Golf cart vs rental car

[Builder31]

We recently visited Bonaire and were trying to decide whether to rent a golf cart or a car. We ended up renting a car and am very glad we did. I thought I would share some thoughts for anyone trying to decide.

 

We had 5 in our group so would have needed 2 carts for a total cost of $200. The suv we rented fit all 5 of us comfortably and only cost $67 so it was quite a bit cheaper. We wanted to see most of the island, and I really don’t see how it would have been possible in a golf cart. We passed many golf carts going much much slower than we were traveling. The roads were not busy and it was easy to stop and pullover wherever looked like an interesting spot. If you are just going to 1 side of the island a golf cart would probably suffice. But we wanted to see as much as we could, and it was the way to go IMO.

 

It was also a hot day and my kids were happy to be able to get into an air conditioned car after each stop. Toward the afternoon many of the people we passed in carts looked fairly miserable. On a cooler day I’m sure it would have been better for them. It was also nice to have a secure spot to lock our stuff when we stopped st Lac Bay, 1000 steps, etc.

 

We rented from Hertz and were able to make reservations online through the regular Hertz website. Avis would not accept reservations, but said to call once there to check availability.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are 2 Hertz locations. One is located in the Flamingo Divi Resort which is less than a 10 minute walk from the ship. But once there I realized my reservation was for the location at the airport. However the woman was very helpful and she had them deliver the car to the Flamingo Divi location in 5 minutes and we were on our way.

 

They had a good map and driving around the island was very easy. I really don’t think we could have gotten lost. I think the entire island could be driven around in 1-1.5 hours without stops. But with stops at all the interesting spots for snorkeling etc, we took around 4.5 hours.

 

We loved Bonaire and can’t wait to go back. Hope this helps.

 

 

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[Radcruiser68]

Thanks. That’s helpful. We will be there in jan of 2020. Already starting to plan!

 

 

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[Lola2016]

We visit Bonaire 4 times, first time we did a bus-tour, second time a rental car. Last two visits we used a golf cart and boy did we love it. It’s so much different as in a rental car, feel the breeze the smell of the sea, your so much closer to nature as in a air conditioned car, you hear the birds see the iguanas.We love to snorkel you just hop off snorkel hop in and drive to the next stop! So easy and enjoyable! We love Bonaire Cruisers, the golf carts and service given from the staff. We can only recommend it to everyone!

 

 

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Edited April 22, 2018 by Lola2016

[MACE]

We visit Bonaire 4 times, first time we did a bus-tour, second time a rental car. Last two visits we used a golf cart and boy did we love it. It’s so much different as in a rental car, feel the breeze the smell of the sea, your so much closer to nature as in a air conditioned car, you hear the birds see the iguanas.We love to snorkel you just hop off snorkel hop in and drive to the next stop! So easy and enjoyable! We love Bonaire Cruisers, the golf carts and service given from the staff. We can only recommend it to everyone!

 

 

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How much is it to rent a Golf Cart for the day?

 

Just 2 of us, we're in port from 7-5PM, and how far is the rental place from where the cruise ships (Royal Caribbean) dock? Will they pick you up or if not, how much is the taxi?

 

Thanks in advance!

[wheezedr]

How much is it to rent a Golf Cart for the day?

 

Just 2 of us, we're in port from 7-5PM, and how far is the rental place from where the cruise ships (Royal Caribbean) dock? Will they pick you up or if not, how much is the taxi?

 

Thanks in advance!

Was $90 for the day including all fees. You walk about 2-3 blocks to the rental office. There will be someone at the dock area to direct you.

[MACE]

Was $90 for the day including all fees. You walk about 2-3 blocks to the rental office. There will be someone at the dock area to direct you.

 

Thanks, we've already reserved a JEEP for Aruba and getting a Golf Cart for Bonaire looks like a cool little adventure to tour the Island.

[wheezedr]

Thanks, we've already reserved a JEEP for Aruba and getting a Golf Cart for Bonaire looks like a cool little adventure to tour the Island.

 

 

 

Just be aware they govern the speed but we managed to do both ends of the island including a stop at the distillery and some photo stops. We did not do a beach stay. One thing is do not leave anything in the cart even if a short stop.

 

 

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[MACE]

Just be aware they govern the speed but we managed to do both ends of the island including a stop at the distillery and some photo stops. We did not do a beach stay. One thing is do not leave anything in the cart even if a short stop.

 

 

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Thanks for the info.

 

We rented a mini-moke in Grenada and the same thing applied.

[MACE]

Bonaire Cruisers emailed me this morning they're sold out for the date we're in Port, checking with a couple of other Golf Cart Rental businesses.

 

We like the idea of the open air aspect of exploring Bonaire, soaking in the breezes, smells, sights and sound.

[caral2004]

I just did my golf kart reservation :) did you do a tour of the Island ? do we have time ? How much time it takes if you only do short stop ?

[MACE]

We were unable to rent a Golf Cart, all rental agencies sold out that day.

 

There were another ship in Port that Day, very hard to get a private taxi. We had a price quote on a car rental, but the day in port, they jacked up the price double for a lower level car.

 

We (aka my Daughter, lol) did some shopping then spent some time at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino