Golf cart rentals on Harbour Island feel simple because the daily rate looks reasonable, often around $60 per day, so travelers don’t expect fraud. The risk shows up when your group is large and the numbers multiply fast: four carts for a week can turn into a bill in the thousands.
That’s exactly why scammers target golf cart bookings. Payments are big enough to matter, but small enough that people sometimes pay quickly to “lock it in.”
Verify Your Rental Company
The safest approach is to book only with established operators that are physically based on the island and have a long track record. Avoid random “booking sites” or new social accounts that claim they can reserve carts from multiple companies at once.
A common scam pattern is a polished listing with stolen photos, a name that sounds local, and a request for payment before you can speak to anyone. If you cannot reach a real person by phone, or they refuse to answer basic questions about pickup location, fleet size, and policies, walk away.
Confirm Logistics and Equipment
Always ask where the carts are stored and what the exact pickup procedure is (office, dock delivery, hotel delivery, after-hours pickup). Confirm the cart type and condition: 4-seater vs 6-seater, gas vs electric, lights, seat belts, rain covers, and whether a charger is provided if needed. Request a written confirmation that includes dates, number of carts, total price, taxes/fees, delivery cost, deposit, and cancellation terms.
Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious if they push urgency like “only two carts left, pay now” or if the price is far below what others quote for the same week. Never rely on screenshots of “reservations” or informal promises in DMs; get a real invoice or receipt with a business name and contact details.
Use payment methods with protection (credit card is best); avoid wire transfers, crypto, or “friends and family” style transfers. If you do pay a deposit, keep it reasonable and tied to a clear cancellation policy. Large deposits with no paperwork are a red flag.
Do Your Homework
Search reviews across more than one platform, and read the negative reviews carefully to spot patterns (no-shows, deposits not returned, fake pages). Cross-check that the phone number is a Bahamas number and that the business can tell you their exact Harbour Island location without hesitation.
When you call, ask specific questions that a real operator can answer quickly: how many carts do you have, what happens if it breaks, who do we call, what are your hours.
Conduct a Pre-Drive Inspection
On arrival, inspect the cart before you drive off: take quick photos of any damage, test brakes, horn, lights, and note battery level or fuel level. Keep the rental company’s local contact saved, and ask about roadside assistance or swap-out policy if the cart fails mid-stay.
A little due diligence upfront keeps your Harbour Island trip smooth, so your group spends the week cruising to pink sand beaches not chasing a missing booking.
