Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping Guide – Best Local Shopping Near Each Cruise Pier

Do me a favor: Don’t stay on board if your cruise stops in Cozumel! The Cozumel cruise port is a must-visit destination.

And when it comes to shopping in Cozumel, you really can’t go wrong. This place offers a variety of “shoptions” (just made that up) for whatever you might need – even if you just need to stock up on some supplies.

It’s always worth it to disembark at the Cozumel cruise port, especially if there’s anything you need to buy. Cozumel has endless shopping opportunities for gifts and souvenirs, but it’s also an excellent port stop to find any supplies you might’ve forgotten, or travel basics like beach gear, toiletries, medicines, and electronics like memory cards or a new charging cable – and at far better prices than you’ll find on board your cruise ship.

Whether you’re looking for some keto snacks for the room, new headphones to survive your family, or you want to shop for some pretty jewelry or stylish decor for the home, you can find it here.

Shopping In Cozumel Cruise Port

Lots of stores and open-air shopping areas are located near the three different cruise ship piers in town, too, so you won’t have to worry about traveling far if you just need something simple.

But if you want to find the absolute best Cozumel cruise port shopping, it’s probably worth a short trip to downtown San Miguel de Cozumel in search of artisan shops, cool boutiques, and some awesome food. 

And it wouldn’t be one of the world’s busiest cruise destinations without at least one Diamonds International, too, if you’re into that kind of shopping. 

Make sure to grab some commonly forgotten traveler items while you’re here, too, such as sunscreen or a hat, to keep you protected from the sun.

And don’t forget to pick up some typical Cozumel souvenirs to remember your trip. From local crafts to traditional clothing and jewelry, there’s something for everyone. 

Best Items To Buy In Cozumel

If you’re cruising to Cozumel anytime soon and you’re wondering what to buy on the island, I’ve got you covered.

Cozumel is one of the best shopping destinations in the Caribbean, and you can find almost anything here as long as you venture off the cruise terminals’ interior “mall” areas.

Those might feel like part of the island’s downtown, at first, but they’re very limited in scope, and from what I’ve heard, they have higher prices. 

First things first, you don’t want to forget the supplies you need, so head to the large department stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies to stock up on essentials.

Pharmacies Near the Cozumel Cruise Ports

Cozumel is a popular spot to hit the pharmacy, apparently!

Many prescription drugs in the U.S. and Canda DO still require prescriptions here, despite popular belief/common myths.

But then again, there are many that can be found as over-the-counter medications in Cozumel

Some examples of items that are sold OTC in Cozumel are:

• Retinol
• Latisse
• Viagra and Cialis
• some antibiotics
• Light muscle relaxers for back pain
• Latisse
• Topical estrogen
• And many other lower risk items that usually require a prescription in other places

If you are on your cruise and need to refill a prescription, on the other hand, you can likely do that here, too – and for FAR less cost than on the cruise ship’s pharmacy (or so I’ve heard).

Also, please note that if you need more serious medical attention, consult this post on Cozumel’s excellent hospitals.

Good information to have, just in case.

Souvenir Shopping in Cozumel Cruise Port 2023

Now, for the fun stuff. Souvenir shops, artisan workshops, boutiques, and gift stores are scattered throughout the island, so you’ll have plenty of options to pick up those popular items you’ve been eyeing.

Keep reading, below, to find out where and how to find the best unique items.

If you’re looking for something specific to Cozumel, handwoven hammocks, craft tequila, and beautiful leather goods are some of the things you don’t want to miss out on. (Read this post if authentic Mexican goodies are up your alley.)

And, of course, you can’t leave without a few souvenirs to show off to your friends back home.

Be sure to browse through downtown Cozumel and/or the souvenir shops near your ship (but again, at least get outside the Cruise terminal “mall”) for the perfect memento of your Cozumel adventure. Happy shopping! 

Cruise Ports in Cozumel: How far are they from downtown?

 So, you’re on a cruise to Cozumel and wondering how far the cruise ports are from downtown? This section is for you.

Cozumel has three main cruise ship piers: Punta Langosta, Puerta Maya, and International Pier.

These piers are also referred to as the cruise ports and are all located on the western side of the island.

• Punta Langosta is the original cruise pier in Cozumel, and right in the heart of the downtown area, only a short 4-minute walk from the central town square, or el zócalo, in Spanish.
• Puerta Maya and the International Pier are both about 2 miles south of downtown San Miguel. (I do my morning walk a lot from downtown to just shy of the southern cruise piers in Cozumel, and it’s a 3-mile roundtrip, and about 8K steps, FWIW). 

So, depending on which cruise line you’re on and which pier they dock at, you could be closer or further away from downtown Cozumel.

But don’t worry, if you’re not looking for a longish walk, there are plenty of safe options for Cozumel taxis, or other transportation to go shopping downtown, or even explore more of what the island has to offer. 

Then again, you might not have to stray too far, depending on what you need! 

Shopping Options Near Punta Langosta Cruise Port in Cozumel

Shopping in Downtown Cozumel

Shopping in Downtown Cozumel is like being a kid in a candy store – if that candy store also had tons of varied restaurants and shops, Mexican handicrafts, and artists selling their wares.

You can find everything here, from art galleries to intricately crafted leather boots to typical fun souvenirs like T-shirts and beach coverups.

When in doubt, scour the San Miguel shops for decorative gifts, like Talavera pottery – the colorful plates, ornaments, and mugs will make your home look like a fiesta!

And if you’re feeling mystical, check out the alebrijes – those brightly painted wooden spirit animals are both cute and kinda creepy – in a really good way.

Did you see the Pixar movie, “Coco”? Shopping for alebrijes is one of many fun things to do if your’re in Cozumel with your kids.

So come on down to San Miguel de Cozumel and get your shop on, because the only thing better than eating the most delicious local tacos on the best beaches in Cozumel, is doing it while wearing a handmade sarong and sipping out of a hand-painted mug!

Punta Langosta Mall in Cozumel

If your ship ports at Punta Langosta, you’ll disembark right into the port’s own mall area, with shops full of souvenirs, as well as some great places to grab lunch or a good Mexican coffee (and homemade baked goods). 

OK, so there’s a Cozumel Hooter’s right there, too… but you know what they say about those wings?! 

Just south of the Punta Langosta mall is one of my top recommended jewelry stores in Cozumel, as well as La Mega – a huge grocery/department store.

Mega, as it’s known, is like a large Walmart. You can shop for groceries, but it’s also full of things you might need for your vacation, like health and beauty items, water shoes for snorkeling, pool floats, or maybe those replacement headphones we were talking about… 

Mega also has a few safe, bank-owned ATMs, so if you missed my full post about cash and currency in Cozumel, this is the type of safe ATM area I was talking about.  The bank machines in La Mega dispense Mexican pesos (MXN), for when you need to take taxis and have some extra cash on hand. 

Plaza del Sol in Cozumel’s Central Plaza

Walk a few blocks north from Punta Langosta cruise pier (if you’re facing the waterfront, North is to the right) and you’ll pass a bunch of nice jewelry and souvenir shops like Viva Mexico along Melgar Avenue, Cozumel’s main drag along the water.

Head up to the Cozumel ferry terminal, and across the street you’ll be in the zocalo – or the main town square in downtown San Miguel, also known as Parque Benito Juarez. 

Head beyond the iconic orange clock tower, and poke around all the stalls, artist kiosks, and shops in the Plaza del Sol. 

Here you’ll find an endless array of creative wares.

If you’re not sure what to purchase in Cozumel, consider some local specialties like:

• handmade leather sandals of all different styles
• handmade leather bags, wallets, and boots
• cotton and nylon hand-woven hammocks
• delicately painted ornaments and figurines
• woven garments and housewares
• embroidered pillow covers, table runners, blouses and children’s clothes
• fine and casual jewelry
• pretty straw hats and bags
• customized friendship bracelets (lots of the local vendors can create a new one with your unique nickname while you wait)
• and more

For an extra special jewelry keepsake, look into Sergio’s (near the 7-11 store), one of our most recommended places for quality silver jewelry in Cozumel. 

On busy days, the Plaza del Sol shopping area has a fun and festive feel, and you’ll even find artists who’ll create customized items for you while you watch, and various street performers.

There are also lots of cafes and carts where you can order up esquites (Mexican corn w/cream and cheese), marquesitas (sweet or savory rolled-up crepes), and nice cold drinks. 

And don’t forget some delicious Mexican churros.

Cinco Soles’ Cozumel Store

There are lots of great local shops on the island of Cozumel, but Cinco Soles is a reliable place to shop for good quality artisan goods, vanilla and spices, and a range of jewelry and home goods made in different parts of Mexico. 

This store is also in the Cozumel International Airport, which you can read more about here for your next non-cruise visit, but the Cinco Soles store in downtown Cozumel is the original store, known for sourcing high quality goods from Mexican artists throughout the country.

This flagship location is larger, and full of really nice apparel, beautiful gifts, and some other fun stuff.

Plus, the walk to the Cozumel Cinco Soles store from the Punta Langosta cruise terminal (approximately 12 ocean-front blocks) brings you right through the center of downtown San Miguel on the waterfront, with great views along the coast of the island, loads of fun people-watching, and too many great local bars and delicious restaurants that Cozumel is so well known for. 

(And if you need help deciding where to refuel, take a sec to review our main restaurant guide, here.) 

Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping Options Near the International Pier and Puerta Maya Pier

Royal Village Shopping Center

 If you’re not looking for typical souvenirs, but have more traditional shopping in mind, the Royal Village Shopping Center is a good bet if your Cozumel cruise ports in one of the southern piers. The Royal Village mall is an outdoor shopping mall that is just across the street from the International Pier and a few short blocks north of the Puerta Maya pier terminals.

You can find some souvenirs and accessories for you and the fam, but you can also snag some new sporty threads at Martí sporting goods (kind of like a nice Foot Locker), or even pick up some nice high-quality sunglasses at the Solaris kiosk in the mall’s outdoor area.

But wait, there’s more! There’s an OxxO convenience store for all your snacking needs, various stores and services, and even a Hard Rock Cafe for when you need a boost of energy…and that 80s throwback T-shirt moment!

Plus, you might want to get an all-inclusive day pass to the nearby Del Mar Latino Beach Club after your shopping sesh. Swim-up bars, coconut shrimp, and a lounge chair with Caribbean ocean views, await.

If you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise, and looking for some shopping adventures close to Puerta Maya or the International port area, definitely hit up the Royal Village Shopping Center, and the other local shops right around there. 

Best Souvenir Shopping In Cozumel

When it comes to finding the perfect souvenirs to take back home, this island paradise has got you covered. In fact, if that’s your primary goal, please also read this related post on the island’s best authentic local shopping. 

The shopping in downtown Cozumel is a fun hub of activity where you can find a great variety of local shopping options offering authentic Mexican products that cater to all tastes and budgets.

If you’re looking for something truly unique and one-of-a-kind, head a few blocks off of Rafael Melgar Avenue, including a good stroll through the central town plaza and Plaza del Sol – a shopper’s paradise boasting countless stalls and small shops selling everything from hammocks and embroidery to tree ornaments and home decor.

No matter what your style is, you’ll find something here that speaks to your heart. From bags and accessories to jewelry and leatherwork, Cozumel is a shopper’s delight that will leave you spoilt for choice.

So go ahead and indulge in some retail therapy – you’ll likely uncover some unforgettable souvenirs that will remind you of your time in Cozumel or your Cozumel cruise every time you look at them. 

FAQs: 

Why Does my Cruise Ship Advise Only Shopping at Their “Recommended” Stores?

Are you tired of feeling like you’re being coerced into shopping at cruise companies’ recommended stores?

Well, the local crowd here is tired of hearing anecdotes about how the cruise ships make it sound scary and foolish to step off the busy main street along the waterfront – and in effect, keeping you in some of the most overpriced shops in town that they themselves own.

Don’t fall for their scare tactics – the truth is, they own those stores and want to make a profit off of you. But don’t be fooled – there are plenty of independent shops worth exploring during your trip.

And yes, like almost everything else in Cozumel, they are safe! 

Take the time to judge for yourself and explore local businesses, whether it’s for souvenirs, clothing, or anything in between.

Oh, and of course hit up some mom-and-pop places for awesome tacos, and other yummy Mexican bites.

By doing so, you’ll not only be supporting local economies but also getting a more authentic experience.

So next time you’re on a cruise ship and see those signs advertising their recommended shopping program, remember to shop with autonomy and explore Cozumel and all of your many cool and stylish options. Let your inner adventurer lead the way! 

If you’re concerned about safety in Cozumel, read a little more reassurance, right here.

Should I Avoid Certain Souvenirs when Cozumel Shopping? 

The main souvenirs you should not buy Cozumel are any of those that exploit the local environment and those that encourage illegal behavior. 

What NOT to Buy in Cozumel

More specifically, in Cozumel please try to avoid buying: 

1. Anything made from (endangered) black coral
2. Crafts made from empty conch shells (these are often poached just for the shell! Please read more about the local conchs and conservation efforts right here)
3. Anything made from other shells, including turtle shells and sea stars
4. Novelty license plate crafts made from cut-up license plates (that have been stolen off of our local residents’ cars overnight!) 
5. Street drugs

Where do Cruise Ships Dock in Cozumel?

Depending on which cruise line you’re sailing on, your Cozumel cruise could port at one of three cruise piers on the island. 

Punta Langosta is the original Cozumel cruise pier and is located right downtown, just at the southern end of San Miguel de Cozumel 

The International Pier and Puerta Maya are 2 miles south of downtown, making a long but nice stroll along the waterfront to downtown, or an easy 2-minute cab ride.  

To learn more about safely taking taxis in Cozumel, read this related post here. 

What is at the Cozumel cruise port?

Besides great shopping, Cozumel is known for many things. 

The island is a stunning mix of coral reefs, sandy beaches, brackish mangroves, and jungle, with a huge array of wildlife for such a small island. 

Cozumel is a world-class scuba diving destination, welcoming divers from around the world all year-round. 

Cozumel is also now the busiest cruising port in the Caribbean, and since the travel disruptions during the pandemic, is seeing travel numbers even higher than back in 2019. 

The island is less of a party destination than Cancun, but does have a fun nightlife scene, along with a ton of great bars and breweries. Cozumel’s restaurant scene is also really impressive, from street foods to really nice places for finer dining.

Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping TL;DR

Whether you’re on the hunt for special jewelry stores with twinkling tanzanite or fire opal earrings, or more of a funky shopping scene with traditional Mexican wares like hand-blown glass, intricately painted pottery, or one-of-a-kind clothing, you should probably head for downtown Cozumel and the “centro” area of San Miguel. 

If you just need to shop near the cruise port in Cozumel for everyday stuff like Advil or a deck of cards, you’ll find plenty of great shopping and stores in Cozumel right outside your cruise terminal gates, no matter which pier your ship is docked. 

Cozumel port is great place to disembark and stock up on a few things, even if you don’t want the full Cozumel experience. 

Then again, if you DO want more of the Cozumel experience, stick around and check out some of our other posts, like: 

• Is Cozumel Safe?! (hint: yes)
• Good Places to go Snorkeling in Cozumel for Beginners
• The Practical Guide to Cozumel’s Own Mayan Ruins Sites
• How to Safely Take on of the Island’s Many Great Taxi Cabs

Enjoy your Cruise to Cozumel!

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