Golf Cart, Scooter or Car on a Bonaire Cruise Day? An Honest Comparison
On cruise days, you'll see them everywhere in Kralendijk: colorful golf carts full of happy passengers. They look like a lot of fun, and they are. But are they the best way to see Bonaire in one day? We rent cars, so we're not neutral. That's exactly why we'll be honest about when a golf cart is the better choice.
Golf cart: fun for short distances
Golf carts on Bonaire are mostly electric, with room for four people (some fit six). Daily rates start around $45 to $50.
Good to know:
- Range: most electric golf carts go about 40 to 60 km on a full charge. That's enough for town and a loop through the south, but tight if you also want to head north.
- Roads: golf carts are not allowed on the main highway outside Kralendijk, and they can't enter Washington Slagbaai National Park. Ask the rental company which routes you can take.
- Comfort: open sides and a breeze, but no air conditioning and little protection from the midday sun.
- Availability: golf carts near the pier are often booked months in advance on busy cruise days.
Best for: a relaxed day in and around Kralendijk and the south, with two to four people.
Scooter: cheap, but hot
Scooters are the cheapest option and easy to park. But you're fully exposed to the sun and the wind, there's no room for snorkel gear or a cooler, and you need to be comfortable riding on unfamiliar roads with goats and donkeys around.
Best for: experienced riders traveling light, for short trips.
Car: the most freedom
A car takes you anywhere on paved roads, with air conditioning, room for everyone and space for beach gear. With a Jeep, you can even take the dirt roads to the wild east coast.
- Range: no worries. You can drive the whole island.
- Roads: every paved road. Our Jeep Wrangler can also go on rough dirt roads and into Washington Slagbaai.
- Comfort: air conditioning, shade, and a place to keep your stuff out of the sun.
- Price: from $[X] per day for our RAV4, $[X] for the 7-seat Trailblazer and $[X] for the Jeep. Split over four to seven people, that's often less per person than a golf cart.
Best for: groups and families, anyone who wants to see more than the south, or who wants to snorkel at the spots further north like 1000 Steps.
Quick comparison
| Golf cart | Scooter | Car (Spare Keys) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 (some 6) | 1–2 | 5, 7 or 4–5 (Jeep) |
| Range | about 40–60 km | full island | full island |
| Main highway outside town | no | yes | yes |
| Washington Slagbaai | no | no | Jeep only |
| Air conditioning | no | no | yes |
| Room for cooler and snorkel gear | a little | no | yes |
Our honest advice
Two people who only want to see town and the salt pans? A golf cart is great fun. Three or more people, a hot day, or plans to snorkel, see the flamingos at Gotomeer, or drive the east coast? Take a car. With our cruise day rental, Lynden meets you at the pier, and you can add a big cooler box with ice and snorkel sets.
Read Bonaire cruise port guide for all your options, or plan your route with One day on Bonaire by car.
FAQ
Do I need a driver's license for a golf cart on Bonaire?
Yes, you need a valid driver's license to rent and drive a golf cart, just like for a car.
Can you drive a golf cart around the whole island?
Usually not. With a range of about 40 to 60 km and restrictions on the main highway outside Kralendijk, golf carts are best for town and the south.
Is a car more expensive than a golf cart?
Per vehicle, a car can cost a bit more. Per person, a car is often cheaper for groups of four or more, especially our 7-seat Trailblazer.
Can I take a golf cart into Washington Slagbaai National Park?
No. Golf carts are not allowed in the park. You need a high car like our Jeep Wrangler.