Tulum Travel Guide: Why PGA Riviera Maya Golf Belongs on Your Bucket List
By Seis Kamimura
If someone had told me before our Christmas trip to Tulum that one of my favorite memories would be an afternoon spent on a golf course, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. Tulum is synonymous with white-sand beaches, crystalline cenotes, agave sunsets, and mystical Mayan ruins. But nestled amid that natural beauty, in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, is something just a little different — and incredibly worth it for golfers: PGA Riviera Maya Golf Club.
An afternoon on this golf course for myself and my 16-year-old son — turned into an experience that blended challenge, serenity, and pure family fun. This isn’t a cheap outing. But if you or someone in your group loves golf, PGA Riviera Maya is a must-do experience when you’re visiting Tulum. Let me walk you through exactly what makes it so special, and how this beautifully manicured course became a highlight of our holiday.
A World-Class Course in the Heart of the Riviera Maya
Design + Landscape
PGA Riviera Maya isn’t just another golf course — it’s landscape artistry carved from the natural terrain of the Mayan jungle. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, one of the most respected names in golf course architecture, the layout integrates lush jungle, natural cenotes, and lakes. It’s set within the Tulum Country Club residential complex, approximately 25 kilometers north of Tulum itself.
This design isn’t just about beauty — it creates a varied, strategic golfing experience. Over its par-72 main course and accompanying nine-hole par-3 course, you’ll encounter holes that wind through dense vegetation and alongside water features, making each shot feel like part of an adventure.
Our Christmas Day Round: A Picture-Perfect Holiday Memory
We kicked off Christmas morning at a leisurely pace, indulging in the excitement of stockings stuffed with goodies, morning breakfast buffet and coffee and watching the sunrise over Tulum’s sandy shore. But by midday, I — ever the golf enthusiast — had a plan up my sleeve: a round at PGA Riviera Maya.
The transfer from our hotel to the course was about 15 minutes on a shuttle through jungle roads. When we arrived, the scale of the course and quality of the grounds immediately stood out: emerald fairways, water shimmering in natural lakes, and dramatic bunkers cut into the limestone terrain.
But what really captivated us wasn’t just the course. It was the wildlife that greeted us everywhere we looked. Peacocks strutted along the edges of fairways, their iridescent feathers gleaming in the sun. Curious coatis (those adorable raccoon-like critters native to the region) wandered near the greens, seemingly unbothered by golfers. It felt like Mother Nature herself had designed the landscaping. The lush jungle backdrop, punctuated by towering palms and flowering shrubs, made each hole almost cinematic in its beauty.
My son had never played a course quite like this. He was fascinated by the cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with water — that doubled as water hazards on a few of the more dramatic holes. Some were tucked into the jungle, hiding until you were nearly on top of them. Others reflected the azure sky like secret lagoons beside the fairways. It lent an almost mythical quality to our game that day.
Course Details: What to Expect
Whether you’re an experienced player or just someone who enjoys a few holes for fun, here’s what the PGA Riviera Maya experience offers:
Championship Course + Executive Option
18-hole Championship Course – The main attraction: par-72 layout that stretches over 7,200 yards through jungle, lakes, and natural terrain.
9-hole Par-3 Course – A shorter, friendlier track perfect for beginners, families, and those who want a taste of golf without committing to a full round.
Having the option of both kept our day flexible. While I played the full round, my son took some breaks.
Amenities & Services
The facility is truly set up to make your golf day seamless:
Clubhouse: A spacious, comfortable hub to relax before or after your round, complete with food and beverage service.
Pro Shop: Everything from gloves to apparel and equipment essentials.
Equipment Rentals: TaylorMade clubs and golf carts with modern technology are available if you don’t bring your own.
Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting greens, and short-game areas make warm-ups or lessons possible.
What Makes PGA Riviera Maya Special
Environmental Integration
This isn’t a course built on cleared land with imported landscape. The holes were carved from limestone quarries and woven into the natural contours of the Mayan jungle and mangroves. Cenotes and natural lakes weren’t just obstacles to be tamed — they were integrated as scenic and strategic elements of the course design itself.
Walking between shots, you often forget you’re on a golf course at all. Instead, you feel like a guest in a jungle sanctuary.
Wildlife Encounters
Most golf courses you’ll ever play might have a heron or two on a pond. But here? You’ll regularly see peacocks strutting beside bunkers, and coatis slipping through the rough like curious onlookers. For a 16-year-old who spends most of his time indoors with screens, these moments — spotting animals casually going about their day — were oddly magical. It gave our round an unexpected layer of delight and made each hole feel like a stop on a wildlife tour.
Award-Winning Recognition
PGA Riviera Maya’s excellence isn’t just our family’s opinion — it’s formally recognized internationally. In 2024, the course was awarded Best Golf Course in Mexico at the prestigious World Golf Awards, making it a top-ranked destination for golfers worldwide.
A Note on Cost & Planning
Here’s the reality: PGA Riviera Maya is not a budget golf experience. Reviews and booking services put a typical green fee for the full championship course at around $295 USD per player, with twilight and par-3 rounds costing less.
That price point is one many resort visitors consider a premium activity, not a casual add-on. But here’s the thing: the value lies in the complete experience — world-class maintenance, breathtaking scenery, the challenge of the layout, and lifelong family memories.
We found that, especially on a holiday like Christmas, it was worth prioritizing something that appealed to all three of us. Even if your travel party isn’t full of avid golfers, the par-3 course or a shorter round can still be incredibly fun — especially combined with the other wonders of Tulum.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead
PGA Riviera Maya welcomes players year-round, but Tulum’s peak season (like December) gets busy. I’d recommend booking tee times in advance, especially if you want morning or late afternoon slots.
Dress Appropriately
Like most top courses, there’s a dress code — collared shirts for men, proper golf attire for everyone, and no flip-flops.
Hydration Is Key
Even outside summer, the Riviera Maya climate can be warm and humid. Bring sunscreen and hydrate often — the carts have coolers, and the clubhouse is a great place to rest between holes.
Combine With Other Riviera Adventures
PGA Riviera Maya pairs beautifully with other activities in the region. Consider enjoying cenote swimming or a beach sunset afterward, or make a day of it by blending a round of golf with Tulum’s famed cultural and natural experiences.
Why This Will Be One of Your Trip’s Most Cherished Memories
What’s remarkable about PGA Riviera Maya isn’t just the golf — it’s the feeling you walk away with.
For me, that Christmas round wasn’t about scorecards, handicaps, or even perfect swings. It was watching our son’s eyes widen when a peacock crossed his path. It was laughing when I duffed a shot into a jungle bunker. It was finding a sense of peace out on the fairway under a tropical sun, with birds calling and the scent of jungle all around.
That’s why I can confidently say: if your Tulum itinerary has room for golf, put PGA Riviera Maya near the top — even if it’s a bit pricier than other activities. It’s not just another thing to check off your list. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve packed your clubs and headed back home.
