El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course | Tee time

Introduction
If you’re a golf enthusiast or simply someone looking to enjoy a scenic round in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course might just be your perfect match. Known for its vibrant landscapes and challenging yet playful design, this course offers more than just a game — it’s an experience. While we haven’t played it ourselves, reviews and expert insights reveal a course that combines natural beauty with top-tier PGA-caliber standards.

What we love about this tour: First, the stunning vistas of mangroves, limestone canals, and coastal dunes make every hole a visual feast. Second, the inclusion of a cenote into the course layout adds a touch of local mystique and excitement. Third, Norman’s design aims to entertain players of all levels, making it accessible yet engaging.
A potential consideration: The $393 price tag might seem steep for some, especially since equipment rental and additional balls aren’t included. Still, the quality of the experience and scenery offers compelling value. This tour suits golf lovers eager for a challenging yet beautiful round and those wanting an authentic Mayan Riviera experience.

Key Points

• Iconic PGA Tour Venue: The course is a recognized stop on the professional circuit, ensuring high-quality standards.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Expect views of mangroves, limestone canals, and the coast.
• Unique Design Features: A cenote directly impacts the layout, offering a distinctive challenge.
• Inclusive for All Skill Levels: Multiple tee boxes guarantee a game suited for beginners to advanced players.
• Convenient Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Cancun or Riviera Maya are included.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into El Camaleon Golf Course

Location and Setting

Situated in the lush landscape of Quintana Roo, El Camaleon is designed by the legendary Greg Norman, famed for his audacious vision of blending golf with nature. The course winds through different ecosystems, offering a variety of backdrops that transform from mangrove forests to coastal dunes. Its proximity to the Caribbean Sea guarantees mesmerizing ocean views, which you’ll notice from the very first tee.

Why the Course is Special

What sets El Camaleon apart is its clever integration of local features — most notably, a cenote right in the middle of the No. 7 fairway. This underground cavern not only makes for a visually captivating hole but also adds an element of unpredictability. Reviewers mention that the course was built to amuse players of different skill levels, with at least five tees per hole, allowing for a comfortable challenge whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual golfer.

Why PGA Pros Love It

According to feedback, the course is praised by PGA tour athletes for its diverse challenges and stunning natural surroundings. We loved the way each hole feels like a new adventure, with thick mangroves and sand dunes creating natural hazards, and limestone canals adding a layer of complexity to the game. The 7,039-yard length promises a satisfying round for those looking for a true test.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Design and Ecosystems

Norman’s design shines in the way it respects the environment while maximizing playability. Expect wide fairways that still demand accuracy, water hazards that come into play often, and greens that are well-managed to ensure fair but challenging putts. The course’s varied terrain means you might find yourself crossing limestone bridges, navigating through tropical foliage, or lining up shots along coastal dunes.

The Cenote Experience

One of the most talked-about aspects is the cenote on hole 7. It’s a striking feature — not just a visual spectacle but a true hazard that tests your shot placement and nerves. As one reviewer put it, “It’s not every day you have a cenote in the middle of a fairway; it makes the game memorable and adds a distinct Mayan touch.”

The Tee Options and Playability

There’s a minimum of five different tee boxes on each hole, which is fantastic for adjusting the game to your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll find an appropriate distance to keep the round fun and engaging. Reviewers note that Norman designed it to be amusing for all, which is a big plus for groups with mixed abilities.

What to Expect During the Tour

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel — either Riviera Maya or Cancún — with a short drive of around 30 minutes to the course. The transportation is comfortable and reliable, with drivers holding signs for easy identification. Expect to arrive, check in, and warm up with some practice balls before your round.

Once on the course, you’re set for 18 holes that last about four hours — ideal for fitting into a busy day. The included golf cart means you won’t tire out walking, and it’s a great way to enjoy the scenery between shots. Reviewers mention that the course’s landscape is so captivating that it’s almost like taking a scenic tour while playing.

The Playing Experience

The course offers a mix of challenging and forgiving holes. The greens are well-maintained and receptive, making it satisfying to land your approach shots. Water hazards are strategically placed, especially near the limestone canals, which can turn even a well-hit shot into a moment of strategic thinking.

The inclusion of practice balls helps with warming up, and we appreciated the ability to take our time on each hole. The course design encourages thoughtful play, especially with the unconventional obstacle of the cenote. Several reviewers mentioned that the scenery often distracts you from the game — in a good way.

Additional Costs and What’s Not Included

While the green fee, golf cart, and round-trip transport are included, extras like equipment rental ($60 USD), additional balls, and food or drinks are not. Many players find that bringing their own golf gear is more economical, especially if they plan to play multiple rounds or are particular about their clubs.

Practical Tips

• Bring your passport or ID for check-in.
• Dress appropriately — no sandals, flip-flops, or sleeveless shirts are allowed, and closed shoes are recommended for safety.
• Book in advance to secure your preferred tee time, especially during busy seasons.
• Arrive 10 minutes early for pickup, and be ready in your hotel lobby.

Flexibility & Cancellation Policy

The booking process is flexible; you can reserve and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tee time. This makes it easy to adapt your plans if needed.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

For golf lovers, El Camaleon offers a genuine challenge paired with breathtaking scenery. Its reputation as a PGA tour venue speaks volumes about the quality of the course, and the natural features like the cenote make it a uniquely memorable experience. The variety in tee options ensures everyone can enjoy a fair game, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player.

For those craving authentic nature and stunning ocean vistas, this course’s setting is hard to beat. The combination of mangroves, limestone canals, and coastal dunes provides a constantly changing landscape that keeps the game exciting.

For busy travelers, the round-trip transport, flexible scheduling, and included practice balls add great convenience. Plus, the ability to cancel or reschedule with ease means you can adapt if your plans change unexpectedly.

However, keep in mind that the overall cost might be high for some, especially if you need to rent equipment or wish to indulge in food and drinks on-site. Still, the quality of the experience and the scenic grandeur make it worthwhile for many.

Who Would Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is perfect for avid golfers who appreciate a challenge but also want to enjoy stunning natural surroundings. It suits travelers who value quality and uniqueness, and don’t mind spending a bit more for an extraordinary course experience. It’s especially suitable for groups with mixed skill levels since the multiple tees make it accessible to all.

If you’re in Cancún or the Riviera Maya and looking for an activity that combines sport, scenery, and a touch of local wonder, El Camaleon delivers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable day on the greens, this course is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $393 per person, which includes green fee, golf cart, practice balls, and transportation. Equipment rental and food are not included.

How long does the round take?
The typical round lasts about four hours, from start to finish, including transportation and warm-up.

Where do the pickups occur?
Pickups are available from either Cancún or Riviera Maya hotels. Please arrive at your hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, and wear appropriate golf attire — no sandals, flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, or swimwear. Closed shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tee time for a full refund. The booking process also allows you to reserve and pay later.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, with at least five tee options per hole, the course is designed to be fun for all skill levels. It provides a good challenge but remains approachable for casual players.

To sum it up, El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course offers a compelling blend of world-class golf, natural beauty, and local charm. Its diverse landscapes and unique features like the cenote make it more than just a round of golf — it’s an adventure through the striking ecosystems of the Riviera Maya. Best suited for avid golfers and those seeking a memorable scenic experience, this tour is a great way to spend several hours surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: