More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring groceries with me to Daufuskie Island?
Yes. Because there is no traditional grocery store on the island, guests should plan ahead and bring groceries with them or arrange delivery prior to arrival. Some grocery services (including Harris Teeter) may deliver to the dock—availability can vary, so we recommend confirming in advance.
Good news: At the end of our road is D’Fuskie’s, which carries small everyday grocery items, soda, beer, wine, and serves great sandwiches and pizza. Grocery delivery is available, just call Arden Backus at 419-320-1181 or email [email protected].
What food items should I plan to bring?
Plan for all meals and snacks for the duration of your stay, including:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner items
- Snacks, beverages, bottled water
- Coffee, filters, creamers, sweeteners
- Cooking basics you regularly use (spices, oils, specialty items)
- Ice (availability on island can be limited)
Restaurants include:
- Up in Smoke BBQ restaurant- www.upinsmokebbq101.com
- Frye’s Chicken- www.restaurantji.com/sc/bluffton/frye-s-corner-/
- Dine on the Deck- https://daufuskieislanddistillery.com/
- Old Daufuskie Crab Company – https://www.daufuskiedifference.com/restaurant
- The Sportsman at Melrose – https://www.facebook.com/sportsmanatmelrose/
What personal supplies are provided?
We provide:
- All paper products
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher pods and dish soap
- Hair, body wash, and conditioner (our own brand)
- Trash bags for your entire stay
- Beach towels (we provide two per bedroom)
You should bring:
- Medications and prescriptions
- Sunscreen, bug spray, and aloe
How do we get around once we arrive?
Golf carts are delivered to each home (4- or 6-passenger carts).
Cost: $85–$100 per day.
For golf cart rentals, contact Pat at Daufuskie Life at (843) 805-9040 or reserve online at www.DaufuskieLife.com. He’s located right next door to Moon River and offers convenient delivery.
For bike rentals, reach out to Sports Addiction at (843) 915-8281.
Is dockage available at Moon River?
Yes, dockage is available at the property for guests staying at Moon River. The fee is $50 for up to 7 days. Please be sure to properly moor your boat as the tides are very fast in this area.
What transportation services do you recommend to and from Moon River?
Yes. Dockage is available at the property for guests.
Boat charters are available through the following providers:
- Daufauskie Life – Call Pat at Daufuskie Life 843-805-9040. He is right next door to Moon River!
- Island Head – (803) 866-8223 (departures from Savannah and Hilton Head)
- Outside – (843) 686-6996 (departures from Savannah and Hilton Head)
- Captain Dan – www.IslandShuttleBoatTours.com (departures from Savannah and Hilton Head)
Dock fee is $50 for stays up to 7 days.
What should we pack for clothing and gear?
- Casual island wear
- Comfortable shoes
- Light jacket or layers for evenings
- Rain gear (weather can change quickly)
- Bikes (the island is approximately 3 miles by 5 miles)
Are catering and private chefs available?
Yes. Catering options include:
- Ernestine – (843)842-3011
- Sallie Ann Robinson- (912) 604-8210
For Restaurants:
- Up in Smoke BBQ restaurant- www.upinsmokebbq101.com
- Frye’s Chicken- www.restaurantji.com/sc/bluffton/frye-s-corner-/
- Dine on the Deck- https://daufuskieislanddistillery.com/
- Old Daufuskie Crab Company – https://www.daufuskiedifference.com/restaurant
- The Sportsman at Melrose – https://www.facebook.com/sportsmanatmelrose/
Can you help coordinate ferry and luggage transport for groups?
Absolutely. Daufuskie Life, Island Head and Outside Hilton Head can coordinate ferry service and luggage transportation.
Is there help available for planning reunions, weddings, or retreats?
Yes! We offer a vacation planner to assist with:
Family reunions
Small waterfront weddings
Corporate retreats
Men’s and women’s groups
Small retreats
Fishing trips (charters depart from our dock—and guests often catch flounder and other large fish right off the dock)
Tables and Chairs for up to 50 guests are available when you rent the cottages.
What amenities are included at each home?
Each home features:
- Ping pong table
- Corn hole game
- Ring game
- Outdoor grills
- Picnic tables
- Sunrise covered deck & sunset covered deck
- Internet access with free YouTube TV on a 65” big-screen TVYes!
- Tables and Chairs for up to 50 guests are available.
What amenities are available on the grounds?
- Horseshoes
- Tetherball
- Private 100’ dock
- Community firepit
- Future pavilions planned for 2027
Is beach access available?
Yes. Free beach is accessible via Beach Road. Lightweight Adirondack chairs are available for guest use at the beach access.
Do Moon River guests have access to the beach and a swimming pool?
Yes. Guests at Moon River enjoy the privacy of a private beachfront estate, including direct beach access.
Guests may also purchase access to select amenities at Melrose Resort, including the resort-style swimming pool and fitness center.
Melrose Resort Membership Options:
Single-Day Membership
- $20 per adult
- $10 for children ages 12 and under
- Pool and fitness center access
- Private beach access
- 10% off Melrose Rec Park
3-Day Membership
- $50 per adult
- $25 for children ages 12 and under
- Unlimited pool and fitness center access
- Private beach access
- 10% off Melrose Rec Park
Weekly Vacation Membership – 7 Days
- $100 per adult
- $50 for children ages 12 and under
- Unlimited pool and fitness center access
- Private beach access
- 10% off Melrose Rec Park
This gives Moon River guests the best of both worlds: the privacy and space of a private beachfront home, with the option to enjoy additional resort amenities during their stay.
Membership pricing, amenities and availability are subject to change. Please contact the Melrose community directly for current information and membership details.
Is there grocery delivery at Moon River on Daufuskie Island?
Yes. Daufuskie has no full-service grocery store, so we recommend Fuskie Folk Service, which delivers from your favorite grocery store right to your cottage at Moon River. Arden Backus runs the service and is great to work with. The delivery fee is very reasonable, and he can also pick up beer, wine, and liquor so everything is waiting when you arrive. He can also pick up other things and have them delivered too!
To place an order, call Arden at (419) 320-1181 or email [email protected].
Any final planning tips?
Pack as if you’re heading to a private island… because you are. Woohoo!
Check our restaurant guide for unique dining experiences, and don’t hesitate to use our vacation planner to help design the perfect stay.