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Things to Do Mar 25, 2025 10 min read

Golfing in Los Cabos: Best Courses & When to Play

Los Cabos is one of the best golf destinations in Mexico — a 25-mile stretch of coastline with seven-plus championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Greg Norman, and Davis Love III, all built into the dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscape. The courses are genuinely world-class — multiple Cabo courses regularly appear on Golf Digest's top-100 international lists, and the views of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific from the fairways are jaw-dropping. The catch: Cabo golf is expensive, with peak-season green fees that rival top US courses. In this complete guide to golfing in Los Cabos, we cover the best courses by designer and difficulty, when to play, what things cost, and how to book tee times for your trip — whether you are a scratch golfer wanting a once-in-a-lifetime round or a casual player wanting a memorable vacation round.

1Quivira Los Cabos: the Jack Nicklaus stunner

Quivira Los Cabos, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course at the Pueblo Bonito resort on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, is one of the most visually spectacular golf courses in the world. The course winds through desert cliffs and along the Pacific coastline, with multiple holes perched directly above the ocean. The par-4 5th and the par-3 6th are the headline holes — both played along the cliffs with the Pacific crashing below. The course is genuinely difficult (lots of elevation change, tight fairways, ocean wind) and walking is not allowed — carts are mandatory. Access is limited to Pueblo Bonito owners and guests, and to guests of certain luxury resorts — check access requirements before booking. Quivira is the splurge pick — green fees are among the highest in Cabo, but the experience justifies it for serious golfers wanting the iconic Cabo cliffside round.

2Cabo del Sol: the Ocean and Desert courses

Cabo del Sol, on the Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, has two championship courses. The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus design, is the headline — regularly ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, with multiple holes directly along the Sea of Cortez. The front nine is more open; the back nine is the dramatic stretch with the ocean holes. The Desert Course, a Tom Weiskopf design, is the second course — more forgiving than the Ocean Course, with a different character and beautiful desert scenery. The Ocean Course is the splurge pick for serious golfers; the Desert Course is the value pick for a great round without the Ocean Course pricing. Both courses share a beautiful clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. Cabo del Sol is accessible to the public — book tee times in advance, especially in peak winter weeks.

3Club Campestre San José: the Nicklaus-II design

Club Campestre San José, a Jack Nicklaus II design on the Corridor near San José del Cabo, is one of the more accessible Cabo courses — a championship layout with ocean views from most holes, more forgiving than Quivira or the Ocean Course, and a strong value relative to the other Corridor courses. The course winds through desert arroyos and has views to the Sea of Cortez from most holes. The 18th hole, a par-4 with an approach over water, is the memorable closer. Club Campestre is the pick for golfers wanting a championship Cabo round without the peak-tier pricing of Quivira or the Ocean Course. The course is accessible to the public and to guests of the nearby resorts. Book tee times in advance for peak winter weeks; morning tee times are cooler and have less wind.

4Other courses: Puerto Los Cabos, Diamante, and Rancho San Lucas

Three other courses round out the Cabo golf scene. Puerto Los Cabos, in San José del Cabo, has two courses — a Greg Norman design and a Jack Nicklaus design — both excellent and accessible. The Norman is the more dramatic of the two. Diamante, on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas, has the Dunes Course (a Davis Love III design, ranked among the world's best) and the El Tigre Course (more forgiving). Diamante is a private club with limited public access — check requirements before booking. Rancho San Lucas, a Greg Norman design at the Solmar resort on the Pacific side, is the newest Cabo course — a dramatic layout with ocean views from most holes. All three are championship-quality and worth considering; Puerto Los Cabos is the most accessible of the three. See our golf course directory for the full breakdown.

5When to play and what it costs

Cabo golf is year-round, but the best playing weather is November through April — cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and more consistent winds. May and early June are also excellent. July through September are hot and humid — early morning tee times are essential, and cart paths only are common to protect the turf. Green fees vary dramatically by course and season. Quivira, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, and Diamante are the peak-tier courses with green fees in the $300 to $500-plus range in peak winter weeks. Club Campestre and the Desert Course at Cabo del Sol are the mid-tier at $200 to $350. Puerto Los Cabos and Rancho San Lucas are similar mid-tier. Shoulder season (May, October, November) green fees are typically 25 to 40 percent lower than peak winter. Most courses include cart, GPS, and range balls in the green fee; club rental is extra (typically $50 to $75). Caddies are available at most courses — tip generously.

6How to book tee times and tips for Cabo golf

Book tee times directly with the course or through your resort concierge — booking directly with the course often has the best availability and pricing. Book 2 to 4 weeks in advance for shoulder season, 4 to 8 weeks in advance for peak winter weeks. Some courses (Quivira, Diamante) have restricted access — check the requirements before booking. Pack your own clubs if you are serious — airline fees are usually less than rental fees for multi-round trips. Bring a good sun hat, sunscreen, and a hydration pack — the Cabo sun is intense year-round. Morning tee times are cooler, less windy, and have better light. Avoid midday tee times from June through September — the heat is dangerous. Carts are mandatory at most Cabo courses — the elevation changes and desert heat make walking impractical. Tip the cart attendants, the starter, and the marshal — Cabo golf service is excellent and deserves recognition.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best golf courses in Cabo?

Quivira Los Cabos (Jack Nicklaus, Pacific cliffs) and the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol (Jack Nicklaus, Sea of Cortez) are the headline picks — both regularly ranked among the top 100 courses in the world. The Desert Course at Cabo del Sol (Tom Weiskopf), Club Campestre San José (Jack Nicklaus II), Puerto Los Cabos (Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus), Diamante (Davis Love III), and Rancho San Lucas (Greg Norman) round out the championship scene.

How much does it cost to golf in Cabo?

Green fees vary dramatically by course and season. Quivira, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, and Diamante are the peak-tier courses with green fees in the $300 to $500-plus range in peak winter weeks. Club Campestre and the Desert Course at Cabo del Sol are the mid-tier at $200 to $350. Puerto Los Cabos and Rancho San Lucas are similar mid-tier. Shoulder season (May, October, November) green fees are 25 to 40 percent lower than peak winter.

When is the best time to golf in Cabo?

November through April is the best playing weather — cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and more consistent winds. May and early June are also excellent. July through September are hot and humid — early morning tee times are essential, and cart paths only are common to protect the turf. Avoid midday tee times from June through September — the heat is dangerous.

Can anyone play golf in Cabo?

Most Cabo courses are accessible to the public — book tee times directly with the course or through your resort concierge. Some courses (Quivira, Diamante) have restricted access — Quivira is limited to Pueblo Bonito owners and guests and guests of certain luxury resorts, and Diamante is a private club with limited public access. Check requirements before booking.

Should I bring my own golf clubs to Cabo?

Yes — if you are serious about golf and plan multiple rounds, pack your own clubs. Airline fees (typically $75 to $150 round-trip) are usually less than rental fees for multi-round trips. Most Cabo courses offer club rentals for $50 to $75 per round if you do not want to bring your own. Bring a good travel cover to protect your clubs in transit.

How do I book tee times in Cabo?

Book tee times directly with the course or through your resort concierge — booking directly with the course often has the best availability and pricing. Book 2 to 4 weeks in advance for shoulder season, 4 to 8 weeks in advance for peak winter weeks. Carts are mandatory at most Cabo courses. Caddies are available at most courses — tip generously. Tip the cart attendants, the starter, and the marshal — Cabo golf service is excellent.

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