- Daufuskie Island Residents Only -
Frequently asked questions.
Please note: All passengers who wish to utilize the subsidized rate must have their palmetto breeze pass with them while on the vessel. Anyone who does not have their pass will have to pay full price. We want to give everyone the proper rate for the qualifying passengers through the county subsidizes program. The QR code on the back of the card is not accepted as a pass, we do need to see the front of the card to verify the pass holder.
Daufuskie Island residents,
After speaking with the County Council members, County Staff and your Daufuskie Island council we will be increasing the allotted weight to 100lbs per wagon. This has been approved by the Coast Guard and will be limited to 15 per run.
Lowcountry Ferry has approved all “Wagons” that are no larger than 35.5” long by 20” wide by 30” high and may not weigh more than 100lbs with items included in. Any wagons larger or heavier than these dimensions will be considered over sized luggage and incur an extra luggage charge. In addition these wagons are to be for groceries only and not to carrying propane, tools, wood, bird seed, fertilizer, large items or similar. All items that are within the level of the siding on the cart will be allowed, anything that is not covered by the siding of the wagons will be considered as extra luggage. The exception to our luggage policy for the approved wagons is to help facilitate grocery runs and not moving large amounts of cargo or freight. Double stacking or items over the side wall of the wagons is considered extra luggage and will incur an extra luggage fee.
We limit our boats to 15 wagons per run and any additional wagons will come over by separate boat or another run depending on weight and passenger count.
Thank you,
The Team at Lowcountry Ferry
FAQs
RESERVATIONS
How do I make a reservation?
All reservations will be made online prior to booking.
How will you be charging for reservations?
Reservations will be charged at time of boarding.
PALMETTO BREEZE PASSES
Will you have access to our Palmetto Breeze pass balances?
We do not have access to PB Balances. All balances will need to be caught up by the end of the interim period to receive discounted fares moving forward. Please call Palmetto Breeze well in advance to handle this.
Will there be a system in place to put a block of money and then that is used against the rides? Or is it a per ride system?
Each ticket is sold individually and we will not be holding any money for future trips.
We have been told our PB passes are still operational until June. Is this true?
We will honor all PB Passes for the discounted fares in the interim. You must have your pass with you in order to receive the subsidized rate. Anyone who does not have the pass with them will have to pay full price. The photo on the palmetto breeze pass must match the customer trying to use the pass. The fares will be collected once you board the vessel. The pass will no longer we able to be scanned but they will act as your discount card. The rates will be associated your current pass color. The senior pass level has been eliminated. In the mean time we will be reregistering everyone to give them individual accounts and doing away the PB passes. This registration process will allow us to move away from the PB Passes and allow you to book directly with us. All payments during the interim will be paid once you board the vessel.
Do you know anything about balances that are due or are due to residents? How will this be handled?
Please contact Palmetto Breeze for help with these items. We will not be handling any past accounts, and only handling all accounts moving forward.
Will there be a new system put in place for resident cards for identification?
We intend to provide a login for each resident to access their personal “subscription”.
PETS
My dog travels with me on most occasions. Does my pet need a ticket if I’m a local? Or do only visitors need tickets?
In order to make sure we have accurate counts on the vessel we will need to know how many furry friends you are bringing.
How much will you be charging for pets?
For Daufuskie Island Residents the fee for pets will be $10/pet. Pet fees will be refunded with proof of a vet visit for your furry friends.
Will there be a specific pet area on the back of the boat as it is now?
Due to allergy concerns all pets must remain outside of the passenger cabin. All pets must be on leashes and restrained at all times.
FREIGHT
Is there any plan right now to handle freight? (lumber, appliances, plants, building supplies, business supplies, etc.) If yes, what type of freight? Will there be specific freight boats?
Freight will be handled on a case-by-case basis. All potential freight would be charged based on the size. Any freight would be defined as anything over-sized or any item beyond extra luggage or groceries. Should the necessity arise and we are able to accommodate the service, we would use the luggage barge to carry over freight. We will not be providing a specific freight barge. For any large items we suggest contacting the barge out of Broad Creek.
FERRY TRIP
We have been told that the trip will now take twice as long as previous rides. Is this true? If so, is there any way to shorten the ride?
Our ferry rides will take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 mins. We are excited to a offer consistent and reliable ferry service.
ISLAND PRACTICES
Are you aware that islanders make multiple reservations in order to ensure that they have a ride? (This ensures that if there is a traffic situation or a late medical appointment, they can make it home.)
Each ticket is to an individual and tied to a place on the boat. We ask that people do not make multiple reservations on the same day as they are restricting other residents and guests from booking those seats. Our times are published and the runs will be consistent so everyone will be able to plan accordingly.
If I am unable to make the ferry, will there be a reimbursement? Or a credit towards another ride?
Each ticket is for a dedicated seat. Just like an airline if you miss the boat the seat was held for the ticket. No refunds or credit will be extended.
CARGO
How will cargo be handled?
Cargo will be handled in two fashions. First, every ticket is allowed one carry on luggage, equivalent to the size of airport luggage (maximum of 22” x 14” x 9”) up to 50 lbs and one personal item, such as a purse, brief case or standard backpack (maximum size of 18” x 14” x 8”). Second, extra or over-sized cargo will be priced based on size starting $25.00 for anything less than 50 lbs, $50 for anything 50-100lbs and anything over 100lbs will be charge $4.00/lbs after the first hundred pounds. Extra items that are small will be $25.00 for anything that can fit into a 27 gallon HDX tote with the lid closed. The only exception to our luggage policy is for the residents of Daufuskie and are the Lowcountry Ferry Approved wagons, sizes specified below.
What is an approved wagon?
Lowcountry Ferry has approved all “Wagons” that are no larger than 35.5” long by 20” wide by 30” high and may not weigh more than 100lbs with items included in. Any wagons larger or heavier than these dimensions will be considered over sized luggage and incur an extra luggage charge. In addition these wagons are to be for groceries only and not to carrying propane, wood, large items or similar. All grocery items that are within the level of the siding on the cart will be allowed, anything that is not covered by the siding of the wagons will be considered as extra luggage. This exception is to help facilitate grocery runs and not moving large amount of cargo or freight. We limit all wagons to 15 wagons per run and any additional wagons will come over by separate boat or another run depending on weight and passenger count. The over size luggage fee will start at $50.00.
When will the cargo boat arrive? Will this follow the ferry? Or will cargo only come over at specified times?
Our goal is to always have everything go over at one time on one vessel, however we are a passenger ferry system and need to ensure all ticket holders are able to go over. The cargo boat or “luggage barge” will be a separate boat that comes over once a day at minimum. In the event we are unable to bring all luggage over the barge will come into play.
How will you handle refrigerated cargo?
We suggest you place all refrigerated items in cooler bags that will fit in the approved expandable wagons.
Will this require residents/visitors to schedule a pick up of cargo?
We will post the schedule for the luggage runs each week, if they differ from the normal schedule.
What do we do for High value items?
Please take all personal valuables and high value items with you.
How is cargo identified?
Cargo is anything that is more than one carry-on (to include one approved expandable wagon) plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase.
Will there be a manifest?
Manifests are kept on every trip.
Can you preschedule cargo?
The cargo boat or “luggage barge” will be a separate boat that comes over at least once a day. If demand due to number of items calls for more runs we will add those as needed.
BOATS
What boats do you have currently?
We have two types of boats currently and look forward to adding to the fleet as we grow.
What boats are planned to be used in the future?
The Manatee 2 is our flagship vessel and we have two back up vessels currently in the event of maintenance.
We have been told behind-the-scenes that the Merchant will be under contract with you and it is getting retrofitted with new engines? Is this true?
We have no information on the Merchant or Trader beyond Haig Point retaining them for their services.