The full packing checklist
What to wear in the water
- Swimsuit. Obvious but check it is secure for slides. Loose bikini tops can come off on tube rides.
- Rash guard or swim shirt. The underground rivers at Xcaret and Xplor run at 22 Celsius, which feels cold after 30 minutes. A rash guard keeps you warmer and also blocks sun.
- Water shoes. Reef shoes with rubber grip. Limestone floors (cenotes, lagoons) are slippery. Flip flops are not enough.
What to wear between water activities
- Quick dry shorts and t shirt. For walking between attractions, at lunch, and during cultural shows at Xcaret.
- Hat and sunglasses. The tropical sun is strong even at 10 AM.
- Light jacket (evenings only). For the Mexico Espectacular night show, temperatures can drop to 22 Celsius by 9 PM in December and January.
Sun protection
- Reef safe sunscreen, mandatory. Regular sunscreen is confiscated at entry. Brands like Sun Bum, Stream2Sea or Banana Boat Simply Protect are accepted.
- SPF 50 minimum. Apply every 2 hours.
- Rash guard (see above) is the single best sun protection because you cannot sweat it off.
What to bring
- Reusable water bottle. Refill stations are available at Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor.
- Waterproof phone pouch. For photos in the water. $5 on Amazon, worth it.
- Cash in pesos. For tips and small extras (photos, upgrades, snacks).
- Small backpack. You will need to hold clothes, towel, sunscreen. Most parks have lockers but you still need a bag between activities.
- Quick dry towel (microfiber). Much smaller than a beach towel and dries in minutes.
What NOT to bring
- Regular sunscreen, suntan oil, insect repellent with DEET (confiscated).
- Food or drinks from outside (most parks prohibit outside food).
- Glass bottles.
- Large valuable jewelry.
- Your passport (leave it at the hotel safe, bring a photo on your phone).
What is provided at the park
Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor include life jackets, snorkel gear and towels for free (Xel-Ha gives towels only with all inclusive). Lockers are around $5 to $10 per day. Ventura Park charges for towels and lockers separately. Check the specific park before packing your own gear.
Dress code and modesty
Mexico water parks are beachwear friendly. Bikinis, one pieces, swim trunks are all standard. There is no conservative dress code.
For kids
Rash guards with UPF 50+, water shoes, a hat with chin strap and reef safe sunscreen are the basics. Most parks offer toddler sized life jackets free of charge. Bring a change of clothes and a snack for the ride back.
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Domande frequenti
No. Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and most Mexico cenote parks ban non reef safe sunscreen. Staff check bags at entry and confiscate products with oxybenzone, octinoxate or other coral damaging chemicals. Buy reef safe sunscreen before you go or at the park stores.
Yes. Water shoes with rubber grip are essential at Mexican water parks. Cenote and lagoon floors are limestone, which is slippery when wet. Flip flops are not enough and can cause falls. Any brand of cheap reef shoes works.
Leave passports, large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry and non waterproof phones at your hotel safe. Bring only the essentials: a small amount of cash in pesos, a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos, and your hotel key.