Some thoughts about golf cart rental

[Pepperwood]

We recently rented a golf cart in Bonaire, and really enjoyed the day. We did the southern loop (salt flats and flamingo reserve), and were constantly stopping for photos. We also pulled into Sorobon Beach and had a burger and beer at one of the beach bars. Because we dawdled, once we got back to Kralendijk, we didn't have time to do the complete northern loop -- we got as far north as 1000 Steps Beach, then turned around and headed back into town.

 

It was  a great day for us, but at the dinner table that night, several other couples were not as happy. Many had found the day to be long and tedious. So we would offer these thoughts, if you are considering a golf cart rental:

• Are you a destination-based person? You see an interesting point of interest on the map, you want to get to it, take a look, then head to the next point of interest? It's not so much the "where you are" as the "point of interest"? 
• When you're driving, do you dislike being passed by other vehicles?
• If the landscape isn't varied, you like to get through it as fast as possible?

 

If you said yes to several of the above, the golf cart may not be for you. It is slow (15 mph), which means it takes a long time to get places. The landscape changes very slowly -- you see things in the distance for a long time before you get to them. And you will be constantly passed by other vehicles. If this does not sound like your cup of tea, you may be better off on a tour or renting a car.

 

If you like puttering along, like to immerse yourself in the lansdscape and have someone in the cart who you like to talk with, you'll probably have as good a time as we did.

 

A couple of suggestions:

• The trade winds sweeping across the flat southern part of Bonaire are nearly gale-force, so floppy or wide-brimmed hats are less than ideal. Wear a baseball cap instead.
• Because you are moving in the same direction for several hours at a time, the sun will beat down on the shoulder, arm and leg of the person on the sunward side of the cart -- apply lots of sunscreen and reapply as needed. Once you turn around and head back to Kralendyjk, the same then applies for the other person now sitting in the sun. 

[Ronaldo807]

Do the carts have some sort of storage area? Do you have any recollection in regards to the cost of your lunch?

 

It's interesting that you say you get passed a lot as Debbie (Bonaire Cruisers) made it seem as if there is very little traffic.

[Pepperwood]

12 minutes ago, Ronaldo807 said:

Do the carts have some sort of storage area? Do you have any recollection in regards to the cost of your lunch?

 

It's interesting that you say you get passed a lot as Debbie (Bonaire Cruisers) made it seem as if there is very little traffic.

It's a standard golf cart: there's a wire basket behind the seats that can hold two daypacks. There are two small cubbies in the dashboard big enough for a camera or pair of binoculars. And of course there is a step or shelf on the back of the cart with a bracket and strap designed to hold two sets of golf clubs. So not a whole bunch of storage.

 

Our sandwiches and beers at the beach bar cost $20. Can't remember which bar it was, there were several. Someone at our table said the restaurant called Foodies, about a mile past the turn off for Sorobon Beach, was quite good but a bit on the pricey side.

 

There was a fair amount of traffic in Kralendijk, and on the road south to the airport. Once past the airport, it thinned out quite a bit. Once past the salt flats, it was just us.

[potsie57]

Even though a golf cart sounds fun we rented a car from Hertz and drove the north and south routes, saw the interior and any where else we wanted to go.  Plus renting a car was half the price of a golf cart.  Just something to think about.

[suzyed]

On 2/6/2019 at 7:28 PM, potsie57 said:

Even though a golf cart sounds fun we rented a car from Hertz and drove the north and south routes, saw the interior and any where else we wanted to go.  Plus renting a car was half the price of a golf cart.  Just something to think about.

Did you rent in advance or day of?  How much was the rental?
Thanks!

[Pepperwood]

5 hours ago, suzyed said:

Did you rent in advance or day of?  How much was the rental?
Thanks!

We booked in advance via email, and paid when we arrived, $95. They will hold your booking until 2 hrs after your ship arrives in port.

[potsie57]

On 2/8/2019 at 10:42 AM, suzyed said:

Did you rent in advance or day of?  How much was the rental?
Thanks!

Yes, we rented in advance from Hertz.com.  We paid about 60.00 with insurance.  Good company and car was new.  We walked from the cruise port it was about 15 minutes to Flamingo Divi resort.  Just ask someone when you get off the ship and they will point you in the right direction.  Have fun...