When you book Daufuskie Water Taxi Services with Low Country Drifters, we will provide you with a guide that includes restaurants, points of interest, and things to do. In the meantime, below are some topics to consider.

Overnight Accommodations

Daufuskie Island offers vacation rentals, including houses, cottages, and villas. We recommend the following property managers:

• JonBie Maisons
• Becoming Daufuskie
• Birdsong Oasis
• Daufuskie Rentals
• The Canoe Club

What to consider when booking a property

• Does it come with a golf cart? If so, is it gas or electric? Some neighborhoods don’t allow gas carts.
• Does it include any recreational equipment? Think about what would make your stay on Daufuskie most enjoyable (bikes, kayaks, beach chairs, boogie boards, access to a pool, etc.)
• Is there a well-equipped kitchen and a grill? Depending on the length of your stay, you may not want to eat out for every meal, especially when options are limited.
• Where is it located? Inner-island or beachfront? Confirm with the property manager to ensure the location is exactly what you want.
• What will you need while you’re there? Do they offer beach/pool towels, a coffee maker, linens, trash bags, paper towels, an iron, or a pack-and-play and high chair, if need be?
• Do they have transportation to and from the dock? If not, you will have to secure island transportation as well. Granted, when booking a water taxi with Low Country Drifters, we may be able to accommodate your island transportation (pending the size of your group and the amount of belongings). If not, we’ll connect you with the right people.
• Does it include access to Melrose Oyster House & Beach Club? It may not be important to all guests, but sometimes a poolside daiquiri hits the spot on a hot summer day. Some rentals include access to the pool; nevertheless, day passes can be purchased.

Packing for Daufuskie

There is no need to pack the kitchen sink, especially when you have to bring belongings over by boat (like an elevator, boats have weight limits).

However, staying longer on Daufuskie means embracing the island’s relaxed, unplugged pace—so a little extra thoughtful prep goes a long way to ensure a comfortable visit.

Neccessities

Daufuskie may not have everything you want, but it has everything you need. There are a couple of places where you can find items like milk, ketchup, beer, wine, diapers, water, etc. A great option for provisions and pre-ordered groceries is the Melrose Oyster House & Beach Club. They are a one-stop shop for sundries, groceries, dinner, ice cream, and more. D’Fuskie’s and Freeport General Store also offer provisions and sundries.

The water on the island is safe and tasty. Most rentals have Brita water pitchers. Consider packing refillable water bottles and flavor packets.

Attire

Daufuskie Island is casual. Shorts, sundresses, swimsuits, and light clothing keep you cool in the summer, while layering in the cooler months prepares you for any weather.

Accessories

Consider packing bug/gnat spray, sun screen, a deck of cards, a rain jacket, and a camera.

Baggage Policy

Please be sure to check out Low Country Drifters’ Baggage Policy (recommendation) for your upcoming Water Taxi.

History of Daufuskie Island

Visitors can explore the depths of Daufuskie Island fully with an extended overnight stay. Immerse yourself in the history of the island.

• Explore the historic sites on the self-guided Rob Kennedy Trail; Low Country Drifters has maps available, or they can also be found at the Billie Burns Museum
• Visit the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation’s Billie Burns Museum
• Take an authentic Gullah Tour – led by native Sallie Ann Robinson
• Stop by the Bloody Point Lighthouse and Museum and the Silver Dew Winery
• Visit the First Union African Baptist Church, built in 1884, and learn about the original one built in 1881
• Find the Tabby Ruins

Daufuskie’s Signature Drinks

Only found at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company, the Scrap Iron drink has a history of its own. After the decline of jobs due to the lack of oysters, locals would make corn liquor, place the barrels in a canoe, cover them with scrap iron, and row to River Street to sell it. When asked by the revenue officers what they were hauling, they would tell them Scrap Iron to sell to feed their families. The liquor finally became known as scrap iron, and the recipe is still a secret. Fair warning: it’s strong.

Then, head over to the Silver Dew Winery to taste the island’s famous Scuppernong Wine–South Carolina’s Oldest Winery in the State! Its building was originally constructed in 1883 as a wick house.

Lastly, don’t forget to stop by the Daufuskie Island Distillery and try their Daufuskie Island Rum, Blueberry Lavender vodka, and other local spirits, all distilled locally on the island. Stay for a while and enjoy a bite to eat while you sit on their spacious patio overlooking a pond that’s home to local wildlife. The On Deck Diner also offers lunch (best fries on the island).

*Please drink responsibly*

Daufuskie Dining

There are some mouth-watering options to fill your belly on Daufuskie Island. All establishments have different operating hours, so Low Country Drifters will let you know what’s open for your selected tour date.

On Deck Diner 

You can’t go wrong between the Daufuskie Island Distillery and its On Deck Diner. All applaud their libations, and we often get asked to “grab another bottle” for someone while we’re on the island. The diner has a standard menu with rotating specials – all of which are absolutely drool-worthy and in generous proportions (again, best fries on the island). Outdoor seating (covered).

Driftwood Diner

Daufuskie has brunch! New to the island, the Driftwood Diner is a great place to stop for morning visits to start your day on Daufuskie. Outdoor seating.

Melrose Oyster House & Beach Club

A well-rounded stop, especially for extended stays. Melrose Oyster House & Beach Club overlooks the beach and faces Hilton Head. They have a full bar, restaurant, pool, gym, fire pit, and then some. Day trips can be planned around their menu (like prime rib Saturdays) – but this is a perfect place to visit for extended stays, too! Indoor and outdoor seating.

The Sportsman at Melrose

Nestled in the heart of Daufuskie Island, The Sportsman at Melrose is a family-friendly pub with its historic atmosphere and diverse selection of food options! A children’s menu is available and smoothies are offered on Thursdays. Indoor seating. 

D’Fuskie’s

D’Fuskie’s Store & Eatery offers freshly-made pizza, sandwiches, paninis, and a bar. Menu items rotate on a whiteboard. Located near the public dock, it also has a general store, a nearby playground, and a bar. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Up in Smoke BBQ

Offering a lunch and dinner menu, Up in Smoke BBQ serves up a selection of BBQ lunch options to an evening of fine dining with plated meals. Weekly specials vary, and a children’s menu is available. Indoor seating.

Old Daufuskie Crab Company

Probably the most well-known stop on Daufuskie Island, the Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina is known for its Scrap Iron drink. Live music, friendly faces, and a tidal breeze are included with every meal. Nearby, you’ll find a playground, a general store, and more.  Indoor and outdoor seating.

Frye’s Corner

Bringing a little Georgia over to South Carolina, Frye’s Corner offers fresh chicken strips and wings, Vidalia Onion rings, fresh-cut fries, and homemade coleslaw. Outdoor seating.

School Grounds Coffee

Located in the old Mary Fields School, School Grounds Coffee is a cozy cafe offering coffee, tea, and baked goods in a casual setting. Outdoor seating.

Sally Ann Robinson, Chef 

Want to eat in instead of out? Sally Ann Robinson is a private chef native to Daufuskie who has authored numerous Gullah recipe books.

Local Shops Worth Visiting

Although Daufuskie is known for its quiet charm and untouched natural beauty, it’s also home to a handful of unique shops that reflect the island’s soul—artful, coastal, and undeniably local. Whether you’re searching for handmade crafts, island-inspired art, or the perfect souvenir, here are some of our favorite spots to explore:

1. Iron Fish Gallery & Studio
   Metalsmith Chase Allen crafts whimsical coastal sculptures and fish-inspired wall art in this open-air gallery—perfect for one-of-a-kind island pieces.
2. Bloody Point Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop
   Located within the historic Bloody Point Lighthouse and Museum, this shop offers more than souvenirs—it features books, local snacks, beach toys, beer & wine, plus handcrafted items reflecting the island’s history.
3. Daufuskie Soap Co.
   Handmade soaps, lotions, and bath products infused with Low Country scents. Natural ingredients reflect the local environment and make thoughtful gifts
4. Boohags Boutique
   A stylish “coastal‑chic bootique” that opened in March 2025, just off Haig Point Road. Guests can browse sunglasses, jewelry, beach gear, home décor—and even meet the resident dog Cosmo.
5. Daufuskie Blues
   Located in the historic Mary Fields School building, this boutique showcases indigo‑dyed textiles rooted in the island’s Gullah heritage. Great for unique fashion and décor.

Island Map

Points of Interest, places to eat, drink, cool down, explore, recharge, and more.