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Not so long ago, Cozumel’s already low-key nightlife shut down by midnight, perhaps thanks to the many dive excursions leaving at the crack of dawn. The cruise-ship passengers mobbing the bars seemed to drink enough for the whole island, and the rowdiest action sometimes took place in the afternoon, when mojito-slinging revelers pulled out the stops before reboarding. These days, visitors staying up late will be rewarded by a thriving live music scene at haunts that are frequented by locals and tourists alike. Many remain open to 4 am. Even if you’re not a night a night owl, you’ll find excellent salsa, jazz, acoustic, and rock bands playing downtown at places like Wet Wendy’s and Viva Mexico. Money Bar Beach Club has a live band Friday and Saturday around sunset with happy hour specials. As an alternative, do like the locals and head for the zócalo (main square) to hear mariachis and Caribbean-style bands on Sunday evenings from 8 to 10.
A second-floor restaurant called Trattoria by day transforms into a salsa dance club called Tiki Tok after dark. On Friday and Saturday, local bands draw salsa aficionados of all stripes from 10 pm to about 3 am; a DJ spins Latin and reggaeton through all hours of the night.
