As soon as you exit the ferry docks you are in the shopping zone in San Miguel. If you are arriving by cruise ship at the Punta Langosta Pier, when you exit the pier, you land in a fairly large outdoor modern mall.
the cruise ship passenger terminal at Punta Langosta Pier.
There are also numerous shops in and around San Miguel, at the beaches and at most hotels.
The shopping zone in San Miguel is clean and easy to navigate with ample sidewalks and pedestrian-only streets. Police guard crosswalks, direct traffic and offer directions to tourists.
San Miguel is a duty-free zone.
The stores closest to the coast and primarily Punta Langosta Pier are the most expensive catering to cruise ship passengers, with little time to search for bargains.
The "shopping zone" extends back from the waterfront a few blocks and there is little chance of getting lost.
There are hundreds of stores selling most everything in Cozumel. You can find some really neat stuff there, but be warned, Cozumel prices are the highest in the Yucatan Peninsula. This is not to say you can't find any deals, we have!
Shoppers will find a large variety of:
- Duty Free Shops
- Mexican Handicrafts
- Jewelry
- Clothing Stores
- Dive Shops
- Cigar & Liquor Stores
- Music Shops
- Shoe Stores
... and of course lots of restaurants and cafes.
If you have the time, shop around. In all likelihood you will always find another store selling what you want so you can compare prices. The further away from the docks the cheaper things get.
Shops are generally open from 9 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm. Many shops close for siesta however, most stores near the pier will stay open during siesta hours and most stores are open all day during high season.
Shoppers may choose to pay in cash, either in pesos, US dollars or traveler's checks. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and Discover cards are commonly accepted although the first two are more readily accepted then other credit cards.
NOTE: If you use your credit card write down the date and description of EVERY transaction.
There are a few bank machines in San Miguel. They are easy to find. Where ever you are just ask a store employee where the closest bank machine is.
Q: What does it mean when your cruise ship advises you of this:
"Shop at the many stores featured in Cozumel’s recommended shopping program."
A: It means they get a kick-back if you shop in the stores they recommend.
COZUMEL GROCERY SHOPPING
If you need to buy groceries, there are a couple of grocery stores located around San Miguel.
Chedraui, a grocery/department store located at the south end of San Miguel at the beginning of the Southern Hotel Zone.
In the food section you have a good selection of fresh fruits, vegatables, dry goods, liquor/beer, softdrinks, meats, cheeses, and freshly baked breads and pastries. There is also a pharmacy, household goods, clothing, baby goods, personal care products and a hardware section.
San Francisco is the same as Chedraui but not as big. There are two locations: Avenida 30 and Juarez and south on Avenida 65.
The Cozumel Market is located between 20th and 25th on Adolfo Rosado Salas. There you can purchase fresh seafood, meats, fruits, vegetables, spices and a variety of other Mexican foods.
SUGGESTED READING
COZUMEL SHOPPING
Beach Information
