HILTON HEAD SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Across a narrow channel to Daufuskie: a four-hour plunge into Lowcountry history
A 4-hour outing from Hilton Head that pairs a scenic boat transfer with guided stops at the island’s churches, school site, artisan studio and Bloody Point Lighthouse—useful for planning a focused afternoon immersion in Daufuskie Island’s culture and landscape.
Across a narrow channel to Daufuskie: a four-hour plunge into Lowcountry history.
Tucked between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Daufuskie Island is reachable only by boat and remains a largely undeveloped pocket of Lowcountry landscape and history; this four-hour tour combines a scenic cruise with guided, on-island stops at historic churches, school sites and the Bloody Point Lighthouse to illuminate the island’s Gullah heritage, early settlement and artisanal life.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Boat cruise from Hilton Head to a secluded island
The tour begins with a coastal boat transfer from Hilton Head, delivering passengers to the undeveloped side of Daufuskie for an afternoon of shore-side exploration.
Churches, school sites and Gullah heritage
Visitors see landmark places such as the First African Baptist Church, the Praise House and the site of Mary Fields School while learning about Native American presence, European settlement, the cotton trade and the Gullah people.
Artisans and Bloody Point Lighthouse
The itinerary includes a stop at studios such as The Iron Fish — home to Martha Stewart American Made winner Chase Allen — and a visit to the Bloody Point Lighthouse site, linking contemporary craft to the island’s layered past.
What the day feels like
What the afternoon feels like
Expect a relaxed coastal cruise followed by a guided land loop on golf cart and on foot that stitches together small, powerful sites of community life and memory — churches and a school site, a working studio, and the lighthouse grounds — all framed by an interpreter who explains the island’s natural and cultural history.
THE ROUTE
Boat cruise from Hilton Head to a secluded island
The tour begins with a coastal boat transfer from Hilton Head, delivering passengers to the undeveloped side of Daufuskie for an afternoon of shore-side exploration.
THE HISTORY
Churches, school sites and Gullah heritage
Visitors see landmark places such as the First African Baptist Church, the Praise House and the site of Mary Fields School while learning about Native American presence, European settlement, the cotton trade and the Gullah people.
THE ATELIER
Artisans and Bloody Point Lighthouse
The itinerary includes a stop at studios such as The Iron Fish — home to Martha Stewart American Made winner Chase Allen — and a visit to the Bloody Point Lighthouse site, linking contemporary craft to the island’s layered past.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this tour and who should weigh options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Operator guidance on specific gear is not listed; the tour includes a boat cruise and on-island golf cart transportation.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the SCM PVT Daufuskie Tour 6p?
The tour lasts four hours.
How do we get to Daufuskie Island on this tour?
The tour includes a scenic boat cruise from Hilton Head Island to Daufuskie.
What on-island sites are visited?
Stops include the First African Baptist Church, the Praise House, the Mary Fields School site, artisan studios such as The Iron Fish, and the Bloody Point Lighthouse site.
Who leads the tour?
The tour includes a USCG-licensed captain for the boat transfer and an interpretive naturalist/historian guide for on-island interpretation.
Is the island developed or remote?
This tour visits the undeveloped side of Daufuskie Island, a secluded area accessible only by boat.