Playing the Best Golf Courses in Cancun and Riviera Maya

What are the top golf courses in Cancun and Riviera Maya?

El Camaleón — Located in Mayakoba in the Mayakoba Resort area, El Camaleón is a Greg Norman-designed course. In 2007, it hosted the first PGA Tour event outside the United States and Canada. It has two ocean holes with views of the Caribbean sea and Cozumel Island. It’s surrounded by jungle, mangrove wetlands and beach. Situated between four top resorts.

Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya — If you want a challenging course, the Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya will give you that challenge. The common theme with all the courses in Cancun and Riviera Maya will be the views and the nature that surrounds it.

PGA Riviera Maya — Anywhere there is a Robert Trent Jones II team-designed course, you should play it. PGA Riviera Maya is nestled between the Mayan jungle, natural lakes and cenotes. There are 27 holes, an 18-hole course and a Par 3 nine-hole course. You could fit all 27 holes into a day of golf. Why the PGA Riviera Maya is special? In 2019, it partnered with PGA of America, where it guaranteed the quality of course maintenance and services. If you want to hone in on your game, there is also a PGA Academy.

Iberostar Playa Paraiso Resort and Golf Club – P.B. Dye is another course designer that when you see the name on the course, you must play it. The club has hosted many events. It’s all about the views for Cancun and Rivera Maya golf courses.

Where to stay when you want to play the best golf courses in Cancun and Riviera Maya?

If you want ultra-luxury:

• Rosewood Mayakoba – One of my favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed at.

• Fairmont Mayakoba

All-inclusive:

• Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya (if you are bringing the family) – The Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya does have adults-only sections of the resort, but it won't be kid-free.

• JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar (adults only) – There are a few options for where to stay near.

• Iberostar Playa Paraiso Resort and Golf Club - There are about five options. If you want adults-only for an all-inclusive experience, I recommend JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar. If you need an option for the whole family, then I recommend Iberostar Waves Paraiso Beach.

How do I get around to the other courses in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area?

Pick a home base, then each of the golf courses will offer transportation, some are no charge, some have a nominal fee, such as $20 USD, where the golf course will provide the transport to and from the golf course.

What is typically included in a round of golf in Cancun and Riviera Maya?

Most will include range balls for practicing, green fees and cart fees, in a single price per round of golf. At the all-inclusive resorts, the green fees may include alcohol, food and drinks.

Is there unlimited golf in Cancun and Rivera Maya?

Some of the all-inclusive courses will have an unlimited golf green fee package. Where a single price will cover green fees for a certain number of days versus paying the daily rate for a round of golf.

How can I guarantee a tee time?

Staying at a resort with a golf course, has its advantages. They usually will allow you to reserve a tee time up to 60 days ahead or at the time of booking your resort. These vary from golf course to golf course.

How much time should I plan to play the Cancun and Riviera Maya Best Golf Courses?

One round of golf a day at the best golf courses in Cancun and Riviera Maya should be sufficient. So to play four rounds, you would need at least four days or a four-day stay at a resort.

If you are ready to plan a golf trip to Cancun and Riviera Maya to play the best courses, contact me to assist with planning. I’ll take care of everything from the transfers to accommodation to tee times.

Saffron - Authentic Thai food located in the Banyan Tree Mayakoba

La Ceiba — Only available to those staying at the Rosewood Mayakoba. This is definitely an experience. Dining outdoors in the Rosewood Mayakoba garden with a front-and-center view of the chefs preparing your meal.