15 Fun Things to Do in Cancun at Night
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Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula in Quintana Roo is a bustling and popular tourist destination. Visitors flock here for the stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, exciting attractions, and amazing nightlife.
While you will find numerous activities to enjoy during the day, there are just as many fun things to do in Cancun at night. If you like to party, then you'll be overjoyed by the number of world-class nightclubs.
Other nighttime activities include going to theme parks, dining on pirate ships, and watching the world-renowned Chichen Itza light show.
If you're looking for incredible ideas concerning what to do at night in Cancun, this list is sure to have something for everyone!
Are you on your way to Cancún last-minute?
Before traveling to Cancún, book your accommodations and experiences ahead of time. Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.
Top accommodations in Cancún
- Estudio a 15 min Caminando de la Terminal de Autobuses ADO (under $50 USD a night)
- Casa Blanca Boutique & Organic (under $100 USD a night)
- Hotel Calis Cancún (rated highly)
Top tours and experiences in Cancún
- Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran With Open Bar (likely to sell out)
- Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour (very popular)
- Best ATV Tour, Ziplines & Cenote Swim With Lunch & Transport Included (very popular)
- Chichen Itza, Buffet Lunch, Cenote, Tequila Tasting & Valladolid (very popular)
- ATV Jungle Adventure With Ziplines, Cenote & Tequila Tasting
- 15 Cancún things to do
15 Things to Do at Night in Cancun
- Shop the night away at La Isla Shopping Village
- Chill out at Mandala Beach Club
- Feel like a VIP at Mandala Cancun
- View Cancun from up high at the Cancun Scenic Tower
- Have an night of adventure at Xplor Park
- Set sail on a pirate cruise on the Jolly Roger Ship
- Enjoy a wild night at Coco Bongo
- Watch a show at Xcaret at Night
- Take a sunset cruise of Nichupte Lagoon
- Eat delicious Mexican cuisine on a Riviera Maya food tour
- Marvel at the Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show
- Share a romantic dinner on a Galleon
- Party at a the Xoximilco floating carnival
- Do a bar crawl on Isla Mujeres
- Dance salsa at Mambo Cafe
Cancún Things to Do Map
A map of Cancún. Use the map to explore all the things to do.

Shop the night away at La Isla Shopping Village
La Isla Shopping Village is a vast open-air shopping mall that's open until 10 pm every day. The mall features an array of shops and restaurants and even a Ferris wheel.
The shopping mall is a great place to visit after dark; you can enjoy the Mexican sunshine on the beach in the day and then head to the shops at night for some retail therapy. At the mall, you'll find some chain stores, interesting independent shops, and lots of places to get souvenirs. Having shopped around, stop at one of many bars and restaurants for a delicious dinner.
See La Isla Cancun Shopping Village on a tour
Stay in close proximity to La Isla Cancun Shopping Village
- Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort (rated 4-stars)
- Canopy by Hilton Cancun la Isla (highly acclaimed)
Chill out at Mandala Beach Club
Mandala Beach Club is one of the most popular party spots in Cancun. You can hang out at the stylish beach club all day and into the evening, with the club closing at 6 PM. On Tuesday, you can also party late into the night, with Mandala Beach Club open until 1 AM.
The club features a pool, bars, DJs, and fun tropical vibes! Being located right on a white-sand beach, you can dance, drink, sunbathe on the beach, or hang out by the pool. After dark, the club gets even cooler; the beach and pool area get lit up, and you can dance all night.
Stay near the Mandala Beach Club
- Beachscape Kin ha Villas & Suites Cancun (less than $100 USD a night)
- Aloft Cancun (highly rated)
Feel like a VIP at Mandala Cancun
Mandala Cancun is a flashy and fun Cancun nightclub that you can party at every night until 1 AM. The nightclub features amazing DJs and live music, bottle service, and a luxurious energy.
To have the most exclusive experience at the club, opt for the Mandala Cancun Golden Personal Pass. This pass gives you and three or more friends entrance to the club, a private table, and food and beverage credits. Once inside, you can grab some drinks and dance the night away in Cancun's hottest club.
Nearest accommodations to Mandala Cancun
- Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa All Inclusive (near the waterside)
- Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All Inclusive (5-star luxury)

View Cancun from up high at the Cancun Scenic Tower
Want the best views of Cancun? Then heading up the Cancun Scenic Tower is one of the must-try Cancun night activities! The tower, also known as Torre Escénica in Spanish, is a rotating tower with an observation deck and is one of the famous landmarks in Cancun.
For the best views, go up the tower just before sunset and stay until it gets dark. This way, you can enjoy daytime views, the sunset, and nighttime views.
From the observation deck, you'll be able to see across the city and out over the Caribbean Sea. Going up the Scenic Tower is an exciting evening activity and will allow you to take some breathtaking photographs.
Experience the Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún with a tour
- Pirate Night Show & Dinner in Cancun With the Jolly Roger (widely sought after)
- Traveling From Cancun by Ferry to Isla Mujeres (rated highly)
Stay nearby the Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún
- Temptation Cancun Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only (scored highly by guests)
- Riu Palace Peninsula- All Inclusive (4-star rating)
Have an night of adventure at Xplor Park
Nighttime activities don't just have to be about drinking and dancing! At Xplor, you can spend the evening trying a range of exhilarating adventure activities. Xplor is a jungle adventure theme park, and Xplor Fuego is a nighttime event that sees visitors explore the jungle park after dark.
Nighttime activities to try include ziplining, driving amphibious vehicles, exploring jungle caves, and swimming in subterranean pools. If you tire yourself out exploring the theme park, there's a BBQ buffet (with vegetarian options) for you to refuel.
Set sail on a pirate cruise on the Jolly Roger Ship
The Jolly Roger Pirate Show is one of the many fun Cancun night activities you have to try! It's also a great activity for adults traveling alone and those with kids. Once you hop aboard the real-life pirate ship, you'll be greeted by costumed actors and treated to a night of nautically themed entertainment.
You'll also get to enjoy dinner, with options including lobster, steaks, and vegetarian dishes. All cruises also offer an open bar with a vast range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The Jolly Roger Pirate Show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won't want to miss!
Nearest accommodations to the Jolly Roger Pirate Show

Enjoy a wild night at Coco Bongo
Spending at least one night at Coco Bongo nightclub is an absolute must! The iconic club features incredible DJs and dramatic live shows and performances.
If you purchase special Coco Bongo tickets in advance, you'll likely also have access to an open bar. With so many outstanding performances as well as dancing and great drinks and music, you're guaranteed to have an amazing and memorable night out at Coco Bongo!
Stay nearby Coco Bongo
- Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive (well-rated)
- Royalton CHIC Cancun, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort - Adults Only (spectacular waterside views)
Watch a show at Xcaret at Night
Xcaret is a popular theme park near Cancun. While it's an exciting place to visit in the day, you can have fun there at night too. The park offers a range of nighttime activities, including enjoying Mexican food and drinks as you watch a folklore show called Xcaret México Espectacular.
In the evening, you can also visit the coral reef aquarium, aviary, and butterfly pavilion. Access to many of the other theme park attractions is open as well, so you can explore the park before the show begins after dark.
Discover Xcaret Park on a tour

Take a sunset cruise of Nichupte Lagoon
Nichupte Lagoon is a mangrove ecosystem featuring crystal blue water and an array of wildlife. When in Cancun, taking a sunset cruise of Nichupte Lagoon is highly recommended. You'll set off at 5 PM, the ideal time to see the lagoon in the daylight, watch the sunset, and then enjoy the views after dark.
As you travel through the lagoon, you'll spot numerous species of birds and plants, as well as crocodiles. Of course, you'll also be able to take incredible pictures. Sailing through the Nichupte Lagoon is one of the most memorable and unique Cancun night activities.
Accommodations in close proximity to Nichupté
- Emporio Cancun (rated 4-stars)
- CROWN PARADISE CLUB - ALL INCLUSIVE (rated highly)
Eat delicious Mexican cuisine on a Riviera Maya food tour
Mexico has some of the best cuisine in the world! A great way to try the country's delicious dishes is on a Riviera Maya food tour. While this evening and nighttime activity will require you to travel one hour out of Cancun, exploring Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya and trying amazing food is a must-do activity!
The two-and-a-half-hour tour begins at 5 PM and will see you visit a range of incredible restaurants. These stops include Mercado Playa Del Carmen, where you'll try homemade quesadilla, a local taqueria, and an ice cream shop for dessert.
Stay in close proximity to Quinta Avenida 2
- A una Calle del ado 5ta Avenida (under $50 USD a night)
- Hotel Brisas 5a AV (under $100 USD a night)

Marvel at the Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show
Chichen Itza is one of the most famous world landmarks as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site of Mayan ruins is an incredible landmark to visit during the day, but it's also fun to visit at night.
Every night there is the Light and Sound Show, also called Kukulkan Nights. During the show, the Great Pyramid of El Castillo lights up and other ruins feature lights that change color. The magical show is a must-see and is a unique way to view one of the world's most famous monuments.
Places to stay close to Chichén-Itzá
- La Casa de las Lunas (budget option)
- Hotel Puerta Chichen (good value rooms)
Explore Chichén-Itzá with a tour
Share a romantic dinner on a Galleon
If traveling to Cancun with your partner, sharing a romantic dinner on a Galleon boat is one of the must-do things to do in Cancun, Mexico, at night. Once aboard, you'll enjoy a multi-course meal featuring options like surf and turf and vegetarian dishes.
You and your other half will also be serenaded with saxophone music as you take in the breathtaking views of the Riviera Maya and the Caribbean Sea. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included as well. This romantic and relaxing cruise is a must for any couple in Cancun!
Accommodations nearby the Marina Aquatours
- Sina Suites (under $100 USD a night)
- InterContinental President Cancun Resort (relax by the pool)
Party at a the Xoximilco floating carnival
Xoximilco is a one-of-a-kind party inspired by Mexican culture. The experience includes Mexican food, drinks, music, and games. It's somewhat like a Mexican carnival.
Interestingly, most of the events take place on the water on Mexican-style gondolas. You'll eat and drink incredible cuisine before dancing to live music and playing fun carnival-style games. This event is one of the most exciting attractions in Cancun and will make you feel like a kid again!

Do a bar crawl on Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a scenic island located about a 25-minute boat ride from Cancun. A fun activity is to take the ferry across to the island to check out some fun bars.
Once on the island, you'll have a range of spots to choose from. Ice Bar is a popular tourist spot. Everything in the bar is made of ice and is the ideal place to cool down with a delicious drink on a hot night.
Rock Bar is another local favorite featuring friendly vibes, unique drinks, and rock music all night. However, you'll find a ton of other great bars simply exploring the island.
Discover Isla Mujeres on a tour
- Catamaran Excursion to Isla Mujeres With Open Bar for Sailing Adventure (highly sought-after)
- Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya for Small Groups (well-attended)
Places to stay near Isla Mujeres
- Coralito Malecon Luxury Studio (under $100 USD per night)
- Villa Elena Isla Mujeres (loved by guests)
Dance salsa at Mambo Cafe
Grand Mambo Cafe is a fun and popular club and bar in Cancun. It's less flashy and more laid back than alternate options, like Mandala Club. This bar still has a buzzing atmosphere though, and is as popular with locals as it is with tourists.
This nightlife spot features live music and is the ideal place to salsa dance. Even if you don't dance, watching others dance salsa, tango, and more is a memorable experience. Visiting Mambo Cafe is for sure one of the best things to do in Cancun, Mexico, at night.
Accommodations in close proximity to Mambocafé
- Estudio a 15 min Caminando de la Terminal de Autobuses ADO (low-priced rooms)
- Casa Blanca Boutique & Organic (under $100 USD a night)
In Summary
Cancun is a must-visit destination known for its stunning scenery and exciting attractions. It's also a well-loved nightlife spot with numerous fun activities to enjoy at night. Whether you want to party at the best nightclubs, relax in a bar, or try something unique like a pirate-themed cruise, everyone will find a nightlife activity for them in Cancun!
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Learn more about Cancún:
- 20 Fun Facts About Cancun, Mexico, You Probably Didn't Know
- 15 Famous Landmarks in Cancun, Mexico to Visit
- 16 Unique Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico
- 20 Best Things to Do in Cancun with Kids
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