Best Cabo San Lucas Golf Courses: Where to Play & Book (2024)

Look, I'll be straight with you. Cabo San Lucas isn't just about tequila shots and beach parties (though those are pretty great too). Some of the world's best golf courses are hiding down here in Baja California Sur, and after spending way too much time researching and playing these courses, I'm ready to spill all the details.

Whether you're planning a golf trip with the crew or just want to squeeze in a round during your vacation, this guide will help you navigate the cabo san lucas golf scene like a pro. No fluff, just the real info you need to book the perfect round.

Why Cabo is Actually a Golfer's Paradise

Okay so here's what makes los cabos golf so special. You've got year-round sunshine (like, 350 days of it). Desert landscapes that'll make your Instagram pop. And ocean views that are so good they're almost distracting.

The courses here aren't just pretty faces either. We're talking designs by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, and Greg Norman. These guys knew what they were doing when they carved these courses out of the desert.

Fair warning though: cabo golf courses don't come cheap. You're looking at premium prices for premium experiences. But honestly? When you're teeing off with whales breaching in the background, it kinda makes sense.

The Must-Play Cabo Golf Courses

Quivira Golf Club

Real talk: Quivira golf is the course everyone's talking about, and for good reason. This Jack Nicklaus design sits on clifftops overlooking the Pacific, and holes 5, 6, and 7 are straight-up jaw-dropping.

The signature hole is definitely the par-3 6th. You're hitting over a canyon to a green that's basically hanging over the ocean. It's terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

What you need to know:

• Green fees: $395-$495 depending on season
• Best time to play: Early morning for cooler temps and better light
• Book 30 days in advance minimum
• Cart and range balls included

Pro tip: The wind picks up in the afternoon, so grab that morning tee time if you can. Trust me on this one.

Cabo del Sol (Desert Course)

This Tom Weiskopf masterpiece is what desert golf should be. The back nine plays along the coastline, and when I say the views are insane, I mean it. Holes 15, 16, 17, and 18 are called the "Four Holes of Dye-abolical" for a reason.

The 17th hole is probably the most photographed in all of Mexico. It's a par-3 that plays over the beach to a green surrounded by sand bunkers and crashing waves.

Quick stats:

• Green fees: $350-$425
• Length: 7,100 yards from the tips
• Best for: Experienced golfers who like a challenge
• Includes: Cart, practice balls, bottled water

Cabo Real Golf Course

Here's a course that doesn't get enough love. Cabo real golf was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and it's got this perfect mix of desert and oceanfront holes that keeps things interesting.

What I love about Cabo Real is that it's challenging but fair. You're not going to lose 12 balls like you might at some of the more punishing tracks. The greens are usually in great shape, and the staff actually seems happy to see you.

The details:

• Green fees: $275-$325
• More forgiving than some other courses
• Great practice facilities
• Good option for mixed skill groups

Diamante (Dunes & El Cardonal)

Diamante gives you two courses for the price of... well, still pretty expensive, but you get the idea. The Dunes Course is pure links-style golf designed by Davis Love III. Think rolling fairways and strategic bunkering.

El Cardonal, designed by Tiger Woods (yeah, that Tiger), opened more recently and has been getting rave reviews. It's got more of that classic desert feel with some seriously smart design work.

Here's what you're looking at:

• Green fees: $350-$450 per course
• Stay-and-play packages available
• Two completely different experiences
• Practice facility is top-notch

Palmilla Golf Club

This is where it all started for cabo san lucas golf. Palmilla was the first championship course in Los Cabos, designed by Jack Nicklaus back in the '90s. It's been updated since then, but it still has that classic feel.

The course winds through desert arroyos with mountain and ocean views. It's not as dramatic as some of the newer courses, but it's solid golf in a beautiful setting.

Worth noting:

• Green fees: $250-$350
• 27 holes total (three nine-hole courses)
• Good for all skill levels
• Less crowded than some of the newer courses

How to Actually Book These Courses

Okay, so you've picked your course. Now what? Booking cabo golf courses isn't like calling your local muni and showing up whenever. There's some strategy involved.

Book Direct vs. Through Your Hotel

Look, here's the thing. Your concierge is probably great at getting dinner reservations, but golf bookings? Sometimes they add their own markup or can't get you the best tee times.

I usually book direct with the courses. Most have online booking systems now, and you'll often find package deals that include breakfast or drinks.

When to Book

Real talk: the good tee times go fast. I'm talking 30-60 days in advance for peak season (November through April). Summer? You can probably get away with booking a week or two ahead, but why risk it?

Pro tip: If you're staying at one of the luxury villas in the area, some have preferred booking relationships with certain courses. Worth asking about.

Package Deals and Discounts

Here are some ways to save a few bucks:

• Twilight rates: Usually after 2 PM, save $50-100 per round
• Multi-round packages: Book 2-3 rounds, get a discount
• Stay-and-play: Some resorts offer golf packages
• Off-season: May through October can be 30-40% cheaper

What to Expect (The Real Scoop)

Alright, let's talk about what a round of los cabos golf actually looks like, because there are some things the glossy brochures don't tell you.

The Weather Factor

Morning rounds are golden. We're talking perfect temperatures, calm winds, and amazing light for photos. Afternoon rounds? You'll be sweating through your shirt by the 9th hole, and the wind can make club selection a real guessing game.

Honestly? Book the earliest tee time you can handle. Your scorecard (and your comfort level) will thank you.

Pace of Play

Most cabo golf courses do a decent job managing pace, but peak season can get crowded. Expect 4.5-5 hours for a round, especially if you're playing one of the more popular tracks like Quivira.

Fair warning: some courses pair up singles and twosomes whether you like it or not. If you want to play alone or just with your group, mention it when booking.

What's Included

The good news is that most courses here go all-out. You're usually getting:

• GPS-enabled golf carts
• Range balls for warming up
• Bottled water and towels
• Tees and ball markers
• Sometimes even snacks or drinks

Club rentals are available everywhere, but they're pricey ($75-100). If you're serious about your game, bring your own sticks or ship them ahead.

Beyond Golf: Making the Most of Your Trip

Let's be honest. You're not coming all the way to Cabo just to golf (though you totally could). Here's how to mix in some other good stuff.

Morning Golf, Afternoon Adventures

Play your round early, then spend the afternoon doing other adventures around Los Cabos. Snorkeling, fishing, or just lounging by the pool with a cold beer. That's the Cabo way.

Sunset from the Water

After a day on the course, there's nothing like watching the sunset from a private yacht. Yeah, it sounds bougie, but when you're in Cabo, why not go all out?

Pro Tips from Someone Who's Made All the Mistakes

Here's the stuff I wish someone had told me before my first cabo san lucas golf trip:

• Bring extra balls: Some of these courses eat golf balls for breakfast
• Sunscreen is non-negotiable: The desert sun is no joke
• Hydrate like crazy: Start drinking water the night before
• Tip your cart attendant: They work hard in hot weather
• Don't overpack your schedule: You'll want time to actually enjoy being in paradise

The Best Times to Visit

Okay so here's the seasonal breakdown:

Peak Season (Nov-Apr): Perfect weather, higher prices, book way ahead

Shoulder Season (May, Oct): Good weather, better deals, less crowded

Summer (Jun-Sep): Hot and humid, best prices, afternoon thunderstorms possible

Personally? I love October and early November. Weather's still great, prices are dropping, and you're not fighting crowds for tee times.

FAQ: Everything Else You're Wondering

How much should I budget for golf in Cabo?

Plan on $300-500 per round at the top courses, including green fees, cart, tip, and drinks. Club rental adds another $75-100. For a 3-round trip, budget $1,000-1,500 just for golf.

Do I need to be a resort guest to play certain courses?

Most courses are open to the public, but some (like Palmilla) give priority booking to resort guests. A few courses at all-inclusive resorts are guest-only, but those usually aren't the championship tracks you're after.

What's the dress code like?

Standard golf attire: collared shirts, golf shorts or pants, golf shoes. Most places are pretty relaxed about it, but don't show up in board shorts and flip-flops. When in doubt, dress like you would at a nice course back home.

Can I walk the courses instead of taking a cart?

Technically yes at most places, but honestly? Don't. The heat, elevation changes, and distances between holes make it pretty miserable. Plus, cart fees are usually included in the green fee anyway.

What if the weather's bad?

Rain is pretty rare, but it happens. Most courses have decent weather policies and will offer rain checks or refunds for unplayable conditions. Wind is more common and usually doesn't qualify for refunds, so just embrace the challenge.

Ready to Book Your Cabo Golf Adventure?

Look, cabo san lucas golf is special. Yeah, it's expensive. Yeah, you need to plan ahead. But when you're standing on that clifftop tee box watching whales swim by while you line up your shot, you'll get why people keep coming back.

My advice? Pick 2-3 courses that sound good to you, book those morning tee times, and don't stress too much about the rest. Cabo has a way of working its magic whether you shoot 75 or 105.

Ready to start planning? Check out our concierge services to help coordinate your entire Cabo golf getaway. We can handle everything from tee times to transportation, so you can focus on the important stuff, like working on that slice.