8 Best Golf Courses in Costa Rica & How to Book Tee Times

We’ll be honest, we’re not golfers ourselves. But after nearly ten years of living here, we’ve helped plenty of friends and family plan their golfing in Costa Rica adventures.

Costa Rica might be better known for its beaches and volcanoes, but it’s also home to some of the most scenic and well-designed golf courses in Central America. If you’re planning a Costa Rica golf vacation, you’ll find championship layouts by legends like Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones II. Many of these courses are tucked inside luxurious oceanfront resorts.

Whether you’re a dedicated golfer chasing bucket-list rounds or just hoping to sneak in a casual nine holes between beach days, here are the best golf courses in Costa Rica, plus where to stay, how to book, and our insider tips for playing in the tropics.

5. Cariari Country Club

Location & Getting There

Just 10 minutes from San José International Airport (SJO), Cariari Country Club is the most historic golf course in Costa Rica. It is the perfect spot to play a quick round after landing or before flying home. Despite its city location, it feels peaceful, with tree-lined fairways and mountain views.

Course Design & Scenery

This course was designed by George Fazio in 1973. It is often considered Costa Rica’s national course. It is actually rumored that Bob Hope, Joe DiMaggio, and John Wayne all played here.

Par, Yardage & Playability

18 holes • Par 71 • roughly 6,600 yards. Moderate difficulty, technical rather than long, with tight fairways and small greens that reward accuracy over distance.

Booking

All booking info can be found on the Cariari Golf website here

💡 Insider Tip: If you’re flying in or out of Costa Rica, plan to stay one night nearby and sneak in a round here. It’s the easiest way to add golf to your itinerary without rearranging your whole trip.

6. Parque Valle del Sol Golf Course

Location & Getting There

Parque Valle del Sol is located in Santa Ana, about 20 minutes west of downtown San José and 15 minutes from SJO. It is popular with both locals and visiting golfers.

Course Design & Scenery

Tracy May designed this course. The layout features wide fairways lined with trees, colorful gardens, and distant mountain views. It’s a relaxed, open design ideal for beginners or casual players who still want a beautifully maintained course.

Par, Yardage & Playability

7,022 yards • Par 72. Moderately challenging

Rentals & Lessons:
Club and cart rentals available; private lessons, junior camps, and beginner clinics offered year-round.

Amenities & 19th Hole

A pro shop, driving range, and casual café sit beside the 18th hole. The surrounding Santa Ana area is full of great restaurants which are perfect for a post-round lunch.

💡 Insider Tip:
Valle del Sol is one of the few public courses in the country (no membership required) so it’s a great option for a spontaneous tee time if you’re in the Central Valley.

Book online via the Parque Valle del Sol website

7. Tango Mar Beach, Spa & Golf Resort

Location & Getting There

This course is tucked along the quiet southern Nicoya Peninsula near Playa Tambor, Tango Mar Beach, Spa & Golf Resort.

It is about a 25-minute drive from Tambor Airport or 4.5 hours from San José (including the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry). The resort sits right on a secluded stretch of beach where the jungle meets the sand.

Course Design & Scenery

The nine-hole course here may be small, but it’s super scenic. Fairways roll through palm groves and tropical gardens, with a few holes offering direct ocean views. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious.

Par, Yardage & Playability

Approx. 2,800 yards • Par 34. (9 hole course)
Short, sweet, and great for casual players or anyone easing back into the game.

Stay at Tango Mar Resort

The easiest way to experience the course is to stay right at the Tango Mar Beach, Spa & Golf Resort. Guests receive quick course access, and full resort privileges.

If you want the resort experience without Four Seasons / JW-level pricing, Tango Mar is a great value. You still get beachfront rooms, a pool, spa, and a fun 9-hole course at rates that are often far lower than the big-name golf resorts.

Check Availability and Book Your Stay

8. Osa Golf Course

Location & Getting There

The Osa Golf Course sits just outside the small town of Ciudad Cortés, about 25 minutes south of Uvita and 15 minutes north of Palmar Norte on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific coast.

Course Design & Scenery

This locally owned, 9-hole course is surrounded by pristine jungle, rivers, and farmland. It’s not fancy or resort-polished, but that’s part of its charm. Expect parrots, toucans, and sometimes even monkeys watching your swing from the trees.

Par, Yardage & Playability

Nine holes • Par 36 • Approx. 3,200 yards. The layout is straightforward and perfect for casual golfers. Beginners will love the relaxed pace, while seasoned players can focus on accuracy and short-game finesse.

Rentals & Lessons:
Club rentals and golf carts are available, and the small pro shop sells basic supplies.

Book a Tee Time Here

Map of Costa Rica Golf Courses

We created this map of the golf courses in the country to give you a better perspective on where each one is in relation to where you plan to visit. Open it in Google Maps here

Travel Tips for Golfing in Costa Rica

1. Booking Tee Times

Most Costa Rica golf courses are connected to resorts, and tee times fill up fast, especially during dry season (December–April).

• If you’re staying at a resort, ask the concierge to book for you when you reserve your room.
• For public courses like Valle del Sol, you can book directly online.
• Always confirm your tee time a few days in advance.

2. Where to Stay

If golf is the main goal of your trip, it’s easiest to stay directly at a golf resort (like the Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Westin, or Los Sueños Marriott). You’ll get early tee access, easier transport, and access to amenities for non-golfers.
For groups or families, renting a vacation rental near the course often gives you more space and flexibility — and sometimes even private golf cart access.

3. Getting Around

You’ll need a car for most golf destinations outside San José. The easiest option is to rent with Adobe Rent a Car. They’re local, reliable, and offer free airport pickup plus discounts for Costa Rica Vibes readers.

4. Playing in the Tropics

The Costa Rican sun is strong year-round, even on cloudy days.

• Wear breathable fabrics and light colors.
• Reapply reef-safe sunscreen every few holes.
• Bring a hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water.
  Morning tee times (6:30–9:30 a.m.) are cooler, calmer, and better for spotting wildlife.

5. Expect Wildlife Encounters

Don’t be surprised if a howler monkey, iguana, or even a coatimundi crosses the fairway. They’re part of the charm here. Just enjoy the moment (and maybe wait a minute before taking your shot).

6. Dress Code

Golf attire in Costa Rica is relaxed but respectful.

• Men: polo shirt, golf shorts or pants.
• Women: polo or athletic top, golf skirt, or shorts.

7. Bring or Rent Clubs?

If you plan to play multiple rounds, bring your own set. Club rentals here aren’t cheap.
For a few casual games, renting at the course is usually more convenient. Most clubs stock premium brands in good condition.

8. Weather & Seasons

Costa Rica has two seasons:

• Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Sunniest skies and busiest tee sheets.
• Green Season (May–Nov): Lower prices, lush landscapes, and short afternoon showers. Just plan to play in the morning.

9. Paying & Tipping

All courses accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx).
Tipping isn’t required but always appreciated. Around ₡3,000–₡5,000 CRC ($5–$10 USD) for caddies or course staff is a nice gesture.

Are you ready to play golf in Costa Rica? If you have any questions please leave them in the comment section below. We are happy to help you out as best as we can.

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