Daufuskie ferry operator walks back changes after Beaufort County warning
The operator of the main means of transportation between Hilton Head and Daufuskie islands has paused the plan to decrease the amount of cargo riders can bring on board before paying extra fees. It followed Beaufort County’s demand that the vendor comply with their contract.
On Wednesday, Lowcountry Ferry, the county’s contracted service provider, posted signage and to their website outlining changes for discounted pass holders, effective Tuesday, July 1.
For Daufuskie residents, the biggest concern was a drop in the cargo weight limit from 100 pounds down to 50 per person, a weight that they said was unsustainable. Without a bridge, residents say they rely heavily on the public ferry to bring over essential goods.
In a letter Thursday, Beaufort County warned the operator that adjusting cargo limits without approval violated their agreement, spokesperson Hannah Nichols confirmed. While the contract allows the vendor to charge excess luggage fees, the base weight limit must be authorized by the county — which it had not done.
The County gave the operator less than 24 hours to abide by the terms of their agreement. The deadline was set for noon Friday. Between the Friday deadline and late Monday afternoon, Nichols could only confirm that the vendor and the county were continuing to “have dialogue about the matter.”
Just before 5 p.m. Monday, the county confirmed through a press release that the 100-pound cargo limit and $10 pet fees for discounted pass holders would be maintained.
The vendor and the county agreed to hold off on any changes “pending further negotiations.” When asked for clarification, Nichols said both parties will maintain current policies until they have a chance to return to the table.
Lowcountry Ferry has operated the public ferry service since January 2024. The current contract is less than two years into the five-year agreement.
This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 5:51 PM.
