Ambergris Caye — Belize
Golf Cart Rentals
in San Pedro
Golf carts are the primary way to get around Ambergris Caye — here's what to know before you rent one.
Full Ambergris Caye Guide →beExploring / Ambergris Caye
Overview
There are almost no regular cars on Ambergris Caye — golf carts are the primary form of transportation, and renting one is standard practice for most visitors staying more than a couple of days. San Pedro town itself is compact and walkable, but a cart opens up the rest of the island: Secret Beach, the quieter north and south stretches, and restaurants beyond downtown.
This guide covers cost, requirements, and what to know about driving on the island before you rent.
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Quick Picks
Standard rental
4-seat gas cart, ~$60–80 USD/day
For groups
6-seat cart, ~$90–130 USD/day
When to book
A day or two ahead — earlier in the dry season (Dec–Apr)
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Renting a Cart
Cost
Standard 4-seat carts run roughly $60–80 USD per day; larger 6-seat carts run $90–130 USD per day. Multi-day rentals usually bring the daily rate down. Expect a refundable security deposit, often held on a credit card.
Requirements
A valid driver's license from your home country is required — international visitors generally do not need a special permit. Most rental shops require the renter to be at least 21.
Gas vs. Electric
Both gas and electric carts are available. Gas carts have more range and are the standard choice for a full day of exploring; electric carts are quieter and fine for shorter trips around San Pedro town.
Booking
Rental shops cluster in San Pedro town near the main strip. Reserve a day or two ahead in the dry season (December–April) — carts sell out during peak weeks, especially around holidays.
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Driving the Island
San Pedro Town
The town center is compact and walkable, with sandy streets and plenty of foot and cart traffic — go slowly. Some of the narrower downtown streets can be one-way; watch local traffic patterns rather than assuming.
North Island
North of San Pedro, across the river cut, is reached by a small hand-cranked ferry or the San Pedro–Boca del Rio bridge. This side is quieter, with more upscale resorts, and worth a slow drive if you have a cart for more than a day.
South Island & Secret Beach
South of town mixes local neighborhoods and restaurants. The road to Secret Beach on the west side is rougher and unpaved in sections — take it slow, especially after rain.
Night Driving
Confirm your cart has working headlights and taillights before you leave the lot, and test them before dark. Street lighting is minimal outside the town center, and sandy roads are harder to read at night.
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Tips for Renting
Photograph the cart with the rental agent present before driving off — front, back, and both sides. It documents existing scratches or dents and avoids disputes over the deposit at return.
Book ahead in the dry season (December–April). Carts sell out during peak weeks, and last-minute rentals can mean paying more or waiting for a return.
Ask where the nearest gas station is before you leave. It's a smaller island — running low on a gas cart farther from town is more of an inconvenience than it would be with a car.
Expect standing water and sandy ruts after rain, especially on the Secret Beach road and other unpaved stretches. Slow down rather than trying to power through.
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Common Mistakes
Skipping the pre-rental photo walkaround. Existing damage not documented at pickup can turn into a deposit dispute at drop-off.
Waiting until arrival to book during peak season. Popular rental shops run out of carts during holiday weeks and busy dry-season stretches.
Driving unfamiliar sandy roads after dark without confirming your lights work. Street lighting outside town is minimal.
Not asking what the deposit covers or how it is refunded. Terms vary by rental shop — confirm before you sign anything.
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