Harbour Island is a golf cart island. This is not a metaphor or a preference — it is simply the mode of transport that the island's geography, size, and culture have settled on, and it works perfectly.
On the Island
Golf Carts
Golf carts are the primary vehicle for visitors and most residents. The island is approximately 3 miles long and less than half a mile wide, making golf carts the right tool for every trip: too far to walk in the heat with beach gear, too short to justify a car. Multiple rental operators are scattered throughout the island, and availability is generally good, though peak season can tighten supply. Book through your accommodation or directly with a local rental operation.
Rates are typically $50–80 per day, with hourly rates available for shorter needs.† Electric carts are common; gasoline models are also available. Most carts hold four passengers comfortably with room for beach bags and gear.
Walking
Walking is entirely practical within central Dunmore Town. The main street, the harbour front, most of the restaurants and shops, and the Anglican church are all within easy walking distance of each other. If you're based in the centre of town and not trying to reach the beach in beach gear, your feet are sufficient.
Pink Sands Beach is a short golf cart ride from any point in Dunmore Town, perhaps 5–10 minutes depending on where you're staying. In flip flops with a bag, the walk is possible but warm.
A small number of private cars exist on the island and are occasionally seen, but they are not a visitor transport option. There are no taxis within the island itself in the traditional sense — golf carts fill that function.
Between Islands and Cays
To reach North Eleuthera (and through it, the rest of Eleuthera and mainland Bahamas), take the water taxi from the Harbour Island dock to Gene's Bay. The crossing is 3–5 minutes, runs continuously through the day, and costs a few dollars. This is the only departure point from the island.
From North Eleuthera you can access North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) by taxi in about 5 minutes, connecting onward to Miami, Nassau, or elsewhere.
There is no ferry or water taxi service from Harbour Island to other Bahamian islands directly. All inter-island connections route through North Eleuthera and its airport.
Practical Notes
- Golf cart rental is almost always included in or arranged through higher-end accommodations; ask when booking whether your hotel offers this.
- Carts drive on the left, consistent with Bahamian road rules. The roads are narrow and unhurried — no aggressive driving required or appropriate.
- There are no traffic lights and minimal signage. Navigation is intuitive given the island's size; most visitors have their bearings within an hour.
- The roads can be rough in places — wash-outs and potholes exist. Drive slowly and avoid speed on unfamiliar tracks.
- Walking to the beach at dawn or sunset (without gear) is a pleasure — the island is quiet and the lanes are pleasant.
- If you lose your golf cart orientation, any local can point you to where you need to go. The island is small enough that nothing is more than a few minutes away.
Seeded from general knowledge as of 2026-06-08. Not yet compiled from verified sources.