The Shopping Areas of Cozumel

Cozumel is primarily known for its water sports and activities.  Tourists can be seen doing everything under the sea, from scuba diving to snorkeling to riding a speedboat or even swimming with dolphins.  While Cozumel may be known for fun, don't forget about the shopping.  The warm temperatures of Cozumel make shopping for souvenirs a joy.  The city of Cozumel has a number of shopping areas, from duty free shops to traditional goods sold at extra-low prices to mom and pop stores offering arts and crafts.  There is something for everyone in Cozumel shopping—out on land, but not any less breathtaking than what's happening under water.

Much of the best shopping can be found in three different major areas: La Plaza, the Crafts Market and Punta Langosta Pier.  La Plaza is also known as Plaza del Sol or Town Square and is located along the waterfront downtown.  The crafts market is located behind La Plaza and the cruise ship terminal at Punta Langosta Pier.  Stores by Punta Langosta Pier feature the most expensive items and are aimed primarily at cruise ship tourists.  Stores at Plaza and the Crafts Market are usually more unique and less expensive.  There are also shops around the San Miguel area near the beaches and the hotels.  Many shoppers prefer the San Miguel area since it's easier to walk through given the sidewalks, pedestrian only streets and police guard crosswalks.

While visiting these central areas shoppers will find a variety of duty free shops, Mexican arts and crafts, jewelry displays, clothing stores, dive stores (these supplies will come in handy at the beach) cigar stores, liquor stores, music stores and shoe stores.  Some tourists like duty free shops and more traditional stores since they can find American products at much lower prices.  Others prefer shopping for souvenirs that are distinctly of Mexican culture.  You can also find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the area. 

Stores usually open from nine am to two pm and then five pm to ten pm to capitalize on tourist traffic.  You may also need to shop for basic necessities such as groceries.  There are a few grocery stores in San Miguel that you can easily find.  There is Chedraui, a grocery store found at the southern end of San Miguel and two locations for San Francisco, found on Avenida 30 and Avenida 65.  You can find plenty of items in grocery stores such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, dry goods, liquor and beer, soft drinks and freshly baked breads and pastries.  You can ever find a pharmacy that sells a variety of household goods in addition to grocery items.

It's a tradition to bargain for prices in Mexico, at least when you're shopping for gifts, as opposed to grocery items which are practically fixed in price.  It may help to research some of these gift items so can make an accurate bid.  But be prepared to negotiate, and more importantly, make friends with the sellers you meet.  Cozumel shopping is alive and well and can enhance your perfect Mexican vacation.