Along with the powdery beaches, world-renowned diving, and rich culture that the island is known for, the shopping in Cozumel is fantastic. Explore vibrant San Miguel, give your bargaining skills a bit of exercise at the markets, or browse for clothing, jewelry, and local art at smaller shops and boutiques.
Keep an eye out for traditional hand-woven hammocks, authentic artwork, and embroidered textiles. You’ll also find delicious chocolate, organic vanilla, and liquor, particularly tequila. While shopping on the island, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase duty-free items that are exempt from taxes, like liquor and high-end jewelry.
Enjoy shopping in Cozumel in these vibrant shopping areas and unearth your own Mexican treasures.
Plaza del Sol
Plaza del Sol
Head to downtown San Miguel’s zocalo (town square) for some of the best Cozumel shopping. Plaza del Sol is located in the heart of downtown and is a must-stop on any shopping expedition.
Plaza del Sol
Browse traditional clothing items such as Huipil (traditional Mayan dresses), as well as t-shirts, and hats. If you’re in the market for jewelry, the island of Cozumel is known for high-quality sterling silver and Plaza del Sol has some great jewelry shops.
Other retail highlights include merchandise such as ceramics, leather items, macrame belts, trinkets, and the all-around favorite, hand-woven hammocks (hamacas).
The art of hammock weaving is a family business, passed down from generation to generation. A hammock is one of the best, most useful, and most authentic souvenirs you can buy in Mexico.
Plaza del Sol
This popular shopping area is also a common gathering spot for socializing, making it a great spot for people-watching in between shopping.
Take a break at one of the restaurants serving authentic Mexican fare. Enjoy ceviche or pescado frito (fried fish) in a setting of colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets.
Royal Village Shopping Center
Royal Village Shopping Center
Situated right across from the International Pier, the Royal Village Shopping Center is an outdoor mall on the waterfront, attracting shoppers with its wide array of merchandise. In addition to a diverse selection of shops, visitors are treated to green spaces with lush vegetation throughout the mall.
Name-brand clothing, electronics, home goods, and shoes are available, as well as souvenir boutiques selling hand-crafted items. Coffee lovers will enjoy browsing the Mexican coffee shop and purchasing some of the delicious varieties to bring home.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch live music or a fashion show at the Royal Village Shopping Center for an added experience.
Los Cincos Soles
Los Cincos Soles
Venture to San Miguel’s seaside Rafael Melgar Avenue for a visit to one of the most famous shops in Cozumel. Los Cincos Soles (The Five Suns) is a favorite shopping destination for authentic souvenirs and prides itself in being a one-stop shop for all things local.
Unearth beautiful local artwork, traditional toys, clothing, housewares, locally sourced vanilla and chocolate, and jewelry. Browse the impressive collection of Talavera Pottery, one of the most celebrated art forms in the country. The hand-painted ceramic flower pots, tiles, bowls, and jars will make it hard to choose just one.
Los Cincos Soles
Peruse the selection of Alebrije, vibrant folk art sculptures that are highly regarded and collected around the globe. Marvel at the Huichol art sourced from the Wixarika communities; the figurines crafted from small beads and colored yarn are dazzling. The technique used to create these pieces of art has stayed exactly the same over time.
With such a large selection of high-quality goods, it’s easy to find a token of your time on the island and gifts for family and friends at home. Visit the attached restaurant for authentic Mexican food and, of course, tequila. Los Cincos Soles offers some of the best shopping in Cozumel.
Mayan Cacao Company
Mayan Cacao Company
Mexico is known for its excellent chocolate, and Cozumel is a great place to taste and purchase this sweet treat. Known as the “food of the gods”, chocolate has played a significant role in Mayan culture.
Playa Mia
Situated on the southwestern coast of the island, the Mayan Cacao Company is right across from Playa Mia, one of the best beaches in Cozumel. Combine your visit to the chocolate company with a trip to the beach for the full Cozumel experience.
Embark on a tour of the grounds, where you can learn about Mexican chocolate and its cultural importance. Discover the history of chocolate through informative exhibits and then explore a replica of a traditional Mayan house. Afterward, enjoy a chocolate tasting and visit the outdoor bar where you can sample a delicious chocolate margarita.
Mayan Cacao Company
For a deeper dive into the chocolate culture, one of the best things to do in Cozumel is to take one of the onsite workshops where you can try your hand at making a chocolate bar using cacao seeds.
Plaza Confetti
Plaza Confetti
In the center of downtown San Miguel, Plaza Confetti is a fantastic street market option for discovering a wide array of goods. Stroll the market lanes, lined with clothing, hats, and shoes, as well as handicrafts, pottery, and jewelry. Polite bargaining for fair pricing is welcomed here, and expected, within reason, of course.
Keep an eye out for sustainably sourced coral, a coveted item for sale in Cozumel due to the famous barrier reef. It’s important to steer clear of black coral, and only purchase colored corals in the form of jewelry or other gifts.
Always check the rules and customs regulations before buying these items to bring home to avoid having them confiscated at the border. Plaza Confetti is a great choice for those looking to wander a traditional Mexican market right in town.
Gallery Azul
Gallery Azul
Also located in downtown San Miguel, Gallery Azul is ideal for those interested in unique artwork pieces, hand-blown glass items, lamps, vases, and sculptures. Browse beautifully crafted home decor by local artists, where you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind piece.
In addition to a gallery and shop, the space is a working studio for resident artist Greg Dietrich. His engraved blown glass pieces and silk paintings are well known and intricate, inspired by Cozumel and the surrounding natural area. Nautical and marine designs such as tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles grace his gorgeous pieces.
Chile Tequila Factory Outlet
Chile Tequila Factory Outlet
Tequila is one of the top items purchased in Cozumel, and with Mexico as the birthplace of this liquor variety, it’s no surprise. If you’re interested in purchasing this national drink, head to the Chile Tequila Factory Outlet in downtown San Miguel.
Sample different types of tequila, including coffee flavored, as well as aged and silver varieties. Choose your favorite to stock your bar at home or to create your own Caribbean cocktail, straight from the source.
Chocolateria Isla Bella
Chocolateria Isla Bella
If you have limited time but would like to visit a popular chocolate shop, Chocolateria Isla Bella in downtown San Miguel is a great option. This family-owned shop, run by a mother-daughter team, is a favorite for its large variety of organic chocolate items, from truffles to packaged Mexican hot chocolate.
Taste mouth-watering chocolate samples, and choose from a variety of flavors to bring home as a memento of your time in Cozumel. The most popular flavor is the key lime pie, which is irresistible.
Other highlights include berry, triple chocolate, sea salt, mazapan, brownie, and peanut butter, to name a few. Prepare to swoon over the house-churned peanut butter cups too. Adventurous chocolate eaters can go for the “Citrico Habanero”, a spicy dark chocolate with local citrus and habanero pepper.
Whether you purchase a chocolate bar, some truffles, or “sipping” chocolate, you’re sure to get high-quality delights here at Chocolateria Isla Bella.
Deja Vu Leather and Jewelry
Deja Vu Leather and Jewelry
Leather and jewelry pieces are among the most popular items to buy while visiting Cozumel. Head to downtown San Miguel’s Deja Vu Leather and Jewelry, one of the island’s most popular specialty stores. Whether you’re looking for a custom necklace or leather sandals, there’s a wide range of hand-crafted products influenced by Mayan design for sale here.
Browse leather handbags, wallets, and shoes, made from high-quality leather by local artisans. Have your own pair of traditional huarache sandals made as a souvenir that you can wear for years to come. Watch as crafters create jewelry in the shop and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind piece.
Kao Kao Chocolates Damarsicheli
Kao Kao Chocolates Damarsicheli
For another great chocolate specialty shop with its own café, Kao Kao Chocolates Damarsicheli in San Miguel is a terrific choice. Tour the factory and learn about the history and process of chocolate making before trying your hand at creating your own at this family-owned establishment.
Then head into the shop where you can buy locally produced cacao products such as dark chocolate bars with cinnamon, cactus, chili, and more. After, enjoy a delicious pastry or chocolate confection in the café. Whether you choose to take the full tour or just visit the shop, this is one of the best chocolate experiences you can have in Cozumel.
Ola Bonita Boutique Art and Design
For beachwear and clothing, Ola Bonita Boutique in San Miguel is a fantastic choice. Filled with swimsuits, eco-friendly items, hats, clothing, and artwork crafted by local artisans, this shop is perfect for those interested in unique, ethically handmade products.
Their mission is focused on supporting and featuring local artists, as well as having a positive impact on the environment.
Purchase a hand-woven beach mat, artfully decorated tote bags, or their most popular item, airbrushed hats with custom designs. A stop into the vibrant and cheerful Ola Bonita Boutique will prove to be a special one while exploring the Caribbean island of Cozumel.
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Watch: Discover Cozumel With Celebrity Cruises
A trip to the stunning island of Cozumel isn’t complete without experiencing its colorful and varied shopping scene. From the abundant shops in the city of San Miguel to waterfront malls and seaside chocolate stores, shopping in Cozumel is a treat.
A cruise is a fantastic way to browse the island’s wide array of authentic goods. Browse our Caribbean itineraries and book your cruise to Cozumel today.
