Complete Harbour Island Transportation Guide: Golf Carts, Ferries & Local Tips
Harbour Island is one of the most charming and accessible islands in the Bahamas, but its transportation system works very differently from most destinations. The island is just three miles long and a half mile wide, which means there are no rental cars and no large public transportation options. Instead, nearly everyone gets around using golf carts, water taxis and ferries. For first-time visitors, understanding how these systems work is essential for navigating Briland smoothly and making the most of your stay.
This guide explains everything you need to know about getting to and around Harbour Island, including golf cart rentals, water taxi logistics, ferry routes, walking routes, street etiquette and insider tips that only regular visitors usually know.
Getting to Harbour Island
Harbour Island does not have its own airport, so all visitors arrive through nearby islands and transfer by boat.
1. Fly Into North Eleuthera Airport (ELH)
The most common route is flying into North Eleuthera Airport, located just ten minutes from the water taxi dock that connects to Harbour Island.
Typical arrivals
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From Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte or Atlanta
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From Nassau via regional carriers
After collecting your luggage, taxis line up outside the airport and will take you to the water taxi terminal.
2. Water Taxi from North Eleuthera to Harbour Island
The water taxi ride from the North Eleuthera dock to Harbour Island takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
What to expect
Once the boat arrives at the main Harbour Island dock, golf cart rental companies are often waiting to meet guests with reserved carts.
3. Ferry from Nassau (Bahamas Fast Ferries)
Another option is the high-speed ferry from Nassau, which connects to Harbour Island daily.
Travel time
This is a popular option for people staying in Nassau who want to visit Harbour Island for a day trip or an overnight stay.
How to Get Around Harbour Island
Harbour Island’s size and layout make it incredibly easy to explore once you understand the transportation norms.
Golf Carts: The Main Mode of Transportation
Golf carts are the primary way to get around Harbour Island. Nearly every visitor rents one, and locals use them daily for commuting, errands and socializing.
1. Renting a Golf Cart
Golf carts are available by the day or week from several rental companies located near the island’s main dock. Most hotels, villas and resorts can arrange rentals in advance.
Rental tips
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Reserve early during peak season
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Choose a cart with good battery life
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Request child safety seats if needed
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Inspect the brakes and lights before driving
Four-seat and six-seat models are the most common.
2. Golf Cart Rules and Etiquette
Although golf carts are simple to drive, there are important safety rules to follow.
Drive on the left
Like the rest of the Bahamas, Harbour Island follows left-side driving.
Go slow in town
Dunmore Town has narrow roads shared by pedestrians, bicycles and other golf carts.
Charge overnight
Most rentals are electric. Plug in your cart every night to avoid mid-day power loss.
Use headlights at night
Street lighting is limited, so headlights are essential after sunset.
Never overload carts
Carrying more passengers than the cart is designed for can cause tipping or brake issues.
3. Where You Can Drive on Harbour Island
Golf carts can travel almost everywhere on the island.
Popular cart routes
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Bay Street waterfront
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Pink Sands Beach access points
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Dunmore Town shops and restaurants
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Valentine’s Marina
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The Narrows area north of town
Some beaches, particularly on the Atlantic side, require a short walk after parking.
Walking Around Harbour Island
Because the island is small and scenic, many visitors choose to walk for short distances.
Best walking areas
Walking is safe and enjoyable, especially during early morning or sunset.
Taxi Services on Harbour Island
Harbour Island does not have traditional car taxis like the larger islands. Transportation services consist of:
1. Taxi drivers operating private vans
Mostly for transporting luggage or people between docks, hotels and ferries.
2. On-call drivers
Some local drivers offer island wide point to point service for visitors without golf carts.
Taxi services mainly support luggage transfer, large groups and guests who prefer not to drive.
Bicycle Rentals
Some travellers choose bicycles for exploring Harbour Island, especially those staying in Dunmore Town or near Pink Sands Beach.
Advantages
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Affordable
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Easy to park
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Great for exercise
However, bicycles can be challenging on hills or during hot afternoons.
Transportation Tips for Harbour Island
1. Book golf carts ahead during holidays
Christmas, New Year and spring months sell out quickly.
2. Avoid driving during heavy rain
Streets can flood in low lying areas, and wet limestone becomes slippery.
3. Be patient on narrow streets
Harbour Island’s charm comes from its small scale. Expect occasional slowdowns and give pedestrians the right of way.
4. Keep your cart plugged in
Electric carts lose power faster when carrying more passengers or travelling uphill.
5. Ask locals for directions
Harbour Island residents are extremely friendly and happy to point visitors toward beaches, restaurants or shortcuts.
Getting Around Eleuthera from Harbour Island
Many visitors take day trips from Harbour Island to Eleuthera using ferries or private charters.
Popular excursions include
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Glass Window Bridge
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Queen’s Bath
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Sapphire Blue Hole
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Preacher’s Cave
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Surfers Beach
Tour operators on Harbour Island offer easy transportation packages for these adventures.
Final Thoughts
Harbour Island is one of the easiest and most enjoyable islands to navigate in the Bahamas once you understand its unique transportation system. With golf carts as the primary mode of travel, quick water taxi connections to Eleuthera and walkable streets filled with island character, getting around Briland becomes part of the experience itself. Whether cruising to Pink Sands Beach, exploring Dunmore Town or catching a ferry for a day of adventure, visitors will find transportation simple, safe and surprisingly fun.