Island Essential - The Iconic Golf Cart

Ambergris Caye is best explored by golf cart. While personal vehicles and taxis have increased in number, golf carts remain standard due to their compact size and ease of use.

Golf Cart History

At some point in your life, you may have heard of, seen, or even driven a Golf cart. What is a golf cart? A golf cart is a small, low-speed vehicle designed to transport golfers and their golf clubs around a golf course with minimal effort. A true golf cart originally referred to a non-motorized, manually pulled cart used strictly for carrying a golf bag. [1, 2]

For our purposes, we are referring to non-golf golf carts. They are typically small. Smaller than most cars. They are simple. And they are essential for getting around on Ambergris Caye in Belize.

Golf carts were first introduced to Ambergris Caye in the late 1980s. Before then, locals primarily relied on walking, bicycles, and boats to travel across the island. However, a rapid boom in tourism during the late 1980s and early 1990s created an urgent need for an efficient way to navigate San Pedro's small, sandy roads. Because traditional cars and large vehicles were impractical and threatened the island's eco-friendly, laid-back atmosphere, compact golf carts emerged as the ideal solution. [1, 3, 4]

Today, over 5,000 golf carts operate as the primary mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. (A Closer Look at Golf Cart Permits and A Casino Operation in San Pedro, 2024) It’s as true today as it was 30 years ago: golf carts are the ideal transportation to navigate the narrow and sometimes bumpy roads that curve or end without notice. Whether you're getting to places like Secret Beach or downtown San Pedro, or just cruising for street tacos and fresh fruit, golf carts are a must.

Golf cart basics

These are basic machines that require a valid driver's license to rent and operate. They have four wheels controlled by a steering wheel. Similar to a car, but these lack power steering. They have lights that are either on or off. You toggle a switch up to turn the lights on, down to turn them off. They have an acrylic windshield that can be raised or lowered. Again, you adjust your position by manually raising it and securing it to the small rubber holders, or by pulling it out of the holders to fold it down. During the dry season (December – May), it’s nice to have it up to keep the dust and debris out of your face and eyes. However, it also blocks the wind that can help cool you down. There are no windshield wipers on them, but it’s rare for rain to get on the front because the hard plastic roof overhangs by a few inches around the cart.

The carts sometimes, but rarely, have turn signals or blinkers, so you have to either use your hands (left arm straight out to the left for left turns, left arm at a 90-degree angle for right turns- think cycling). Most locals do not signal at all, and as you get used to driving in the cart chaos, it’s common not to. Most carts do not have horns, and most drivers are not in a hurry, so you don’t have to worry about road rage on Ambergris Caye. Everyone is happy to be there, in the sun and laid back.

About the only drivers you have to look out for are the taxis. Like in most bustling cities, they are in a hurry. They will go around you, get mad at you for parking in their spaces, and will, occasionally, honk if you are blocking them.

Types

The popular two-seater, seating four with two forward and two backward, is ideal for two people. For more luggage or people, choose a larger cart: two forward in front, two forward in the middle, and two backward. This larger option suits groups traveling together.

With many different options for renting a golf cart, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Most golf cart rental companies offer a variety of well-maintained golf carts and excellent service to fit your needs.

Third-party golf cart companies

These are our favorites.

OJ Golf Carts, run by a husband-and-wife team, makes rentals easy so you can start your vacation quickly. Their newer, regularly serviced carts and attentive care make them the go-to south of San Pedro and the airport, ideal for those heading to Ramons, Mahogany Bay, or South. If you're celebrating, they'll decorate your cart.

https://www.ojgolfcarts.com/

J and H, a family business downtown, is a good choice for travelers heading North. They are one of the few companies offering online booking for a simple process.

https://sanpedrocartrentals.com/

Less common, newer solar electric golf carts are more comfortable and quieter.  They come in standard 4- and 6-seaters, as well as a 4-seater with all passengers facing forward. These are limited in most fleets but can be found at Mahogany Bay, outside the General Store across from the Hilton Hotel.

https://www.wheelsbelize.com/

Resort golf carts

Don’t want to hassle with the golf cart? No problem. Many places offer on-site rentals or handle golf cart bookings through their concierge. Booking with BelaDia, there is no added charge for this concierge service.

Grand Caribe provides Caribeville golf carts for rent through the concierge. Rentals include free fuel, roadside assistance, and a bridge pass for exploring north of the island. [1]

https://www.grandcaribebelize.com/belize-adventure-tours

No matter where you rent your golf cart, be sure to adhere to these guidelines to keep you, your passengers, and your cart happy.

Golf cart guidelines

First, Golf carts are not cars; they lack power steering or brakes, and most have no blinkers. They're open-air, except for a small acrylic shield for dust protection. Speed humps and drainage ditches are everywhere. There is ongoing road construction to address these hazards, but most roads still have these features, so use speed humps to slow down. Speaking of speed humps, they are serious and everywhere. They are there for your safety, but if you hit one going too fast or don’t brake, you can hit your head on the roof. If you're solo, you can go a bit faster. Driving with passengers, however, slower is safer and much more comfortable, especially for those facing backward.

Second, while theft is rare, it can happen—lock your golf cart and keep your belongings with you. Every cart comes with a locking bar (installed on the back of the front seat) and a lock with a key. Unlike the keys, the locks are not typically labeled and can easily be lost. Keep it in the cart when not in use. With the old-school padlocks, flip them so the keyhole faces up. This makes removal easier when you return, especially at night.

Third, all carts look similar. (Unless you have had your cart decorated for a special occassion) Note your cart's number, color, and company so you can find it easily. Rental companies provide labeled keys (e.g., B-1, A-2) to help you identify yours.

Fourth, there are very few street signs indicating what street you are on or which way the traffic flows. Even though Google Maps will show you the name of the streets, you will be hard-pressed to locate them while driving. There are mainly stop signs. But even these are a suggestion. Stay diligent and defensive while driving in town. Navigation can be confusing, so count turns or use landmarks as locals do. For your first trip, use directions; Google generally works. Stay flexible, watch for your destination, and don't hesitate to U-turn. NOTE:  In downtown San Pedro, check the cart direction for one-way streets.

PARKING: Be careful where you park. Do not park in the red areas; you will get ticketed.

Fifth, have fun! Part of the attraction of being on Ambergris Caye in Belize is experiencing something new. Even if you drive a golf cart at home or have driven one before, it’s all part of the vibe of the island. It’s fun; you feel the sun on your skin, hear the vibrant culture around you, and smell the delicious food. It's visceral.

Sixth, gas golf carts usually have a full tank at pickup. Confirm this with the person delivering it, as you may need to refill before drop-off. The gas tank is below the seat and is accessed by flipping it up. Four main gas stations on Ambergris Caye serve cars and golf carts.

Fuel costs about $11.27 BZD (~$5.60 USD) per gallon. (San Pedranos Struggle with Rising Fuel Costs, 2026)

LOCATIONS

• Downtown San Pedro: Gas Tom's Service Station is centrally located near Caribeña St.

• South of Town: Southern Gas Station sits at the intersection of Sea Grape Drive and Blake St.

• North of the Bridge: Gas & Go provides quick access to fuel just across the bridge in the San Mateo area.

• Secret Beach Road: The Ambergris Caye North Gas Station is located right by the Secret Beach junction, about 4 miles north of town.

Golf cart tips (funsies)

• Lay a towel on the seats; it keeps them cool in the hot sun.

• Bring a portable (magnetic is perfect) speaker to listen to music. (Take it with you when you park)

• Bring a couple of bungee cords to keep coolers, backpacks, and other items from blowing away.

• Bring a medium (not large-they don't fit or fall out) size insulated cup for water.