Marina Vallarta Golf Club
A scenic golf course in Puerto Vallarta, known for its wildlife encounters and marina views, offering a unique golfing experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Better value, cooler temps
Marina Vallarta Golf Club
Best Time
Better value, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic golf course in Puerto Vallarta, known for its wildlife encounters and marina views, offering a unique golfing experience.
"One of the best courses I've ever played. It's beautiful and very well maintained."
Bring Your Own Clubs
Rental clubs are expensive. Consider bringing your own for better value and familiarity. :golf_club:
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of iguanas and crocodiles on the course. They are part of the unique experience! :crocodile:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the course
Keep an eye out for iguanas and crocodiles! A unique golfing experience with nature.
Ocean Views
Select holes
Enjoy glimpses of the Pacific Ocean on certain holes, adding a scenic backdrop to your game.
Well-Maintained Greens
Greens
Despite some reviews mentioning course conditions, many praise the greens for being well-manicured and rolling true.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tee Off Smart: Timing is Everything
Club Conundrum: Rent or Bring?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Clubs
Rental clubs are expensive. Consider bringing your own for better value and familiarity. :golf_club:
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of iguanas and crocodiles on the course. They are part of the unique experience! :crocodile:
Hydration is Key
No water included! Bring plenty of your own or be prepared to purchase it. :water_wave:
Twilight Deals
Look for twilight rates for a more affordable round, but check sunset times. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Clubs
Rental clubs are expensive. Consider bringing your own for better value and familiarity. :golf_club:
Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of iguanas and crocodiles on the course. They are part of the unique experience! :crocodile:
Hydration is Key
No water included! Bring plenty of your own or be prepared to purchase it. :water_wave:
Twilight Deals
Look for twilight rates for a more affordable round, but check sunset times. :clock1:
Safe Driving Range
Be cautious on the driving range; there's no barrier between it and an adjacent hole. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Marina Vallarta Golf Club are mixed, with many praising the well-maintained greens and unique wildlife encounters. However, several visitors found the course overpriced for its condition, citing issues with maintenance and a lack of included amenities. The layout and safety of the driving range were also points of contention for some.
"Overpriced and overrated. About $300 CAD per person but was a total let down for the price.
Course was un-manicured: leaves all over the course, palm leaves falling within a couple feet of us, coconuts hanging from the trees presenting a hazard, parts of the fairways were flooded because the sprinklers were on— we had to avoid being soaked while playing and driving the carts.
The starter let the group after of us go out early; we had to ask them to let us play at our designated time and felt like we were constantly rushed despite the round taking ~3.5 hours.
Nothing was included in the price other than cart and green fees— not even a bottle of water.
Personal gripes but I also didn’t like the layout, having to drive on roads/ sidewalks between many holes. Moreover, the driving range placement felt pretty unsafe— no barrier between the range and the adjacent hole (10 if I remember correctly?) so you have to be on the lookout for errant balls even when teeing off. Don’t bother looking for your ball if you’re anywhere near the right side of the fairway.
The only redeeming factor was that the greens were in decent condition. Don’t waste your money."
Jenny Weseen
"12.27.2024 On vacation so life was perfect. Course was manicured and easy to navigate. Staff were helpful but check-in was a bit of a cluster-fudge. Close to our Grand Hyatt Dreams resort which also made it easy. Staff accommodated us with two junior clubs for our 41/2 year old. Rental clubs (have to have a set of clubs for each player) were sufficient. A good part was one hole skirted next to the ocean/beach. And when returning to the clubhouse, exquisite, colorful iguanas were waiting for observation!"
Gail Zucker
"Played on GolfNow Hot Deal for $130 US which is fair value.
We rented Taylormade Sim2 and Callaway Rogue clubs, which were about two years old and in decent shape for $65 US.
Driving Range for about 20 people and large putting green for practice by the clubhouse. The course is relatively flat and the front nine may be a bit better than the back which goes through more residential. I wouldn’t call it tight though, we hit Driver on most Par 4&5.
The whole course was in good condition and the greens were really good – cut that day , and rolled true. Found a few bunkers and they had large grain sand , medium depth , relatively consistent. The course wasn’t that busy we zipped around in under four hours. I would play it again for sure."
Chris Schultz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The club is located within Marina Vallarta, easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services from Puerto Vallarta. Many resorts, like Grand Hyatt Dreams and Casa Velas, are nearby or even on the course itself, making it convenient for guests.
Yes, it's situated within the Marina Vallarta area, with several hotels and resorts in close proximity, including Holiday Inn & Suites Marina Vallarta Golf and Grand Hyatt Dreams.
Depending on your hotel's location within Marina Vallarta, walking might be an option. It's also a short taxi or Uber ride from most accommodations in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary significantly, with some visitors reporting prices around $300 CAD or $130 USD when booked through GolfNow Hot Deals. It's advisable to check current rates and consider booking in advance.
No, rental clubs are typically not included in the green fee and come at an additional cost, often around $65 USD for a set.
Booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. You can often find better deals through platforms like GolfNow.
Generally, no. Most reviews indicate that only the cart and green fees are included, with no complimentary water or other amenities.
Playing during twilight hours or booking through 'Hot Deals' on sites like GolfNow can offer significant savings.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
The course is relatively flat, with the front nine often considered more scenic than the back nine, which winds through residential areas. Some holes require driving on roads between them.
While some find it challenging due to bunkers and water hazards, others describe it as navigable. Beginners might find it tough if they are not used to courses with fewer wide fairways.
Expect to see iguanas and crocodiles. Some golfers have noted the need for caution when searching for lost balls near wildlife.
Rounds can take around 3.5 to 4 hours, especially if the course isn't too busy. Some visitors felt rushed by staff.
Yes, at least one hole skirts the ocean/beach, offering beautiful coastal views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not explicitly detailed in reviews, the clubhouse typically offers food and beverages. For unique dining with marina views, Mr. Cream Pancakes & Waffles is recommended nearby.
Yes, Mr. Cream Pancakes & Waffles in Marina Vallarta is a popular spot for breakfast or brunch with beautiful marina views.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the wildlife, the ocean views on certain holes, and the overall lush landscape of the course. The marina itself also offers picturesque scenes.
The presence of iguanas and crocodiles provides unique photo opportunities. The contrast between the manicured course and the natural surroundings is also striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less busy times or opting for a shorter experience, perhaps just a drive-by to see the wildlife or a meal at a nearby restaurant with marina views. The proximity to resorts also makes it an accessible option for families staying in the area.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Marina Vallarta area without playing a round. Strolling along the marina, enjoying the views, and dining at more affordable local eateries can provide a great experience without the high green fees.
💑 Couples
This makes it an ideal retreat for couples looking for relaxation and luxury. Enjoy a round of golf with beautiful surroundings, followed by a romantic dinner at a restaurant overlooking the marina. The combination of scenic golf, potential wildlife sightings, and upscale accommodations creates a memorable experience for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Course: Layout and Conditions
Course conditions have received mixed reviews. While some visitors in late 2024 found the course manicured and easy to navigate, others have reported issues such as leaves on the course, falling palm fronds, and even flooded fairways due to sprinklers. The greens, however, are consistently described as being in decent to good condition, well-manicured, and rolling true.
Wildlife is a significant feature, with iguanas and crocodiles being common sights. This adds an element of excitement but also requires caution, especially when searching for lost balls near the right side of fairways or water hazards. The driving range also has a safety note, with no barrier between it and an adjacent hole, necessitating awareness of errant balls.
The Value Proposition: Cost vs. Experience
This pricing has led to some visitors feeling that the course is 'overpriced and overrated,' citing issues with course maintenance and a lack of included amenities like water. However, others found the price fair when booked as a 'Hot Deal' on GolfNow, particularly noting the quality of the greens and the overall experience.
For golfers looking to maximize value, booking twilight tee times or actively seeking out deals on booking platforms is highly recommended. Bringing your own clubs can also mitigate a significant portion of the cost. The consensus is that while the experience can be enjoyable, it's crucial to manage expectations regarding the price point and to research the best ways to secure a more economical round.
Beyond the Fairway: Marina Vallarta's Charm
For those seeking culinary delights, the Marina Vallarta area boasts excellent dining options. Mr. Cream Pancakes & Waffles is a standout for breakfast or brunch, offering delicious food with stunning views of the marina.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the golf club, Puerto Vallarta offers a wealth of activities. From exploring marine ecosystems to enjoying the beaches, there's plenty to do for those who want to experience more of what the region has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit