Daniel Island Ferry Frequently Asked Questions

Planning to ride the Daniel Island Ferry? We've got answers to the questions we hear most often about ferry service, Charleston Harbor cruises, parking, tickets, weather, and what to expect onboard.

About the Daniel Island Ferry

What is the Daniel Island Ferry?

The Daniel Island Ferry is a passenger ferry and sightseeing cruise service connecting Daniel Island and downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

We offer one-way and round-trip ferry service between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston, along with Sunset Harbor Cruises, Dolphin Watch Cruises, sightseeing cruises, and private boat charters.

Our downtown Charleston departure point is at The Cooper Hotel Dock, and our Daniel Island departure point is at the North Dock at One River Landing.

Whether you're heading downtown for dinner, looking for a scenic way to explore Charleston Harbor, or just want to get out on the water, we make getting there part of the experience.

Where does the Daniel Island Ferry depart from downtown Charleston?

The Daniel Island Ferry departs from The Cooper Hotel Dock at:

176 Concord Street
Charleston, SC 29401

The dock is located on the Charleston waterfront next to Fleet Landing Restaurant and provides convenient access to downtown Charleston restaurants, attractions, hotels, and nightlife.

Where does the Daniel Island Ferry depart from on Daniel Island?

Our Daniel Island dock is located at the North Dock at One River Landing, at the end of River Landing Drive.

For GPS, enter:

1 River Landing Drive
Daniel Island, SC 29492

The North Dock is the dock on the left as you face the water.

How long is the ferry ride between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston?

The scheduled ferry ride between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston is approximately 30 minutes.

Actual travel time can vary slightly depending on tides, wind, and other conditions. Sometimes we're a little over 30 minutes and sometimes a little under. That's boating.

Are the times listed on the schedule departure times or arrival times?

All times listed on the Daniel Island Ferry schedule are departure times.

We recommend arriving at the dock at least 10–15 minutes before your scheduled departure so you have time to park, find the dock, and board comfortably.

How early should I arrive for the ferry?

We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes before departure.

Our ferry operates on a schedule, so please don't plan on arriving at the exact departure time and casually strolling down the dock with a coffee in hand.

We run on time. Sometimes, if boarding takes a little longer than expected, we may leave a minute or so late and make up the time on the water.

Our rule is simple:

If you're running, we're waiting. If you're walking, we're leaving.

Parking for the Daniel Island Ferry

Where should I park for the Daniel Island Ferry downtown?

The best parking option for the downtown Charleston departure at The Cooper Hotel is the Cumberland Street parking garage, located across from Fleet Landing restaurant.

Street parking is also available in the area when spaces are available.

We recommend allowing a little extra time to park, especially during busy evenings, weekends, and special events in downtown Charleston.

Where should I park for the ferry on Daniel Island?

Parking is available in the gravel parking lot at the end of River Landing Drive.

There is also ample street parking available on Daniel Island.

Please allow enough time to park and walk to the North Dock before your scheduled departure.

What to Expect Onboard

Is there a bar onboard the Daniel Island Ferry?

Yes. We have a beer and wine bar onboard, along with seltzers, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Beer, wine, seltzer, soda, and water are available for purchase onboard.

And yes, we like to think we have some of the coldest beer in Charleston.

Is food available for purchase onboard?

Yes. We offer a selection of snacks for purchase, including pretzels, crackers, Cheez-Its, and other light snacks.

If you're looking for a full meal, we'd recommend enjoying dinner before or after your trip. The ferry's kitchen is still waiting for its building permit.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes. Our boats have an onboard bathroom.

Because nobody wants to spend 30 minutes on the water wondering if they should have made one last stop at the dock.

Is the Daniel Island Ferry air conditioned?

Yes. Our newest vessel, Indigo, has an enclosed cabin with heating and air conditioning.

Our other vessels have hardtops and drop-down side curtains that provide protection from sun and rain.

Are the boats covered if it rains?

Yes. Our vessels provide protection from sun and rain, and Indigo has a fully enclosed, climate-controlled cabin.

Charleston weather can change quickly, so we design our boats and operations to keep you comfortable in a wide range of conditions.

Are dogs allowed on the Daniel Island Ferry?

Yes. Well-behaved dogs are welcome onboard as long as they remain on a leash.

We love dogs. We just ask that they be as courteous to fellow passengers as their humans are.

Is the Daniel Island Ferry wheelchair accessible?

We routinely accommodate passengers using wheelchairs, but our boats do not have ramp access.

Wheelchairs can be lifted over the small step onto the boat. If you use a wheelchair or have specific accessibility needs, please contact us before your trip so our crew can help make boarding as easy as possible.

Can I bring a stroller onboard?

Yes, strollers are no problem at all.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

Outside beverages are not permitted onboard.

We have a beer and wine bar, soft drinks, water, and snacks available for purchase, so you won't have to go thirsty.

Charleston Harbor Cruises

What is the Daniel Island Ferry Sunset Harbor Cruise?

The Sunset Harbor Cruise is a relaxing evening boat ride through Charleston Harbor timed around sunset.

You'll see the Charleston skyline, Lowcountry marshes, historic waterfront, and Charleston Harbor from the water while enjoying the changing colors of the evening sky.

Our Sunset Harbor Cruise is popular for date nights, anniversaries, proposals, celebrations, and anyone who thinks Charleston sunsets are better from a boat.

Sunset Harbor Cruises depart from downtown Charleston or Daniel Island depending on the day and scheduled departure.

What is the Dolphin Watch and Sightseeing Cruise?

The Dolphin Watch and Sightseeing Cruise takes you onto Charleston Harbor to look for bottlenose dolphins and explore the Lowcountry from the water.

Along the way, you'll see Charleston's waterfront, bridges, historic landmarks, marshes, and other sights while keeping an eye out for dolphins and local wildlife.

Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. They do, however, have a pretty good track record of showing up.

Are dolphins guaranteed on the Dolphin Watch Cruise?

No. Dolphins are wild animals, so we can never guarantee a sighting.

That said, bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen in and around Charleston Harbor, and our captains know the local waters well.

Even if the dolphins decide to take the day off, you'll still get a scenic cruise through one of the most beautiful harbors in the country.

What happens if the sunset is cloudy?

The Sunset Harbor Cruise operates even when the sunset isn't picture-perfect.

Clouds can actually make for some pretty spectacular skies, and Charleston Harbor is worth seeing regardless of whether Mother Nature delivers the Instagram sunset you ordered.

Weather & Cancellations

Does the Daniel Island Ferry operate when it rains?

Ferry trips between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston operate rain or shine.

Our boats are equipped to operate in a wide range of weather conditions, and our newest vessel has an enclosed cabin with heating and air conditioning.

For harbor cruises, we generally prefer not to cruise through prolonged rain. A brief pop-up shower usually won't stop us, but we don't want our passengers sitting inside watching Charleston Harbor disappear behind a wall of rain.

What happens if there is lightning?

If lightning is in the area, we may delay departure in 15-minute increments until the threat passes.

If the delay exceeds 30 minutes, we will cancel the trip and offer passengers the choice of a refund or ticket credit.

Safety always comes first. The sunset can wait.

What happens if the Daniel Island Ferry has to cancel because of weather?

If weather conditions require us to cancel a trip, we will contact affected passengers.

When we cancel a trip because of weather, passengers will be offered a refund or ticket credit.

For complete details, see our Weather & Cancellation Policy.

What is the Daniel Island Ferry cancellation policy?

Tickets may be canceled or rescheduled up to 48 hours before departure.

Tickets may be rescheduled up to 24 hours before departure.

Within 24 hours of departure, refunds or exchanges are not available.

If you contact us within 24 hours and we are able to resell your tickets, we may offer credit toward a future trip.

Unused tickets that have not been canceled or rescheduled according to the policy do not retain value for future trips.

Tickets & Groups

Do children need tickets on the Daniel Island Ferry?

Children 3 years old and under ride free on trips between downtown Charleston and Daniel Island, but every passenger must have a ticket.

Sunset Harbor Cruises do not have a child ticket price. All passengers, including children, book the standard ticket price for Sunset Harbor Cruises.

Can I bring a large group on a Charleston Harbor Cruise?

Our scheduled harbor cruises are limited to 15 people per group.

If you are traveling with more than 15 people, a private charter is a better option. We can customize the experience for birthdays, corporate outings, celebrations, reunions, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other special events.

Can I book a private charter with the Daniel Island Ferry?

Absolutely.

Private charters are a great way to customize your time on the water for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, reunions, parties, proposals, and other celebrations.

Depending on your event, we can help arrange catering, bar service, music, DJs, and other special touches.

If you have a group larger than 15 people or want the boat to yourself, contact us about a private charter.

Getting Around Charleston by Water

Is the Daniel Island Ferry a good way to get from Daniel Island to downtown Charleston?

Yes. The ferry provides a scenic alternative to driving between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston.

Instead of sitting in traffic, you can spend the trip on the water enjoying views of Charleston Harbor.

The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on tides and wind.

It's transportation, sightseeing, and a little vacation from traffic all at once.

Is the Daniel Island Ferry the same as the Charleston Water Taxi?

No. Daniel Island Ferry and Charleston Water Taxi are separate services operated by sister companies.

The Daniel Island Ferry provides ferry service between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston, along with harbor cruises and private charters.

Charleston Water Taxi operates from several downtown Charleston-area locations, including Waterfront Park, the Maritime Center, Patriots Point, and Charleston Harbor Resort. Charleston Water Taxi does not provide service to Daniel Island.

If you're trying to get between Daniel Island and downtown Charleston, the Daniel Island Ferry is the service you want.

Before You Board

What should I bring on the Daniel Island Ferry?

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable clothing

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• A light jacket or layer

• Your camera

• A little extra time to find parking and the dock

For evening cruises, a light jacket is always a good idea. It can feel cooler on the water, even when Charleston is warm on land.

And don't forget your camera. Charleston Harbor has a habit of showing off.

Can I buy drinks onboard?

Yes. Beer, wine, seltzers, soft drinks, and bottled water are available for purchase onboard.

Does the ferry operate year-round?

We run most of the year with our off-season from January 1 - February 15th. We start back up for SEWE and Valentine’s Day and run through New Year’s Eve.

Check our current schedule for the latest departure times and available cruises.

What if I'm late for my scheduled departure?

We operate on a schedule and recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early.

If you're running late, get to the dock as quickly as possible and try to get the captain or crew's attention. If we see you and it is safe and practical to do so, we may be able to wait briefly.

But we cannot guarantee that the boat will wait.

Remember:

If you're running, we're waiting. If you're walking, we're leaving.

What happens if I miss my ferry?

Missed departures are not refundable or transferable.

Still Have a Question?

We're happy to help.

Call: (843) 202-4144
Email: info@diferry.com

Whether you're planning a trip from Daniel Island to downtown Charleston, looking for a Sunset Harbor Cruise, hoping to spot dolphins, or planning a private event on the water, our crew is happy to help you find the right trip.

We'll see you on the water!