Free and Cheap Activities for the Active Traveler
Sports / Los Deportivos
Muay Thai, Boxing, Martial Arts
Boxing is huge in Mexico. Boxing here is, to me, a must do - When-In-Rome moment.
The history is rich and the deep respect is apparent in every gym. I'm also a late-in-life to martial arts person and I wholeheartedly believe everyone should at least try one class. Step in, sweat it out. Have some fun, or if you're more serious already, leave your ego at the door and see about sparring and honing your technique, speed, and cardio in the humidity and heat.
Due to the high flux of tourists, not every class is going to be equal. Not every coach invested. But these are the gyms I've found and had good interactions with, training, or word-of-mouth.
Bullsharks (Muay Thai)
Absolutely phenomenal training, vibes, and people here. Highly recommend if you've never tried it before, you're more than welcomed and integrated into the classes! Affordable, good for beginners and experienced people, as well.I can't say enough good things about this gym, so I'll leave that to you to go check it out!
Boxing Camp Playa (Muay Thai)
The coaches here are also great. Pretty welcoming most of the time to new people, but sometimes get the vibe 'you're just a tourist'!
But, still worth checking out as that was a few people and not necessarily a reflection of the coaches.
Great for beginners, and working up a sweat. It's also good for those with intermediate and advanced experience.
RIS Muay Thai
Great coaching, interest and passionate coaching. Also highly recommend and hope to make it back here in the future.
Camp Besouro (Boxing)
They have gloves for sale, support local! Women's, kids, and all classes. I didn't attend but purchased some Cleto Reyes! Located right across from the mall, easy drive and plentiful taxis. Due to the roads and traffic, I recommend scoping it out via a car or taxi before heading over on a bicycle especially at night!
Fists of Steel Boxing
In the downtown area on the south side, it's easy to get to. Has several classes and fair rates.
Diving
Cozumel Cruises and Diving!
There are so many beautiful natural reef areas and great places that are teeming with local underwater wildlife. The best way to see them is to get in their world. There are plenty of places you can do the "discovery dives", where you will learn how to clear your mask, and your tank and then be let loose under supervision in the wild. I really don't like the discovery dive environment. I think taking a few days of classes in the safety of a pool and then moving to the ocean is well worth the experience, knowledge, and skills you obtain. But, if you're short on time or would rather fill your head with tropical drinks and sun than knowledge, just pay attention in the briefs, and take it seriously. Diving is a wonderful activity, but does come with inherent risks that might not be as apparent as skydiving.
Also, respect the wildlife, don't touch! Even if they approach you, don't touch them! Look with your eyes and cameras if you are lucky enough to have one (or rented a gopro).
Whale sharks, sea turtles, and a plethora of other sealife is available once you are diving and snorkeling.
Superb dive shop. They do tours in Cozumel as well. Stop in and set up a tour! If you've never dove before, it doesn't hurt to do the Open Water class, it will get your more comfortable in the water, be a better tour and you'll officially be a SCUBA DIVER! Best souvenir for yourself, I think!There are plenty of other shops in town, I talked to several and was there for about 5 months. Go to Scuba 10!
Dance Classes
There are some at the open-air tracks, gyms, and some people just do them for free out in town. Join up , look for them on facebook, especially! It's a great way to meet other travelers, have a good cheap night out in the open air, and work off some of those delicious foods you've been eating.
Many of these are free, just bring a good attitude and be ready to learn. Water never hurts either, or the Electrolit drinks (they're about a buck and better than Gatorade!).
Tracks
Track near 10th Ave and ConstituentesThis one had yoga, track, outdoor gym, basketball courts, and dance lessons. Entry is free, and the classes were mostly free as well.
Gyms
- Cocoa gym beach
Personal training, group classes, instructors who live and believe in fitness. Great prices, and it's literally on the beach. Parking ample and easy to get to; biciplaya is a block away!
- EVOLVE Fitness
$15-20USD for a day pass. Near the beach, near the expat areas. Lots of cardio, free weights, locker rooms are large and available.