Old Daufuskie Crab Company: Fresh Seafood and Island Tradition
What Old Daufuskie Crab Company Offers
Old Daufuskie Crab Company is a working seafood operation on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, where you can buy fresh crab, shrimp, and other local catch directly from the dock. The company sells whole crabs, crab meat by the pound, fresh shrimp, and seasonal fish—most of it harvested the same day or the day before. You can visit in person at their location on the island, or call ahead to place an order for pickup or delivery to nearby areas.
Daufuskie Island sits between Hilton Head and Savannah, accessible by ferry or private boat. The island has no bridge to the mainland, which keeps it quieter and more isolated than most coastal South Carolina destinations. Old Daufuskie Crab Company operates as part of that island character—a genuine working dock rather than a tourist-facing retail shop, though visitors are welcome.
Key Takeaways
- Old Daufuskie Crab Company sells fresh local seafood harvested from waters around Daufuskie Island, with crab and shrimp as their main products.
- You must travel to Daufuskie Island by ferry or private boat to visit in person, or call ahead to arrange delivery to the mainland.
- The company operates as a working dock, so hours and availability depend on the day's catch and tidal conditions.
- Prices reflect the cost of fresh, same-day seafood sourced locally rather than shipped from distant ports.
Getting to Daufuskie Island and the Dock
Daufuskie Island is reached by ferry from Hilton Head Island. The Calibogue Cruises ferry departs from Skull Creek Marina on Hilton Head and takes about 45 minutes to reach the island. You can also arrive by private boat if you have access to one. Once on the island, you will need transportation to reach Old Daufuskie Crab Company—the island has no cars, so most people use golf carts, bicycles, or the island's taxi service.
Before making the trip, call ahead to confirm the company is open and has the seafood you want in stock. Hours vary based on the fishing schedule and tidal conditions. The ferry runs multiple times daily, but planning your visit around the ferry schedule and the company's operating hours will save you a wasted trip.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Old Daufuskie Crab Company operates from a working dock, not a polished retail storefront. You will see fishing boats, equipment, and the everyday operations of a commercial seafood business. The atmosphere is casual and functional—this is where the catch is processed and sold, not a tourist attraction dressed up for visitors.
The staff can tell you what came in that day, how fresh it is, and how to prepare it if you ask. Whole crabs are sold live or steamed on-site. Crab meat is available by the pound in different grades—claw meat, lump meat, and backfin. Shrimp comes fresh and can be sold by the pound. Seasonal availability changes with what local boats bring in, so what is available in summer may differ from fall or winter.
Pricing and Payment
Prices for fresh seafood at Old Daufuskie Crab Company reflect the cost of same-day local sourcing. Whole live crabs, fresh crab meat, and shrimp cost more than frozen seafood at a supermarket, but less than restaurant prices. Exact pricing changes based on the season, market conditions, and what the boats have caught. Call to ask about current prices before you visit.
The company accepts cash and card payments. If you are ordering for delivery to the mainland, confirm payment methods and delivery fees when you place your order by phone.
Ordering Ahead and Delivery Options
If traveling to Daufuskie Island is not practical, you can call Old Daufuskie Crab Company to place an order for pickup or delivery. Delivery is available to some mainland locations near Hilton Head, though delivery fees apply and availability depends on the company's schedule. Pickup orders can be held for you to collect when you arrive on the island.
Ordering ahead also ensures the company has the specific product and quantity you want. During peak season or after a large order, certain items may sell out quickly. A phone call takes a few minutes and guarantees you will not arrive to find what you wanted is gone.
Preparing Your Seafood at Home
If you are unfamiliar with cooking whole crabs or fresh shrimp, the staff at Old Daufuskie Crab Company can give you basic guidance. Whole live crabs can be steamed, boiled, or grilled. Fresh shrimp can be boiled, grilled, sautéed, or used raw in ceviche. Crab meat is ready to eat and works in salads, pasta, sandwiches, or on its own with butter and lemon.
Fresh seafood keeps for only a day or two in the refrigerator, so plan to cook it soon after purchase. If you cannot use it immediately, freezing is an option, though texture changes slightly when thawed.
Why Visit Old Daufuskie Crab Company
Buying directly from a working dock connects you to South Carolina's commercial fishing heritage. You are supporting a local business that harvests its own catch rather than buying from a middleman. The seafood is fresher than what reaches most retail stores, and you know exactly where it came from and when it was caught.
The trip to Daufuskie Island itself is part of the experience. The ferry ride offers views of the coastal waterways, and the island has a quieter, older character than the developed areas of Hilton Head. If you have time, you can explore the island's history, walk the beaches, or eat at one of the island's restaurants before or after your visit to the dock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ferry times from Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island?
Calibogue Cruises runs multiple ferries daily, with schedules that vary by season. Check their website or call ahead for current departure times. The ferry takes about 45 minutes each way, so plan for travel time in addition to your time on the island.
Can I bring my own cooler to keep seafood cold on the ferry?
Yes. Bring a cooler with ice for the ferry ride back to Hilton Head, especially in warm months. Fresh seafood needs to stay cold from the moment you buy it until you reach home and can refrigerate it.
What if I do not know how to cook whole crabs?
The staff can give you basic cooking instructions, and many online recipes show step-by-step methods for boiling or steaming crabs. If you prefer, ask if the company can steam your crabs before you take them—many dock operations offer this service for a small fee.
Is there parking on Daufuskie Island?
No. The island has no cars or roads for vehicles. You will need to use a golf cart, bicycle, or taxi service once you arrive by ferry. Rental options are available on the island if you do not have your own transportation arranged.
How far in advance do I need to order for delivery?
Call Old Daufuskie Crab Company directly to ask about delivery lead times. Availability depends on the catch and the company's schedule, so a day or two ahead is usually safe, but confirm when you call.