Los Sueños Golf Pricing & Booking Guide

Tucked along the sparkling Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just minutes from the lively town of Jaco, La Iguana Golf Course offers an experience that blends championship golf with the raw beauty of the rainforest. As part of the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, this Ted Robinson-designed course has earned its reputation as one of the country’s premier golf destinations. Whether you’re a scratch golfer chasing a challenging layout or a beginner looking to enjoy the sport in a stunning tropical setting, this guide covers everything you need to know about playing La Iguana Golf Course.

About La Iguana Golf Course

La Iguana is an 18-hole championship course stretching 6,698 yards with a par-72 rating. The course features a slope rating of 145 and a course rating of 73.4, making it a genuine test for players of all skill levels. What sets La Iguana apart is its unique position between the Pacific Ocean and an 1,100-acre tropical rainforest, creating breathtaking views from nearly every hole.

The course is richly landscaped with exotic native plants, banana trees, and orchids. Wildlife is abundant, with players regularly spotting colorful macaws, speckled monkeys, and iguanas wandering the grounds. The course has been recognized as Costa Rica’s second-best course by Golf Digest and was voted the 2018 IAGTO Sustainable Golf Course of the Year.

Green Fees: Marriott Guests vs. Public Rates

One of the most common questions golfers ask is how pricing differs between Marriott resort guests and the general public. Here’s what you can expect:

Los Sueños Marriott Guests

Guests staying at the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort enjoy preferred green fee rates. Hotel guests typically pay approximately $165 USD for 18 holes including a golf cart equipped with GPS. These rates are available when booking through the resort or as part of a stay-and-play package.

Non-Resort Guests

Public green fees for non-guests run approximately $180 USD for 18 holes with cart. While this is slightly higher than guest rates, it still represents excellent value compared to similar resort courses in the United States or other international destinations. Some visitors have reported finding rates around $115-150 depending on the season and time of day.

Seasonal Considerations

Golf in Costa Rica is a year-round activity thanks to the country’s tropical climate and more than 2,000 annual hours of sunshine. However, peak season typically runs from November through April, when dry weather prevails. During this period, you can expect to pay standard rates. The summer months (May through October) may offer occasional discounts or promotional rates, though afternoon thunderstorms are more common.

Membership and Enrollment Options

If you plan to play multiple rounds during your stay, La Iguana offers several enrollment programs that can provide significant savings:

Full Annual Enrollment

• Individual: $4,975 USD per year + tax
• Family: $6,700 USD per year + tax

Los Sueños Homeowners

• Individual: $4,400 USD per year + tax
• Family: $6,200 USD per year + tax

Weekday Enrollment

• Individual: $4,200 USD per year + tax
• Family: $5,550 USD per year + tax

Weekend Enrollment

• Individual: $3,600 USD per year + tax
• Family: $4,975 USD per year + tax

All-Week $50 Green Fee Enrollment

• Individual: $2,000 USD per year + tax
• Family: $3,500 USD per year + tax

Members enjoy numerous benefits including reduced green fees and cart fees, 20% discounts at resort restaurants and the pro shop, spa facility access, driving range privileges, and playing privileges for up to three guests per day at preferred rates. The enrollment also includes locker usage, club storage, and access to the Marriott Golf Reciprocal Program.

Equipment Rentals and Additional Costs

Traveling light? No problem. La Iguana’s pro shop offers comprehensive rental options:

• TaylorMade club rental (includes six golf balls): $75 USD
• Golf shoe rental: $15 USD
• Range balls (one bucket): $10 USD
• Range balls and clubs package: $25 USD
• Club storage per day: $3 USD

For those looking to improve their game, private instruction with a PGA golf professional costs $150 USD per hour, while lessons with golf instructors run $75 USD. Video swing analysis is available for $30 USD, and group instruction (minimum five people) is $50 USD per person.

All prices do not include the 13% Costa Rica IVA tax.

How to Book Tee Times

Booking your tee time is straightforward. The best method is through the La Iguana Golf Course mobile app, which often provides the most up-to-date pricing and availability. You can also book directly through the Los Sueños Marriott website or by calling the pro shop at 506 2630 9151.

For Marriott guests, it’s recommended to book tee times at check-in or in advance through the resort’s reservation system. Non-guests should book as early as possible, especially during peak season (December through April) and weekends, when tee times fill up quickly.

Booking Tips

• Book at least 2-3 days in advance during high season
• Download the La Iguana app for the best available rates and real-time availability
• Consider twilight rates if available, as they typically offer discounted green fees for afternoon play
• Marriott guests should inquire about package deals that bundle accommodation with golf

What to Expect on the Course

The Front Nine

The front nine at La Iguana is designed to welcome golfers of all experience levels while offering some of the most scenic views on the course. Holes wind through gentle terrain with ocean glimpses appearing intermittently through the trees. The layout here is more forgiving, making it perfect for warming up or for players still building confidence in their game.

The Back Nine

The back nine presents increased challenges, with more water features and strategically placed bunkers coming into play. Several holes require precise shot-making, particularly when navigating the numerous doglegs and the occasional elevation change.

Signature Holes

Hole 6, known as “El Brujo” (The Witch), is one of the course’s most memorable par-3s. This short hole requires a precise tee shot over water to a well-protected green. The finishing holes offer a dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, providing a spectacular conclusion to your round.

Wildlife Encounters

One of La Iguana’s unique charms is the abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Scarlet macaws - Often seen flying overhead or perched in tall trees
• White-faced capuchin monkeys - Frequently spotted in the treeline
• Iguana namesake - The course’s namesakes can often be seen basking on rocks near water features
• Over 150 bird species - The course’s tropical setting attracts incredible avian diversity

Course Conditions

The course is meticulously maintained year-round, with bentgrass greens that roll true and fairways lined with lush tropical landscaping. Golf carts are equipped with GPS, helping players navigate the course and track their progress.

Pairing Golf with Other Activities

Los Sueños offers much more than golf. The resort features a full-service spa, multiple dining options including the acclaimed 18 & Greene restaurant (modeled after a 1960s steakhouse), a fitness center, and a resort-style pool. The adjacent marina provides world-class sport fishing, while nearby Jaco Beach offers surfing, zip-lining, and other adventure activities.

Consider planning a golf and fishing combo trip—the marina is just minutes from the course, and many visitors split their days between the fairways and the Pacific’s deep waters. If you’re looking to extend your stay, explore our Los Sueños vacation rentals for luxury accommodations right on the golf course.

FAQ

What is the best time of year to play at La Iguana Golf Course?

The dry season from December through April offers the most consistent weather, with minimal rainfall and sunny skies. However, golf is playable year-round, and the summer months can offer discounted rates.

Can non-hotel guests play at La Iguana?

Yes, La Iguana Golf Course is open to the public. Non-guests can book tee times directly through the website, mobile app, or by contacting the pro shop. Green fees for non-guests run approximately $180 USD with cart.

Is La Iguana suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The front nine is specifically designed to be more forgiving and welcoming for newer golfers. Additionally, the driving range and putting green allow beginners to practice before heading onto the course.

What should I bring besides my golf clubs?

Costa Rica’s tropical climate means sun protection is essential. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Insect repellent can also be helpful, especially during early morning rounds. Golf shoes are recommended but not required—rental shoes are available at the pro shop.

Are caddies available at La Iguana?

Yes, caddies are available and optional. Having a caddie can be particularly helpful for navigating the course’s unique layout and reading the greens.

Is there a dress code?

La Iguana maintains a resort casual dress code. Collared shirts and appropriate golf attire are requested. Denim and t-shirts are generally not permitted on the course.

How far is La Iguana from San Jose airport?

The course is located about 90 minutes to two hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. Most visitors find that a private transfer or rental car is the most convenient option.

Can I combine golf with other activities at Los Sueños?

Definitely. The resort offers sport fishing, spa treatments, beach activities, and access to nearby adventure parks. Many visitors create custom itineraries that combine golf with other Costa Rica experiences.