Cruises for Golfers: 6 Destinations Every Golfer Will Love

While golfing might not be the first thing many people think about when it comes to cruise activities, cruises for golfers are actually quite popular, and for good reason. Whether you are on a small island in the Caribbean, docked at a port town in Mexico, or hopping from island to island in Hawaii, cruise destinations are some of the most tranquil and beautiful places in the world and thus great places for a round of golf. Many golfers will take cruises for the sole purpose of trying out these different courses, but it can also just be a welcome change of pace during a family vacation. If you are looking for a good spot to golf on a cruise, we’ve got you covered with a few of the best destinations to play a round of golf.

Popular Cruises For Golfers: Bermuda

If you are someone who already likes to go for a game of golf on a cruise, then you are probably aware of Bermuda’s reputation for the sport. That is because Bermuda is one of the best and most well known destinations for golfing. Bermuda itineraries are especially good cruises for golfers because they typically have overnight stays, giving you extra time to get out for a round or two. If it’s your first time golfing in Bermuda, we recommend you check out Turtle Hill, which you can visit on your own or on a shore excursion. Of course you can always stick with Port Royal Golf, which is much closer to port and will have specials for cruisers to boot!

Related: Bermuda Cruise To-do List: Everything You Don’t Want to Miss!

For a Longer Stay in Port: Jamaica

Next up, we have the birthplace of reggae and one of the most iconic cruise destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica. This is another great place to golf on a cruise thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and accommodating topography. Although cruises for golfers will face a little extra setback here, as getting to the course and completing the game takes a little bit longer. Just make sure your ship will be in port for at least seven hours to give yourself enough time. If you are trying to decide what course to hit up, the White Witch Golf Course is a favorite for first timers, although Half Moon or Cinnamon Hill are other great options to consider if it is already booked up.

For Scenic Waterfront Golfing: St. Kitts

St. Kitts is a little less known for its golfing, as it actually only has one course. But if you are looking for gorgeous oceanfront golfing that is right by the port, then this is the spot for you. Royal St. Kitts Golf Club is an 18-hole course with 125 acres of lush greenery, with three holes that overlook the Atlantic Ocean and two facing the Caribbean. It may not have all the options that other islands do, but as just one stop on many cruises for golfers, it is one that is worth checking out.

Cruises for Golfers Up for a Challenge: Aruba

If you are looking for a little more of a challenge when you golf on a cruise, The Links at Divi Aruba is a good place to start. It is a nine-hole course that has been giving golfers a run for their money for 17 years and is just a short taxi ride from port. In addition to the extra challenge, this course features beautiful landscaped lagoons and amazing views of the ocean, as well as a pretty sweet clubhouse and comprehensive learning center. If you have enough time for something a little longer, the golf course at Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf is an 18-hole course that is well worth checking out, and might be a little less likely to frustrate you. Whichever course you choose, Aruba is a top destination for cruises for golfers.

Golf on a Cruise in the Mexican Riviera: Puerto Vallarta

If you’re looking at cruises for golfers that are heading to the Mexican Riviera, you’ll want to make sure that they have a stop in Puerto Vallarta. The best options for courses here are Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta. Marina Vallarta is the premier country club in town, and is notable for its extremely beautiful and tranquil 18-hole course, as well as its beachside views of Banderas Bay. Vista Vallarta, on the other hand, comprises two 18-hole courses and is surrounded by dense jungles and deep ravines. You only have so much time to golf on a cruise and you’ll probably have to pick between the two, so choose wisely!

The Ultimate Cruises for Golfers: Hawaiian Islands

Finally, we have the creme de la creme of cruises for golfers, the Hawaiian Islands. Literally every island here has amazing golf courses close to port, and it is hard to imagine a more beautiful place to play a round. With many itineraries featuring overnight stays, you’ll have more than enough time to play. On Maui, you’ve got The Dunes, the only course in Hawaii built on natural dunes. In Oahu, we recommend Kapolei Golf Club, Ko Olina Golf Club, or The Palmer course at Turtle Bay Resort. On Kauai, you can find arguably the best course in all of Hawaii, Princeville Makai Golf Club, although you will have to travel about an hour from port to get there. And on the Big Island the best courses are Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Championship Golf Course, Hualalai, Mauna Lani Resort North Course, and Waikoloa King’s Course. With so many places to play golf on a cruise here, you can see why this is a top destination for golfers!

Related: Cruise to Hawaii: A Guide to the Islands’ Must-See Attractions

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