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4.2
71 Reviews (71)
5 Stars
48
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.1
Layout
3.7
Friendliness
3.7
Pace
5.0
Amenities
3.5
40.3%
Recommend this course
65 out of 71 reviews
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Average Rating
Avg Rating
0
5 Stars
0
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
0
Value
0
Layout
0
Friendliness
0
Pace
0
Amenities
0
0%
Recommend this course
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.0
1 Reviews (1)
5 Stars
0
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.0
Value
3.0
Layout
3.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
3.0
StaffFriendliness
3.0
0%
Recommend this course
1 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 72
Length 7024 yards
Slope 139
Rating 74.8

El Camaleón is aptly named for its diverse layout and ever-changing landscape, which bends through tropical jungles, dense mangroves and oceanfront stretches of sand with holes bordered by massive limestone canals. The indigenous and environmentally inspired design aspects are evident from the opening fairway, by an imposing cenoté, an ancient underground cavern that was unearthed during the initial stages of course construction.

Created with the goal of producing a tournament-quality golf course while maintaining an enjoyable sense of 'playability' for players of all skill levels, this course was designed to enhance the most desirable natural features of its tropical forest and seaside settings.

The result is a golf course with a natural, stand-alone golfing experience unique to its own part of the world.

Course Details

Year Built 2006
Greens Papalum SeaIsle I Variety
Golf Season Year round
Architect Greg Norman (2006) Tad Burnett (2006)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fee
Clubs Yes
GPS Yes
Pull-carts No

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes - "Jim McLean Golf School"
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, MC, AMEX
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed No
Dress code Collared Shirt, Bermuda Shorts ok.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant, Beverage Carts

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Locker Rooms

Accolades

Reviews

4.2
71 Reviews (71)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 19
19th Hole Scenic Views 12
Patio Dining 10
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 15
Bunkers 14
Narrow Fairways 10
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 17
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 16
Advanced Golfers 15
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 22
Worth the Drive 12

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 96
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 250 Contributor
British Columbia Advisor
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Well....

Well the wait is over and I finally played the famed course. I'll start by saying the course layout, and facility is amazing. Very pleasing to the eye, sand was the best I've played in;) the practice areas are well spaced out and professional.

My problem with the course and I see many others have said the same, was the greens. It's near impossible to go low when they are this bad. Maybe it not prime season, but the just had the OHL here a couple weeks ago. So I don't know what the deal is. I won't go on about it.

Pro shop was lacking, was hoping for more selection and so I could pick a few things out to go home with. Was really bare.

Didn't eat at the restaurant but looked really good. I'm here for another week so might stop by again.

The course is challenging enough, add some wind and you have a greater respect for anyone the can be par and better on this course. It was very difficult.

Landscape was really nice. Reminded me of Waldorf Astoria and Pelican Hill.

Overall, I would play again but the rest of the trip I'll be trying other courses in the area.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Better than ever

I have play many times this course, and I will keep doing this, is a must

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course !

Almost perfect ! Just a little low mainteniance to the greens !

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

RH

Beatiful course, don't miss it
Mayakovsky is the best development in the Riviera Maya. We have played golf in many parts, including Puerto Vallarta and other courses in Cancun's, but this is the best

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Must play if you are in the Playa deCarmen area

Of the three courses that we played during out vacation in the Playa de Carmen area, this was the best! The conditions were excellent, course lay out was challenging, but fair. I would definitely recommend this course and will definitely play again, if I am in that area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Oh Maya

Rated the only PGA golf course in all Mexico, this place was top shelf. I was able to book online for a great deal but I would never pay 300 US to do that track. The course was well maintained and the GPS made an on board Caddy my best friend. The fly by's to the green gave you great perspective on pin location which was key for first time players. The Fairways were mint and the greens were in great shape. My only criticism would have to be the speed and terrain of the greens. They look and feel fast but they were dissappointingly slow. For me to give Mayakoba a 10, it needs to resdesign the greens. They were too flat and not much break to any put, so each green resembled the one before. The sand was the best I have ever played out of and the course was friendly and fair. Not much margin for error if you spray your balls off the "T" so keep your ball in the fairways. Overall I would give this course a "7". Way over priced but reasonable if you can get on for $129.00 US, I wouldn't pay any more though and still enjoy it. All in all, a very enjoyable experience and a must if you can get on at the right price !!!! Kevin from Toronto

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Excellent Condition

This GC was in excellent shape and most of the greens broke more than you would read them. A number of the fairways are narrow so play your game smart and hold back on your swing a little to keep it in play. The restaurant staff were very friendly however I did experience some challenges with the Pro Shop staff upon my check in. Make sure to ask them if your fees include the free meal and beverages as this was not mentioned when I made my reservations. If you are travelling down from Cancun (like we did for the day of golf) plan on paying an extra $100 US for cab fare and two extra hours of your time.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Twice a year
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

World Class Course

This is as nice as it gets. Service is first class and the faculties are luxurious. The course was in perfect condition. This is a PGA tour stop so you know Thr layout has to be challenging but fair. But, I played the correct tee box for my game (6,100 yds) and shot my average.
This is expensive. But I got the afternoon $125 rate on golf now which is the best bargin in Canncun. Mexico just changed the Yucatan to Daylight Savings time in the winter so you can easily play up to 7:00pm.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Amazon golf course!!!!

Very challenging golf course from tee to green.
Take care with the cenote a the hole 1 fairway!!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent!!

Very challenging course from the tips!! First class resort!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Play where the pro's play.

Great course and in excellent shape. Glad I got the discount, through Golfnow.com.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Fantastic course!

Amazing golf course, unbelievable location. Too bad it's too expensive. Friendly staff and good food. 3rd time I've been here, and probably not the last.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap Don't know
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

Worth the Time & Money

El Camaleon Mayakoba lives up to its reputation. The experience begins with your entrance into the main lobby. The clubhouse is gorgeous. You have your choice of seating in the lounge area. If you're bored you can play a few racks on their premium felted Brunswick pool table. Or have a drink at the bar a few steps away. The bar features an impressive array of liquors and two TVs (if you look you can see them on your approach from the 18th fairway).

A hop down the stairs takes you to the pro shop where you will find no shortage of logo apparel for the OHL Classic and Mayakoba. It's easy to drop a few dollars on the Pro Shop, but the yardage books won't cost you a dime . . . because they don't have any . . . each cart is equipped with GPS that offers you a flyover view, length of the hole, approach perspective, and the location of your golf cart (but not other carts on the course).

Walking out from the Pro Shop takes you the practice green and short walk or ride down the cart path leads to the driving range complete with practice bunker and chipping area.

The round went well. Course conditions were excellent. While it was not hot in my opinion (about 80 degrees) the high humidity was a bit stifling. My main complaint is with the non golf activities around the course. Mayakoba is an active residential construction site. The developers are touring groups of prospective buyers in large carts. The roads frequently overlap with the golf course cart path.

Likewise, there are water hazards on the course that are channels snaking around the property. Water taxis ferry residents back and forth around the development. In some cases, the boats cross right through the fairway. It was a bit odd really.

Lastly, there are foot paths that run along some of the holes. Again, pedestrians and cyclists had a habit of randomly popping out along the fairway on certain holes. It wasn't a problem, but it's something I'm not used to seeing.

I closed out an enjoyable round. Tipped out the staff and asked them to run my bags to reception. I went to the bar for a drink and to call a taxi. I came out about 30 minutes later and . . . no golf clubs. I had to go down and sort through the carts waiting to be washed and find my clubs. The staff were fairly unapologetic.

Other than that, I had a great time and would play there again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful course

The whole experience is excellent. Course design, conditioning and staff are great. Regular greens fees are way steep, but a Golf Now hot deal makes it a decent value. I try to play here at least once whenever I'm down this way.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

First rate golf course

Course was in outstanding condition but the greens were extremely slow.
Opportunity to use all clubs in the bag. With the many tee boxes it can play as long or as short as you like.
Staff was quite welcoming and friendly with the exception of the pro shop (only real negative). Not quite sure why, perhaps it was their apparent limited English but I did sense what might have been arrogance. Either way, a great track!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

El Cameleon

Everything was excellent - except the pro-shop was poorly stocked with very little size selection and enormously outrageous prices for such items as shirts US$120.00 each. They need to be realistic with tourist not cheap but reasonable prices.
Guy running the shop not very friendly or helpful seems like he's doing you a favour being there. Women were very accommodating and friendly.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Fair weather
Used cart

Challenge vs. Fun

If you're looking to test your game at a serious track this is it! Don't expect the 5 star treatment here either, kind of elitist in the attitude. Had a much better experience at Iberostar Paraioso and Riviera Cancun.

Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Average weather
Used cart

Best track in area.

Great course layout. Shot makers course. Shots off fairway reside forever with the flora and fauna. Fairways and greens perfectly manicured. The boat jungle tour travels alongside several of the fairways. Golf and restaurant staff very friendly and helpful. Five visits by Beverage cart during round. Locker room is like a private residence.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

First Class Experience

The moment you walk into the entrance it feels like first class. A MUST DO golf course in Riviera Maya. El Camaleon is the host of the only PGA tour event in Mexico. Greens were a little slow but that could have been caused by rain the night before. Very beautiful designed golf course with a par 3 hole overlooking the ocean.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

A Riviera Maya Gem

The entire experience is first class. And although the course routing at times is a bit funky, the golf is exceptional.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Golf Packages

Fairmont Mayakoba Stay & Play Package

FROM $417 (USD)
CANCUN/RIVIERA MAYA, MX | Enjoy 4 nights’ accommodations at Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya and 3 rounds of golf at Playa Paraiso Golf Club and El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club.
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