A Concise Guide to Renting and Driving a Golf Cart in San Pedro
Everything you need to know about renting a golf cart in San Pedro and driving around Ambergris Caye.
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Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye, offering a fun and flexible way to explore the island’s diverse attractions. Whether you simply want a convenient way to get around or to explore lesser-visited parts of the island like Secret Beach, renting and driving a golf cart is one of the best things to do in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye. We’ve covered everything you need to know about renting and driving a golf cart in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, from companies and policies to road rules and the best places to visit, in this complete guide.
San Pedro Golf Carts at a glance
More from Ambergris Caye
Do you need a golf cart in San Pedro?
Whether you should rent a golf cart in San Pedro or not will depend on your budget, where you’re staying on Ambergris Caye, and what you’d like to see during your visit.
If your Belize itinerary brings you to San Pedro town, many of the attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars are easily walkable. You may only need to rent a golf cart for a day or two to see the rest of the island.
You generally need a golf cart in Ambergris Caye if you’re staying out of the main town (San Pedro) or want to explore the island. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation for both tourists and locals due to the island’s narrow roads and limited public transport options.
If you’re staying in one of the resorts further north or south of San Pedro, you’ll be more isolated, so it’s a good idea to rent a golf cart in order to reach San Pedro and to explore the rest of Ambergris Caye. You might want to consider a longer-term rental or see if you can get a good rate for a weekly rental.
Renting a golf cart in San Pedro
Renting a golf cart in San Pedro gives you complete freedom to explore Ambergris Caye at your own pace. It unlocks access to further afield attractions, like the Truck Stop and Secret Beach, that you might miss otherwise.
Compared to taxis and tours, it’s also an affordable way to see the sights. Plus, it’s super fun!
Golf cart rentals usually come in two sizes, 4-seater and 6-seater, with 2-seaters occasionally offered. The larger the cart, the more expensive the rental (but if you’re splitting it multiple ways, it can be more cost-effective to get a larger one).
Getting around Ambergris Caye by golf cart is very popular, so it’s a good idea to book yours in advance, especially around holidays and in peak season (December to April).
Where to rent a golf cart in San Pedro
There are dozens of golf cart rental companies on Ambergris Caye, including:
Many hotels and resorts also have golf carts available for rent. We arranged our cart through our accommodation, Belizean Shores Resort, which was a super smooth process, and we found the prices slightly cheaper than other companies in town.
How to rent a golf cart in San Pedro
You must have a valid driver’s license, and many operators require you to be at least 18 or 21 years old.
You can make a reservation via email, phone, or in person. Most rental companies offer a meet-and-greet delivery service to your hotel, Airbnb, and the ferry dock.
Other services that may also be added include pickup and drop-off services and 24/7 roadside assistance.
You must follow local traffic rules, which include speed limits (typically 25 mph) and safety standards like not driving under the influence of alcohol.
Travel insurance can save you $$$ if things go wrong
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! From lost luggage to emergency medical care abroad, travel insurance gives you peace of mind so you can solely focus on the adventure. It might not be exciting, but you’ll be very glad you have it if something goes wrong. A few of our favourite companies are:
Find out more: 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies for Every Kind of Trip
How much does it cost to rent a golf cart in San Pedro?
Daily rates for a 4-seater golf cart range from $35 to $60 USD, depending on the duration of your hire and the time of year. You can also rent by the hour, which is usually around $10-15 USD an hour, but it often ends up cheaper to pay for a day.
Longer rentals often offer a better daily rate, and weekly rentals can be more cost-effective. Weekly rates for a 4-seater range from $150 USD to $250 USD. A 6-seater golf cart tends to be around $100-200 USD more a week.
Prices tend to be higher in busy periods like Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Your golf cart should come with a basic third-party insurance policy.
Be wary of anyone offering a golf cart at an unusually low price. It’s likely they may skimp on safety inspections or gas, and you don’t want to end up breaking down and stranded.
Driving a golf cart in Ambergris Caye
Driving a golf cart in Ambergris Caye is fairly easy. The island is relatively small, distances aren’t too long, roads are in decent condition, and the speed limit is quite slow.
There is one main, paved road that connects the south of San Pedro town to the north of Ambergris Caye, and another compact dirt road that heads west to Secret Beach.
You must follow local vehicle laws when driving a golf cart on Ambergris Caye. Golf carts must stay on roads, not pedestrian walkways, and are not allowed on highways, although there aren’t any on the island. In Belize, drive on the right-hand side of the road, obey the speed limits, use your headlights after sunset, and follow parking regulations.
To indicate, you (or your passenger) must stick your hand out the side you are turning.
There is one roundabout in San Pedro, but lots of 4-way junctions, and a few one-way streets. Check who has the right-of-way before driving down a street.
You must yield to pedestrians, bikes, and dogs when driving. A quick double honk can mean “thank you” or “go ahead”, but you can also gesture or simply speak to communicate right of way at junctions.
Be respectful and careful- don’t drive with loud music playing, shirtless, or without shoes.
The streets in and around San Pedro can be very busy with other golf carts, cars, scooters, and pedestrians, so you need to be a bit more cautious. Additionally, the road out to Secret Beach can be slippery due to gravel or mud after rain, so it’s important to take this carefully too.
There is one bridge on the island, the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, which connects the southern section and the town of San Pedro with the northern part of Ambergris Caye. There is a toll collector’s booth on the bridge. Often, your golf cart rental will include a monthly fee for the bridge, so you will be able to pass over it freely. Be sure to ask your rental company before setting off.
There are occasional police checkpoints, so always carry your driver’s license with you, as it may be checked.
Also, ask your rental company for their contact details or roadside assistance number before setting off in case of a breakdown or accident.
Parking a golf cart in San Pedro
Parking in San Pedro is a little trickier than around the rest of the island.
Avoid parking on the red curbs, or you may receive a fine. Sometimes the paint is really faded, so be sure to check.
Always lock your cart up when you park it. This normally involves removing the key and using a steering wheel lock, chain, or padlock. Don’t leave valuables in the cart.
In other parts of Ambergris Caye, you’ll have less of a problem, as most attractions have a dedicated car park or the road is wide enough that you can pull over and park safely.
Where to drive a golf cart in Ambergris Caye
A golf cart is perfect for exploring more of the island than just San Pedro. Head north, where some of the best hotels in Ambergris Caye sit, and visit neighbourhoods like Tres Cocos or resorts such as Matachica and Playa Blanca. Or venture south to neighbourhoods like DFC, San Pablo, and the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site.
Some remote areas and national reserves in Belize are not accessible by golf cart, requiring boats or guided tours. You won’t make it to the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve – for that, you’ll need to book onto a boat tour.
Downtown San Pedro
As the island’s main hub, San Pedro Town is bustling with activity. Navigate its narrow streets and discover souvenir shops, beach bars, and the best restaurants in San Pedro. Golf carts are ideal for manoeuvring through this area, which lacks proper sidewalks.
Secret Beach
Located on the island’s western side, Secret Beach is a popular destination known for its clear waters and relaxed vibe. It’s approximately a 45-minute golf cart ride from San Pedro Town, offering scenic views of mangroves along the way. There’s no fuel at Secret Beach, so be sure to top up before heading out here.
Boca del Rio
Just north of San Pedro, Boca del Rio is a lively beachfront neighbourhood, home to a sandy beach lined with coconut trees, calm Caribbean waters, and amenities like a basketball court and playground. It’s a hotspot for bar hopping, with numerous beachfront bars and restaurants offering a range of local and international cuisines.
The Truck Stop
Situated around 1 mile north of San Pedro Town, the Truck Stop is Belize’s first shipping container food truck park. An innovative venue, it hosts a variety of food trucks serving diverse cuisines, an ice cream shop, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, and an outdoor games area. It also features an 18-foot movie screen for regular entertainment events.
Golf cart logistics
If you have a bag with you or want to store something while you drive, most carts have a luggage space or compartment, sometimes under the seat. There’s not enough space for luggage, so be sure to arrange a pick-up and drop-off service if you want your golf cart right as you land, and the company will help you transport your belongings to your accommodation.
In the event of rain, the windshield folds up if it starts to rain, offering you some protection. Unless your cart is fitted with flaps, it likely won’t have anything to protect the sides from getting wet.
If it’s sunny, be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses and lather up on sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water with you to avoid heatstroke.
Only gas-powered golf carts are allowed on the island. Most golf cart rentals come with a full tank of gas. If you’ve gone for a daily rental, it’s unlikely you’ll need to fill it up, as it’s yours for the day.
If you’ve gone for a long-term rental, you may need to top up the tank during your hire period. The best spot is Gas & Go, near the largest SuperBuy supermarket on the island, just after the bridge on the left as you head north out of San Pedro. There’s also a gas station at the airport and a couple in San Pedro.
Our experience driving a golf cart in San Pedro
Renting a golf cart in San Pedro gave us complete flexibility to explore Ambergris Caye at our own pace. We were able to stay in a gorgeous resort out of town, as we had our own transport, and visit quieter spots around the island, like Secret Beach. It allowed us to explore some of the top places in Belize that we wouldn’t have seen without our own transportation.
As we arranged our golf cart through our hotel, we had complete peace of mind, knowing that we had a full tank of fuel and a line of assistance if anything went wrong.
San Pedro Golf Cart FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ guide for navigating San Pedro and Ambergris Caye by golf cart.
How do you get around in San Pedro, Belize?
Much of San Pedro town is walkable, but the most popular and convenient way to get around the area is by golf cart. While you can also bike or take a taxi, golf carts offer the best balance of flexibility and coverage. You can rent one by the hour, day, or week from many shops in town or from your accommodation.
How do you get around Ambergris Caye?
Ambergris Caye is primarily navigated by golf cart, especially between San Pedro, the northern resorts, the southern area, and Secret Beach. There’s one main paved road north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge, with sandy side roads leading to beaches and residential areas. Boats and water taxis are also used, particularly to reach the mainland or nearby islands.
How much should you spend on a golf cart in San Pedro?
Rental prices vary depending on the season, cart size, and duration. Expect to pay between $35 and $60 USD per day for a 4-person vehicle. Larger golf carts will be more expensive, but you can save money overall by renting for a week or more at a time.
What are some tips for driving in Ambergris Caye?
What are some tips for driving in San Pedro?
Read next:
30 Best Things to Do in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye
A Traveller’s Guide to San Pedro & Ambergris Caye
14 Best Hotels and Resorts in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye
15 Best Restaurants in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye
How to Visit Secret Beach and Blue Bayou
Why You Should Visit the Iguana Eco Sanctuary
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