Cancun has more championship golf than most people realise, and several of the best courses sit inside or right next to the area’s top all-inclusive resorts, which means you can play 18 holes in the morning and be on the beach with a drink by lunch. The courses here are serious — Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Tom Weiskopf all have designs in the region — so whether you’re a low-handicapper chasing a challenge or someone who just wants a scenic round on holiday, the standard is high. What makes Cancun particularly good for a golf trip is that the resorts themselves are exceptional, meaning your non-golfing travel companions will have plenty to keep them busy while you’re on the fairway. The hotels below all sit on or within easy reach of a championship course, and every one is bookable online right now.
Table of Contents
Cancun Golf Resorts
| 1. Iberostar Selection Coral Cancun Best Adults-Only Upgrade Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 5-minute walk to Playa Delfines; Iberostar Cancun Golf Club adjacent Guest Reviews: Oceanfront infinity pool, rooftop plunge pool suites, immaculate rooms, strong cocktails Best Room: Junior Suite, Oceanfront (Roof Top) Price: From USD $385 – $815 per night |
| 2. Moon Palace Nizuc Best in the Hotel Zone Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 16-minute drive from Cancun airport; Moon Palace Golf Club 1-minute walk Guest Reviews: Spacious suites with whirlpool tubs, FlowRider wave simulator, attentive golf cart transport, strong dining variety Best Room: Superior Governor Suite Ocean View – King Size Bed Price: From USD $315 – $580 per night |
| 3. Moon Palace Cancun Best for Families Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 16-minute drive from Cancun airport; Moon Palace Golf Club on-site Guest Reviews: 27-hole Jack Nicklaus course, FlowRider wave simulator, 16 restaurants, golf cart transport across the resort Best Room: Superior Junior Suite Golf Course – Kids & Teens Free Price: From USD $425 – $1,230 per night |
| 4. Hyatt Vivid Grand Island Best Stay & Play Package Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 21-minute drive from Cancun airport; Iberostar Cancun Golf Club 1-minute walk Guest Reviews: Longest rooftop pool in Cancun, bohemian Mayan-inspired design, rooftop Japanese restaurant, lively but relaxed adults-only atmosphere Best Room: Vantage Club Junior Suite Golf & Ocean View Price: From USD $230 – $460 per night |
| 5. Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort Best for Serious Golfers Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 35-minute drive from Cancun airport; Playa Mujeres Golf Club 2-minute transfer from lobby Guest Reviews: 65,000 sq ft of pools including two infinity pools, on-site waterpark, 10 restaurants, access to Secrets Playa Mujeres next door Best Room: Preferred Club Master Suite Ocean View – King Bed Price: From USD $410 – $910 per night |
| 6. Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort Best Pool Complex Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 35-minute drive from Cancun airport; Playa Mujeres Golf Club 2-minute transfer from lobby Guest Reviews: Freshly renovated suites, largest outdoor hydrotherapy circuit in the area, access to 10 additional restaurants at neighbouring Dreams Playa Mujeres, private Preferred Club beach Best Room: Preferred Club Junior Suite Ocean Front Price: From USD $400 – $900 per night |
| 7. Iberostar Selection Cancun Best Adults-Only Stay Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 17-minute drive from Cancun airport; Iberostar Cancun Golf Club on-site Guest Reviews: 9 pools including water park, strong food reputation across 6 restaurants, well-maintained beach, family-friendly Star Camp kids programme Best Room: Villa, Oceanfront (Swim Out) Price: From USD $140 – $630 per night |
| 8. Moon Palace The Grand Cancun Best Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 16-minute drive from Cancun airport; Moon Palace Golf Club on-site Guest Reviews: Largest water park in Cancun, bowling alley, 25+ restaurants across the complex, exclusive access to Nizuc and Sunrise sections not reciprocated Best Room: Grand Governor Suite – King Size Bed Price: From USD $870 – $2,010 per night |
| 9. Paradisus by Meliá Cancun Best Hotel Zone Location Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Location: 15-minute drive from Cancun airport; on-site golf course at the main entrance Guest Reviews: Iconic pyramid architecture, spacious suites with ocean or lagoon terraces, Blue Agave Mexican restaurant, Reserve private pool and butler Best Room: The Reserve Luxury Junior Suite with Ocean View Price: From USD $325 – $600 per night |
The Golf Courses Behind These Resorts
The resorts on this page connect to three championship courses, each with a distinct character. Knowing which course sits behind which resort makes the booking decision significantly easier.
- Iberostar Cancun Golf Club — Designed by Japanese golfer Isao Aoki, this 18-hole par-72 course runs through 150 acres of subtropical landscape between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupté Lagoon, on the grounds of Iberostar Selection Cancun and directly adjacent to Iberostar Selection Coral Cancun and Hyatt Vivid Grand Island. The par-3 16th plays over water with the sea as a backdrop and is one of the most photographed holes in the region. Green fees include a cart, unlimited snacks and drinks, and use of the driving range — one of the better-value golf experiences in the area.
- Moon Palace Golf Club (Jack Nicklaus Signature) — A 27-hole course divided into three nine-hole loops — Dunes, Jungle, and Lakes — winding through an ecologically protected area home to white-tailed deer and tropical birds. This is the course connected to Moon Palace Cancun, Moon Palace Nizuc, and Moon Palace The Grand Cancun. At over 7,000 yards from the tips, it is the most technically demanding course of the three and the one most likely to satisfy a low-handicapper. A dedicated Golf Academy offers coaching from PGA professionals.
- Playa Mujeres Golf Club (Greg Norman Signature) — An 18-hole par-72 course split across two contrasting nines: one beside the Chachmuchuch Lagoon, the other through sand dunes with Caribbean Sea views. This is the course shared by Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, and the wider Playa Mujeres gated community. At 7,218 yards with Paspalum grass throughout, it plays firm and fast — the coastal winds make club selection tricky even on calm days.
- Paradisus by Meliá Cancun is the exception on this page. Its on-site course is a 9-hole, all-par-3 executive layout included in the all-inclusive rate — no green fees, no tee times needed. It suits beginners, families, and guests who want a casual round without committing to a full 18 holes. Serious golfers staying here will want to factor in a separate trip to the Iberostar Cancun Golf Club, a 5-minute drive away.
Hotel Zone vs Playa Mujeres: Where to Base Yourself
The resorts on this page sit in two distinct areas, and that geography shapes the whole trip — not just the golf.
- The Hotel Zone — A narrow barrier island running parallel to the coast, home to Iberostar Selection Cancun, Iberostar Selection Coral Cancun, Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, Moon Palace Cancun, Moon Palace Nizuc, Moon Palace The Grand Cancun, and Paradisus by Meliá Cancun. The Hotel Zone puts you closer to the airport (most resorts are 10–20 minutes away), closer to downtown restaurants and nightlife, and on the same strip as the majority of Cancun’s beaches. The trade-off is a busier, more built-up atmosphere. For golfers, the Hotel Zone means the Iberostar course is steps from your room, while Moon Palace guests sit at the quieter southern end of the strip with the Jack Nicklaus course on-site.
- Playa Mujeres — A gated coastal community 35–40 minutes north of the airport, where Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort and Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort are located. The setting is noticeably quieter and more private — fewer vendors on the beach, no nightclub strip nearby, and the Greg Norman course woven through the community itself. The distance from downtown is the main drawback, but for a trip built around golf rather than city exploration, Playa Mujeres is the stronger base. Tee times at the Greg Norman course are easier to secure here than at busier Hotel Zone facilities in peak season.
The decision usually comes down to this: if golf is the primary reason for the trip and the group wants seclusion, Playa Mujeres is the better fit. If the group is mixed — some golfers, some not — the Hotel Zone gives non-golfers more to do independently while the golfers are on the course.
Are Green Fees Included?
Golf access varies considerably across these resorts, and it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re getting before booking.
- Moon Palace Cancun, Moon Palace Nizuc, Moon Palace The Grand Cancun — Golf is not included in the standard all-inclusive rate. The resort offers a Stay & Play package with unlimited rounds, which represents good value for golfers planning four or more rounds during their stay. Individual green fees run approximately $170–$290 per person depending on season and tee time. Cart fees are additional on top of green fees.
- Iberostar Selection Cancun — Golf at the Iberostar Cancun Golf Club is not included in the room rate but is bookable directly through the resort with preferred access for guests. Green fees include cart, unlimited snacks and drinks, and driving range use — roughly $100–$150 per round depending on season, which is competitive for the quality of the course.
- Iberostar Selection Coral Cancun — Same course access as Iberostar Selection Cancun above. Coral Level guests receive preferential tee time booking through the concierge.
- Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort — Complimentary roundtrip transport to the Playa Mujeres Golf Club is included. Green fees are discounted for guests but not covered by the all-inclusive rate — expect to pay approximately $150–$250 per round depending on time of day and season.
- Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort — Same arrangement as Dreams Playa Mujeres. Preferred Club guests receive an additional discount on green fees and priority tee time booking through the concierge. Twilight green fees are complimentary for all guests.
- Hyatt Vivid Grand Island — Discounted green fees at the adjacent Iberostar Cancun Golf Club, bookable through the concierge. Not included in the all-inclusive rate.
- Paradisus by Meliá Cancun — The 9-hole par-3 course is fully included in the all-inclusive rate with unlimited rounds during resort hours. Club rental costs extra.
As a general rule, book tee times as early as possible — most courses allow reservations 60 days in advance, and the best morning slots at Moon Palace and Playa Mujeres fill quickly from November through April.
When to Book a Golf Trip to Cancun
Cancun has year-round sunshine, but the experience on the course changes significantly depending on the month.
- December to April — The peak season for good reason. Temperatures sit comfortably in the low-to-mid 80s Fahrenheit, humidity is manageable, and rain is rare. Courses are in their best condition, the trade winds are gentle, and evenings are cool enough to enjoy outdoor dining after a round. The downside: this is when everyone else wants to be here too. Resort rates are at their highest, tee times at the most popular courses fill weeks in advance, and the Moon Palace course in particular gets busy. Book tee times as soon as they open — most courses allow reservations 60 days out.
- May to June — A useful shoulder window. Temperatures climb into the upper 80s and humidity rises, but the crowds thin noticeably and rates drop. Morning tee times before 8am keep conditions manageable, and courses are rarely crowded. Worth considering for golfers on a tighter budget who don’t mind an earlier alarm.
- July to October — Hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest risk concentrated in August and September. Courses can close temporarily after storms, and heavy afternoon downpours are common. Early morning rounds are generally fine, but afternoon golf is unpredictable. If traveling during this period, confirm the resort’s weather policy on tee time cancellations and whether credits are issued.
- November — Sits between hurricane season and peak season, often offering the best value on the calendar. Weather is largely settled by mid-November, courses are in good shape, and rates haven’t yet spiked for the December rush. A strong option for flexible travelers.
What Non-Golfers Get Out of These Resorts
Every resort on this page is an all-inclusive with a full slate of amenities, so a non-golfer traveling in a group has no shortage of ways to fill the time while others are on the course.
- Pools and beach — Most properties here run to multiple pools, including swim-up bars, infinity pools, and in several cases dedicated adults-only areas. Moon Palace The Grand Cancun has the largest water park in Cancun, with a FlowRider wave simulator, waterslides, and a lazy river — enough to fill a full day independently. Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort has 65,000 square feet of pool space across three levels, including two infinity pools and a water park.
- Spas — Several of the resorts here have genuinely destination-worthy spas. The AWE Spa at Moon Palace Nizuc and Moon Palace Cancun covers 82,000 square feet and includes hydrotherapy, couples treatment rooms, and a full thermal experience. Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort has the largest outdoor hydrotherapy circuit in the Playa Mujeres area. Iberostar Selection Coral Cancun offers outdoor massage rooms overlooking the sea.
- Dining — All-inclusive dining at these resorts runs well beyond the standard buffet. Moon Palace The Grand Cancun has 25+ restaurants and bars across the complex, including Lebanese, Brazilian steakhouse, Italian, and a 24-hour café. Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort gives guests full access to the neighboring Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort as well, effectively doubling the dining options with no extra charge.
- Activities — Hyatt Vivid Grand Island runs a wellness-focused activity programme including rooftop yoga, cooking classes, pottery, and live music most evenings — the kind of schedule a non-golfer can build a full day around without leaving the property. Moon Palace properties offer dolphin encounters, bowling, laser tag, escape rooms, and a FlowRider, making them particularly well-suited to mixed groups traveling with non-golfers of varying ages.
The practical upside of choosing a golf resort for a mixed group: the golfers are typically done by midday, leaving the afternoon free for shared time at the pool or beach. It works better than it sounds.
FAQs
1. Do Cancun golf resorts include green fees in the all-inclusive rate?
It depends on the resort. Paradisus by Meliá Cancun includes unlimited rounds on its 9-hole par-3 course for all guests. Moon Palace properties offer a Stay & Play package with unlimited rounds at an additional cost. Most other resorts on this page provide discounted access and complimentary transport to the course, but green fees are paid separately — typically $100–$250 per round depending on the course and season.
2. What is the best Cancun resort for a dedicated golf trip?
Moon Palace The Grand Cancun and Moon Palace Cancun are the strongest options for golfers who want maximum course access and on-site facilities — the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus course is steps from the room, and Stay & Play packages make unlimited golf straightforward to arrange. For a quieter setting with a championship Greg Norman course, Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort and Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort are the best alternatives.
3. Can beginners play the golf courses at Cancun resorts?
All three main courses — Iberostar Cancun Golf Club, Moon Palace Golf Club, and Playa Mujeres Golf Club — have multiple tee positions that make them accessible to beginners and high-handicappers. The Moon Palace Golf Academy offers lessons from PGA professionals, and Iberostar’s course includes a driving range and putting green for warm-up. Paradisus by Meliá Cancun’s par-3 course is the most beginner-friendly option on this page — short, walkable, and included in the room rate.
4. When is the best time to play golf in Cancun?
December through April offers the most consistent conditions — warm temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rain. Tee times during this window book up quickly, so reserving 60 days in advance is advisable at Moon Palace and Playa Mujeres. May and November offer a useful middle ground: fewer crowds, lower rates, and still-playable conditions. July through October brings the hurricane season risk and heavy afternoon showers, making early morning tee times the safest bet.
5. Are Cancun golf resorts good for non-golfers?
Every resort on this page is a full all-inclusive with pools, spas, multiple restaurants, and daily activities — so a non-golfer in the group is well catered for. The Moon Palace complex and Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort are particularly strong for mixed groups, given the scale of their facilities. Golfers are typically done by midday, leaving the afternoon free for shared time at the beach or pool.
6. Is golf in Cancun good enough to justify a dedicated trip?
The Jack Nicklaus course at Moon Palace and the Greg Norman course at Playa Mujeres are both genuinely championship-quality layouts that would hold their own in any golf destination. The Iberostar Cancun Golf Club is well-maintained and excellent value. For North American golfers looking for a warm-weather winter trip that combines serious golf with beach access and all-inclusive convenience, Cancun competes directly with destinations like Scottsdale, Myrtle Beach, and Punta Cana.
7. How far in advance should I book tee times at Cancun resort courses?
Most courses open tee time reservations 60 days in advance. During peak season (December to April), the best morning slots at Moon Palace Golf Club and Playa Mujeres Golf Club fill within days of opening. If golf is the primary reason for the trip, confirm your tee times before or at the same time as booking your room — not after arrival.
8. Do I need to bring my own clubs to Cancun?
Club rentals are available at all three main courses on this page, typically $40–$85 per set. Bringing your own gives you a familiarity advantage, and most resorts arrange secure club storage at the course for the duration of your stay. If flying with clubs, confirm airline baggage fees in advance — costs vary and can add up on a round trip.
