Anyone been shopping in Cozumel?

Question

I'm taking a cruise in 6 weeks and one of the stops is Cozumel. Any tips or suggestions from someone that has been there?

If you have taken a cruise that stopped in Cozumel, is the shopping close to the piers or do you have to take a taxi?

Answer 1

Never "cruised" to Cozumel although I have done one cruise and it wasn't for me though many others love it. Have been to Cozumel a couple times, most recently for two weeks in February '05. From what I saw, the other responses are accurate about how cruise ship people are treated like cattle by the cruise ship operators. When we were in town, it looked like the cruise ship people were dropped off at the dock in town and basically "herded" about; although we were never bothered, we saw that there were "sharks" swarming all around the people as they got off the dock trying to sell them everything under the sun kind of had a similar experience on my cruise and that is part of the reason I didn't much like it). I suggest going off on your own to get away from this as soon as you can and ignore anyone trying to sell you anything. If you are going to do any of the side-trips I suggest either booking thru the ship (which will cost a bit more) or by simply taking a taxi yourself. Some of the things we did on the island last time were to visit the tequila "plantation" (you can take a taxi but it is more just a store than an actual plantation or factory but you do get to sample as many flavors as you like for free), the Atlantis sumarine trip ( a bit costly but I highly recommend it if you have time because you'll probably never get another chance to be in a sub- you can also take a cab there and it's near the flea market), did the jeep tour to the isolated part of town (you had to know how to drive a stick and many of the jeeps had a hard time making it- experience was so so for me), went to Mr. Sanchos beach (fairly fun place to hang out, if you want jet skis this was the place, really good tropical drinks), snorkeled in a few places (also one of my favorite things to do and it is quite inexpensive especially if you have your own gear- the Chakanaab Park is supposed to be the best place and I believe you can rent the equipment; we just went to the public beach or if you have your own equipment I suggest sneaking to the Hotel Cozumel and simply going there). Other activities include horseback riding, golf, fishing, etc. As for food, I'm assuming you will be there for lunch/dinner; too many good places to eat to name them all but if you want really good seafood go the Aquario which is in town on the ocean or Jeannie's Waffle House/Raul's Taco's(?) is more casual also in town near the ocean. Bar wise, there are the Americanized places/tourist traps like Hard Rock Cafe and Senior Frogs which, not surprisingly, are close to where the cruise ship docks, a couple of my favorite bars to hang out/people watch were Ms. Charro's(in town), Mexico y los Segulos (in town by the naval yard) or the Casa Del Mar (hotel) bar which is near the submarine and flea market and is also on the ocean. Shopping wise, there is quite a bit of variety. The mall is, once again not too surprisingly, in town near the cruise ship dock and has many high class shoppes/botiques if that is your idea of shopping. On the other end of the spectrum, is the flea market; didn't go there last time but it is more like a big rummage sale and it is a few miles out of town. Obviously, the Americanized places (ie Hard Rock) have there own gift shops. If you are looking for postcards, T-shirts, etc. there are many places; cheapest place and best variety I saw was actually at a pharmacy/grocery store very close to Ms. Charro's (sorry I cannot remember the name). Lastly, for a different experience, try the Chedruii(?); basically it was where many of the locals shop. It is in town, not too far from the mall/cruise ship area; basically it is like a Mexican Wal-Mart or Meijer's and had basically everything under the sun and great prices. Actually king of a neat experience, but, at least when we were there, we were about the only Americans who ventured in there and I still don't know why- don't be intimidated by it. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You don't have to take a taxi, everything is in walking distance. Be aware, they are like sharks on that island. Everyone is in your face. But they do have some nice stuff for good prices. If you decide to go out of the city around the island you will need identification, they check. There's a check point on the one road that goes all the way around the island. Also, did you know there is a naval base on Cozumel? Big military ships in the water.! And also if you can, when you're getting close to the island watch overboard for flying fish and dolphins.

Answer 3

I was there in 2000. They have a central market area and the price were pretty firm, no hagling. Had to get there by taxi. Best to share with someone on the ship. The cruise director will give you more recent information, events and tips for shopping.

Have fun!

P.S. if they still have the private island tour pkg. I highly recomend that one, especially if you have lots of people to party down with.

Answer 4

You don't have to take a taxi, they force you to walk through it and shopping is everywhere. Fleecing the tourists is the main activity. Look everywhere before you buy. Have cash since a lot of it is street vendor type stuff. Remember you can bargain.

Answer 5

You don't really have to take a taxi, but it's much easier to do so with a bunch of shopping bags. The prices are reasonable.