On Cozumel, the setting sun not only signals the end of the day--it also heralds the island's laid-back nightlife, a sultry combination of Mexican and Caribbean rhythms and flavors. After a day in the sun, some visitors may want to wind down slowly, dining under the stars at a beachside restaurant. Others may want to sample nouvelle cuisine or regional specialties in an elegant setting. Those with energy to burn can dance and mingle at one of the island's pulsating discos. Cozumel has the range of venues to please all of these diverse desires.

Cozumel's nightlife caters to active people, many of them diving enthusiasts. Evenings begin early here; they also end earlier than in other Mexican resort destinations. Restaurants are packed by 8 p.m. and discos begin to empty out as early as midnight. (Many merrymakers prefer to get a good night's sleep for the next day's first dive excursion or sport fishing expedition.)

In a comparatively compact area, Cozumel offers a selection of more than 90 restaurants and cafes. These serve a range of cuisines, including Mexican, Caribbean, International, Mediterranean, Italian and Tex-Mex. Seafood is abundant--much of it caught fresh daily in the waters off Cozumel.

A favorite spot to unwind after a busy day is at one of the outdoor cafes that line the zocalo. These stay open late into the evening--they are also popular spots in which to have a nightcap before beginning another active, sports-filled day on Cozumel.

Babalu II across the street from Prima Pasta heading towards the water. The owner and part time operator is an exotic lady from Barbados, who has another place in Greece. Small tables, 5 seat bar, narrow, intimate place, also tables outside in the back, very friendly people, jazz, no dancing, open late, more of mellow local crowd, than partying kids. Too small for a group, and most tourists would get bored, my kinda place. - Rick

Carlos `n' Charlies (Bar) - Moved south of it's former location and is now located in front of the new Punta Langosta shopping mall. Fun & Games 70's-80's-90's music and food.... very busy during the day when cruise ships are in town but if there is no ships in town in the evening it is hit or miss. Also it is an open-air club and can be very hot and humid so dress cool.

Cafe Salsa (not to be confused with the Salsa Club) on 10th Avenida between Juarez and Calle 2. Looks great from the outside and promises live Cuban music every night. I predict it to be the new hot spot!

Coco Wook - Fairly new club that plays typical tourist fare music it is upstairs and does not have a very big following so the dance floor is not crowded for me to take my groups to so we use it on occasion.

Fat Tuesdays - The name says it all.. It is a daiquiri bar with in my opinion the coldest corona's on the island with a DJ and music very similar to Carlos and Charlies. It is a club that is open to the main square and on busy nights it can get pretty crowded.

Hard Rock Café - typical hard rock food and drinks but the big draw here is two fold. 1. It is an air-conditioned club, which is nice, and secondly the band that plays from 10pm till close is absolutely great. (Don’t think they play on Mondays)

Havana Club - Jazz Bar and Cigar shop

Shake it (formerly occupied by Joe's Lobster Pub) - Av 10, between C Salas and C 3.

Paradise Cafe - Beach bar - On an anticlockwise circuit of the island, it's where the tarmac road meets the east coast. Palapas-roofed beach bar in the middle of nowhere, with a perpetual reggae soundtrack, margaritas and moderately priced Mexican food.

Neptuno's (Disco) - Just before the cruise ship port. Cozumel's only high-tech disco, with great ambience, a mixed US/Latin soundtrack and an impressive laser and light show

Viva Mexico - Dance Music and Latin Music. It is the second of the late nightclubs downtown and is visited by ALOT of locals due to the Latin music they play. It is located two doors south and upstairs from CACTUS in the location of the old SCARAMOUCH disco.

Sports Page Video Bar (Sports bar) - On the waterfront at the town center, near Carlos `n' Charlies. Five separate televisions broadcasting a mix of Mexican, important Latin American, and various US professional sports.

Note: there are other little clubs tuck away here and there just listen for the music and you will find plenty of people trying to direct you into their place and offer you 2 for 1 drinks and the such.