Cozumel: Salsa and Salsa Cooking and Dancing Experience

If you’re craving a fun, interactive way to dive into Mexican culture during your visit to Cozumel, the Salsa and Salsa Cooking and Dancing Experience might just hit the spot. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, numerous travelers highlight its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and engaging instructors. What sets this experience apart is its unique combination of hands-on cooking, cocktail mastery, and salsa dancing—an authentic taste of Mexico in just five hours.

We love the way this tour balances learning and fun, with professional “dancing chefs” leading the way. Participants get to craft traditional salsas, enjoy unlimited margaritas, and then put on their dancing shoes for a salsa lesson. However, a point to consider is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to organize your own transfer from the cruise port or hotel. This experience is perfect for food lovers, dance enthusiasts, or anyone eager to embrace Mexican traditions in a relaxed, engaging setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Learn to make traditional salsas and margaritas with expert guidance.
• Interactive Fun: Dance salsa with lively instructors to boost your confidence on the dance floor.
• Delicious Snacks & Drinks: Enjoy cheesy quesadillas, chicken taquitos, and unlimited margaritas.
• Relaxation Time: After the activity, unwind at Cozumel’s largest pool or beachfront.
• Suitable for Most Travelers: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with food allergies.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now to keep your plans flexible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This tour, offered by Next Experience Travel, is designed to make you feel like a local in just a few hours. Starting at the Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort, you’ll meet your guides in the lobby about 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. From there, the adventure kicks off with a step-by-step guide on crafting authentic Mexican salsas. The focus is as much on fun as it is on learning—expect to get your hands dirty with fresh ingredients and maybe even a splash of salsa on your shirt (no judgment here).

Making Salsas & Margaritas: The tour introduces you to four different salsas, including a special dessert salsa, and teaches you the art of mixing traditional margaritas along with frozen strawberry versions. The guides are clear, patient, and know how to make the process entertaining, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete novice. One reviewer mentions, “I never thought I could make such tasty salsas, and the margaritas were dangerously good.”

Dancing with the Chefs: After the cooking, the famous “dancing chef instructors” take center stage. They will teach you salsa in four easy steps—perfect for beginners who think they have two left feet. The energy is infectious, and you’ll likely find yourself smiling through the steps as the instructors encourage everyone to loosen up. It’s a genuine chance to enjoy Mexican dancing culture in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Tasting & Snacking: While you’re busy stirring, chopping, and shaking, the tour provides tasty accompaniments such as cheese quesadillas and chicken taquitos, paired with chips. The food is straightforward but flavorful—home-style Mexican comfort food that complements the beverages. And as for drinks, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink margaritas, including lime and strawberry flavors, plus Jamaica tea, a hibiscus herbal tea. Reviews note how generous the drink service is, making it easy to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Relaxation & Free Time: After the lesson, you get about an hour to unwind. The location boasts Cozumel’s largest pool and beachfront, giving you a lovely spot to soak in the sun, chat with fellow travelers, or just enjoy the view. Keep in mind, additional food or drinks at the pool will cost extra, so plan accordingly.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Mexican Flavor

The highlight of this experience is undoubtedly the chance to learn and recreate traditional Mexican salsas. The step-by-step approach makes it accessible, even if you’ve never cooked Mexican food before. Plus, the knowledge of how to craft a perfect margarita—both classic and frozen strawberry—adds a fun, practical skill to take home.

Fun & Engaging Approach to Salsa Dancing

The “dancing chef instructors” are a real crowd-pleaser. They keep the energy high and make salsa dancing approachable for all levels. One guest mentioned, “They broke down the steps so simply I felt confident dancing after just a few minutes.” It’s an informal, supportive environment that encourages participation rather than perfection.

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Delicious Food & Drinks

The inclusion of guacamole, quesadillas, and chicken tacos adds a satisfying culinary dimension. The drinks are a highlight, with unlimited margaritas that are well-made and refreshing. Jamaica tea offers a nice non-alcoholic option, perfect for those who want to hydrate and enjoy the flavors of Mexico.

Relaxing Finish & Optional Beach/Pool Time

The free time after the activity is a bonus. You can lounge by the pool or enjoy the beach, making this a well-rounded half-day experience. Just remember, extra purchases at the pool or beach are not included, so plan for that if you want to stay longer.

Practical Details & Tips

Duration & Meeting Point

This experience lasts around 5 hours, including the cooking, dancing, and free time. Meeting at the Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort’s lobby is straightforward, and you should arrive about 15 minutes early. The starting times depend on availability, so booking ahead is recommended.

Transportation & Accessibility

Since transportation isn’t included, most travelers will need to take a taxi from the cruise terminal—usually between 5 to 10 minutes. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with food allergies, so plan accordingly.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. T-shirts and shorts are perfect for the cooking and dancing segments, while swimwear is ideal if you want to take advantage of the pool afterward.

Cost & Value

At $119 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience blending culture, cuisine, and dance. When you consider the quality of instruction, unlimited margaritas, and relaxed atmosphere, it provides solid value—especially for those eager to enjoy Mexican traditions in a lively, informal setting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking something interactive and memorable. Food lovers will enjoy the authentic recipes and tasty snacks, while dance enthusiasts will appreciate the approachable salsa lesson. It’s also a great choice for anyone wanting a fun, social activity that balances learning with leisure.

It might be less ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed, passive tour or have mobility or dietary restrictions. Also, if you’re not a fan of spicy food or alcohol, you might find the included offerings less appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour? No, the tour does not include transportation, so you’ll need to arrange your own getting to and from the meeting point.

What is the age limit for the margaritas? Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests 21 years and older.

Can I participate if I have food allergies? Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for people with food allergies, as the menu includes quesadillas, tacos, and salsa.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including cooking, dancing, and free time.

Is this experience suitable for beginners? Yes, the salsa dance instruction is designed in four easy steps, making it accessible for beginners.

Do I need to bring anything? Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera are recommended. Towels are not provided.

Are drinks unlimited? Yes, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink margaritas—including lime and strawberry flavors—and Jamaica tea during the activity.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to turn their Cozumel visit into a lively, flavorful adventure, this tour hits plenty of marks. It combines hands-on cooking with the chance to learn salsa dancing from passionate instructors, all topped off with unlimited margaritas and delicious snacks. The relaxed setting, coupled with the opportunity to unwind poolside afterward, makes it ideal for travelers wanting a mix of culture, fun, and relaxation.

While it might not suit everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or strict dietary needs—the overall value and authentic vibe make it a compelling choice. Whether you’re a foodie, a dance newbie, or simply looking for a memorable activity during your trip, this experience offers a genuine taste of Mexico’s spirited culture.

In summary, this tour is best for travelers who love engaging activities, want to learn some Mexican culinary secrets, and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere. With its great mix of instruction, fun, and relaxation, it promises a memorable day in Cozumel that goes beyond the usual sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: