Purchasing tequila/rum and gifts

[BEFdoc]

Hi,

 

I am looking for suggestions where to buy some locally produced tequila or rum and some trinkets for gifts. In the past I have had some success buying the liquor at grocery or liquor stores. Locally produced trinkets would be great as it helps with the local economy. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[runner15km]

Just off the pier is the Costa Maya shopping/entertainment complex. You can see it from the upper deck of your ship.

[BEFdoc]

Thanks, I understand that we will be going there but, I am more interested in going to a more "locals" spot.

 

Thanks for your replies.

[crewsweeper]

Your best bet in Costa Maya is to find one of the mini-supers in Mahahual. There are about 4-5 of them. A couple along the near/middle portion of the malecon and one along the street a block inland before the soccer field. Plus one or two more further south.

But if you're stopping in Cozumel, you'll find better selection and probably cheaper prices at either of the 2 large groceries there, Chedurai or Mega, or at Cosi Liquors. Costa Maya isn't going to give you anything you can't get in Cozumel.

Edited November 22, 2015 by crewsweeper

[BEFdoc]

Thanks Crewsweeper, I will try the "Minis" on the Malecon. Any of them larger than a "Mini"? Larger might have a bigger selection.

 

Thanks again for the information

[crewsweeper]

Thanks Crewsweeper, I will try the "Minis" on the Malecon. Any of them larger than a "Mini"? Larger might have a bigger selection.

 

Thanks again for the information

Nope. Mahahual is a small community. larger stores may be down in Xaclak or back up in Playa del Carmen. Again, if you're stopping in Cozumel, it's your best bet. Selection is better and you're not going to find anything different.

 

Now you could stop by 100% Agave along the malecon. Fernando used to sell his own tequila when he was off the malecon. It's very good, reposado as I recall.You'll need to bring your own bottles, plastic is preferred as it's easier to get back on the ship, especially if its a Sobe Life Water bottle ( Fuji apple or one of the blue bottles work well to disguise). Not sure if he still sells it at the new, new place. And he's not going to sell you a lot, which is why the water bottles work so well.

[BEFdoc]

Thanks again Crewsweeper for the suggestions. Not going to Coz so looks like best shot for Tequila is Costa Maya.

 

Good cruising and best of luck.

[crewsweeper]

Thanks again Crewsweeper for the suggestions. Not going to Coz so looks like best shot for Tequila is Costa Maya.

 

Good cruising and best of luck.

There is a shop inside the cruise port. Check those prices on your way out, then the prices at the "Tequila Museum", then head to Mahahual and see if you can find better prices or selections. AT worst, you can always stop at the first two on your way back, but you'll have a sense of what things cost. Don't forget to include the $5 RT pp taxi fare to Mahahual in your mental calculations on savings, if you weren't going there to begin with.

[spidybabe]

Your best bet in Costa Maya is to find one of the mini-supers in Mahahual. There are about 4-5 of them. A couple along the near/middle portion of the malecon and one along the street a block inland before the soccer field. Plus one or two more further south.

But if you're stopping in Cozumel, you'll find better selection and probably cheaper prices at either of the 2 large groceries there, Chedurai or Mega, or at Cosi Liquors. Costa Maya isn't going to give you anything you can't get in Cozumel.

 

Thanks for this info. We are going to both ports as well as Belize and Roatan, and we have been wondering which is the best port for shopping. Now we know Coz is better than Costa Maya. Thanks--and can we assume the prices are better in Coz for everything?

We made no plans yet for Coz, so is our best bet to leave that as a shopping day? At the malecon? Thanks for any and all info

Safe sailing

[crewsweeper]

Thanks for this info. We are going to both ports as well as Belize and Roatan, and we have been wondering which is the best port for shopping. Now we know Coz is better than Costa Maya. Thanks--and can we assume the prices are better in Coz for everything?

We made no plans yet for Coz, so is our best bet to leave that as a shopping day? At the malecon? Thanks for any and all info

Safe sailing

NCL docks in Coz at the Punta Langosta Pier which is downtown. There's a mall there. You are only a couple of blocks away from the Plaza which is surrounded by shops, plus there are "local" shops beyond the plaza. Also Cinco Soles is a few block north, follow the water front. No malecon with beach clubs attached in Coz.

 

Belize has some shopping at the tender pier and at the flea market across the street. But if you're looking for local articles, be careful many are from China. Belize is better for cave tubing, snorkeling off shore, and Maya ruins. Roatan has standard cruise port area shopping in Coxen Hole and some local stores plus some slightly more expensive "tourist" places up in West End. Roatan is better for beaches (West Bay) and snorkeling/diving.