Planning a trip to Daufuskie? New ferry info locals and Hilton Head visitors should know
A change in public ferry contractor means different fares, schedules, scheduling systems and rules for visitors taking the day trip from Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island residents.
Late Friday afternoon trips will be eliminated, tickets won’t be booked as round trips and luggage will now travel with passengers. Rates have gone up or down depending on the type of ride. The county hasn’t yet released information on the payment system, boat type or freight policies.
The changes will take place starting Jan. 16 as the Haig Point Community Association ends its seven-year-long stretch operating the public ferry and the contract switches to Lowcountry Ferry, which was incorporated as a business in October 2023. Since Beaufort County Council approved the change Dec. 11, the county hasn’t released details until Wednesday, less than a week before Lowcountry Ferry takes over. When Lowcountry Ferry was reached on the phone Thursday morning, they declined to answer questions.
Around 200 residents live outside of the private Haig Point Community on Daufuskie, which has a private ferry, and for many the public ferry is their only transportation to the mainland. It also helps transport thousands of tourists who visit the island each year.
Reservation system
Daufuskie locals and visitors can access the online reservation system at locoferry.com.
Schedule:
This is the same schedule as under the previous contractor, except that there is no longer a 9 p.m. Friday boat from Hilton Head to Daufuskie or a 10:15 p.m. boat going back the same night. The schedule is the following:
Departing from Hilton Head Island to Daufuskie Island
7:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Departing from Daufuskie Island to Hilton Head Island
8:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
On the Hilton Head side, the ferry is temporarily departing from Pinckney Island’s C.C. Haigh, Jr. Boat Landing. On the Daufuskie side, the ferry departs from Melrose Landing.
The Lowcountry Ferry website advises riders to arrive at embarkations 45 minutes before the ferry’s departure. It says the gates close five minutes before the ferry’s departure time.
Tickets for Daufuskie Island residents and homeowners
Daufuskie Island residents and home owners can ride the ferry at discounted rates by applying for and receiving a Palmetto Breeze ID card. The new system will honor their existing passes.
Tickets for visitors
Tickets are $30 one way. Previously, one-way tickets were $33 and this rate change gives one-way riders a savings of 9% from the previous rate.
For a round trip, riders will need to purchase two one way tickets for $60 total. For trips originating on Hilton Head this is a 21% increase from $49.50. For trips originating on Daufuskie this is a 172% increase from $22.
Finally, the previous contractor charged a higher rate for an overnight round trip: $60.50. This was fifty cents more than two $30 round trip tickets.
Visitors can make reservations on the website without paying. There is no information on how the payment system will work.
Luggage fees
There is a $25 luggage bag fee and riders can travel with their luggage. Previously, riders paid $10 to load up half of a baggage cart and $20 to load up a full baggage cart, which rode separately.
Freight Policy
There is no information about a freight policy. Previously, there were set rates for items such as furniture, tools and building materials. Those who need to move freight back and forth from the islands should consider doing so before Jan. 16.
Type of boats
No information has yet been released on the type or size of the boats.
More information
Passenger over 16 are required to present a valid drivers license or they will be unable to ride.
Adults can bring children aged two and under along for free. This is a change from the previous rule allowing children under seven to ride free with paying adults on Island Hopper and one-way tickets.
Pets require separate tickets. They must remain on leashes and restrained at all times.
