Your Guide to Renting a Golf Cart in San Pedro
Vacationing on Ambergris Caye can be a dream. The small island is perfect for golf carts and renting one is the best way to travel in island style. The island is roughly 25 miles in length, with San Pedro Town at the heart. From there, the road is paved until Mile 3.5 at Belizean Shores Resort, continuing north as a rustic gravel road. The airstrip, water taxi docks, businesses, many restaurants, and gift shops are located in town. There are many more resorts and restaurants as you leave San Pedro Town going north, and many guests prefer to stay out of town to escape some of the hustle and bustle. When considering a golf cart rental, there are a few things to think about to make the most of your trip. Review these four questions in advance of your stay and arrive prepared and enjoy a hassle-free vacation behind the wheels of your very own golf cart.
How to choose a golf cart rental company- the case for booking through your resort
There are many golf cart rental companies throughout the island. However, you can’t beat the convenience, safety, and service that comes with taking advantage of a rental directly through your resort. Most resorts partner with a golf cart rental company so that golf carts are available right on-site and take just a few moments to arrange a rental. Fuel, cleaning of the golf cart and any other needed maintenance is included, so there is no fuss for you to deal with or stopping at the gas station to fill up. Should you need any road assistance, they are there to help and can provide excellent customer service. You will also be provided with a local road map and given a brief overview of where things are located, safety tips, and the local traffic laws. You can also easily reserve a cart ahead of your stay, ensuring availability even during busier times.
What are the local traffic laws in Belize and do they apply to golf carts?
Golf carts are considered motor vehicles and as such, all of the regular traffic laws apply when operating one. A valid driver’s license is required to rent a golf cart and you must travel with it as well, just like you would in your car at home. Of course, always have a designated driver and do not drink and drive a golf cart, for everyone’s safety! If your rental does not have turn signals, you will need to signal with your hand, using the same signals you would on a bicycle. Traffic bumps are common throughout Belize and are an effective way of ensuring that traffic slows down in high traffic areas and where children are present. Children are not able to drive a golf cart. At the north end of San Pedro Town, there is a toll bridge and all vehicles, golf carts included, are subject to the toll, make sure to have cash on hand to pay, going both ways.
How to decide on the length of rental- What is your vacation itinerary?
Golf cart rentals are available starting at just a few hours and going up to a weekly rental, with the pricing becoming a bit more economical the longer the rental. It’s worth taking a look at what you plan to do during your vacation to get an idea of what length of the rental would most benefit your plans. If you plan to pack in several day excursions through a tour company, very often all of the transportation from your resort is included, so you will not have a need for your own wheels on those days. If you plan to take advantage of the pool and onsite amenities, you may also not need a golf cart as much. There are some locations on the island, such as Secret Beach on the lee side that you will need a golf cart to get to, so that will factor into your rental period as well. If exploring new restaurants around the island and the various nightlife is a priority, having a golf cart on hand is a good idea so that you do not need to adhere to the water taxi schedule and have the freedom to dine wherever you choose.
What size of golf carts are available and what will work best for you?
There are two models of golf carts, one that seats four persons and one that seats six persons. The four-seater has one forward-facing bench and one rear-facing bench directly behind it. The six-seater has two forward-facing benches plus one additional rear-facing bench at the very back. The number of people that you are traveling with, will, of course, dictate the size of the cart needed.
Choosing to rent a golf cart while vacationing in San Pedro makes a lot of sense and gives you the freedom to explore on your own time. It’s also a novel way to get around and makes the drive-in for dinner a fun bonus adventure. Rent one on your next Belize vacation and embrace all that island living has to offer.
