Between cenotes, reefs and eco-parks, a trip to Cancún and the Riviera Maya mixes beach time with plenty of outdoor activity. This list helps you pack exactly what you need, without overloading your suitcase or forgetting something important.
The non-negotiables
- Biodegradable sunscreen: mandatory at cenotes, eco-parks and reef areas. Conventional sunscreen (with oxybenzone) is usually banned, and some places may hold it at the entrance.
- An extra swimsuit: if you're doing more than one water activity in a day, a second swimsuit means you don't have to put on a wet one.
- Water shoes or sandals with grip: the rocks around cenotes and reefs can be slippery.
- Light, breathable clothing: the climate is warm and humid nearly year-round.
For everyday use
- A hat or cap and sunglasses — especially for tours like Chichén Itzá, where there's little shade.
- Mosquito repellent, ideally biodegradable too if you're entering cenotes.
- A quick-dry towel (many tours don't include one).
- Dry clothes to change into after water activities.
- A portable phone charger (power bank), especially for full-day tours.
Documents and money
- A valid ID (passport for international visitors).
- Booking confirmations, printed or saved on your phone without needing internet access.
- Cash in Mexican pesos for tips, markets and small purchases — not everywhere accepts cards.
What you can leave at home
You don't need your own snorkel gear, life jackets or large beach towels — most of our tours already include them. You also don't need to carry a lot of cash in dollars: pesos always go further inside Mexico.
Got your suitcase ready?
Explore all our tours and build your ideal itinerary in Cancún and the Riviera Maya.
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