Planning a Visit to Melrose
We encourage you to visit Melrose and explore the unique environs of Daufuskie Island. Below is a list of available resources you may want to consult in arranging your trip. The logistics of visiting Daufuskie Island are a bit complicated, but planning is just another part of the adventure.
The adventure begins with arranging for boat transportation to the island. Reservations are necessary and schedules and fees may change so visit the listed sites and always confirm. These are passenger ferries only, so please check on parking arrangements if you are traveling by automobile.
Lodging providers can provide lots of helpful information and several of them offer golf cart rentals for their guests. A golf cart is a necessity for navigating the island, which is approximately two and a half miles wide and five miles long.
There are several dining options on the island but you may want to bring some food items with you for breakfasts and snacks. There are no regular grocery stores on the island but some basic supplies are available from the general store at Freeport Marina.
So what do you do once you get here? – As much or as little as you like. You can try golf, tennis, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, walking the miles of beach or relaxing in a beach chair and reading a book. Go out and explore the island and its historical sites, the museum and shops. Life here moves at a different pace and you soon will find yourself loving Daufuskie time.
Boat Transportation
Daufuskie Island Ferry Company embarks from Buckingham Landing near the bridge to Hilton Head Island and docks at Melrose Landing on Daufuskie Website www.daufuskieislandferry.com
Email, info@daufuskieislandferry.com
Phone 843-940-7704
Calibogue Cruises, – Daufuskie Island Ferry embarks from Broad Creek Marina on Hilton Head and docks at Freeport Marina on Daufuskie
Website www.daufuskiedifference.com
Phone 843-342-8687
May River Excursions offers water taxi and excursions and embarks from Bluffton and docks at various docks on Daufuskie
Website www.mayriverexcursions.com
Email, mayriverexcursions@gmail.com
Phone Capt. Chris Shoemaker 843-304-2878
H2O Sports Harbour Town- water taxi, excursions
Website www.h2osports.com
Phone 843-671-4386
Land Transportation
Daufuskie Transit – Stewart Yarborough Email daufuskietransit@gmail.com Phone 843-338- 2570
Call for information and reservations.
Cart Rentals
Island Cart Services – Brandy Breeze
Email islandcarts@yahoo.com
Phone 843-505-3937
Tour Daufuskie – Chase Allen
Website www.tourdaufuskie.com
Phone 843-842-9449
Daufuskie Difference – Freeport Marina
Website www.daufuskiedifference.com
Phone 843-342-8687
Lodging
Island Accommodations, LLC – Krissy Roberts Website www.daufuskieislandrentals.com
E-mail iaccommodations@gmail.com
Phone 843-785-8021
Daufuskie Rental Group Vacation Homes – Deborah Smith Website www.daufuskierentalgroup.com E-mail debdaufuskie@gmail.com
407-414-1282
Restaurants
Melrose Beach Club Restaurant
Phone 843-785-9999
Old Daufuskie Crab Company at Freeport Marina Website www.daufuskiefreeport.com
Phone 843-785-6652
Lucy Bells Cafe – ( lunch only) located on Benjie’s Point Road
E-mail lucybells@gmail.com
Phone 803-518-0665
School Grounds Coffee 9am to 4pm at Maryfields School on School Road – Pam and Brian Cobb
E-mail pcobb@me.com
Phone 919-610-8808
Catered Food
Sally Ann Robinson, Gullah Chef Phone 912-604-8210 www.thegullahdiva.com
Ella Mae Jenkins Phone 843-842-1269 Deviled crab
Ernestine Smith Phone 843-842-3011 Low country food. Call for selections and to arrange delivery.
Ethel Mae Wiley Phone 843-842-1259 Deviled crab
Groceries
Freeport Marina General Store – limited selections of basic items, snacks, beverages, and sundries
Phone 843-342-8242
Wesley Campbell’s Saturday Shrimp and Produce Market Stand at Freddie Grant’s house on Old Haig Pt. Rd.
Cyber Valet Grocery Delivery Service Bluffton, SC – www.cybervaletgrocery.com
Groceries shopped and delivered to Daufuskie Island dock