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Best golf courses in Estepona
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Culture
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Mexico has very different landscapes for playing golf, from coastal areas to inland courses. In this selection, the focus is on the Mexican Caribbean, specifically on two courses in Quintana Roo where the tropical jungle, limestone rock and natural elements are part of the design.
El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Club and PGA Riviera Maya allow you to discover two different ways to play golf in Mexico. The first combines mangroves, canals and holes close to the sea; the second takes advantage of limestone terrain and offers both a championship course and a nine-hole alternative. This guide is limited to these two clubs and does not aim to represent all the regions of the country.
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Culture
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The two selected courses are located in Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula. El Camaleón is located in Mayakoba, north of Playa del Carmen, while PGA Riviera Maya is part of Tulum Country Club, in the Riviera Maya tourist corridor.
Although both belong to the same region, their courses offer different experiences. In Mayakoba, the design adapts to the mangroves, canals and proximity to the Caribbean Sea. At PGA Riviera Maya, the focus is on the jungle and limestone rock, with lakes and cenotes integrated into the landscape.
This difference allows you to choose according to the type of golf you prefer: a championship course with some holes close to the sea or a complex with a long course and a shorter one, designed to work on precision.
To organise your rounds, Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Paradisus La Perla – Adults Only are two Meliá accommodation references located in Playa del Carmen. The first offers an option for different types of travellers, while the second is aimed exclusively at adults. Both can serve as a starting point for visiting the selected courses, although the trip to PGA Riviera Maya requires more time.
| Golf course | Where to stay | Area | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Club | Paradisus Playa del Carmen | Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen | Coastal landscape and strategy |
| PGA Riviera Maya | Paradisus La Perla – Adults Only | Tulum Country Club, Riviera Maya | Technical course and short game |
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The two courses stand out for the way they integrate the natural environment into the game. However, they pose different challenges: El Camaleón combines areas of jungle, water and coast, while PGA Riviera Maya takes advantage of limestone rock terrain and adds a short course for those who want to practice or have less time.
El Camaleón Golf Course is located in Mayakoba, in the surroundings of Playa del Carmen, and was designed by Greg Norman. It has 18 holes, par 72, and its course traverses several landscapes characteristic of this part of the Mexican Caribbean.
The first difference compared to other courses appears in the terrain itself. The fairways make their way through tropical vegetation, mangroves and canals, while a cenote located next to the first hole introduces one of the most unique natural elements of the course. In addition, some holes close to the coast allow you to contemplate the Caribbean Sea during the game.
The design combines these changes in scenery with water hazards and strategic decisions. The presence of different tee positions allows the length and difficulty to be adapted to different levels of play. From the longest tees, the course reaches approximately 7,116 yards, although the distance varies depending on the tees chosen.
El Camaleón also has a prominent track record in professional golf, as it has hosted international competitions. For a visiting player, one of its main attractions is the variety of situations it poses when moving from the jungle to the mangroves and from there to the holes near the sea.
Its facilities include the clubhouse, Pro Shop, driving range, putting green, short game area and Jim McLean Golf School. It also has club rental, buggies and dining services.
⛳ Course: 18 holes · Par 72 · Greg Norman
📍 Location: Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
🏨 Where to stay: Paradisus Playa del Carmen
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PGA Riviera Maya is located in Tulum Country Club, in the Riviera Maya tourist corridor. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, it opened in 2010 and has 27 holes distributed over two courses: an 18-hole, par 72 championship course, and another nine-hole par 3 course.
The main course reaches approximately 7,272 yards from the longest tees and presents a design conditioned by the characteristics of the terrain. Its fairways are integrated between limestone rock, jungle, lakes and cenotes. This combination means that the landscape directly influences the reading of each hole and the choice of playing lines.
Water hazards, rock and changes in elevation require attention to be paid to the position of the ball. It is not just about reaching long distances, but about interpreting the terrain and correctly preparing the next shot.
The additional nine-hole par 3 course provides a useful alternative for those who want to work on their short game, get started in golf or spend less time on a round. This possibility differentiates the complex from other clubs focused exclusively on long courses.
PGA Riviera Maya has a clubhouse, restaurant, changing rooms, equipment and buggy rental, driving range and PGA academy, with individual and group lessons. The services included in the green fee may vary, so it is advisable to confirm them directly when booking.
⛳ Course: 27 holes · Championship: 18 holes, par 72 · Additional course: nine-hole par 3
📍 Location: Tulum Country Club, Quintana Roo
🏨 Where to stay: Paradisus La Perla – Adults Only
The two clubs offer different experiences within the Mexican Caribbean. El Camaleón Mayakoba stands out for the variety of landscapes it traverses, its proximity to the sea and a design that combines natural hazards with different tee options. PGA Riviera Maya, on the other hand, is particularly interesting for its course among limestone rock and jungle, as well as for the possibility of alternating the championship course with nine short holes.
If the priority is to play an 18-hole round on a course where the landscape changes constantly, El Camaleón Mayakoba would be the editorial choice of this selection. The combination of mangroves, canals and holes close to the Caribbean gives it a recognisable personality. For those who prefer to combine a full round with training or short game, PGA Riviera Maya offers more alternatives within the same complex.
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In the Mexican Caribbean, weather conditions influence the planning of a round. The months with less humidity and milder temperatures are usually more comfortable for playing, while in summer it is advisable to book early tee times and plan for the heat and rain.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June to November, should also be taken into account. This does not mean that the courses remain closed during that entire period, but it is important to check the weather forecast and booking modification policies.
Both clubs allow you to book tee times, although their conditions are different. El Camaleón requires appropriate golf attire and suitable footwear; PGA Riviera Maya also establishes dress codes for players and companions.
Before booking, it is advisable to check handicap requirements, club rental availability and possible restrictions due to tournaments or maintenance. Access conditions and included services must be confirmed directly with each club.
El Camaleón Mayakoba and PGA Riviera Maya allow you to discover two different ways to enjoy golf in the Mexican Caribbean, where the characteristics of the natural environment directly influence the design and the playing experience. While El Camaleón combines mangroves, canals and holes close to the Caribbean Sea, PGA Riviera Maya takes advantage of the tropical jungle, limestone rock and cenotes to create a course with different technical challenges. This variety allows you to choose between a round marked by changes in landscape and strategy or a day that combines a championship course with a shorter course to perfect precision. Both clubs offer reasons to dedicate part of your trip to golf, discover the particularities of their layouts and enjoy an activity that allows you to see the landscape of Quintana Roo from a different perspective. An opportunity to incorporate golf into a holiday in Mexico and choose an experience adapted to each player's preferences.
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