Golf near Tulum: The Courses Worth It

Golf is not the first thing Tulum brings to mind, which is exactly why the courses here stay pleasant: championship-level golf carved out of the jungle, iguanas on the fairways, and tee times that do not require a lottery. Two courses anchor the scene, one practically local, one up the coast.

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PGA Riviera Maya at Tulum Country Club

The serious address is the PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course at Tulum Country Club, a Robert Trent Jones II design just outside Tulum. The 18-hole, par-72 championship layout threads through dense jungle and natural limestone features, with immaculate greens and a genuinely tranquil setting; the wildlife gallery watching your swing is part of the experience. The club backs it up properly: driving range, putting green, pro shop, golf academy for lessons, and a clubhouse restaurant overlooking the course. Open daily 7 AM to 7 PM, with club and cart rentals of good quality, and 9-hole rounds available for a lighter day. Reviewers consistently note fair prices for the standard on offer.

Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya

Up the coast in Playacar, the Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya brings the brand’s livelier personality to a Robert von Hagge design: 18 holes, par 72, narrow fairways, small soft greens, and jungle and lakes framing every hole, with wildlife wandering through. It punishes wild drivers, so pack extra balls, and rewards accuracy with one of the region’s most entertaining rounds. Practice facilities, pro shop, academy, and a laid-back clubhouse round it out. Open daily 7 AM to 5 PM.

Rent Clubs Instead of Hauling Them Both clubs rent quality sets at fair rates, so unless you are precious about your own irons, flying without a golf bag is the smarter play.

Practical Notes for Jungle Golf

Heat and humidity are the real opponents here. Courses open at 7 AM for a reason: the early tee times are cooler, faster, and kinder. Carts and iced water are standard inclusions, both clubs rent quality equipment if you travel light, and collared-shirt dress codes apply as usual.

Two women in bikinis hold hands, swimming underwater in clear turquoise water as sunlight filters above and bubbles rise.

After the Round: A Boat Afternoon

A private boat charter is the classic follow-up to a morning on the greens: coastal cruising, swim stops, and drinks on board for the group.

A woman with a red flower in her hair relaxes face down, eyes closed, as hot stones rest on her back during a massage.

Massages in Tulum: Styles and Studios

Getting a massage in Tulum: beachfront tables, jungle spas, in-villa therapists, and the Mayan styles you can only get here, with honest guidance.

Chic black bakery with glass windows, outdoor tables under blue umbrellas, bikes parked outside, green plants, and a dog at the door.

The Best Coffee Shops in Tulum

The best coffee shops in Tulum: Nimeno’s breakfasts, Campanella’s gelato and espresso, and laptop-friendly Rossina, all with multiple locations in town.

A sea turtle swims near the ocean’s surface, its head above water, with palm trees and a sandy beach under a partly cloudy sky.

Swim with Turtles near Tulum

Where to swim with turtles near Tulum: Akumal Bay’s guided snorkel, the Xcacel sanctuary, nesting season, and the rules that keep the turtles thriving.

A white stretch SUV limousine is parked on pavement with several flags, including the American flag, under a partly cloudy sky.

Private Limo to Tulum

Private limo and sprinter transfers from Cancun or Tulum Airport: prices, what the experience includes, and when a regular shuttle is the smarter pick.

Hertz car rental storefront with glass doors, a taxi and scooter parked outside, and two people—one with luggage, one with a bike.

Renting a Car in Tulum: Honest Guide

Renting a car in Tulum: real prices with insurance, traps to avoid, and when a car beats taxis for your trip.

A woman with a snorkel mask swims above a coral reef and small fish in clear blue water, enjoying snorkeling in Tulum.

Snorkeling in Tulum: Reef and Cenotes

The best snorkeling in Tulum: the Mesoamerican Reef, crystal-clear cenotes, and turtle-filled Akumal Bay, with costs, tours, and simple gear tricks.

A rustic stone temazcal rests on a wooden platform with round cushions and white towels, surrounded by trees and a nearby building.

Temazcal Ceremonies in Tulum

Temazcal ceremonies in Tulum: what the ancient Mayan sweat lodge ritual is really like, stage by stage, where ceremonies run, and how to prepare.