La Iguana Golf Course
Experience a challenging golf course with breathtaking ocean views and abundant wildlife, including iguanas and sloths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
La Iguana Golf Course
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a challenging golf course with breathtaking ocean views and abundant wildlife, including iguanas and sloths.
"Every hole had a stunning view, and everything was well-maintained. I’d absolutely play here again."
Bring extra golf balls ⛳
The jungle on the front 9 is unforgiving. You'll likely lose balls, so pack more than you think you'll need!
Book early tee times ☀️
Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Avoid playing during peak heat and potential course maintenance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oceanfront Fairways
Back 9
Experience breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as you play through the back nine holes. A golfer's paradise!
Iguana Encounters
Throughout the course
Keep an eye out for the many iguanas that call this course home. A unique wildlife experience on the greens.
Jungle Hazards
Front 9
The front nine plunges into dense jungle, offering a challenging and unforgiving test for even experienced golfers.
Sloth Spotting
Around Hole 3
Rumor has it a sloth resides near the third hole. A rare and delightful wildlife sighting for lucky golfers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tee Off with Wildlife Encounters
Navigating the Jungle and Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring extra golf balls ⛳
The jungle on the front 9 is unforgiving. You'll likely lose balls, so pack more than you think you'll need!
Book early tee times ☀️
Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Avoid playing during peak heat and potential course maintenance.
Embrace the wildlife 🦎
Enjoy the unique experience of playing alongside iguanas and other local creatures. It's part of the charm!
Check GPS pin accuracy 📍
The cart GPS can be helpful, but verify pin locations as they may not always be updated correctly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring extra golf balls ⛳
The jungle on the front 9 is unforgiving. You'll likely lose balls, so pack more than you think you'll need!
Book early tee times ☀️
Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Avoid playing during peak heat and potential course maintenance.
Embrace the wildlife 🦎
Enjoy the unique experience of playing alongside iguanas and other local creatures. It's part of the charm!
Check GPS pin accuracy 📍
The cart GPS can be helpful, but verify pin locations as they may not always be updated correctly.
Cart speakers are Bluetooth 🎶
Don't miss out on the fun! Connect your phone to the cart's Bluetooth speakers for your favorite tunes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Iguana Golf Course is praised for its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and challenging layout, offering a unique golfing adventure. While the greens can be tricky and the jungle hazards unforgiving, the overall experience is highly recommended for its beauty and memorable encounters. Some find the green fees steep for a resort course, but the service and unique environment often make it worthwhile.
"The course is stunning! We are currently in the ‘green’ season and the grounds are very picturesque with hills, mini waterfalls, and the ocean.
Playing wise, the course is challenging and fun at the same time. We have played it several times and are still enjoying it!
Keeping with the name there are tons of iguanas on the course and one sloth that lives around hole 3 currently!
We would recommend playing here whether you are a local or here on vacation. If you are a local they have an unlimited annual membership which is a good value if you play often."
Jenny Jimenez
"Fun course. Challenging layout with enough scoring holes. It is a Marriott golf resort, so expect the associated fees. As a note here it is a fun course but not worth the green fees. Service is very good. As noted by others, the greens take some getting used to as they are very grabby/grainy. Early tee times are often met with side by side maintenance. Also, the GPS is the carts is nice, but 2 out of the 3 times that I played the pins were not updated correctly. Overall, I still recommend as it is fun, great wildlife, good service and people, just know you will pay for what a more elite course would charge."
Anthony Cera
"I’d like to start by saying I’m not a great golfer. This review is for the average guy on vacation who knows how to play but isn’t exactly breaking par. That being said, this course was incredible. Every hole had a stunning view, and everything—from the greens to the bathrooms along the course to the equipment—was well-maintained. I’d absolutely play here again in a heartbeat.
A couple of tips for casual golfers like myself:
First, if your aim isn’t always perfect and you sometimes end up in the rough, bring extra balls. The front 9 is brutal—there is no rough. It goes straight from fairway to jungle. Not trees—jungle. You will NOT be getting those balls back. If you rent clubs, they give you 6 extra balls. You’ll need more. I did, and trust me, you don’t want to be the guy turning around early to buy more. Worst case, you end up with some souvenir golf balls.
Second, book an early morning tee time—7 a.m. or earlier. The front 9 is deep in the jungle, while the back 9 is more open and right by the ocean. The upside? You’ll probably lose fewer balls. The downside? No shade, and it gets HOT and humid fast.
All that said, I’d 100% play here again. And the cold towel they give you at the end? Absolute cherry on top.
Almost forgot; make sure to use the carts Bluetooth for the speakers. We didn’t realize they had Bluetooth for a couple holes."
Robert Clark
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Iguana Golf Course is located within the Marriott resort. If you're staying at the resort, it's easily accessible. For those coming from outside, taxis or ride-sharing services are common options. Driving directions can be found using GPS, but confirm your route beforehand.
Yes, ample parking is available for golfers at the course. If you are staying at the Marriott, parking is typically included.
Taxis and private car services are the most convenient ways to reach La Iguana Golf Course from nearby towns like Jaco. Negotiate fares beforehand or use ride-sharing apps if available.
While not always advertised, inquire with your accommodation or the Marriott resort about potential shuttle services. Otherwise, taxis are readily available.
Walking to the course is only feasible if you are staying at the adjacent Marriott resort. For all other visitors, transportation is necessary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees at La Iguana Golf Course are considered high, reflecting its status as a Marriott golf resort. It's advisable to check the official Marriott website or contact the pro shop for the most current rates, as they can vary.
Yes, booking a tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or for popular early morning slots. This ensures you secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
Marriott often offers packages that may include golf. For locals, an unlimited annual membership is available and can be a good value if you play frequently. Inquire directly with the pro shop about any current promotions.
Typically, the green fee includes access to the 18-hole course. Rental clubs, carts, and range balls are usually separate charges. Confirm what's included when booking.
The course generally opens early in the morning to accommodate tee times and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the specific operating hours with the pro shop when booking your tee time.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
La Iguana Golf Course is considered challenging, particularly the front nine which features dense jungle hazards. The back nine offers more open fairways with ocean views. It's a fun but demanding course.
You can expect to see numerous iguanas throughout the course. There have also been sightings of monkeys and a sloth near hole 3. It's a fantastic place for wildlife enthusiasts.
Golf carts are generally used and recommended, especially given the heat and the course's layout. They come equipped with GPS and Bluetooth speakers.
The greens can take some getting used to as they are described as very grabby and grainy. They are not fast but are attackable.
Stay out of the jungle on the front nine at all costs, as recovery is nearly impossible. Focus on accuracy and enjoy the stunning views on the back nine.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can order food on the course, and it's been described as some of the best food experienced on a trip. There are likely beverage carts and potentially a halfway house.
While specific details vary, expect a restaurant or grill at the clubhouse offering a range of options. The food served on the course has received high praise.
It's generally best to check the course's policy on outside food and beverages. Most golf courses prefer you patronize their concessions.
It's advisable to inquire about specific dietary options when ordering. Many resorts and golf courses are increasingly accommodating to various dietary needs.
As a Marriott resort, expect prices to be in line with resort dining, which can be on the higher side. However, the quality is often reported to be excellent.
📸 📸 Photography
The back nine offers spectacular ocean views that are perfect for photos. Any hole with a clear vista of the Pacific Ocean will provide stunning backdrops.
Absolutely! The iguanas are abundant and make for unique photo opportunities. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and not disturb the animals.
Yes, you can take photos from the golf cart. The carts offer a stable platform, and the views are often unobstructed.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' will provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural beauty of the course and ocean.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits. Always check with the pro shop if you have specific plans.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the course's challenging nature, particularly the jungle hazards on the front nine. Consider renting clubs if your children don't have their own, and ensure they have plenty of extra balls. Early morning tee times are recommended to avoid the intense heat, making the experience more comfortable for everyone. The cart Bluetooth speakers can also be a hit for keeping kids entertained.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider playing during off-peak times if possible, though this is less common with resort courses. Be prepared for the cost of rental clubs if you're not bringing your own, as this is an additional expense. Bringing your own water and snacks might save a little, but the on-course food is reportedly excellent, so it might be worth the splurge.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a tee time that allows for a leisurely pace, perhaps in the late afternoon to catch the sunset. The Bluetooth speakers on the carts can be used to play your favorite music, adding a personal touch to the experience. The cold towels provided at the end are a nice touch that enhances the overall comfort and enjoyment of the day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenge of the Jungle Front Nine
This unique design element adds a significant layer of challenge and excitement to the game. It forces players to be strategic and mindful of every swing. The contrast between the wild, untamed jungle and the manicured fairways is striking and contributes to the course's memorable character. For those who enjoy a true test of golf, the front nine delivers an unforgettable experience, albeit one that can be costly in terms of lost balls.
Wildlife Encounters: More Than Just a Name
These wildlife encounters are a significant draw for many golfers, transforming a round of golf into an immersive nature experience. It's a reminder of the beautiful natural environment the course is set within. Visitors are encouraged to observe these creatures respectfully from a distance, ensuring their own safety and the well-being of the animals. The presence of such diverse wildlife makes playing La Iguana Golf Course a truly special and often surprising adventure.
Marriott Resort Fees and Value
However, for those who play frequently, the unlimited annual membership offered to locals can represent good value. For vacationers, it's important to factor in these resort fees when budgeting for your golf rounds. The service is consistently praised as very good, and the overall experience, including the stunning views and wildlife, contributes to the perceived value, even if the price point is high.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit