It’s one of the first questions guests ask us: do we need a rental car, or is a golf cart enough? The honest answer depends on what your week looks like. Here’s how we think about it, living and working in Playa Flamingo.
If you’re staying in Flamingo, Potrero or Brasilito and mostly want beaches, restaurants and sunsets, a golf cart is enough. If you plan several day trips inland or to farther towns, a car makes sense, and some groups have both.
When a golf cart is all you need
Flamingo, Potrero and Brasilito sit along the same short stretch of coast, a few minutes apart. Everything most people do on a beach week is in that range: the beaches, the marina, restaurants, groceries and sunset spots.
- You’re here mainly for the beach and good food
- Tours pick you up, or leave from Flamingo’s marina
- You’d rather not drive a car on unfamiliar roads
- You want everyone to enjoy dinner without a designated driver
When a rental car makes more sense
A car earns its place when you want to range farther. Day trips to Rincón de la Vieja, Tamarindo, the waterfalls inland or the beaches up near Playas del Coco are much easier in a car. Most rental carts are street legal, but they’re built for short trips, not long highway stretches, and range varies a lot from cart to cart.
- Several day trips inland or along the coast
- You’re staying somewhere remote, up a steep hill or down a long dirt road
- You’re here for weeks and plan to explore widely
Can you have both?
Plenty of groups do. A cart for the daily beach and dinner runs, and a car for the two or three days you go farther. Another option is a cart for the week and a driver or shuttle for one big day out. That way nobody has to drive the long stretch.
Most boat tours, dives and fishing trips leave right from Flamingo’s marina, and many land tours include pickup. A lot of guests who rented a car for tours find they barely used it.
What about getting here from the airport?
A golf cart won’t get you from Liberia airport to Flamingo. Most guests take a private ride from the airport and have the cart waiting at their rental. Our team at Stay With Colibri can set up airport rides for you.
The quick comparison
- Golf cart: delivered to your door, open air, easy parking, electric, best within Flamingo, Potrero and Brasilito.
- Rental car: pick up at the airport, covers long distances and inland trips, needs parking and a sober driver.
- Both: the most flexible if your week mixes beach days with a few big trips.
Still choosing where to stay? A base in Flamingo, Potrero or Brasilito makes a cart-only week easy. Our homes in Flamingo and Potrero are on Stay With Colibri. If you’re still not sure about wheels, send us your plans and we’ll tell you what we’d do.
Questions
Quick answers
Is a golf cart enough for a week in Playa Flamingo?
For most beach weeks, yes. It covers Flamingo, Potrero and Brasilito easily.
Can I drive a golf cart to Tamarindo?
It’s a long ride for a cart, and range varies a lot between carts. Most people take a car or shuttle for a day in Tamarindo.
Can I get a golf cart at the airport?
No. Carts are delivered to your rental. Book an airport ride to get to Flamingo.
Do tours pick you up?
Many land tours include pickup, and most boat tours leave from Flamingo’s marina. See Roam With Colibri for tours we recommend.
Want a cart for your trip?
Send us your dates and where you’re staying. We’ll match you with the right partner and confirm delivery.
Atlas
More golf cart guides
Renting a golf cart in Playa Flamingo: how it works
Delivery, minimums, seats, charging and what to expect on day one.
Read the guide
Driving a golf cart on the Gold Coast: local tips
Dirt roads, rainy season, night driving, parking and charging.
Read the guide