Any update on the progress on the roads in the park? We are coming the first part of Feb and the park was something we enjoyed immensely last trip and want to show those of our party that haven't visited yet. Also, I have seen posts saying pickups only, is this the case? Our last trip we made it through in a ratty little minivan with no problems.

Here's a note from Fernando, the Washington Park Manager:

The short route is open, yet only to vehicles with high clearance, like vans, pick ups and jeeps. 4x4 is not necessary. However the progress depends on the possible rain that may still fall, so it is hard to tell what it will be like in February, since we depend on dry sunny days for the repairs.

Sorry for the inconvinience

Fernando Simal
Park Manager WSNP

Thanks for the response. We did the short loop last trip and got in a couple of dives, lunch, sightseeing, snorkeling, and a few other things and had just enough time to get back out. I would just hate to have to rush to cover more ground, this is a laid back vacation after all.

Did short route in a pickup last October. There were 2 or 3 spots on steep inclines where the ruts were big enough to swallow a van or car tire. I wouldn't try it without something with large diameter wheels. 2 or 4 wheel drive doesn't matter as much as your wheel diameter. Lots of mud holes in October as well.

Hi Bob;

My husband and I just returned from Bonaire. We went to the Hertz office at Divi Flamingo to rent a car for a couple of days. We specified we wanted to drive in the park, and they explained that from their vehicle options we had to rent either a jeep (no a/c) or extended-cab pickup truck (a/c).

We chose to rent the 2004 Chevvy S10 model pickup truck (note: manual transmission) and went to the park on 2 different days. Wednesday 12/15, we took the short route (long north shore route was closed). Friday 12/17, the long north shore route was open, so we took that route.

Both days were beautiful sunny days, and the roads were in decent condition - some "interesting" rutted sections, a few good puddles, and a section with a surprisingly deep dip into water. Bouncy, but very fun :} I hope you get to take the long route!

p.s. I was driving, hubby was bouncing, and iguanas were dodging. I was happy to have thick pickup truck tires when we were on the northern shore route taking the side-trips to a couple of the landmarks.

Thanks for the info, Bridget. One other question, do those 4 door pickups have a bench seat or buckets in front? We have a party of 6 and have requested a van but was reserved a pickup. We don't mind being close but would like to be sitting upright. Our last trip to Culebra, same six people, we had a small suv and we had to draw straws for every excursion to see who would sit in the back.

I'm just still impressed that it was a 2004 pick up! LOL!

Hi Bob! The 4-door pickup that we rented had 2 bucket seats in front (with a long manual shift lever in between), and a bench seat in back... I'd give a call to see whether your pickup is automatic with a bench seat in front or whether they really plan to give you a van... oh man I'd hate to draw the short straw and sit in the bed of the truck for the bumpy ride around the park LOL!

Hi Kelly! I was absolutely thrilled - it was like xmas early LOL And in the split second that we learned it was manual, my husband and I knew that I'd be the one doing the fun driving through the park :} LOL

Bob, all of the pickups that we have rented have been older models and had bench seats (no buckets). Check with your resort or with the car rental place. Andy