By Susan Osenkowski (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Thursday, October 6, 2005 - 1:44 pm: |
Hi - we are hikers and explorers and hope to do the park while we are on Bonaire in March. We aren't divers and don't really need a big truck. Hertz has a 4WD Suzuki Jimmy. Will this have enough clearance for the roads in the park?
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By Nathalie (BonaireTalker - Post #99) on Thursday, October 6, 2005 - 3:30 pm: |
Best to email the Hertz people on Bonaire and ask. The rental companies specify which vehicles can and cannot be driven into Washington Park. You don't necessarily even need a 4 wheel drive. I know from experience that the less expensive rental vans do fine in the park. Have fun!
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By Larry Gross (BonaireTalker - Post #32) on Thursday, October 6, 2005 - 3:56 pm: |
The Suzuki is fine. On the other hand, I have never found a car that won't go through park, and over the years I have rented every cheap model offered on Bonaire, starting 20+ years ago with a glorified golf cart whose name escapes me at the moment. No one ever checks on what you take into the park.
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By J Rushman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #117) on Friday, October 7, 2005 - 1:52 am: |
Larry writes "... with a glorified golf cart whose name escapes me...".
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By Michèle Knuf (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Friday, October 7, 2005 - 8:14 am: |
I used to work at Hertz and we would actually recommend the Jimny over the trucks, with all the sharp turns etc. it's easier to tour with the jeep.
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By Larry Gross (BonaireTalker - Post #33) on Friday, October 7, 2005 - 9:30 am: |
Finally came to me: it was a Mini Moke, about 1983, at the Bonaire Beach Hotel. Tires the size of a golf cart's, canvas roof, no doors - which made sunburn a constant concern, but otherwise it navigated the island (over and over) just fine. I think that was the last year they were available.
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By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #219) on Monday, October 10, 2005 - 6:18 pm: |
Larry
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By Nathalie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #103) on Monday, October 10, 2005 - 6:50 pm: |
I think the condition of the roads and what vehicles are allowed in varies depending on the season. During the rainy season the roads can get in bad condition. During the rest of the year I think they're likely to be in good condition.
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By Larry Gross (BonaireTalker - Post #34) on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 2:25 pm: |
Wow, cars banned in park. Takes the fun out of making it through in some unsuitable vehicle. Comes from my mis-spent youth on dirt roads, I guess. Good reminder about the cactus spines, which will puncture most tires.
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By Carole B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5288) on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 - 6:10 pm: |
The Park took a huge hit after all the heavy rains last fall/winter/spring. It was the roughest (but most fun!) ride we had experienced in six trips. We had a high clearance four wheeler, too. I can't imagine a regular car making it through those conditions. Carole
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By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #228) on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 6:06 pm: |
they rarely close the park because of bad roads. so what happens is that people can get thru with jeeps and trucks...then the roads eventually dry up and what's left are crater sized ruts. makes for an exciting drive. it would be hard in a car and doable but uncomfortable in a toaster van where you're sitting right over the front wheels.
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By Cheryl Ferguson (BonaireTalker - Post #60) on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 10:20 am: |
If one needs a truck to go through the park, are there any 'tours' that go there? If so feedback on one's experience would be appreciated. Thanks, Cheryl
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By monique van berge henegouwen (BonaireTalker - Post #37) on Sunday, January 1, 2006 - 4:28 am: |
Cheryl, I know "Outdoor Bonaire" does all kinds of trips from 2 till max. 6 people
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By Cheryl Ferguson (BonaireTalker - Post #66) on Monday, January 2, 2006 - 12:15 pm: |
Thank you Monique, I'll look into this.
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By Cheryl Ferguson (BonaireTalker - Post #79) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 1:33 am: |
If we do rent a truck to go thru the park we will need one that handles the pot holes without too much bouncing around (had neck fusion)and would really need to be extra careful .......what vehicle would accommodate this need and where can it be rented? Would tour bus be better for us? Thank in advance. Cheryl
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By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #569) on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 - 11:22 am: |
cheryl, i would recommend a pickup truck. if you rent a van you'll be sitting right over the front wheels and will feel every bump. jeeps have too short a wheelbase and can give a rougher ride. a truck is ok tho...just take it slow and keep the wheels on the ground instead of airborne. sometimes you just can't drive around the ruts and holes so you slow down and go thru them.
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