Daufuskie Island Historical Boat Tour Adventure

Daufuskie Island Historic Cultural Tour Adventure Customer Reviews

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• Bad experience

  We wentt to site only to learn the boat was overloaded. We thought of calling the coast guard. We did not feel adding us to the trip would be safe or comfortable Very disappointing

  David_B

• Excellent tour and boat trip

  Captain Pete was knowledgeable guide. Loved the historical aspect of tour. Boat trip was nice and great views.

  Tammy_G

• Great tour!

  Captain Pete was the perfect tour guide! Highly recommend! A great way to get around the island. So much history here that I would have never learned if I went here on my own. Stopped by local shops as well as the historical sites.

  Julie_C

• If there was a perfect afternoon tour this was it! Met and exceeded my expectations

  With Andy from Outside Hilton Head tours as our captain/tour guide on the Daufuskie Island History & Artisans Excursion from Shelter Cove Hilton Head, we greatly enjoyed our tour in mid Jan 2023.
  When I called to make a reservation I found their customer service from the very start to be friendly. We had several questions about the details of the tour (including how much walking is on the tour) so i chose to call for reservation instead of trying to make a reservation online. {FYI the walk from parking lot to the boat to was less than about 175 feet, a ramp and step onto the boat. Then on Daufuski Island it was a walk up the dock ramp, about 450 feet to the bathroom & general store (wide assortment of snacks, cold drinks, and even fresh salad/sandwhich for purchasing. I purchased Pringles and a drink with cash when i went but they do take credit cards). The golf cart was a six person cart with padded seats. Our boat captain Andy was also our golf cart driver and great tour guide. He waved to people he knows who live on Daufuskie Island and he waves to those he doesn't know. Hold onto your bag/purse as the roads are a bit bumpy but Andy did his best to go around the bumpy areas. Dirt road and a paved road were on our tour. It is a special place with bits of history everywhere you look. (Check out the Rum Distillery if you can manage some extra time on the island). We could get off the golf cart at the stops on the tour and didn't feel rushed.
  I thank Outside Hilton Head tours for helpful suggestion to bring a coat for the boat ride (weather was sunny & in mid 50s and) and the suggestion to bring a snack/food as we went in the winter which means the one store on the island may or may not be open). Our tour boat was open air so we did have a few splashes of water and could feel the ocean breeze. I was ready for the weather and loved the tour. For us we were lucky to see the sun beginning to set on the return boat trip to Hilton Head as it was January and the sun set is about the time of the return trip. (For those who walk slower or with a cane please note you do have to walk onto the boat and manage a few steps to get on/off of the boat and walk up/down the dock ramp.)
  We enjoyed the boat/golf cart tour with fantastic tour guide/history stories from Andy - with a good balance of the history of the people, places and economy of the area. While we signed up for the tour knowing it was not a dolphin tour we did get a great surprise as a dolphin mom and dolphin baby were seen while boating in Broad Creek to get to Daufuskie Island.
  I highly recommend Outside Hilton Head tours - you can drive to their Shelter Cove info booth & parking lot area that is on the walkway near Ela's Restaurant in Shelter Cove. The island tour is on golf cart and with narration of the tour sites (church, cemetery, school, and more). Andy gave great narrative on a number of topics & I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed learning about the Indigo industry and our stop to visit shop on Daufuskie Island that does clothing dying by hand. We also learned much about the culture of the people who used to live on the island and some about those who now live on the island. Daufuskie Island is rich in history and Andy's story telling made history come alive.
  For reference we were two ladies (75 and 50) when we took this tour. Small groups may be booked together or you can book private tour depending on number of people. We took our tour on a Tuesday in mid January 2023 doing the Outside Hilton Head Island Daufuskie Island History & Artisans Excursion tour. Andy provided water bottles on board the boat. I recall two bathroom breaks on the island. No bathroom on the boat we took. Tour was from 12:30pm - about 5pm. We left from & returned to Shelter Cove. I highly suggest this tour for people who like to learn about the area and the history. Bring bug spray during warmer months and a coat for cooler months. You get to the Daufuskie Island by boat so be ready for some ocean winds and chance of getting a little wet. This tour is great for a solo traveller or your small group. I think Outside Hilton Head tour company can help make tour for a bigger group too. We didn't take many pictures as we choose to focus our attention on the narrative and the surroundings but you could take endless number of pictures if you want. Again Thank You Captain Andy and Outside Hilton Head tours!!

  shellypP8788CV

• A Good Experience

  This is a good 4 hour trip where you will learn a lot about the present and past of Daufuskie and Hilton Head. Good captain/guide and departing from Shelter Cove is convenient for most on the Island.

  casualtravelerTom

• A great way to spend an afternoon

  Such a fun way to spend an afternoon! The boat ride was great (with bonus dolphins playing along the way) and the history and culture was fascinating. I definitely appreciated that the tour didn’t seem to exploit people or “pave paradise,” if you will. Captain Pete was very passionate about Gullah/Geechee culture and history. Such a great value too!

  V1028NVsamanthak

• Daufuskie Island tour

  Long boat ride with little to see. Island was ok, history was interesting.
  Boat captain was crabby. If someone asked him a question, his answer would be I already told the group that information. Much easier to just answer the question than to make someone feel stupid. Read scripture in church, I’m not religious so I felt uncomfortable with his preaching jag and thought it was not part of the tour.

  sandrakB1127YN

• A top 10 day with Captain Mikey

  My friends and I had a great day with our Captain Mikey. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the island. The boat was very clean and spacious. We had a beautiful weather day so the boat ride was spectacular. Captain Mikey also made sure that we saw a pod of dolphins on our return trip. My entire party gave this excursion a 10+

  Cheryl_L

• The perfect island hopping day!

  We had a great trip with Captain Pete! We ended up being the only people on the tour which made it extra special. Captain Pete is so full of knowledge and hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed our excursion and now feel compelled to go read all of Pat Conroy’s books. We also got to see the dolphins and that’s always the icing on the cake. Perfect HHI day!

  V4320IWjessican

• Amazing

  Our guide was AMAZING! I loved every moment of it. I highly recommend and will return again if I am in the area.

  Kathi_B

• You can't go wrong with Cap Pete

  Captain Pete was an excellent captain and historian. He was incredibly knowledgeable and honored the heritage of the Gullah people. An extra bonus ..we received a list of books, movies, and documentaries focusing on the people of the island.

  FellowTraveler784315

• Great trip to Daufuskie.

  The Gullah history is fascinating. So glad it's finally getting some overdue attention
  Very interesting information and great sights. The boat ridecwas fun too.

  mrsdwcomcastnet

• Worthwhile, fun excursion.

  Captain Pete was extremely professional, informative and knowledgeable about the history of the island. Great excursion.

  Catherine_J

• Saw Lots of Dolphins

  Captain Dolphin Dan Killian knows where the dolphins are. He’s funny and talks just the right amount.

  larrylK2795ZR

• Awesome excursion

  Captain Pete did an extraordinary job. The tour was packed with history and information. Boat ride was lovely with several dolphin sightings. Only negative was the boat trip back - wayyyy too fast on choppy waters made for a painful ride back😖 An unfortune ending to an otherwise perfect excursion.

  Vacation614934

• Daufuskie Island Tour- The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful!

  We were lucky to get Capt. Andy as our guide. Let me tell you, this man was very knowledgeable, very thorough, and made the information relatable. Capt. Andy took the time to point out certain areas of interest and we even got the chance to see a couple of pod’s of dolphins! Beautiful areas full of rich history and culture that was so connecting to my own background. And what I really appreciated was the fact that he did not mince words when it came down to the atrocities that the people of the island had to endure and the fact that the land was being stolen from them. Capt Andy gave it all to you- just the way it was. Great educational tour that gives you a broader view of the island.

  alb947

• Outstanding adventure

  Captain Pete was hands down the reason you need a tour guide for this excursion! He was so full of knowledge, he was polite, had stories for days and made this the best “adventure” our family has done while visiting Hilton Head (which we have been coming to for over 20 years). 100% recommend a tour of Dafuskie with Captain Pete! The island itself is so full of history and is beautiful!

  MBC0905

• Historic Daufuskie Island

  Jay O was our guide and he was wonderful. Gave many insights into the way of life for island people. Great trip.

  Joseph_R

• great trip

  Captain Pete was a great guide. The trip does not involve a lot of walking ( rather minimal ) so even sedentary people can enjoy it. A short and impressive history lesson, highly recommended for people who like nature and history.

  anemaria

• Authentic, interactive -- not scripted!

  The boat ride alone has tremendous value-sets the foundation, speaks to the setting of the stories to come. Buckle up; it may be a bumpy ride!
  

  shaila_C

• Great day out on the water with lots of local history.

  Andy the “Captain” and guide was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. He could not have done anything more for the group. Andy made the trip.

  Michael_D

• Beautiful and Educational Tour

  The entire process was easy. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed learning of the history of the island and soaked in its natural beauty. The people we met who live at Daufuskie were welcoming. I highly recommend this tour!

  Eugenia_M

• Would Really Like This Tour!!

  We are visiting Hilton Head over Thanksgiving week
  Very interested in this tour.
  But there are no dates ! Monday, Nov 20 or Tuesday 21? Or any day that week! Never been to Hilton Head!

  Mobile5483

• Outside Hilton head

  Our tour guide Pete was very informative. He brought us places we would not have seen if we did the tour ourselves. On the artisan part of the tour, we were able to see pottery we would not have see on our own since the shop was closed. Pete has obviously done this for years, he was sensitive to the Gullah culture and people and knew many people on the Island.

  Venture380604

• We would highly recommend Andy as your tour guide!

  Captain Andy was an AWESOME tour guide. He was very knowledge, entertaining, friendly, and accommodating. We will definitely be back and request Andy again!

  Vicki

• Trip on Broad Creek

  Captain Pete did an awesome history lesson about the island of Daufuskie and Hilton Head. Trip on Broad Creek

  Carol_E

• Highlight of my visit!

  The boat ride over was fun and we passed a few dolphins on our way. The golf cart tour on the island was excellent with lots of interesting history and stops along the way. Andy was an excellent guide and I highly recommend this tour.

  Maureen

• Just book it

  Great fun trip, captain Andy K. Was amazing navigating the boat while providing interesting information . Very knowledgable and enthusiastic . Created unforgettable experience .
  I would highly recommend the tour. Not fun to explore on your own.

  elena_s

• Great experience

  Although I have been a SC resident for over 40 years, I was shocked to find out how much I didn't know. Our guide Andy Kennedy was superb in every way. He was both knowledgeable and consistent with his delivery. I did feel bad for a few people who did not understand that riding on water can be chilly. Probably should mention this on the website.

  dgschmidt

• Fantastic day! Thanks Captain Pete!!

  My sister and I went on the Daufuskie tour today with Captain Pete B. This was one of the best tours we have been on. The boat ride and the Island with all its history was fantastic! I Highly recommend this tour.

  Discover34481800006

• Daufuskie tour with Capt Pete

  Capt. Pete was the best guide! His knowledge of the island and clear connection to the history and the people was so engaging. Great afternoon!

  U9815TLmelaniel

• A Must Take Tour of Daufuskie

  We had a delightful boat ride to Daufuskie with Pete Barbano, who gave a very interesting and educational tour of the historical places on the island. We also had opportunity to shop at two artisan shops. I highly recommend this tour.

  Pioneer594075

• Wonder about Daufuskie?

  Captain Andy did a great job of giving us the history of Daufuskie and HH Island. He was very knowledgeable and his passion of the area was apparent.

  susankC5418EZ

• The island came alive - thanks to Capt. Pete.

  There were four of us on the boat; we did not know the other couple but they were great company. Capt. Pete was a great tour guide - he was knowledgeable about what went on above and below the water as well as everything historical on the Island.

  RedddBeard

• Fantastic tour!

  We got really lucky on this tour, and had both Captain J.O., who grew up on Daufuskie & was able to tell us about his experience living there, and Captain Pete, who has great knowledge of the area, as well as literature and history, and is clearly passionate about it. We brought our 7 year old, and she loved it too! It started with the boat ride to Daufuskie, where we saw lots and lots of dolphins. The golf cart tour was a fun way to see the island, and we learned a lot about the area, the history, the people & culture. It really was fascinating. We also got to stop in at several shops, meet the artists, and even taste some wine. If you stop at the coffee shop, try the lemon cake - it's delicious. Just a note - depending on recent weather, the roads could be very dusty, and you might want to bring some bug spray. Overall, we all had a great time & highly recommend this tour.

  delenad

• Excellent tour and guide

  Captain Pete was very knowledgeable with facts and tidbits about the island and surrounding areas. We had an excellent tour and boat ride. Even saw a group of dolphins on the way back!

  OnAir53559159666

• Rough Boat Ride

  Rough boat ride that never stopped on the water as promised. Captain was mumbling and hard to understand especially over the two ladies who never stopped talking. Tour guide was playing with his watch constantly and seemed annoyed the entire trip. Too scared to ask if it was ok to stop and take a photo or two. Relieved when it ended. Too bad because Daufuskie itself was interesting.

  Mary_D

• J.O. Lived There

  We had a great time. J.O. had great insight into the people of Daufuskie Island because he lived there. I would recommend his boat anytime.

  Ronald_B

• Best Trip Don’t Miss It

  This trip is worth every penny and then some. Captain Pete’s years of experience on boats and local knowledge of Shelter Cove, Broad Creek and the sound made the trip to Daufuskie enjoyable even in choppy water.
  
  Once on Daufuskie he was an encyclopedia of Gullah history. Do. Not. Miss. This.

  cassied478

• DC Explorer

  Our captain and guide is the first female ship captain I have ever encountered! She was fantastic in steering the boat to Dafuskie Island. She was just as knowledgeable in recounting the history of the island and its Gullah cultural roots. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and appreciate all the good story telling. We definitely will return to Dafuskie Island for another tour.

  Quynh_B

• HIGHLY recommend

  Loved Captain Pete's historical knowledge of Daufuskie Island and the waterways to and from the boat landing

  S5194GWsaraht

• Hats off to Capt. John

  We had a history and nature filled tour of Daufuskie with Capt. John. I had read Pat Conroy's Water is Wide book based on this island and was anxious to see the school house where he taught. Capt. John's knowledge was what made this trip, he told us about the flora and nature of the area as well as the history. The boat ride to the island and back is nice in warm weather as it is open and a small boat, 14 people were on this tour. We visited 3 artists studios which were very interesting. In my mind I thought there would be more. We did not visit the northern end of the island with the ferry terminal, which may be more developed.
  
  The island while it has a lot of history is depressed and I really don't know why someone would want to live there(400 year around residents). it's a stark contrast to Hilton Head.
  When you go on this tour, be sure to ask questions of Captain John as he is a wealth of information. I failed to ask more about the Gullah people as I thought their history would be talked about more. Water and nutrition bars are provided.

  debral430

• Don’t miss this opportunity

  Our group of four adults thoroughly enjoyed the tour to Daufuskie Island with Captain Andy Kennedy of Outside Hilton Head. It was great advice to wear several layers of clothes for the hour-long boat ride to the island, plus we were glad we packed lunch to have on our own.
  
  Captain Andy gathered us near the marina kiosk about 15 minutes prior to departure for some introductory and safety information. We boarded the boat and departed right on time.
  
  The ride to the island was fun itself, but the golf cart tour on the island was even more fun and educational. Do not skip this opportunity!

  Logan_G

• Amazing Day, Amazing Guide, 10/10 Recommend

  My family went on the Daufuskie Island Guided Tour today with Pippi and we had the best time. It was the highlight of our trip to Hilton Head. My brother and I are in our mid-twenties and parents in mid-fifties. There were kids who looked about as young as eight or nine in our group. Pippi did an excellent job of outlining the history of the land. Her compassion for the people was contagious. She also had other great Hilton Head recommendations. My next trip I will be back on another adventure with this company and I hope to bring my own family someday too to Daufuskie!

  gvance100

• Knowledgeable Tour Guide

  My husband and I went on the tour with J.O. The fact that J.O. had lived on the island was a definite plus for this tour as he had lots of insight into the history. A favorite stop was the school building where we learned about the process of making indigo. The boat ride itself was an added bonus to the tour.

  Thomas_L

• Phenomenal and fun

  Perfect cultural, geographical & historical trip. Our guide, CJ, was professional, attentive & educational, plus fun! A definite A+ experience for us and our grands.

  candybarrett

• Just take this trip!

  This was an amazing afternoon! We learned so much about Daufuskie Island and its it's history from Captain Pete. A beautiful boat ride over to the island and then several hours on the island exploring it by golf cart. Stopping often to see and hear the history from Captain Pete. Enjoyed the little stores on the island also. What a great little hidden gem and we left knowing we wanted to come back soon! Captain Pete was a great guide. A great job of making the afternoon interesting for both the adults and kids. Thanks for the great experience!

  bdirks1972

• AWESOME experience!

  After reading reviews of OTHER tours I was hesitant on going but the wife talked me into it. I'll admit it was the highlight of our week on Hilton Head! It's evident that Daufuskie Island is a passion for Capt. Andy and not just a job! His knowledge of the island is immense and the presentation of it keeps it interesting! Take the tour!

  keenerkrew

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