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There’s a good reason Playa del Carmen is one of the top-rated vacation destinations in Mexico. Aside from having stunning beaches, breathtaking tours, and some out of this world food, you won’t be disappointed with the nighttime diversions either. One of our favorite nightclubs is Coco Bongo! It offers a fun mix of an energetic nightclub with an unforgettable show – we know you’ll love it!

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If you enjoy the nightlife like we do, you HAVE to check out Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen. This is truly an unmissable experience – just make sure to plan for a recovery day following your night out.

I’ve been to Coco Bongo multiple times, and each show is different! It’s such a fun, vibrant environment that I even held my best friend’s bachelorette party there a couple of months ago!

As you can imagine, Coco Bongo is a very popular place, so it’s best to be prepared before you go. We’ve created this guide to help answer all your questions about what to expect when going to Coco Bongo. And who knows – we might even run into each other on the dance floor.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Coco Bongo is an action-packed spectacle and dance party that lasts into the wee hours of the morning. If you want a night to remember, we highly recommend getting these Skip-the-Line tickets, or if you’ve got loads of energy, get the Gold Member tickets to experience the fun longer than anyone else!

1. About Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen

The origins of Coco Bongo go back to the hit 1994 movie The Mask. In The Mask, Coco Bongo is the club where Cameron Diaz sings and where the big fight takes place. However, the actual Coco Bongo show in Cancun didn’t open until the early 2000s with the location in Playa del Carmen following a few years afterward.

Throughout the show, there are often performances based on The Mask, and some might involve the audience taking tequila shots together (or at least it did last time I went!).

There’s also a rumor that Jim Carrey owns Coco Bongo, but sadly this isn’t true.

The Mask aside, Coco Bongo is an absolutely jaw-dropping show. It lasts around four hours, and you get to see so many spectacular performances during that time such as Brazil’s Carnival-inspired samba dancing to sing-alongs featuring Queen hits. Many of the acts are based on movies, such as the classic Moulin Rouge musical, and a stunt-filled performance based off Mad Max: Fury Road.

These impressive shows are so well done that we always recommend them over going to a regular nightclub – it’s an extravaganza that you’ll never forget!

We will warn you to wear some comfortable shoes. While there are tables to sit at, you will be encouraged to get up and dance throughout the performances. And what better way to make new friends than belting out some show tunes and shaking your stuff?!

Your ticket to Coco Bongo also includes unlimited drinks, and you can come and go as you like, but we’ll talk more about that later on.

The bottom line is: if you enjoy nightlife, then you’ll love Coco Bongo. And if you’d rather reserve your energy for daytime activities, there are plenty of other things to do in Playa del Carmen! So read on for more tips about having a fun night at Coco Bongo!

2. Where is Coco Bongo, Playa del Carmen located?

Coco Bongo is located right in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen, just one block from the famous 5th Avenue. There are loads of hotels around, so chances are Coco Bongo is within walking distance if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen. If you book your tickets through the Coco Bongo website, they offer transportation from some nearby hotels.

If you’re staying on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, you can take a taxi to Coco Bongo. You’ll also need to take a taxi home at the end of the night. The good news is you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a ride as taxis are always outside Coco Bongo.

Related Read: Are you wondering how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen? Read our guide about how to get from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen for a stress-free journey!

3. When is Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen open?

The show goes from 11 pm until 3 am, every day except Mondays. The exact time you can get inside depends on the type of ticket you have.

If you’ve got a Skip-the-Line ticket you’ll be allowed in at 9:30 pm. If you have a Gold Member ticket, you’ll be allowed to go inside at 9 pm. Getting in early allows you to get settled and enjoy a drink (or three) while you wait for the show to begin. However, if you do arrive later, you’ll be ushered straight in, which saves you hours of waiting in line.

You can get your Skip-the-Line ticket right here. But if you’re up for a VIP experience, this Gold Member ticket will get you even more perks.

If you’d rather opt for general admission, you can book your general access admission tickets here with the option to upgrade to the premium access open bar. Keep in mind that you’ll need to arrive early (at least 10 pm) to wait in line so you can see as much of the show as possible. If you show up at 11 pm when the show starts, you will be stuck in line waiting to get through security for a long while (sometimes well over an hour) and will miss a lot of the show – this is why the skip the line ticket is what we always opt for!

4. How much does it cost to visit Coco Bongo?

The price for a night out at Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen depends on two factors: the ticket you choose and the day you go.

General admission tickets usually cost between $86 USD to $136 USD when you purchase them online, and you get the choice of the “premium” option which includes more drink choices! You’ll also have the choice to upgrade to a front-row seat for around $195 USD or $215 USD on Fridays and Saturdays.

Skip-the-Line entry is also $86 USD and is offered Tuesday through Sunday – this would be our personal recommendation. Meanwhile, top-tier Gold Member tickets can cost between $176 USD to $194 USD. Not only do you get an earlier skip-the-line entry, but you’ll also get access to a private reserved area with spectacular views AND unlimited premium beverages all night long.

5. What are the different types of tickets you can buy to visit Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen?

General Access

The General Access tickets include a Regular ticket or a Premium ticket. The Regular ticket starts at $86 USD and is standing room only, but you’ll have access to an open bar and 2 small snacks (usually mini burgers or hot dogs). Keep in mind that General Admission does not include skip-the-line perks, so you’ll need to show up at least an hour before opening (10 pm) to make sure you get to see the show. The same goes for Premium General Access tickets, except the price is $136 USD and includes premium alcohol for the night.

If you’re going to go for the General Access tickets, we recommend showing up early to guarantee you’ll see the whole show. If you show up after 10 pm, be prepared to wait 2-3 hours as the line to get into Coco Bongo gets very long.

Skip the Line Entry

Skip-the-line entry tickets grant you general admission to Coco Bongo, but you get to skip the long wait outside and go straight inside! You also get early access and can start enjoying the fun at 9:30 pm.

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As with the general access tickets, you can enjoy unlimited local alcohol, and you’ll watch the show from the standing area. However, you don’t need to worry about showing up early to get a good spot in line – or waiting outside for hours. We definitely think it’s worth getting this skip-the-line ticket especially because it’s usually equal to or a similar cost to the general admission price.

Skip the line tickets are available from Tuesday through Sunday and start at $86 USD per person. You can book your skip-the-line tickets here.

Gold Member Ticket

If you want to go all out, then a Gold Member ticket will ensure you have an unforgettable night at Coco Bongo. Starting at $176 USD, this VIP experience includes skip-the-line access and a chance to enjoy all that Coco Bongo has to offer but placing you in a private area with a handful of other lucky guests.

Plus, a Gold Member ticket means that you get to enjoy premium drinks, so you’re not limited to local alcohol. Instead, you can choose from imported alcohol like Ketel One vodka, Johnny Walker, and Bacardi White rum.

Gold Member tickets cost $176 USD per person, and $194 USD on Friday and Saturday nights.

We had a fantastic time at Coco Bongo with skip-the-line tickets, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion or you just want to live life to the fullest, then Gold Member tickets promise a memorable evening! You can check the details and book your VIP Gold Member ticket with Viator right here.

6. Where should you buy your tickets to Coco Bongo Playa de Carmen?

The best place to buy your tickets to Coco Bongo in Cancun is on Viator. It’s much cheaper to buy tickets to Coco Bongo in advance online rather than paying in person in Playa del Carmen.

Going through Viator also costs the same (or less!) as purchasing tickets directly from the Coco Bongo website. Plus, Viator also has a much more generous cancellation policy in case your plans change.

If you read our blogs regularly, you probably already know why we love booking through Viator. But if this is your first time, I’ll explain the pros so you get a better idea!

You can’t change or cancel your Coco Bongo tickets and get a refund when you book directly, so if your plans change, you lose your money. However, when you book your Coco Bongo tickets with Viator, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the show and get a full refund. You can also change the dates, too, so it’s nice to have that extra flexibility, and it doesn’t cost any more money. In fact, tickets on Viator are often cheaper!

7. Is there food available at Coco Bongo?

Yes. All of the different admission types include a snack like mini hot dogs or burgers. The staff generously come around with these about halfway through the show. While it’s nice to have a little snack to keep you going, you’ll probably want to line your stomach with a more substantial meal before you arrive at Coco Bongo.

We recommend making a whole evening out of it and grabbing a meal beforehand. There are so many delicious restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

Related Read: If you’re looking for activities during the day, check out our favorite day trips from Playa del Carmen!

8. What are the drinks like at Coco Bongo?

If you buy basic entrance or skip-the-line tickets, then you get domestic drinks, like local spirits mixed with soda, as well as local wine and beer. You can either order drinks at the bar (although there’ll be a wait as it gets very busy), or tip a waiter to bring drinks directly to you, which is a much more convenient option.

When I was there last, I tipped one waiter pretty generously when we arrived and he kept coming back to our group to ensure we had excellent service for the rest of the night.

Meanwhile, Gold Member tickets or upgrading to premium tickets include premium alcohol. If you tend to enjoy the finer drinks in life, you’ll definitely prefer these tickets since it’ll give you the option to drink international spirits and beers.

9. How long does the entry lineup take?

Lines to get into Coco Bongo fill up quickly. We recommend arriving at least an hour early to reserve your spot in line. While waiting an hour sounds long, it’s much better than the three hours it’ll likely take if you show up at 11 pm when the show begins.

If you arrive an hour early, you’ll still be able to catch the start of the show and maximize your time partying inside Coco Bongo. If you’re the type of person who has to set ten alarms (no judgment, we’ve all been there), we highly recommend buying skip-the-line tickets or Gold Member tickets to save yourself the hassle. Unless you’re on a tight budget, we’d say it’s worth it!

10. Is seating or a reserved area required?

You don’t need a seat or a reserved area to have fun at Coco Bongo – but it can help.

If you’re in the general standing area, you’ll be tightly-packed with a large group of people and will most likely be struggling to get a good view of the stage. It gets very hot and can be a bit overwhelming if you aren’t used to being in large crowds.

However, if you buy a Gold Member ticket, you’ll be in a reserved area and have your own seat. Not only will this mean not having to compete for space in the main area, but you’ll get way better views of the show the all night long. You can just sit back, sip your premium drinks, and enjoy the show!

You also get to access to the Gold Member bathroom. I think we can all agree that waiting in line to use the bathroom when the alcohol is flowing is no one’s favorite pastime.

Look – If you want a place to sit and a guaranteed view of the show, then we recommend buying the Gold Member ticket. Another huge advantage to this ticket is that you will automatically get to skip the line when you arrive.

11. Do you need to stay until the end of the show at Coco Bongo?

While the show lasts until 3 am, you can leave whenever you want! With that said, it is a really great show, so I bet you’ll want to stay until the very end!

12. What ages are allowed in Coco Bongo?

You must be 18 years old to visit Coco Bongo as it is an adults-only nightclub. This is enforced by security guards checking IDs when you arrive.

It’s also important to note that you will need to present an ID that matches the same name on your booking when picking up your tickets on arrival. If it doesn’t match, you won’t be allowed in.

13. Is it safe to visit Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen?

Yes! There’s plenty of security, and the ID check at the door ensures the correct person is getting their ticket. Although Coco Bongo is always packed, they check everyone’s bags before entering for the safety of everyone. Fighting is not tolerated, and anyone acting aggressively will be escorted out (just like with any decent nightclub).

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As with any bar or crowded public area, we recommend keeping an eye on your drink at all times and never leave it unattended. Drink spiking is starting to become more common in Mexico, so please take care.

It’s natural to have safety concerns while traveling. To learn more, please read our safety guide about traveling in Mexico.

14. What is the difference between Coco Bongo Cancun and Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen?

To be honest, the Coco Bongo show is extravagant no matter where you are. They really take their craft seriously and want everyone to experience the magic. While there is a slight price difference between Coco Bongo Cancun and Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen, we recommend going with whatever venue is closest to you, that way you won’t have to worry about a longer and more expensive taxi ride at the end of your night.

If you happen to be in Cancun, you can purchase tickets on Viator for Skip-the-Line tickets, or for Friday and Saturday shows, you’ll need to get these Gold Member tickets as the standard skip-the-line tickets are not available those days.

15. Is Coco Bongo worth it?

Yes, absolutely! We’ve gone multiple times and it’s still one of the coolest nightclubs, in our opinion. Whether you’re looking to be immersed in a musical or just want to dance and sing all night long, Coco Bongo is such a fun and eccentric experience that you’ll be talking about for ages.

Plus, there are different ticket options depending on the experience that you want. For basic entry, check out the Coco Bongo website and you’ll see all of the various options with prices. If you despise waiting in lines (like me!), definitely opt for the skip-the-line tickets. Or, for an all-out VIP experience, go for this Gold Member ticket.

Related Read: For another very worthwhile experience, try one of these food tours in Playa Del Carmen!

Other Activities to do While You’re in Playa del Carmen

While we hope you enjoy Coco Bongo as much as we do, we really encourage you to get out an explore all that Playa del Carmen has to offer. There are so many amazing places to see in Playa del Carmen, and we’d love to share some of our favorites. If you’re interested, please check out our recommendations below:

• Check out Chichen Itza – This Wonder of the World should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s one of the oldest Mayan ruins, and is truly amazing to walk around. This site houses the temple of El Castillo, which shows ancient Mayan knowledge of our planetary system. If you’re interested in learning more about this ancient relic, check out our extensive guide on visiting Chichen Itza. If you want a full day of hands-on learning and exploring, I recommend this guided tour that includes food, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and entrance fees. You just have to show up and enjoy!

• Go Shopping! – I absolutely love shopping in Mexico, so if you’re like me, trust me when I say Playa del Carmen is a shopper’s paradise! Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is lined with shops, boutiques, markets, and restaurants where you can take a load off and enjoy the sights. If you prefer one-stop shopping, head to the Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall where you’ll find a variety of stores like Pandora and American Eagle Outfitters.

• Head to the Beach – Look, we wouldn’t be talking about Playa del Carmen if we left out the “playa.” If you’re looking for pure relaxation, we recommend heading to Mamitas Beach, which has plenty of umbrellas and loungers, as well as tons of food options nearby. If you want a more secluded space, check out Playacar Beach. There’s plenty of shade and you’ll love looking into the stunning clear water. Just be sure to bring snacks as the seclusion also means there are no restaurants around.

• Xplor Adventure Park – If you’re always looking for your next thrill ride, then you’re going to love Xplor Adventure Park. You’ll zipline, see waterfalls, ride ATVs, and more. If you want to guarantee your spot plus have access to activities not included in standard admission, we suggest getting this all-inclusive Xplor package that includes food and drinks.

• Book a Catamaran Cruise – There’s nothing quite like seeing the world from the water. If you like to venture into the open seas, we absolutely love sailing on catamaran cruises. For one of the best deals out there, check out this catamaran cruise from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres. You’ll get a delicious lunch, snorkeling opportunities, and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

Choosing a place to stay in Playa del Carmen can often be overwhelming – trust me, I’ve been there. The selection of hotels is huge and cater to all sort of trips, budgets, and ages. I won’t be able to mention every place I love, but I do have some favorites, depending on what you’re looking for.

El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel – $$$

For luxury travelers, The El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel offer a great central location that’s still secluded. As the name suggests, this hotel is right on the ocean, plus it also has a pool, is located in the heart of town, and offers a huge variety of rooms, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments!

Rooms here at El Tag start at around $200 USD, which is pretty good considering how fantastic the rooms are. You can check out available dates and book your stay online here.

Soho Playa Hotel – $$

When I’m traveling on a moderate budget and want a nice place, not in a resort, I love Soho Playa Hotel. The hotel has a fantastic location, a pool, free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a really clean and modern design. Plus, if you feel like stretching out and relaxing, you can even make the most of their free yoga classes!

A one-night stay here at the Soho Playa Hotel starts at around $135 USD per person. This is quite a popular hotel though, so make sure to reserve your room online in advance!

Che Playa Hostel and Bar – $

For budget travelers, Che Playa Hostel and Bar is one of the best hostels in Playa del Carmen. The hostel is located in the heart of town and comes with a small rooftop pool and bar, a social atmosphere, clean facilities, and helpful staff.

The rooms are pretty affordable as you might expect! A bed in a dorm here for one night costs less than $25 USD per person, and you can book on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Renting a Car in Mexico

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend.

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!

Thanks for reading!

If you’re looking for a night out in Playa del Carmen, Coco Bongo is a fantastic choice! It’s such a unique experience, and it’ll feel like you’re at a top-tier act where you’re encouraged to join in! The show prides itself on having incredible performances and top-quality production value. No matter which ticket option you choose, you’re bound to have an epic time!

If you found this article useful, check out our other blogs about Mexico! We love traveling all over this country, so much so that we even lived here for a while! We’ve written tons about the places we’ve visited. If you’re interested in learning about more about these places, please check out some of the links below!

20 Things to Know about Renting a Car in Playa del Carmen

5 BEST Tours to Swim with Sea Turtles in Playa del Carmen

21 Best Beaches in Mexico

15 Things to Know BEFORE visiting Akumal Beach

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