Club Karibana Cartagena
Cartagena
Club Karibana Cartagena is an 18-hole championship course on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, around 20 kilometres north of Cartagena’s historic centre. It is the country’s only golf course with direct sea views, combining tropical woodland, mangroves, artificial lakes and a spectacular closing stretch beside the Caribbean.
Designed and built by Nicklaus Design, all 18 holes officially opened in December 2012. The par-72 course measures approximately 7,074 yards from the back tees, with several shorter teeing options helping golfers choose a distance that suits their ability.
The two nines have noticeably different personalities. The opening nine moves through native vegetation and mangrove scenery, with six artificial lakes shaping the strategy. Water influences drives and approaches, so golfers need to choose sensible targets rather than attacking every flag. The fairways provide some room, but bunkers and angled greens can make the next shot much harder after a poorly positioned drive.
The back nine heads towards the Caribbean Sea and provides the course’s most dramatic scenery. These oceanfront holes are more exposed, allowing coastal winds to affect club selection and ball flight. Water, sandy waste areas and large bunkers add to the challenge, while sea-level conditions mean visiting golfers will not receive the extra distance found on Colombia’s high-altitude courses around Bogotá or Medellín.
Karibana has also hosted professional tournament golf. The Cartagena de Indias at Karibana Championship was played here in 2015 as part of the Web.com Tour, now known as the Korn Ferry Tour. That tournament history reflects the quality and difficulty of the Nicklaus-designed layout, particularly when played from the championship tees.
Facilities include a clubhouse, restaurant, changing rooms, pro shop and golf tuition. Rental clubs and electric golf carts are also available, making the course practical for international visitors who do not wish to travel with their own equipment. Tee times and visitor arrangements should still be confirmed before travelling.
At Hashtag Golf Travel, we recommend Club Karibana for golfers who want a proper Caribbean golf experience rather than simply another resort course. The front nine is strategic and tropical, while the oceanfront back nine delivers the memorable views. Cartagena’s colourful old town, restaurants and nightlife also make it easy to build the course into a longer golf and city holiday.
Rafael Núñez International Airport
17km
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Time Zone:
GMT−5
Currency:
Colombian peso (COP)
Temperature:
19 - 31°C
Cost of a Beer:
£1.35
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£14.30
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most exciting golf holiday destinations, combining Caribbean golf with colourful colonial streets, rooftop restaurants and warm coastal weather. Rafael Núñez International Airport sits close to the main tourist areas, making the city convenient for a shorter stay or the final stop on a wider Colombian golf itinerary.
The standout course is Club Karibana, an 18-hole, par-72 layout created by Nicklaus Design. The course moves through tropical dry forest, lakes and coastal terrain before reaching its spectacular Caribbean-facing holes. Sea breezes, extensive bunkering and water hazards can quickly punish loose shots, while the ocean views make this one of the country’s most memorable rounds.
Cartagena’s other established venue is Club Campestre de Cartagena, which offers 18 holes in a tropical parkland setting. It provides a more traditional local-club experience and a useful contrast to Karibana’s polished coastal layout. Tee times, guest access, caddies and transfers should be organised before travelling, particularly when building a multi-course package.
Away from golf, Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed walled city is the main attraction. Its preserved fortifications surround cobbled streets, colourful houses, historic churches and lively squares filled with restaurants and bars. We recommend walking along the city walls near sunset before heading into Getsemaní for dinner and live music.
Boat trips to the Rosario Islands add beaches, snorkelling and clear Caribbean water, while Cartagena’s food scene brings together fresh seafood, ceviche, coconut rice and regional Caribbean flavours.
Cartagena works particularly well for golfers seeking a luxury city-and-golf break. Early tee times are a wise choice, leaving the hotter part of the day free for the pool, sightseeing or a long lunch beside the sea.
