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Cancun is one of our top destinations in Mexico – and for good reason! It’s famous for its vibrant nightlife, and millions of tourists flock here to party every year. There are so many great bars, clubs, and shows to check out, but the famous Coco Bongo really takes the cake!
Coco Bongo is a cross between a Cancun nightclub and a Las Vegas show, and it’s so much fun. If you want to experience the best of Cancun’s nightlife, then you simply have to spend a night at Coco Bongo (just don’t plan anything too strenuous for the next morning!).
Going to Coco Bongo was one of my favorite experiences in Mexico. If you’re staying in Cancun, trust me, you won’t want to miss this show. Plus, it’s conveniently located right in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
Since Coco Bongo is super popular and very different from other Cancun clubs, it’s best to know what to expect before you go. That’s why we’ve written this guide containing everything you know before heading to Coco Bongo. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see you in the audience!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Coco Bongo is the ultimate night out in Cancun! General admission tickets are available, but sometimes you’ll be in line for HOURS, so we recommend skip-the-line tickets or going VIP with the Gold Member experience with a special viewing area and unlimited premium drinks!
1. About Coco Bongo in Cancun


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. 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, first and foremost, a super impressive show. It lasts for around four hours, and you get to see so many spectacular performances during that time … from Carnival-inspired samba dancing to acrobatics performed to Beatles songs. Many of the acts are based on movies, such as the Spartan-themed stunt show (inspired by the film 300) and a Moulin Rouge musical.
The shows are incredibly well done and so impressive. It’s such a crazy experience, and we think it’s so much more fun than just going to a regular nightclub – it’s a true spectacle!
There is a standing audience area that doubles as a dance floor. Some of the audience are also seated around tables if that’s more your speed! If you choose to get a table at Coco Bongo, you’ll still be encouraged to get up and dance throughout the show.
Your ticket to Coco Bongo also includes unlimited drinks, which really sets it apart from other Cancun clubs. And unlike a typical show, you don’t have to arrive and leave at a certain time. You can come and go when you like, as you would at a nightclub (although we’re going to talk more about that later on!).
The bottom line is: if you enjoy nightlife, then you’ll love Coco Bongo. And if not, there are plenty of other things to do in Cancun!
2. Where is Coco Bongo, Cancun located?

Coco Bongo is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone. If that’s where you’re staying, then you can easily walk there!
If you’re staying downtown, then it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride to Coco Bongo. You can also take the R1 or R2 bus from downtown to the Hotel Zone. However, you’ll need to take a taxi home at the end of the night. There are always taxis waiting outside Coco Bongo, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one.
Note: There is also another Coco Bongo located in Playa del Carmen, so if this is where you are basing yourself, no need to travel all the way to Cancun, simply visit the Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen instead!
Related Read: Are you wondering how to get around when you first arrive? Read our guide to getting from the Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone. We answer all your questions and tell you the best transport methods!
3. When is Coco Bongo in Cancun open?


The show goes from 11 pm until around 3 am. The exact time you can get inside depends on the type of ticket you have.
If you’ve got a Skip-the-Line ticket or a Gold Member ticket, you’ll be allowed to go inside from around 9 pm onwards. This way, you can settle in and enjoy a drink while you wait for the show to begin. However, if you do arrive later, you’ll be ushered straight in. But to be honest, if you’ve got either of these tickets, you may as well arrive as early as possible and make the most of the night!
You can purchase a Skip-the-Line ticket right here. If you prefer a VIP experience, book the Gold Member tickets instead.
If you just get a general admission or “premium” admission ticket, then make sure to get there at around 10 pm to get a place in line. That way, you should be able to get in not long after the show starts, and you won’t miss too much or spend your whole night waiting in line. You can book the “premium” general admission ticket here which includes more drink choices!
4. How much does it cost to visit Coco Bongo?

The cost of a night out at Coco Bongo depends on two things: the ticket you choose and the day you decide to go.
General admission tickets usually cost between $113 USD and $148 USD, although when you purchase ahead of time online, you get the choice of the “premium” option for $124 USD (or $146 USD on Friday/Saturday) which includes more drink choices! You’ll also have the choice to upgrade to a front-row seat for around $190 USD or $206 USD on Fridays and Saturdays.
Skip-the-Line entry is typically around $113 USD but is only offered Sunday through Thursday. Meanwhile, top-tier Gold Member tickets can cost between $183 USD to $200 USD. Not only do you get skip-the-line entry, but you’ll also get access to the Gold Member area with great views as well as unlimited premium beverages.
5. What are the different types of tickets you can buy to visit Coco Bongo in Cancun?


Basic Entrance
The basic entrance ticket to Coco Bongo is standing room only, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you want to be up and dancing! It includes unlimited local drinks, so you can drink highballs, mixers, shots, wine, and beer all night long (but it doesn’t include premium alcohol). You also get a late-night snack to keep you going, which usually consists of mini hot dogs or burgers.
The most important thing to note about basic entry is that it doesn’t include skip-the-line access. The line to get into Coco Bongo can be hours long. If you don’t arrive early enough, you may find yourself standing in line for hours and missing the first part of the show.
If you want to buy a basic entry ticket, we encourage you to get there an hour before the show starts (so at 10 pm). You’ll still need to wait for an hour to get in, but that’s better than waiting 2-3 hours! It also means you’ll be able to see the whole show. We did this the last time we went, and it worked out really well for us.
General admission tickets to Coco Bongo cost $113 USD from Sunday through Thursday, however, when you buy online on Viator, you can opt for a “premium” ticket for an additional $10 USD which includes more drink choices!
On weekends, tickets are a bit more expensive at $146 USD per person. Click here to check prices and book your “premium” general admission tickets.
Skip the Line Entry
Skip-the-line entry tickets basically grant you general admission to Coco Bongo, but you get to skip the long wait outside and go straight inside!
As with basic entrance 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 getting there early to get a good spot in line – or waiting outside for hours. We definitely think it’s worth paying a couple of extra dollars to save yourself a long wait.
Skip-the-line tickets are available from Sunday through Thursday and cost $113 USD per person. On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll need to buy a Gold Member ticket if you want to bypass the long line.

Gold Member Ticket
If you want to go all out, then a Gold Member ticket will guarantee you an incredible night at Coco Bongo.
With this type of ticket, you not only get skip-the-line access to Coco Bongo, but you also get to sit in a VIP area that has a private bathroom only for Gold Members. You’ll watch the show from an upper level which means that you get first-class views of the spectacle, and things also feel a bit less crowded.
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 $183 USD per person from Sunday to Thursday and $200 USD on Friday and Saturday nights.
We had a fantastic time here with general admission tickets, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion or you just want to go all out, 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 Cancun?

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 Cancun.
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!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Is there food available at Coco Bongo?
Yes. All of the different admission types include a snack like mini hot dogs or burgers. They come around with these about halfway through the show. It’s nice to have a little snack to keep you going. However, 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 many awesome restaurants in Cancun – and if you’re craving something authentic, check out our top Mexican restaurants in the city.
Related Read: For a completely different culinary experience, read our guide on taco tours in Cancun!
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 it gets very busy) or tip a waiter to bring drinks over to you, which is a much easier option.
Meanwhile, Gold Member tickets or buying premium tickets on Viator include premium alcohol. As such, you’ll be able to drink international spirits and beers, like Captain Morgan and Coors Light.
9. How long does the entry lineup take?
It can take a couple of hours to get into Coco Bongo if you don’t get there early enough. Arrive an hour before the show starts to get a good spot in line. This way, you’ll wait for just over an hour. It’s still a long wait, but it’s better than waiting in line for three hours!
If you arrive an hour early, you’ll be able to catch the start of the show and maximize your time partying inside Coco Bongo. Or, you can just buy 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 helps.
If you’re in the general standing area, you’ll be squished in amongst lots of other people and be constantly fighting for a good view of the stage. It gets very hot and can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not a fan of crowds.
However, if you buy a Gold Member ticket, you’ll be in a reserved area and actually have a seat. This means you’ll get way better views of the show and won’t have to compete with other people, either. You can just sit back, sip your (premium) drinks without spilling them, and enjoy the show!
You also get to use the Gold Member bathroom. You won’t have to wait for ages to use the toilet, which is always a bonus when the alcohol is flowing!
Basically, if you want a place to sit and a guaranteed view of the show, then we recommend buying the Gold Member ticket. You also get to skip the line outside, which is another big bonus.
Related Read: For a quieter evening, we suggest taking a sunset cruise in Cancun. It makes for a beautiful experience to share on a date or with friends!
11. Do you need to stay until the end of the show at Coco Bongo?

No, you can leave whenever you want, just like in a regular nightclub. The show goes on until around 3 am, but you don’t have to stay that late. However, it really is mesmerizing, so you’ll probably have a hard time dragging yourself away!
12. What ages are allowed in Coco Bongo?
Coco Bongo is strictly 18+. They check IDs when you go to pick up your ticket and when you enter the club. Make sure that the name on your ID matches the name on your booking. If it doesn’t, you won’t be allowed in!
13. Is it safe to visit Coco Bongo in Cancun?


Yes! There’s plenty of security. Although there are always a lot of people here, they check everyone’s bags before entering. Fighting is not tolerated, and anyone acting aggressively will be escorted out (just like with any decent nightclub).
However, I will say that it’s wise to keep an eye on your drink at all times – never leave it unattended. Drink spiking is starting to become more common in Mexico, so take care.
It’s natural to have safety concerns when traveling. So to learn more, you can read our guide all about safety in Cancun.
14. What is the difference between Coco Bongo, the Coco Bongo Beach Club, and the Coco Bongo Bar?


There are actually three different spots affiliated with the Coco Bongo brand in Cancun. It’s easy to get confused between them!
Coco Bongo is where you go to see the show. The Coco Bongo Bar is right next door to the actual Coco Bongo, and it’s just a nightclub without a show.
Meanwhile, the Coco Bongo Beach Club is a big beach party. There are lots of aerial acrobatic displays as well as live DJs, and it’s another epic place to party in Cancun.
Coco Bongo Beach Club parties happen Tuesday to Sunday, starting around 3 pm and lasting for roughly 6 hours. It costs around $55 USD per person for regular tickets, which include beach club access, 10 drinks, a locker, and a towel.
You can purchase tickets directly through their website or on Viator.com. It’s slightly more expensive on Viator ($65 USD per person) but all taxes are included in that price. Plus, Viator allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance. So if you’re not 100% certain you’ll go, it might be worth the extra couple of dollars to reserve your ticket.
This beach party is a totally different experience from the original Coco Bongo! But it’s definitely worth doing if you want to party in Cancun – especially if you love a good daytime party on the beach!
Related Read: For a super fun daytime activity, take an ATV tour in Cancun! It’s an adrenaline rush combined with gorgeous scenery and sightseeing.
15. Is Coco Bongo worth it?

Yes! It’s one of the coolest nightclub experiences ever. It’s so unique, and the show is just amazing to watch. It’s a must for any partygoer looking for a fun night out in Cancun!
Plus, there are different ticket options depending on the experience you want. For basic entry, head to Viator to select your date, and you’ll see all the various options with prices. If you hate waiting in lines, get skip-the-line tickets. And for a VIP experience, go for the Gold Member ticket!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Cancun


Now that you’ve experienced Coco Bongo, it’s time to find more fun activities in Cancun! I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and I never get tired of visiting. There are so many things to do in Cancun that will make for an amazing vacay. So if you’re looking for even more ideas, check out some of my favorites below!
- Hit the beach – I know it goes without saying that you’ll be spending a few days at some of Cancun’s best beaches! Pack your beach bag, and be sure to check out some different beaches while you’re here. Playa Chacmool is a hidden gem in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone that I love, and the sunsets at Playa Gaviota Azul are unreal.
- Tour an underwater museum – Whether you’re snorkeling or scuba diving in Cancun, a visit to MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) is a must. There are hundreds of sculptures down here, and it feels like visiting the Lost City of Atlantis! This snorkeling tour takes you to MUSA along with visits to a shipwreck and a cenote!
- See Mayan ruins – Right in Cancun, you can step back in time with visits to El Meco Ruins or the San Miguelito Ruins. Of course, to see some of the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico, you’ll want to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun. We took this tour of the ruins that included a guide, a stop at a cenote, and lunch!
- Cancun Scenic Tower – As if Cancun wasn’t scenic enough, there’s another way to enjoy the views! The Cancun Scenic Tower gives you amazing views of the Caribbean and the sprawling Cancun area below! The entire viewing deck lifts up, so you won’t even need to climb any stairs.
- Go ziplining – If you love an adrenaline rush like us, Cancun has awesome ziplining opportunities. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like flying high above the Mayan jungle! So check out this ziplining tour, which includes a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) long ride!
Where to Stay in Cancun

If you’re heading to Coco Bongo in Cancun, then you’ll definitely need a place to crash after all the fun! The Hotel Zone is the most convenient place to stay since it’s close to the venue. And since Cancun is the land of hotels, there certainly is no shortage of fantastic places to stay. Below, I’ll highlight some of my favorites.
Luxury – $$$
Of course, we all love a luxury all-inclusive stay, and for that, I love the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun. It has an incredible spa, a huge outdoor pool, watersports, a gym, beach access, and a kids club. They also offer 6 fine-dining options, and guests are constantly impressed with the food. This is the ideal option if you want luxury and if you’re traveling with children. Prices start at around $500 USD per night. You can check out their room options and reserve one online.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun Adults Only is another awesome option with a fantastic oceanfront location, delicious food, quality alcohol, several pools, and a top-tier spa and gym. It’s an adult-only, smoke-free establishment, so you can truly relax. Rooms are spacious, and some even come with hot tubs. This is a pricier place, starting around $1,000 USD a night. However, you’ll find the best deals when you book in advance!
Mid-range – $$
The JW Marriott Cancun Resort is one of our favorite mid-range hotels. It’s not all-inclusive, which I enjoy because there are so many delicious restaurants in Cancun! The hotel is located right on the beach and has a huge pool. Rooms are typically $300-$500 USD depending on the time of year. You can check prices and book the JW Marriot Cancun Resort right here.
Budget – $
For budget travelers, the Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone is a great choice. It has the typical hostel vibes, which includes the woes of a shared living space, but overall I really enjoyed my stay. For the price (about $40 USD for a bunk or $100 USD for a private room) and fun atmosphere, you can’t go wrong! If you’re traveling solo or feeling social, it’s a great place to meet people too.
You can book the Selina Cancun Hostel on Hostelword or through 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. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
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!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!

When it comes to parties in Cancun, Coco Bongo is a great choice! It’s such a unique night out, and you get the experience of both a nightclub and a show in one. Plus, the show is so well done, with incredible performances and production value. Whatever ticket option you choose, you’re bound to have an awesome time!
If you found this article useful, check out our other blogs about Mexico! We had such a blast traveling all over the country. To help you do the same, we’ve written about each location we visited. Just check out some of the links below!
9 Things You NEED To Know about the Cancun Airport Shuttles
4 BEST Isla Mujeres Tours from Cancun