Driving on Harbour Island is a unique experience that blends island charm with a bit of British tradition. While the streets are narrow and the pace is slow, being prepared for the local rhythm will help you transition from a nervous newcomer to a confident explorer in no time.

Here is the essential guide to mastering the roads of Harbour Island.

The Rule of the Road: Left is Right

The most important thing to remember is that in the Bahamas, everyone drives on the left side of the road. Steering Wheel Surprise: Do not be shocked if your rental golf cart has the steering wheel on either the left or the right. The Bahamas imports vehicles from all over the world, so you might be driving a US-style left-hand drive cart while staying on the left side of the lane.

• The “Stay Left” Mantra: It is helpful to say “Stay Left” out loud at every intersection until it becomes muscle memory.
• The Sticker Reminder: Most rentals feature a “KEEP LEFT” sticker on the windshield to help you stay oriented.

Navigating Dunmore Town and Beyond

• Navigating this tiny island measuring just 3.5 miles long is remarkably straightforward. The island is small and intuitive, so you quickly build a mental map without needing constant directions.
• Pace and Speed: Most visitors feel comfortable within the first hour because speeds are slow and the pace is relaxed. The urban speed limit is approximately 20 mph (32 kph), but in Dunmore Town, you’ll rarely go faster than a brisk walk.
• Golf Cart Dominance: You will be navigating mainly by golf cart, which makes everything feel simpler and less stressful than a normal car.
• Intuitive Layout: Most of the island’s routes are essentially a few main roads with short connectors, so you cannot truly get “lost.” A wrong turn is rarely a problem because you are never far from your destination and can easily loop back.

Safety and Etiquette

The key to driving in Harbour Island is patience and courtesy rather than raw driving skill.

• Blind Corners: Dunmore Town has many narrow streets and buildings that sit close to the road. Treat every corner as a blind corner; assume someone may be coming the other way and keep your speed gentle.
• Yielding Etiquette: In tight spots, it is common practice to “stick your nose out” slowly or pull over to let others pass.
• The “Thank You” Honk: The horn is rarely used for anger. A quick beep-beep usually means “thank you” or “hello,” while a single beep often means “I’m coming through this intersection.”
• Pedestrian Awareness: Pedestrians, cyclists, and kids are common, especially near the docks, shops, and the main settlement areas. Always give them the right of way.

Pro-Tips for the Best Experience

• Night Driving: Drive even slower at night. Street lighting can be limited, and road edges or sandy patches aren’t always obvious.
• Wet Weather: After rain, watch for deep puddles. They often hide potholes that can give your cart a serious jolt.
• Offline Maps: While cell service is generally fine, it is smart to screenshot a map or download an offline view before you arrive.
• Reference Points: Save your rental name or a nearby landmark on your phone. Some places are easier to find by reference points than by a formal address.

Within a day, you’ll likely stop checking your phone completely and just drive by instinct. The best mindset is to treat every ride as part of the vacation, not a task to complete quickly.