One of many beautiful views
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La Iguana Golf Course

4.4
·164 reviews·Herradura, Costa Rica

Experience a challenging golf course with breathtaking ocean views and abundant wildlife, including iguanas and sloths.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning tee times

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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One of many beautiful views

La Iguana Golf Course

Best Time

Early morning tee times

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a challenging golf course with breathtaking ocean views and abundant wildlife, including iguanas and sloths.

4.4
(164 reviews)

"Every hole had a stunning view, and everything was well-maintained. I’d absolutely play here again."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 164 reviews

Type

Golf Course

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Oceanfront Fairways

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

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

Jungle Hazards

Front 9

The front nine plunges into dense jungle, offering a challenging and unforgiving test for even experienced golfers.

Sloth Spotting

Sloth Spotting

Around Hole 3

Rumor has it a sloth resides near the third hole. A rare and delightful wildlife sighting for lucky golfers.

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Planning Your Visit

Tee Off with Wildlife Encounters

Prepare for a unique golfing experience at La Iguana Golf Course, where stunning ocean views meet lush jungle. Expect to share the fairways with iguanas and possibly even a sloth! Book early tee times to beat the heat and potential maintenance crews.

Navigating the Jungle and Fees

This challenging course offers a true test of skill, especially the front nine where the jungle awaits errant shots. Be aware of the Marriott resort fees, which can be substantial. Consider bringing extra balls if your aim isn't always true.

Best Times

When
Early morning tee times
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Green season
Why
Lush landscapes and views
Crowd
Medium

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! Reddit

Book early tee times ☀️

Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Avoid playing during peak heat and potential course maintenance. Reddit

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. Reddit

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! Reddit

Book early tee times ☀️

Mornings are cooler and less crowded. Avoid playing during peak heat and potential course maintenance. Reddit

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. Reddit

Cart speakers are Bluetooth 🎶

Don't miss out on the fun! Connect your phone to the cart's Bluetooth speakers for your favorite tunes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(164 reviews)

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

Stunning ocean views
Abundant wildlife sightings
Challenging course layout

What People Dislike

High green fees
Tricky greens
Unforgiving jungle hazards

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. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available for golfers at the course. If you are staying at the Marriott, parking is typically included. Reddit

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. Reddit

While not always advertised, inquire with your accommodation or the Marriott resort about potential shuttle services. Otherwise, taxis are readily available. Reddit

Walking to the course is only feasible if you are staying at the adjacent Marriott resort. For all other visitors, transportation is necessary. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 ⛳ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Golf carts are generally used and recommended, especially given the heat and the course's layout. They come equipped with GPS and Bluetooth speakers. Reddit

The greens can take some getting used to as they are described as very grabby and grainy. They are not fast but are attackable. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

It's generally best to check the course's policy on outside food and beverages. Most golf courses prefer you patronize their concessions. Reddit

It's advisable to inquire about specific dietary options when ordering. Many resorts and golf courses are increasingly accommodating to various dietary needs. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Absolutely! The iguanas are abundant and make for unique photo opportunities. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and not disturb the animals. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos from the golf cart. The carts offer a stable platform, and the views are often unobstructed. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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