How long is the ferry ride?

The ferry transit time is approximately 45 minutes one-way.

When should I arrive to board?

Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in and board.

Can I bring a bicycle or golf cart?

You can bring bicycles; golf cart rentals are available on the island but check local operators for availability.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

Contact the operator in advance for accessibility accommodations and boarding arrangements.

Are pets allowed on the ferry?

Policies can vary—confirm with the operator before booking to understand pet rules and any restrictions.

Can I book a one-way ticket?

One-way tickets are offered; verify return sailings and book accordingly if you plan a day trip or overnight stay.

Savannah to Daufuskie Island Ferry: 45-Minute Escape to Beaches, History, and Wildlife

Board the ferry in historic Savannah and trade the city's live oaks and cobblestone riverfront for 45 minutes of open water and salt‑marsh panoramas on the ride to Daufuskie Island, a small Sea Island off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. The crossing follows the Intracoastal waterways and gives passengers a front-row seat to estuary channels, oyster beds, and the occasional pod of dolphins that track the ferry's wake. The island itself is low, sandy, and threaded by tidal creeks; visitors find wide beaches, maritime forests of live oak and palmetto, and a handful of historic sites that preserve Gullah Geechee culture.

This one-way ferry service runs daily and is straightforward: arrive at the Savannah departure point 30 minutes before scheduled boarding to check in and claim a spot. The trip is about 45 minutes of steady, comfortable transit—enough time for a coffee, a walk on deck, and a primer on local ecology as salt spray brushes the rails. On arrival, Daufuskie rewards travelers with quiet roads (no public bridges, few cars), small galleries, handcrafted ironwork, and the chance to rent a bicycle or golf cart to explore the island's dirt lanes and shoreline.

Key features to look for include the island’s broad sandy beaches and dune strands, oyster ridges exposed at low tide, and the maritime forest that supports wading birds and migrating songbirds. Historic structures like the Melrose and Haig Point areas offer glimpses into the island’s antebellum past and the resilient Gullah community whose cultural legacy endures in foodways, crafts, and storytelling. Naturalists will notice fiddler crabs, shorebirds, and salt-tolerant plants like sea oats and palmetto dotting the landscape.

Practical advantages: the ferry is efficient for day trips and overnights because it removes the hassle of private-boat planning; you can disembark with bikes, light luggage, and a sense of immediate island time. The operator keeps schedules tight—check return crossings before you go—and bring sun protection and a light layer for the open-deck breeze. If you have mobility needs, contact the operator in advance; the service asks that passengers arrive 30 minutes prior to departure for boarding arrangements.

Savannah to Daufuskie Island is less a high-speed shuttle than a transition ritual: one stretch of brackish water, 45 minutes, and you step ashore somewhere that still moves to the pace of tides, old stories, and a landscape that feels raw and unedited. For travelers who value coastal ecology, low-key history, and the simple pleasure of arriving by boat, it’s a singular short trip from Savannah’s riverfront. Bring binoculars for birding, a refillable water bottle to reduce waste, and a printed or digital return ticket—the island's quiet nature rewards light, respectful travel and slow exploration with local-guided options available.