Unlike the high-energy scene in nearby Cancún and Playa del Carmen, the nightlife on Cozumel is a bit more laid-back. Most cruise ships (the island receives more than 869 ships and 2.5 million passengers a year) are gone before sunset, and the locals come out to play with visitors from the resorts. Some of the action takes place right on the beach as the sun crowd morphs into a club crowd and the sun sets into the Caribbean Sea. But there’s no reason to wait until then — most clubs open before noon.

Many beach clubs reside on the island’s west side due to the calmer surf, with Playa San Francisco home to the best collection. Some charge a cover; but you always get good value, a free drink, a hammock and often live music. The Money Bar at Dzul-Ha Reef offers everything from snorkeling to massages, happy hour and live music. Nachi-Cocom, a more mellow club, features food, a pool and a fixed-price cover for day and into the night. Playa Palancar is à la carte with a good restaurant and bar on one of Cozumel’s most beautiful beaches. Be ready to move on, though, because after 5 p.m. it’s mostly over.

When you’ve had enough sun and sand, a growing selection of night spots in the village of San Miguel (Plaza Centro) feature hours to satisfy dedicated party-goers. While LGBT visitors are welcome in almost any club, currently Bacchus is the place to be seen, although many also frequent El Coffee shop on Third Street South.

The Dubai Cozumel nightclub plays a mixed bag of dance music and karaoke until 5 a.m. Both a daytime beach club and a romantic dinner destination, Buccanos serves some of the best food on the island with a spectacular view. La Hach, near the cruise dock, plays a variety of music late into the night. The local Hard Rock Café stays busy on Rafael Melgar and usually features live music on weekends. Catch up on your favorite sports teams, including the NFL, at Kelly’s Sports Bar, an island classic. Check out the specials, especially the famous steak dinners. The ever-popular chains, Señor Frog’s and Carlos’ n Charlie’s on Rafael Melgar, attract late-night partygoers.

The major resorts all have bars; some are quiet and close early while others can be quite lively, with discos hopping well into the morning. Ask your concierge or a bartender, as entertainment changes frequently.