Golf in Punta Mita: Pacifico, Bahia and the Tail of the Whale

Two Nicklaus courses

Pacifico is the original, running along the ocean on the north side of the peninsula. Bahia climbs the bay side with elevation and long water views. Both are Jack Nicklaus Signature designs, dramatic throughout, and in winter you will see whales breaching between shots.

The Tail of the Whale

Pacifico's optional third hole, known as the Tail of the Whale, plays to a green built on a natural rock outcrop in the sea, reached by an amphibious cart when the tide allows. It is billed as the only natural island green in the world, and it is the image most people picture when they think of Punta Mita.

How access works

Play here runs through Club Punta Mita. Access belongs to members, residents, and resort guests at the Four Seasons and St. Regis, and renters staying inside the gates can usually arrange tee times. Club membership has been published by area brokers at roughly a $150,000 refundable deposit plus about $18,000 a year in dues, with tiers governing golf and beach-club access. Treat those as broker-published figures and confirm the current terms with the Club in writing.

Golf real estate, and beyond

Fairway and golf-view homes are a category of their own here, from condos at El Encanto and Las Palmas to villas along both courses. Just north, Mandarina has added a Greg Norman-designed short course, and the wider Vallarta area has more golf still. Tell me whether golf is the point or a bonus, and I will steer you to the right community.