Coco Bongo Playa Del Carmen
If you’re considering a visit to Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen and want to know if it’s worth it, then you’ve landed at the right place. I have visited Playa del Carmen over 15 times in the last 7 years and have been to Coco Bongo multiple times. Coco Bongo offers unique performances and a high-energy experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The uniqueness of Coco Bongo may make it hard to determine if the high price is worth it. In this post, I will provide a 100% honest review of Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen. The review will cover the show overview, ticket information, pros and cons, production review, alcohol review, visitor info, and more. Let’s get started with a quick overview chart to help you decide if Coco Bongo is the right choice for you.
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The Coco Bongo Mexico experience is a 4-hour show that draws inspiration from pop culture. It includes features such as giant screens, acrobats, confetti explosions, celebrity impersonators, and tribute singers. The show is advertised as being similar to Las Vegas-style productions. Coco Bongo Cancun was established in the late 90s and now has locations in Playa del Carmen and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Playa del Carmen location is a large, multi-level hall that can accommodate up to 1,800 people and is popular amongst tourists from different parts of the world.
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Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen stands out for its up-to-date productions. They regularly update their musical sets with references to the latest trends in TV shows, movies, and songs. In addition to the entertaining performances, the open bar adds to the unique experience. Guests can enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks, creating a lively and fun party atmosphere.
To avoid waiting in the long entrance lines, I suggest arriving at the venue 15-30 minutes early to have your tickets scanned and get your wristband. Alternatively, if you buy the VIP Entrance ticket, you can skip the line and go straight in. It’s a great advantage!
The staff will take you to your designated seating area depending on the type of ticket you have. The seating area can either be on the ground floor or on the second level. We had a Gold Member ticket, so we sat in the seating area on the ground floor, which was tiered with a good view of the main stage.
We also had the option to sit on a couch or at a table. While everyone is finding their seats, you can order drinks from the server or at one of the two bars. You can also enjoy watching the choreographed dancers perform on the central platform.
The show consists of various pop culture musical and aerial acrobatic performances. Short breaks are taken between each set for the audience to dance and interact. The musical numbers do not involve live singing, but rather lip syncing to popular tunes. The show includes popular references from Game of Thrones, Squid Games, 300, Money Heist, Moulin Rouge and others.
During the show, you can listen to classic songs from Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Queen, and the Rolling Stones. You’re allowed to move around the dance floor, but most people usually stay in their assigned seating areas. There are also a couple of intermission periods where some audience members are invited on stage to dance. You’ll definitely enjoy the experience!
The show ends with some extravagant performances, including an intense fight between Spiderman and the Green Goblin. Additionally, there are plenty of vibrant confetti and balloon explosions. Make sure to grab your final drinks before the lights turn on.
Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen is situated at the junction of 12th Street and 10th Avenue in downtown Playa del Carmen. It’s only one block away from the renowned 5th Avenue. Additionally, being close to the nightclubs on 12th Street, it allows you to experience the vibrant nightlife of Playa del Carmen.
If you’re seeking a lively party experience during your visit to Playa del Carmen, Coco Bongo in Riviera Maya, Mexico is a great place for adults of all ages. It’s perfect for singing and dancing enthusiasts, and offers many chances for on-stage performances, camera appearances, and show participation. This makes it an excellent option for bachelor and bachelorette parties in Mexico.
If you are sensitive to alcohol-fueled and slightly improper conduct, then Coco Bongo might not be the ideal place for you. While there is no nudity, there is a lot of exposed skin and suggestive content during the show. In terms of physical demands, the show lasts four hours and you will likely have to stand for the majority of the time. If you cannot stand for extended periods, consider purchasing a higher-priced ticket to ensure you have a seat reserved.
The Coco Bongo show takes place every night except Mondays, from 10PM to 3AM. However, the actual show doesn’t begin until approximately 11PM.
The dress code for Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen is typical club attire. It is suggested that you wear similar clothing that you would wear to clubs or bars in Playa del Carmen.
Most tourists in Playa del Carmen dress in casual beachwear.
Girls typically wear fitted dresses, rompers, or pants with a dressy blouse. For shoes, comfort is key as you will be standing and dancing most of the time. Sandals, wedges, or platforms are recommended. A fitted black dress and platform sandals were my personal choice for all-night comfort.
Here are some of the things we love about Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen:
Here are some of the things we don’t like about Coco Bongo Playa Del Carmen:
Although Coco Bongo tickets are more expensive than the usual cover charge for clubs in Playa del Carmen, they offer something unique with their all-you-can-drink open bar, making it worthwhile.
Please note that the prices for Coco Bongo tickets may vary based on the day of the week and the season. Below is a breakdown of the available ticket options.
Costs $90 USD and includes regular entry to the event, access to the Dance Floor Zone (which is standing room only), up to 15 alcoholic drinks, and one snack (with the choice of mini burgers or hot dogs with fries).
The Gold Member Entrance is an upgraded ticket that costs $140 USD and comes with the following perks: seating in the VIP Zone, up to 15 servings of premium alcoholic drinks, and a choice of mini burgers or hot dogs with fries as a snack.
For $185 USD, you can purchase the VIP Entrance ticket which offers skip-the-line access, front row seats in the VIP Zone, up to 15 premium alcoholic drinks, and a choice of mini burgers or hot dogs with fries.
Although any ticket is enjoyable, if possible, it’s best to opt for the Gold or VIP ticket. This way, you’ll have seating at a table for the entire four hour show. Since the dance floor can become crowded during peak times, having a reserved spot to sit will enhance your experience.
If you wish to avoid standing for the whole duration of the event and being packed in like sardines on the dance floor, it’s advisable to opt for the Gold Member or VIP Entrance ticket. The said tickets come with the added perks of Coco Bongo’s premium drinks and a better view. Personally, I had the Gold Member ticket and found it worthwhile as it provided better quality drinks and a chair to sit on.
It is recommended to purchase Coco Bongo tickets in advance through their website or a trustworthy tour company like Viator. Buying from street vendors in Playa del Carmen can be unreliable and may not include what was promised.
Please note that if you book tickets through the Coco Bongo website, they cannot be refunded. However, you do have the option to change the dates of your booking in case of any necessary adjustments.
I suggest that you book your Coco Bongo tickets in Playa del Carmen through Viator. You can get them at the same price or sometimes even less. The benefit of booking through Viator is that you can cancel up to 24 hours before the event and receive a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy will ensure that you reserve your spot beforehand since the shows are known to sell out quickly. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if your plans change or get interrupted, you can still get your money back.
Coco Bongo is located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, which makes it easily accessible. If you’re staying downtown, you can most likely walk to the venue. On the other hand, if you’re staying at a Riviera Maya resort that is farther away, some tickets include transportation from your hotel.
Please check what is included in your purchased ticket, as this may vary depending on your accommodation and requires prior arrangement. Keep in mind that transportation back to your hotel is not provided and you should bring cash for the taxis waiting outside the venue on 10th Avenue.
I would like to share my personal experience and thoughts about the legendary Coco Bongo nightclub now that you have more information about it.
Initially, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the experience at Coco Bongo. That’s why I didn’t prioritize it on my list of things to do in Riviera Maya. However, since the show is highly popular, I decided to check it out without any preconceived notions. I didn’t do much research before the show, so I was unaware of what to expect.
Upon my arrival, I immediately sensed the vibrant atmosphere of the venue. The lively music, synchronized dancers on the central stage, and prompt service upon seating all contributed to the pleasantly surprising ambiance.
I had a great time at Coco Bongo. I couldn’t stop dancing and singing the whole night, probably because of the open bar. It was exciting to see all the acrobatic performances, dance numbers, and pop culture references. You never know what to expect next at Coco Bongo.
I enjoyed the variety of music played at Coco Bongo, as it included both old and new classics that can appeal to different generations and nationalities. All the songs were familiar, making it hard not to sing along. However, I wasn’t fond of some of the older songs, such as Beetlejuice and The Mask.
Although Coco Bongo has a diverse audience, they try to appeal to various ages and genres. They have introduced new performances inspired by popular shows like Money Heist, Squid Games, and Game of Thrones. I was particularly thrilled about it since Money Heist is my favorite Netflix series. When it comes to the dancing and acrobatics, Coco Bongo’s performances were impressive, but perhaps not the best globally, especially concerning professional standards.
The energetic ambiance created by the good music, special effects, smoke machines, and confetti explosions contributed to the lively atmosphere and kept the audience entertained. Overall, it was a satisfying experience.
If you’re considering a visit to Coco Bongo, you may be worried about the quality of alcohol served at their open bar. It’s often believed that drinks at open bars are diluted, which was also a concern of mine. Given that I am not a big fan of beer, I went for mixed drinks instead. However, with the Gold Member and VIP Entrance tickets, you will have access to premium alcohol. After trying it out, I found that the drinks were sufficiently potent, and I quickly got into a fun mood.
In Playa del Carmen, there are only a few shows or performances available. One of the regular shows is located at Vidanta Resorts called “La Joya,” which is a Cirque Du Soleil production. I have seen this production twice and can say that it is excellent with very skilled performers. If you prefer a calmer and more sophisticated environment, this is a better choice. La Joya is a seated show, and you can buy dinner and drink packages.
Do you think Coco Bongo is worth it? Personally, I believe the ticket price is worth it because of the unique experience and great energy that cannot be found elsewhere in Riviera Maya. Additionally, it’s one of the few places that offer an open bar. My recommendation is to purchase the Gold Member ticket or higher for a table and chairs.
During high season, the dance floor at Coco Bongo can become extremely crowded and uncomfortable. Upgraded tickets provide more space. When visiting Coco Bongo, it is important to have a positive attitude and embrace the party atmosphere. Although it may not be the most impressive performance you have ever seen, the overall experience and positive energy will still leave you impressed and ensure a memorable night. Are you ready to visit Coco Bongo?
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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