There's a question I get often from buyers who play golf — especially those evaluating Mayakoba, Playacar or Puerto Aventuras: how good is the course and how much does it cost to play?
The answer isn't always easy to find. Green fees aren't always published, some course names changed recently and online reviews mix opinions from five years ago with current ones.
This guide compiles verified information as of the first half of 2026: active courses, real green fees, distances from Playa del Carmen and what recent players are saying.
El Camaleón — Mayakoba
El Camaleón is the most recognized golf course on the Riviera Maya and probably the most photogenic. Its 18 holes (par 72) were designed by Greg Norman and are part of the Mayakoba complex — the same ecosystem that includes the Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont and Rosewood.
It's the only course in Mexico to have hosted the PGA Tour, which gives it a different status from the rest. It's located about 15 kilometers north of Playa del Carmen, approximately 15 minutes by car.
Green fees range from US$270 in low season to US$375 in high season, with cart included. The course also operates the Jim McLean Golf Academy and offers equipment rental — including PXG sets, though several players recommend bringing their own clubs given the rental prices.
Recent 2025 and 2026 reviews are consistent: very well-maintained course, friendly staff, first-class experience. The most common criticism is that it's expensive — "beautiful course, overpriced" appears in more than one review. For anyone buying in Mayakoba or Ciudad Mayakoba, that's context worth knowing before assuming you'll play there every weekend.
Gran Coyote Golf Club — Corasol / Grand Coral
Gran Coyote is the golf course for the Corasol and Grand Coral area, on kilometer 294 of the federal highway, about 15 minutes south of downtown Playa del Carmen. Its 18 holes (par 71) were designed by Nick Price.
It's the best value-for-money course among those close to Playa del Carmen. Green fees run around US$175 for 18 holes with cart, practice balls and drinks included. It's open to the general public, not exclusive to development residents.
Recent reviews highlight good maintenance, friendly service and well-kept fairways. It's the most accessible option for regular players who don't want to pay Mayakoba prices every time.
Hard Rock Golf Club — Playacar
The Hard Rock Golf Club is in Playacar Phase II, essentially inside Playa del Carmen — 3 kilometers from the center, about 5 minutes by car. Its 18 holes (par 72) were designed by Robert von Hagge. Previously called The Golf Club at Playacar, it now operates under the Hard Rock Riviera Maya complex.
Green fees are US$250 for 18 holes. A 9-hole twilight option is available for US$180. The clubhouse features a Rock Shop, snack bar, practice facilities and equipment rental.
Recent reviews are mixed. The course is described as beautiful and challenging, with attentive staff and good cart service. The most consistent criticism points to inconsistent or slow greens and a price that several players find hard to justify against the experience. If you live in Playacar or the south end of Playa del Carmen, the location is unbeatable — but it's worth playing before assuming it will be your home course.
Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club — Playa Paraíso
Iberostar Playa Paraíso is an 18-hole par 72 course measuring 6,683 yards, designed by P.B. Dye and operated by Grupo Iberostar. It's located on kilometer 309 of the Cancún-Tulum highway, about 25 kilometers north of Playa del Carmen.
Green fees run around US$299 in high season and US$209 in afternoon time slots, with cart, snacks and unlimited drinks included. PXG and Titleist club rental is available.
The course has hosted international tournaments — including the 2016 World Amateur Championship and qualifying events for the PGA and PGA Latinoamérica. Its layout is demanding: fast greens and deep bunkers.
It's open to the general public and Iberostar resort guests. The main profile is all-inclusive tourists and golfers looking for technical difficulty more than value for money.
PGA Riviera Maya — Akumal / Tulum Country Club
This course has an important detail that many buyers and tourists don't know: it's no longer called Riviera Maya Golf Club or Bahía Príncipe Golf. It now operates commercially as PGA Riviera Maya, within Tulum Country Club, under Grupo Piñero — and it's the only PGA of America-affiliated golf complex in Latin America.
In May 2025 it hosted the Tulum Championship, part of the Korn Ferry Tour — the PGA Tour's developmental circuit. A second edition took place in April 2026. That puts it in a different category of international recognition.
Its main 18 holes (par 72) were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., with an additional 9-hole short course (par 27). Located near Puerto Aventuras and Akumal, about 50-60 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen, approximately 40-50 minutes by car.
Morning green fees in low season run around US$175, with cart, water, towels and 25 practice balls included. Club rental is approximately US$70 additional. Recent reviews are very positive — around 4.3 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. Players praise the deep bunkers, challenging greens and a jungle-framed layout unlike any other course in the region.
Note: although many tourists still know it as "the Bahía Príncipe course," the correct name for bookings and publications is PGA Riviera Maya.
Comparison Table
Course | Approx. Green Fee | Holes | Distance PDC | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
El Camaleón (Mayakoba) | US$270–375 | 18 | 15 km / 15 min north | Public |
Gran Coyote (Corasol) | ~US$175 | 18 | 15 km / 15 min south | Public |
Hard Rock GC (Playacar) | US$250 / twilight US$180 | 18 | 3 km / 5 min | Public |
Iberostar Playa Paraíso | ~US$299 / afternoon US$209 | 18 | 25 km / 25 min north | Public |
PGA Riviera Maya (Akumal) | ~US$175 | 18 + 9 | 50-60 km / 40-50 min south | Public |
What this means if you're buying in the area
Golf courses aren't just an amenity — they're a value and quality-of-life factor for a specific buyer profile. But there are important differences between living near a course and having comfortable, affordable access to it.
In Mayakoba, El Camaleón is literally next to the residential complex — but green fees of US$270 to US$375 aren't for everyday play. In Ciudad Mayakoba, the Mayakoba Country Club has its own 9-hole course designed by Sergio García, with memberships from approximately MXN$14,000 annually, which completely changes the economic equation for regular players.
In Playacar, the Hard Rock Golf Club is right at your doorstep — but the reviews about the greens are a conversation worth having before buying and assuming it will be your main course.
In Puerto Aventuras, the Golf & Racquet Club's 9-hole course is part of the development and operates with memberships from MXN$14,000 annually — very different from paying a green fee every time.
If golf is an important part of your buying decision, the question isn't just "is there a course nearby?" but "can I play there as often as I want, at a cost that makes sense for me?"
We're happy to work through that part of the equation when you're evaluating a specific area.
Sources: official course websites · TripAdvisor · verified reviews 2025-2026. Green fees are approximate and may vary by season. We recommend confirming directly before booking.
Nat Vázquez
Real Estate Advisor · Reference Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
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