El Camaleón Golf Course Mayakoba
A championship golf course in Mayakoba, Mexico, renowned for its unique design integrating cenotes, mangroves, and Caribbean Sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better rates
El Camaleón Golf Course Mayakoba
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better rates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A championship golf course in Mayakoba, Mexico, renowned for its unique design integrating cenotes, mangroves, and Caribbean Sea views.
"It's an expensive green fee but worth every penny since you're walking and playing the same course as PGA/LPGA/LIV pros have played."
Bring Your Own Clubs
Rental clubs can be pricey and may not suit your game. Bringing your own ensures comfort and better performance. :golf_bag:
Consider the All-Inclusive
The $75 all-inclusive option covers clubhouse and on-course drinks/food. Great value if you plan to indulge! :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cenote Bunker
Various holes
A truly unique hazard! Navigate around or into this natural sinkhole, a signature feature of El Camaleón.
Mangrove Wetlands
Holes 4-7
Play through lush mangrove tunnels, a stunning and challenging aspect of the course's natural beauty.
Caribbean Sea Views
Holes 15-18
Finish your round with breathtaking ocean vistas, offering a spectacular backdrop to your final swings.
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the course
Keep an eye out for local fauna, including monkeys and iguanas, adding an exotic touch to your game.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Tee Times
Understand the All-Inclusive Option
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Clubs
Rental clubs can be pricey and may not suit your game. Bringing your own ensures comfort and better performance. :golf_bag:
Consider the All-Inclusive
The $75 all-inclusive option covers clubhouse and on-course drinks/food. Great value if you plan to indulge! :moneywithwings:
Caddy Service Recommended
For $65, caddies offer invaluable course knowledge and enhance the unique experience. :handshake:
Watch for Wildlife
Monkeys and iguanas are common! Secure your snacks, as they might try to join your game. :monkey_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Clubs
Rental clubs can be pricey and may not suit your game. Bringing your own ensures comfort and better performance. :golf_bag:
Consider the All-Inclusive
The $75 all-inclusive option covers clubhouse and on-course drinks/food. Great value if you plan to indulge! :moneywithwings:
Caddy Service Recommended
For $65, caddies offer invaluable course knowledge and enhance the unique experience. :handshake:
Watch for Wildlife
Monkeys and iguanas are common! Secure your snacks, as they might try to join your game. :monkey_face:
Mind the Narrow Fairways
The course is narrower than expected; accuracy is key to avoid penalties. :arrowpointingright:
Hydrate with Infused Water
Complimentary fruit-infused water is available at the turn and pickup areas. Stay refreshed! :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Camaleón Golf Course is widely praised for its immaculate condition, challenging yet rewarding design, and stunning natural beauty, featuring unique cenote hazards and ocean views. While the price is high, most visitors find the experience, including the wildlife and championship-level play, to be worth the investment. Some golfers noted the expense of on-site pro shop items and the quality of rental clubs.
"Beautiful course! Challenges you and rewards the good shots. Perfectly manicured greens, fairways, and even the 2nd cut is well maintained. The clubhouse features many autographed memorabilia from golf greats and other sports as well. A pool table, many tvs, xbox gaming, and a full bar with draft beer and local beers as well. They have an all inclusive option for $75 that includes the clubhouse food and drinks plus the beverage cart on the course. Also, I highly recommend the caddy service for $65. They really know the course well and help make the round a one of a kind experience."
Scott Butler
"Just amazing, don’t think it further, just go and enjoy.
The course was in perfect condition, it’s a fun design with water, trees, beach, monkeys, and even cenotes. All in between 4 hotels connected with eateries and taxi boats between them.
I have index 18, and thought blue would be too long so played whites. It was too short! (I shot 104 anyways, my fault, damn water).
The price includes the cart, and range balls. The store is expensive (as expected), but really nice. The club house is also nice."
Matias Fernandez
"To start off, you will get transportation to the course if you’re staying within the Cancun-Riviera Maya Hotel zone and I definitely appreciated it! One less thing to worry about when visiting Mayakoba. Upon arrival you get dropped off at the big colorful Camaleon and are greeted and led to the pro shop. Checking in and paying was swift and I was outside soaking up the views and Mexican sun with minutes of arriving. The golf carts were super nice with padded seats, GPS screens and Bluetooth. Practice facilities are included with the green fee. I got paired up with a 2some and another single to make our 4some. Super chill guys looking for some fun so our round was stress free and easy going. The course was immaculate! So lush and green, fairways were pristine and greens were immaculate! The bunkers had the fluffiest sand I’ve ever played. And the views were 10/10! The course is narrow which I wasn’t expecting so when I didn’t hit the fairway I was definitely penalized. It is an expensive green fee but worth every penny since you’re walking and playing the same course as PGA/LPGA/LIV pros have played. Highly recommend! I hope I have a chance to go back to better my score!"
Michael Sparks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
If you're staying in the Cancun-Riviera Maya Hotel Zone, transportation to the course is often included. For other locations like Playa del Carmen, consider arranging private transport or checking with your resort for shuttle services.
While some resorts may offer shuttles, it's best to confirm directly with your accommodation or book a private transfer. Unique Private Transportation offers luxury transfers from Cancun airport to the course.
The travel time from Cancun Airport to El Camaleón Golf Course in Mayakoba is approximately 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Yes, the Mayakoba resort complex offers internal transportation, including taxi boats and bike trails, connecting its various hotels and amenities, including El Camaleón Golf Course.
Within Mayakoba, you can utilize taxi boats that navigate the waterways or rent bikes to explore the jungle canopy paths, connecting you to different resorts and El Camaleón.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees at El Camaleón can be substantial, often around $400 USD, reflecting its championship status and exclusive Mayakoba location. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for current rates.
The course offers an all-inclusive option for $75 that covers food and drinks at the clubhouse and on the beverage cart. Look out for special offers or packages that might be available through your resort or booking platforms.
Typically, the green fee includes the use of the golf cart, which is equipped with GPS and Bluetooth, as well as access to the practice facilities and range balls.
Yes, booking your tee time well in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred slot and avoid disappointment.
The golf course generally opens early in the morning and operates throughout the day. It's advisable to check the official El Camaleón Golf Club website for specific operating hours and last tee time information.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
El Camaleón is renowned for its integration with nature, featuring cenotes as hazards, mangrove wetlands, and stunning Caribbean Sea views. It's also the first course outside the US and Canada to host a PGA TOUR event.
The 'cave bunker' refers to a unique bunker design that incorporates natural cave-like elements, presenting a challenging and memorable obstacle for golfers. +1
Yes, golf club rentals are available, but some reviewers suggest bringing your own clubs as the offered PXG rentals might not suit everyone and can be expensive.
The clubhouse offers a full bar with local and draft beers, TVs, gaming consoles like Xbox, and memorabilia from golf greats. It's a great place to relax before or after your round.
Absolutely! You're likely to encounter local wildlife such as monkeys and iguanas. It's a unique aspect of playing golf in this natural environment. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The all-inclusive package covers food and drinks at the clubhouse and on the beverage cart. The clubhouse offers a variety of options, and there are also dining facilities within the broader Mayakoba resort.
Yes, a beverage cart circulates the course, offering drinks and snacks. This service is included in the all-inclusive package.
The clubhouse provides a full bar and food options, which are part of the all-inclusive package. It's a comfortable spot to unwind after your game.
Yes, the Mayakoba resort complex features world-class dining options across its various hotels, offering diverse culinary experiences beyond the golf course itself.
The clubhouse offers a selection of draft and local beers, along with other beverages. The beverage cart also provides refreshments during your round.
📸 📸 Photography
The cenote bunkers, mangrove tunnels, and holes with Caribbean Sea backdrops are incredibly photogenic. The diverse ecosystems offer stunning visual opportunities throughout the course.
Yes, you can photograph the local wildlife like iguanas and monkeys, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check with course management if you have specific needs.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape and action shots on the course.
Holes that feature the cenotes, the mangrove areas, and those with ocean views are particularly iconic and make for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the golf course itself is designed for serious golfers, so younger children might find it less engaging unless they are keen golfers themselves. The wildlife encounters, like seeing monkeys and iguanas, can be a big hit with kids. Consider the all-inclusive package if you plan to spend time at the clubhouse, as it can simplify food and drink management for families. The Mayakoba resort also offers other amenities like pools and beaches that are more family-oriented. If your family enjoys nature and a bit of adventure, the broader Mayakoba experience, with golf as a potential highlight, can be a great option.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or looking for package deals that might bundle green fees with accommodation or other activities. Bringing your own clubs and snacks can also help mitigate some of the on-site expenses, as pro shop items can be quite pricey.
🏌️ Avid Golfers
The immaculate conditioning, strategic design by Greg Norman, and the integration of natural hazards like cenotes and mangroves provide a true test of skill. Pay close attention to the course's narrow fairways and fast greens, which demand precision. The caddy service is highly recommended to navigate the course's intricacies and make the most of your experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Design of El Camaleón
+1The course is famous for its use of natural hazards, most notably the cenotes – natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. These cenotes are not just aesthetic features; they are strategically placed to penalize errant shots, adding a unique risk-reward element to the game. Players must carefully consider their approach to holes featuring these iconic water features.
Beyond the cenotes, the course navigates through lush jungle foliage and over tranquil mangrove areas, requiring precise ball striking and thoughtful club selection. The constant interplay between these natural environments ensures that no two holes are alike, offering a dynamic and memorable round of golf that truly lives up to the 'chameleon' name.
Wildlife Encounters on the Course
Visitors are advised to be mindful of their belongings, especially food items, as curious coatis and other small animals might be tempted to investigate. While these encounters are generally harmless and add to the unique charm of the course, it's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding the animals. The presence of this wildlife underscores the course's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya.
Seeing these animals in their natural environment while playing a world-class golf course is a truly special experience. It’s a reminder of the delicate ecosystem that El Camaleón is a part of, and the importance of responsible tourism. Many golfers find these unexpected wildlife sightings to be a highlight of their visit.
The Mayakoba Resort Experience
Mayakoba provides a range of activities to complement your golf getaway. You can enjoy scenic boat rides through the mangroves, explore miles of bike trails under the jungle canopy, or indulge in world-class dining at the resort's various restaurants. For ultimate relaxation, the resort boasts exquisite spas and chic beach clubs, ensuring every aspect of your stay is catered to.
This integrated approach means that after your round at El Camaleón, the luxury and natural beauty continue. Whether you're seeking further sporting activities, culinary delights, or simply a tranquil escape, Mayakoba offers a comprehensive paradise where championship golf is interwoven with pure, absolute bliss.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit