Should I Rent a Golf Cart on Ambergris Caye, Belize? Tips, Information and Advice
Golf carts are far and away the most popular mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye. And most visitors rent a golf cart when they visit the island. So…
The short answer to this question: Should I Rent a Golf Cart on Ambergris Caye is almost always YES. But there is more to know…
Quick note: San Pedro is the one town on Ambergris Caye, Belize. They are often used interchangeably when talking about the island.
But do you need the cart for your entire vacation? That can vary. It’s going to depend on a few factors: your budget, which part of the island you are staying on, how much flexibility you like to have, and just how much you want to get out and explore the island.
Ambergris Caye is the most popular vacation spot in Belize for a reason. There is a ton of stuff to do. (Here are my 12 Things to Do On Your First Visit to help kick things off and then I’ve got a bunch more in my book)
Ambergris Caye is not like a vacation at an all-inclusive resort in say…the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. The island has a very DIY feel and a big part of the fun is getting out, on your own in your golf cart, meeting people, and exploring the different areas.
Plus, there are tons of simple and fancier restaurants, over-the-water bars, beach clubs (like this fun spot north), there’s Secret Beach, and the green iguana sanctuary, the Belize Eco-Museum (the cooking lessons are fantastic!)
Here’s a drive up to the north part of the island to the lovely Tranquility Bay Resort area.
Or drive way south on the island. Also very cool.
You are going to want to check out the island – it’s surprisingly BIG.
Since there are no hard, steadfast rules when it comes to renting golf carts in San Pedro and there are scores of golf cart rental businesses (they seem to multiply by the week!), let me make some suggestions that I think should help.
And one quick tip: Before you book, pay attention to WHERE you are booking. Ambergris Caye is a long island – about 25 miles in length. And while lodging and amenities are generally concentrated as you get closer to San Pedro town, hotels, and resorts spread out from 14 Miles North of San Pedro to 5 Miles South of town.
If you KNOW you want to try all the top restaurants and you want to go out dancing at night, staying 12 miles north of San Pedro town might be rough for you. You will be driving on often unpaved bumpy roads…in a golf cart.
If you KNOW you want lots of sun, sand, and sunrises and you aren’t a night person, that location may be PERFECT for you. Heading to town for lunch – or to a nearby restaurant – will be an easy trip.
You will see your location in the resort address. Example: Rebecca’s 8-Star Imaginary Resort and Spa, 5.5 Miles North. Book this and you are going to be 5.5 miles north of San Pedro town center.
How to Get Around Ambergris Caye? Other Types of Transportation
Most lodging spots have bars and restaurants nearby – and that is especially true if you are staying near the town center. You can walk. Or ride a bicycle, if that is your thing. Many hotels have bikes you can borrow for the day or just the afternoon.
There are also taxis in and around town. Your hotel/lodging can call a taxi for you – and you can swap numbers with your taxi for future use. There are taxi stands in town and near the air strip but taxis, I find, can get expensive and a bit inconvenient, especially if you are staying outside of town.
Golf carts in the Christmas parade.
There is no Uber or Lyft in Belize.
Now let’s get to the actual golf cart rental. Most golf carts are standard 4-seater carts but now we are seeing more and more 6-seater carts available for rent.
How to Book Your Golf Cart
Most hotels and resorts have a relationship with a golf cart company – you can ask them about availability and prices. You should also check with a few golf cart rental companies here on the island for rates – email them as well.
Here are a few good ones for rates:
Aviz Golf Carts has offered a 10% discount if you mention THE SCOOP. Pretty great.
ANNNNDDDDD…you can request special cart decoration from Aviz for FREE. For a birthday, an anniversary…wedding. The cart will be ready for you when you arrive. I love that.
You can make a reservation via email or their website (or WhatsApp – used by EVERYONE here)…and tell them when and where you will need it.
Once on the island, your golf cart rental company can meet you at the airstrip or at the water taxi/ferry dock or at your hotel – just make sure to let them know when you make your reservation (or, if you have a reservation, before you head down to Belize).
On island, you will fill out the paperwork, check your valid driver’s license, swipe your credit card, and hand you the keys.
For additional travel information see: How to Get from the International Airport – Belize City to San Pedro, Belize: 3 Ways
Do you Recommend a Golf Cart Company/What is the Best Golf cart rental in San Pedro, Belize?
There are now dozens of golf cart rental companies on the island…more than that. Last time I tried to count I stopped at around 50.
I still suggest checking with a few companies (see list above to start) – and/or with your hotel – to find one that fits your needs best.
When Do You Need to Book A Golf Cart – How Far in Advance?
This really depends on the time of year. Some weeks are busier with visitors than others. The busiest times are generally:
- Christmas-New Years’ week
- Late January, February, March/Spring break for kids in the US
- Easter week (when so many Belizeans head to the Cayes)
- LobsterFest (first 2 weeks of July)
- During the International Music Festival Weekend (Not happening again until 2028 as far as I know!)
- These times you want to book your golf cart in advance with your chosen golf cart rental company. You have leeway during the slower times of year – which allows you to rent for a day or two and extend easily. It always allows you a bit more wiggle room for negotiation on prices.
How Much Are Golf Cart Rentals in San Pedro?
Golf carts cost from $40 to $65US a day depending on how long you are going to rent them for and depending on the time of year. A longer rental generally gives you a lower daily rate. Also, Christmas week, late January, February, March and Easter week can be very busy for cart rentals – and the prices tend to be higher. If you are here in September or October (the lowest season in Belize) – you might be able to get a better deal.
It’s worth a shot!
Are there Additional Fees, Tolls or Extra Charges?
Insurance charge? No. There should be no additional fees with your rental cart. Private carts have very basic insurance on the island – a third-party insurance policy – that cost less a couple hundred dollars per cart.
Tolls? There is one bridge on the island – connecting the north side of the island to San Pedro town & the south. There is a toll collector’s booth, and someone is manning it M-Saturday until about 9pm.
Your golf cart rental fee should include a monthly pass for the bridge for your rental cart. The pass is stuck on the cart – usually on the inside of the roof or under the seat. Just confirm with your rental company where you can find that pass if asked.
You are also responsible for returning your cart with the same amount of gas as when you picked it up/it was delivered to you. (Gas is pricy in Belize…at the time of my update April 7th, 2026, it’s $14.23bzd a gallon – about $7.12US. But golf carts don’t use much! After one week of use, you’ll probably have to refill your 6 gallon tank)
Some Simple Rules When It Comes to Renting a Golf Cart on Ambergris Caye
Ask your rental company the best way to reach them if you have an issue or a question. (Again…WhatsApp is very popular in Belize)
Many of the carts on the island spent their younger years on a golf course in Florida or Texas and then were shipping down to Belize and “refurbished”. It’s possible that you may have issues. I find that there is always someone who pulls over to help – and I’m constantly surprised by the number of island residents that are very handy when it comes to quick fixes for your cart.
If you need more assistance, you’ll need to call/text/WhatsApp your rental cart company. Often they will just arrive with a replacement cart for you.
Other tips:
- You must have a valid license to drive a golf cart – and you must have it on you while you are driving. The streets in and around town can be busy – kids, bikes, dogs…drive carefully.
- Remember the number and company of your cart. All carts look the same (to me!) It’s been suggested that you tie a ribbon on the cart to help you recognize it (or ask for the decoration above from Aviz). I have even jumped into another cart and driven it home before I realized IT’S NOT MY CART. (Just another reason to lock it!)
- There are police stops checkpoints sometimes…carry your license with you when driving. You could get a ticket if you don’t have one. Generally $50bzd. Super annoying.
- Always lock your cart when you park it. Always. When parking in town, do not park at red curbs. Sometimes the red is well-worn…but it is still red. You can get a ticket. Again, $50bzd that you’d much rather spend on a round of drinks rather than a parking ticket.
- Kids – OF COURSE – want to try to drive the cart…you are on vacation. But refrain from doing any practice driving close to town or on a busy road. There are big trucks on our roads – and you are in a golf cart! Plus, underage driving is illegal.
- Not to be a debbie-vacation-downer but golf carts do get into accidents – and sometimes – though not often – tip over. Drive carefully!
Kids are drawn to golf carts like moths to a flame – my nephews.
I hope that helps.
Here’s what would probably be the most help – chime in! For those who have been to the island, let me know how you got around or didn’t get around. Let me know your suggestions about renting golf carts on Ambergris Caye.
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We have rented form several different companies, but have settled on Carts Belize.
Not the cheapest but we have never had a problem and the convenience of being across the street from Tropic Air is worth it.
They do have the PRIMO location.
I’ve always used Carts Belize. Mainly because they have good, dependable carts but mostly because they have a lockable storage compartment behind the seat. It’s great for stowing merchandise and personal effects and not having to worry about theft.
That’s a good point. Those “trunks” or even glove boxes are invaluable.
Turn the wheels all the way left or right before locking. Now, lock the cart in that position. Keeps people from picking the cart up and moving it to make a space for themselves.
I’m happy to see there are a few places renting ebikes. Besides being quiet and not burning gas, parking is never a problem. And they ride a lot smoother on bumpy roads than bouncy golf carts…
Just a note, there are no blinkers on a golf cart and we were told we could get a citation for not using hand signals. There are other driving rules in Belize that may also pertain to golf carts as well. Make sure that the company that you rent the cart from goes over the rules of the road with you.
I’ve never heard of getting a ticket for it – but I LIKE it. Makes driving so much easier if you know what the guy in front of you is doing!
It’s SHOCKING (to me) to see just how many people don’t even know the standard universal hand signals. So when you see someone giving hand signals, be aware that they might not do what you think they are going to do. LOL!
We used Aviz and had a great cart and service. They let us leave it at the hotel.
That DOES Make things easy!
I have a few questions I want to ask you about life on Ambergris Caye. Is there a way to contact you privately?
Sure – you can email me at sanpedroscoop at hotmail 🙂
My then-21 year old daughter (who does look young) got pulled over in town because the police thought she was 13! So they are serious about who is driving.
Oh wow! I surprised to hear that but a lil bit glad. I get nervous when I see 9 year olds driving up north!
Apprefiate the recommendation. Will ttry it out. https://lvivforum.Pp.ua/
Thank you! Glad it helped 🙂
No open containers with alcohol it is against the law.
Hi Rebecca. Weirdquestion but do you remember when that first photo, the one with the man in a red shirt in front of the cart rental place, was taken? I think that’s my husband.
When we stayed in San Pedro a few years back, our hotel was about a mile south of downtown. We decided that we would not need a cart, and it worked out fine. We could walk into town, and for the few times it was later in the evening and we did not feel like walking, a taxi served us well. And when we went on a snorkeling tour, the tour operator picked us up at our hotel, either by boat, or their own cart. Loved that San Pedro was so walkable!
We use Carts Belize, not the cheapest but across the street from Tropic Air makes it really easy.
We have gotten to be friends with Harold the manager and they have always taken care of us
Haven’t been back since Christmas 2018, and want to go back so badly,but we stayed at I think it was called Banyan Bay, they supplied us a golf cart, which we used all over the island to Secret Beach and back in the complete opposite direction. Loved our stay there, 10 days was not enough!
ATM has moved across the street from the airport and I highly recommend. Been using them for 10+ years now, and always a good experience.
I’ve always used MK Golf Cart…Mike is great, I email him my dates and he is always there waiting at the airport. In the event I get on an earlier flight from BZE, I just WhatsApp him and again he is there. The carts have always been quality.
We used OneLove Carts. They met us at the Water Taxi with a cart. Then they let us leave it at the airport when we flew out. I do wish they could come up with a way to limit automobile traffic. It can get a bit hairy when it is busy.