tour! Along the way we will stop for dolphins and other wildlife, plus view and discuss the sites on Daufuskie and the neighboring islands that are best seen from the water. Once on Daufuskie, you'll get on golf carts and take a tour of the historic, undeveloped side of the island. We stop at all of the significant historic sites and artisan shops of Daufuskie.
What‘s Included
Boat ride there and back
Bottled water
Iced cooler
Historian
Golf Cart
Guide
Lunch
Options
Daufuskie Island History Tour
4.5 Hour Daufuskie Island History and Artisans Tour
Private Tour: Up to 6 guests
Private Tour with Historian
Reviews
1,034 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour that Provides Excellent Insight into the History of Daufuskie Island
Escape48775209019,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour that provides great views of local wildlife and a good understanding of the fascinating history of Daufuskie Island. All parts of the tour were well narrated, with appropriate stops to observe wildlife (we saw dolphins and a lot of water birds, including white pelicans). The tour on the island is done by golf cart and includes several interesting stops, including an old school, church, lighthouse, and cemetery. Ensure you are prepared for the conditions - the boat ride is not short and some portions are done at high speed (necessary for timing). Overall a great tour for the money.
Great Tour
Lorraine W,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Dean was wonderful. His love and knowledge of the Island made the trip. Lots of history, fun interaction with us. Took the time to spot Dolphins a long the way. Highly recommend taking this tour with Capt Dean!
A Day on Daufuskie
Joan M,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience with kind attention and knowledgeable guide⭐️ A perfect New Year's Day experience. Dean was the absolute best⭐️
A Wonderful Trip
Meghan F,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our trip was absolutely wonderful. The boat ride out to Daufuskie Island was informative--Captain Dean gave us local history, and we even got to see some local wildlife (dolphins and various birds). Captain Dean then led us on a tour of Daufuskie; he shared interesting stories and historical facts, and he really helped us to get a sense of the island and its people. Beyond his extensive knowledge, Captain Dean was kind and personable, and he made sure that everyone was comfortable and happy on the tour. It was well worth the price to have someone guide us around Daufuskie, and we had enough time on the island to explore. Thank you for a great day!
A Wonderful and Informative Trip
718harryf,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip was absolutely wonderful. The boat ride out to Daufuskie Island was informative--Captain Dean gave us local history, and we even got to see some local wildlife (dolphins and various birds). Captain Dean then led us on a tour of Daufuskie; he shared interesting stories and historical facts, and he really helped us to get a sense of the island and its people. Beyond his extensive knowledge, Captain Dean was kind and personable, and he made sure that everyone was comfortable and happy on the tour. It was well worth the price to have someone guide us around Daufuskie, and we had enough time on the island to explore. Thank you for a great day!
Do something else
J2360ZCkellym,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Not what we excepted. Down dusty roads with not much to see. We got back 30 minutes early.. Use your money for something else. We paid $230 to see a lot of poverty
Ok, but not the best
robertah717,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The captain was knowledgeable and slowed for us to see dolphins, as well as gave a good narrative of the places we stopped at on the island. I was disappointed that we saw so little of the island. Fee seemed appropriate for the experience.
Must see Daufuskie Island.
Barbara S,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our captain Andy was spectacular! He was very careful to give us instructions for the boat and was an excellent tour guide. He really knew his history and was a great storyteller! The best way to see this island is with a guide. Outside is a great company. Highly recommended.
Great experience
wc17036,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and interesting experience. Dean Hager, our captain and island guide shared his broad knowledge about the history of the waters surrounding Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island. We saw dolphins and oyster beds on the trips to and from the island. Dean shared the history of both the past and present inhabitants as we traveled about the island. The wildlife and history made this a very enjoyable experience.
Interesting island, nice excursion
theresacU3673HR,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The island was interesting and our guide had a lot of stories about its residents and its history. It was kind of a long ride from the dock to the island--about 90 minutes--but, somehow, much shorter on the way back. We all agreed we were glad we had gone, but it isn't an excursion we would do again. One of the things that stuck with us all was the incredible amount of labor that goes into making indigo dye. Wow.
From US$115.00
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Operated by Outside Hilton Head