REVIEW · COZUMEL
Playa Uvas Open Bar Exclusive Pass
Book on Viator →Operated by Playa Uvas · Bookable on Viator
Open bar, reef views, no fuss. This Playa Uvas Beach Club pass is a smart way to spend a Cozumel beach day, because you get a 4-hour domestic open bar plus shore snorkeling and kayak time in one package. I like that drinks are handled for you, and I like that the water activities are scheduled so you’re not guessing how to fill the day.
One thing to plan for: the beach is not sandy, so it feels more like a beach-club setup than a long, soft-sand shoreline.
In This Review
- Key Points Before You Go
- Playa Uvas Beach Club Pass: What You’re Really Buying in Cozumel
- What’s Included for $45: Value You Can Actually Feel
- Arrival and Setting Up at Playa Uvas (The Part That Makes or Breaks the Day)
- The 4-Hour Open Bar: What You’ll Get (and How to Use It)
- 30-Minute Shore Snorkeling: Short, Guided, and Built for Most Swimmers
- Kayak Rental for 30 Minutes: Freedom with One Catch
- Beach Club Comfort: Pool, Hammocks, Lounge Chairs, and Wi‑Fi
- Staff Service Matters: Pedro, Monkey, and the Human Touch
- Food, Shopping, and the One Place to Be Careful
- Who This Pass Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Day)
- Price Check: When $45 Makes Sense in Cozumel
- Should You Book the Playa Uvas Open Bar Exclusive Pass?
- FAQ
- What is included in the Playa Uvas Open Bar Exclusive Pass?
- How long is the experience?
- What drinks are part of the open bar?
- Is snorkeling included, and is there a guide?
- Is kayak rental included?
- Is lunch included?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What are the hours?
- Is there Wi‑Fi at the beach club?
- What is the minimum drinking age?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key Points Before You Go
4-hour domestic open bar with beer, rum, tequila, margaritas, daiquiris, plus juice and soft drinks
30-minute guided shore snorkeling with gear included
30-minute kayak rental for exploring nearby water on your own
Beach-club comfort: pool, hammocks, and lounge chairs
Free Wi‑Fi to send photos while you’re there
Small-ish group size with a maximum of 30 travelers
Playa Uvas Beach Club Pass: What You’re Really Buying in Cozumel
This isn’t a “walk around town” tour. You’re paying for a beach-club day that mixes relaxed time with two short water activities. That structure matters in Cozumel, where it’s easy to burn your day on logistics or end up with an overly long plan that doesn’t feel good in the sun.
At Playa Uvas, the core idea is simple: arrive, set up in the club area, do your snorkel and kayak during set windows, then spend the rest of your time eating up the vibe—pool time, hammock time, and drinks during a 4-hour open bar window.
I also like that the offer keeps it adult-friendly and focused. The minimum drinking age is 18, and the open bar is built into the day, so you’re not tracking down a separate bar just to enjoy your beach time.
One more practical note: the club is close to cruise and ferry access, described as a short taxi ride away, which helps if you’re on a tight ship schedule.
You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Cozumel
What’s Included for $45: Value You Can Actually Feel
For $45 per person, you’re not just buying entry. You’re bundling together the things that usually add up fast on island days:
- Playa Uvas entrance fee
- 4-hour open bar pass (domestic drinks)
- 30-minute guided shore snorkeling + snorkel equipment
- 30-minute kayak rental
- National Park fees (included)
- Club access to the pool, hammocks, and lounge chairs
The biggest value is that you’re getting both guided and self-paced water time. A snorkel guide keeps your start simple and gets you out for a short, doable session at the shoreline. Then the kayak rental lets you slow down and explore nearby marine life without being tied to constant instruction.
And yes, this is an open bar day—so even if you only have a couple of drinks, the math can still work better than paying for drinks separately at the club.
Two caution points, though, both tied to value:
- Lunch is not included, so budget extra if you get hungry.
- The club includes shopping, and some people report feeling overcharged. If you’re price-sensitive, treat shopping like optional add-ons, not part of the deal.
Arrival and Setting Up at Playa Uvas (The Part That Makes or Breaks the Day)
You meet at Playa Uvas, Carretera a Chankanaab, 5 s/n, Zona Hotelera Sur, 77688 Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico. The activity runs Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and your ticket is delivered as a mobile ticket.
Here’s how I’d play it when you arrive:
- Get settled fast at the pool/club area so you’re not scrambling later.
- Keep your plans tight: since snorkeling and kayaking are time-based, you’ll enjoy the day more if you treat the water activities as anchors.
- If you’re coming from a ferry or cruise port, plan for a short taxi ride and don’t wait until the last minute to get set up.
The club is designed for hanging out. There are lounge chairs for sun and shade time, plus a hammock area for the “we’re on vacation, not on a schedule” moments. There’s also mention of a fish spa area, so if that’s your thing, it’s available on-site.
The 4-Hour Open Bar: What You’ll Get (and How to Use It)
The open bar window is the headline: you get four hours of access where the bartender prepares cocktails and serves domestic options.
Domestic drinks listed include:
- Beer
- Rum
- Tequila
- Margaritas
- Daiquiris
- Juice and soft drinks
Practically, this means you can build a rhythm. For example: a soft drink or juice early while you’re getting comfortable, then switch to cocktails around snorkeling/kayaking (if you’re in the mood) and still have time to relax after.
Also, the open bar is domestic, not an unlimited buffet of premium brands. Still, for a beach day where you’d otherwise pay per drink, it’s a solid setup—especially when you factor in that snorkel gear, kayak time, and park fees are already wrapped into your pass.
One more realistic tip: open bar plus water activities can be a lot of sun. Hydrate with the juice/soft drinks too, and don’t turn the day into a sprint.
30-Minute Shore Snorkeling: Short, Guided, and Built for Most Swimmers
Snorkeling here is a 30-minute guided shore session, and gear is included. “Shore snorkeling” is important because it changes the whole vibe. You’re not spending your time on a long boat ride or dealing with complicated logistics. Instead, you get a focused time period where you can see marine life close to where you start.
What I like about this format is the commitment level. You still get that underwater perspective people come to Cozumel for, but it doesn’t eat your whole morning.
If you want the best experience:
- Pay attention at the start of the guide’s briefing.
- Keep it simple during the water time. You’re there for a short session, not a full athletic training plan.
- Take advantage of what you’re given: since equipment is included, don’t spend time on rental lines elsewhere.
Some people highlight that the snorkeling is good on the reef. Even if you’ve snorkeled before, this short guided window is a nice “yes, we actually did it” moment without the stress.
Kayak Rental for 30 Minutes: Freedom with One Catch
You also get 30 minutes of kayak rental. This is your chance to explore the surrounding waters and look for marine life in a more self-paced way.
The catch is simple: you have to treat the gear with care. One complaint is that the oars didn’t float if someone lost grip, and the group was charged $40 to cover the cost of the oar. That doesn’t mean something will happen to you. It does mean you should be mindful with your hands and movements, especially if you’re new to kayaking.
How to use your kayak time well:
- Start calm. Get the kayak moving, then enjoy the water instead of fighting balance for the first half.
- Keep your phone and belongings secure (the tour doesn’t specify protection gear), and avoid risky reaches while you’re paddling.
- If the water feels deep or conditions are more than you’re used to, don’t try to recover anything yourself. Follow staff instructions.
If you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels, kayaking time also offers variety: some people prefer snorkeling, and some prefer staying on the water. This pass gives both options.
Beach Club Comfort: Pool, Hammocks, Lounge Chairs, and Wi‑Fi
Not every beach day in Cozumel feels like a proper break. Playa Uvas is built as a beach club, and that shows in the “you can just relax” amenities.
You’ll have access to:
- Pool
- Hammock area
- Lounge chairs
- Plus the ability to enjoy the club while your open bar is running
There’s also free Wi‑Fi, which is a genuinely useful detail. It means you can share photos while the day is still fresh, instead of trying to find signal later once you’re tired and ready to head back.
One practical texture note: the beach is not sandy. So if you love sinking toes into soft sand, this might not match your ideal. But people also say the setup works fine if you’re there for pool time, chairs, and water activities.
Staff Service Matters: Pedro, Monkey, and the Human Touch
Service is one of the most consistently praised parts of this experience. People call out the staff’s friendliness and attention, and specific staff names pop up.
For example:
- Pedro is highlighted for being incredible and taking care of needs.
- A server named Monkey is mentioned as doing a fantastic job.
You’ll feel this most during the in-water and drink moments. A guide who keeps the snorkeling session smooth can change your whole experience, and bar staff who move efficiently make the open bar feel like part of the day, not a hassle.
This is also a small group day (maximum 30 travelers), and that tends to help with that personal, attentive feel. You’re not fighting a huge crowd for chairs or waiting ages to get what you need.
Food, Shopping, and the One Place to Be Careful
Lunch is not included, so plan for either:
- buying food on-site, or
- bringing your own plan (not stated whether outside food is allowed)
As for shopping: this is where the reviews get sharp. One recurring complaint is that people felt taken advantage of and overcharged in the shops at/near the beach club.
My advice is simple: treat shopping like a side quest. If you want souvenirs, compare prices quickly and don’t assume beach-club pricing is fair. If you’re shopping because you forgot something, make it quick and move on.
The beach club itself, the pool, and the included activities are where the value lives. You’ll get the best day if your spending is intentional.
Who This Pass Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Day)
This pass is a strong fit if you want:
- A half-day to full-on-beach-day feel without a complicated schedule
- Open bar during a set window (so you can relax and not plan drinks)
- Snorkeling + kayaking, both included, without needing to arrange them separately
- A beach club setting with pool, hammocks, and lounge chairs
It’s also a good pick for people who like variety. You can do snorkeling first, then switch gears to kayaking and relaxation while your open bar window is still active.
You might want to skip or choose carefully if:
- You strongly prefer a sandy beach (this one is not sandy)
- You don’t want any bar focus, because the pass is built around drinks for four hours
- You dislike shopping pressure or are worried about impulse purchases at higher prices
Price Check: When $45 Makes Sense in Cozumel
Cozumel day passes can get pricey fast, especially once you add snorkel gear, guide time, park fees, and any water activity rental. Here, those pieces are wrapped into your pass, including national park fees and snorkel equipment.
So the question isn’t just whether $45 sounds good. It’s whether you were going to pay for:
- entry to a beach club,
- a guided reef session,
- a kayak rental,
- and the basics around it.
If your answer is yes, this pass becomes a time-saver and a money-saver. If your answer is no—if you mainly want a quiet beach with zero activities—then you may find better value with a simpler beach entry elsewhere.
Still, for many visitors, this is the sweet spot: structured fun without feeling like you’re on a full tour.
Should You Book the Playa Uvas Open Bar Exclusive Pass?
Book it if you want an easy, organized Cozumel beach day where the essentials are included: 4-hour open bar, 30-minute guided shore snorkeling, and 30-minute kayaking, plus pool and lounge access.
Skip it (or plan alternatives) if your priority is a sandy beach or if you don’t want to be near a shopping area where prices may not feel friendly. Also, if you’re not comfortable with kayaking basics, take extra care with handling the gear because missed grip can turn into a charge.
If you’re 18+ and you’re aiming for a relaxed beach-club day with real water time, this pass is a solid buy.
FAQ
What is included in the Playa Uvas Open Bar Exclusive Pass?
It includes Playa Uvas beach club admission, a 4-hour open bar pass, a 30-minute guided shore snorkel with snorkeling equipment, a 30-minute kayak rental, and national park fees.
How long is the experience?
The pass includes a 4-hour open bar, plus set time for snorkeling and kayaking. The overall experience is listed as about 1 to 5 hours, and it’s also described as 6 hours with the admission included.
What drinks are part of the open bar?
The open bar includes domestic drinks such as beer, rum, tequila, margaritas, and daiquiris, plus juice and soft drinks.
Is snorkeling included, and is there a guide?
Yes. You get a 30-minute guided shore snorkeling session, and snorkeling equipment is included.
Is kayak rental included?
Yes. You receive a 30-minute kayak rental.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is Playa Uvas, Carretera a Chankanaab, 5 s/n, Zona Hotelera Sur, 77688 Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico.
What are the hours?
It’s open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is there Wi‑Fi at the beach club?
Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available so you can share photos.
What is the minimum drinking age?
The minimum drinking age is 18 years.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.
