Lady's Island Marina: Boat Slips, Fuel, and Access to Calibogue Sound

What Lady's Island Marina offers

Lady's Island Marina is a full-service facility on Calibogue Sound near Beaufort, South Carolina, offering wet slips for boats, fuel docks, and direct access to the sound and the Atlantic beyond. The marina sits on Lady's Island, just south of downtown Beaufort, and serves both transient boaters passing through and permanent slip holders. The facility includes covered and uncovered slip options, a fuel dock with gasoline and diesel, and basic amenities for visiting boaters.

The marina's location on Calibogue Sound makes it a natural stopping point for boats heading to or from Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head, or the open water. The sound itself is shallow in places and requires local knowledge to navigate safely, so the marina's position and staff familiarity with the area are practical assets if you are new to the region.

Key Takeaways

• Lady's Island Marina offers both wet slips and fuel service on Calibogue Sound, with covered and uncovered slip options available.
• The marina serves transient boaters and permanent slip holders, so you can stop for a day or rent a slip for the season or year.
• Calibogue Sound is shallow in places and requires careful navigation, so ask the marina staff for current depth and tide information before entering.
• The marina is located on Lady's Island, a short drive south of downtown Beaufort and close to restaurants, shops, and other waterfront attractions.

Slip types and boat sizes

Lady's Island Marina has both covered and uncovered slips to accommodate different boat sizes and owner preferences. Covered slips protect your boat from sun and weather year-round, which matters in the Lowcountry's humid climate and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Uncovered slips cost less and work well for boats used regularly or for owners who do not mind exposure.

The marina accepts boats of varying lengths, though you should confirm the maximum length and beam (width) your boat can be before booking. Slip availability changes seasonally—winter months often bring boats from colder regions, while summer can see more transient traffic. Contact the marina directly for current slip sizes, pricing, and availability rather than relying on outdated online listings.

Fuel dock and services

The fuel dock at Lady's Island Marina sells both gasoline and diesel, which covers most recreational and commercial vessels in the area. Fuel prices fluctuate with the market, so call ahead if cost is a factor in your route planning. The fuel dock operates during posted hours, and availability can be limited during off-season months or bad weather.

Beyond fuel, the marina offers basic services typical of a Beaufort-area facility. These may include pump-out service for holding tanks, ice, and access to a dockmaster who can answer questions about local conditions, tides, and navigation hazards. Not all services are available every day, so confirm what you need before you arrive.

Navigating Calibogue Sound

Calibogue Sound is a tidal estuary with shallow areas, oyster beds, and shifting sandbars that change with storms and dredging. Boats drawing more than three to four feet of water can run aground in certain channels, especially at low tide. The sound is navigable for most recreational boats, but local knowledge matters—what works at high tide may not work at low tide.

The marina staff can tell you the current depth in the main channel, which tides are safest for your boat's draft, and which routes to avoid. If you are unfamiliar with the sound, ask for a tide table and current conditions before leaving the dock. Daufuskie Island lies across the sound to the southeast, and the Intracoastal Waterway is accessible to the north and south, but both require attention to depth and timing.

Nearby attractions and dining

Lady's Island is part of the greater Beaufort area, so you have access to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions within a short drive or walk. Downtown Beaufort, across the bridge to the north, has waterfront dining, galleries, and historic sites related to the town's role in the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Beaufort Historic District is walkable and worth an afternoon if you are staying overnight at the marina.

Hunting Island State Park is a few miles south and offers a lighthouse, beach access, and nature trails. Daufuskie Island, visible from the marina, is accessible by ferry or private boat and has a quieter, less developed character than Hilton Head. Many boaters use Lady's Island Marina as a base to explore the barrier islands and sounds of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Rates and reservation information

Lady's Island Marina offers both daily transient rates and longer-term slip rentals by the month or year. Transient rates are typically charged per foot of boat length per night, though exact pricing varies. Long-term slip holders often receive a discount compared to nightly transient rates, and some slips may be reserved months in advance during peak season.

The marina accepts reservations by phone or in person. Because slip availability is limited and seasonal demand is real, booking ahead is wise if you are planning a specific visit. Off-season rates (roughly November through March) are often lower than peak summer rates, and the marina may have more availability during those months.

Getting there and contact details

Lady's Island Marina is located on Lady's Island, south of downtown Beaufort. From Beaufort, take Lady's Island Road south and follow signs to the marina. Parking is available for vehicles, and the marina is accessible by water from Calibogue Sound. GPS coordinates and detailed directions are best obtained directly from the marina, as waterfront addresses can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Contact the marina by phone for current information about slip availability, rates, fuel prices, and services. The dockmaster can answer questions about your specific boat and needs. Hours of operation vary by season, so confirm when you can arrive and what services will be available on the day you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum draft for boats at Lady's Island Marina?

Calibogue Sound has shallow areas, and most boats drawing more than three to four feet should check with the marina before entering. The main channel to the marina is dredged, but depth varies with tide and recent storms. Call the marina for current conditions and the safest route for your boat's draft.

Can I stay overnight at the marina?

Yes, Lady's Island Marina accepts transient boaters and offers overnight slip rental. You can also rent a slip for longer periods by the month or year. Rates and availability depend on the season and your boat size, so contact the marina directly for current options.

Is there fuel available 24 hours a day?

No, the fuel dock operates during posted hours, which vary by season. Call ahead to confirm the fuel dock is open when you plan to arrive. Some marinas in the area offer after-hours fuel cards for regular customers, so ask if that option is available.

How do I get to Daufuskie Island from Lady's Island Marina?

Daufuskie Island is across Calibogue Sound to the southeast, roughly a 15-minute boat ride depending on your speed and the route. The sound is navigable but shallow in places, so ask the marina for the safest channel. You can also take a passenger ferry from Beaufort if you prefer not to boat.

What should I know about tides in Calibogue Sound?

Tides in Calibogue Sound swing significantly, and low tide can expose shallow areas and oyster beds that are underwater at high tide. The marina staff can provide a tide table and tell you which times are safest for your boat. Plan your departure and arrival around the tide if your boat draws more than three feet.