Packing list
What to pack for Hotel Xcaret Mexico
The gear we actually found useful, and that other guests keep recommending, picked for the parks, the underground river, and long days in the sun. Every item links straight to Amazon with a plain note on why people bring it.
Sun protection
Mineral (zinc oxide) reef-safe sunscreen
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen, Zinc Oxide, 6 oz
The one thing everyone says to bring. Xcaret confiscates sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene or octisalate at bag check. Only mineral zinc-oxide formulas make it through, so put it on before you get in the water.
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Reef-safe sunscreen (alternate brand)
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30/50 Reef-Friendly Sunscreen, 2-pack
A biodegradable alternative that reviewers say also clears the Xcaret bag check. Handy as a backup if the first one is out of stock.
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Men's sun shirt (UPF 50+)
Men's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Long Sleeve Shirt
The one we brought. A long-sleeve sun shirt means you skip reapplying sunscreen in the water and skip the sunburn during long river and snorkel time.
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Women's cropped rash guard (UPF 50+)
CRZ YOGA UPF 50+ Cropped Long Sleeve Rash Guard for Women
The one we brought. Slim-fit and crop-length, so it works over a swimsuit without feeling like a wetsuit. Same full UV protection for hours in the water.
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Kids & family
Kids' rash guard (UPF 50+)
Willit Boys' UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt
Kids spend all day in the water here, and reapplying sunscreen on a squirming kid gets old fast. A quick-dry swim shirt covers the biggest sunburn zone for you.
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Kids' chewable probiotic
Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic, Ages 3+, 30 count
New food and new water can be rough on little stomachs. A daily chewable is an easy habit to keep on vacation, and it packs flat.
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Kids' travel first aid kit
KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids, 130 pieces, TSA size
Scraped knees happen at the parks. A small kit in the day bag beats hunting down first aid mid-park, and the bandages are latex-free.
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Hidden AirTag holders for kids
AirTag Holders for Kids with Hidden Pin, 4-pack
The parks are big and crowded. These pin an AirTag inside a waistband or shoe so you can check a wandering kid's location from your phone.
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Footwear
Water shoes / aqua socks
Vsufim Quick-Dry Water Sports Barefoot Shoes, Aqua Socks
The pair we brought. Essential for the rocky underground river, cenotes and uneven park paths. They grip, protect your feet, and dry fast enough to keep on all day.
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Gear & electronics
Waterproof phone pouch (IPX8)
JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8, 2-pack (up to 7")
Take photos in the river and keep your phone dry. The touchscreen still works right through the case.
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Floating waterproof dry-bag backpack
Piscifun Floating Waterproof Backpack, 10L, with phone case
Keeps clothes and valuables dry through the river swim and floats if dropped. The park provides bags up the river, but many bring their own for the rest of the day.
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Waterproof action camera
AKASO EK7000 4K30fps Waterproof Action Camera (131ft)
Great for filming the underground river, snorkeling and the shows hands-free. It's the budget GoPro alternative reviewers keep recommending.
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Waterproof fanny pack / dry pouch
AiRunTech Waterproof Fanny Pack with Floating Phone Pouch
The one we brought. A hands-free way to keep your phone, cash and room key dry in the water. Cheaper and lighter than a full dry bag.
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Bluetooth tracker tags (2-pack)
Tracker Tags, Apple MFi Certified, works with Find My (iOS)
Toss one in the checked bag and one in the day pack. Cheaper than AirTags and they show up in the same Find My app.
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Health & hydration
Picaridin insect repellent (travel size)
Natrapel Picaridin Insect Repellent, 3.4 oz spray
Recommended for the jungle and mangrove areas and evening shows. TSA-friendly at 3.4 oz; picaridin is effective and DEET-free.
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Collapsible reusable water bottle
HYDAWAY 17oz Collapsible Travel Water Bottle
Reviewers stress hydration in the heat, and the park has refill stations. The collapsible design packs flat in your bag.
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Daily probiotic (adults)
Florastor Digest + Skin Renew Probiotic, 30 count
Same idea as the kids' version: a week of unfamiliar food and drink is easier on your stomach with a daily probiotic in the routine.
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Travel medicine kit (OTC meds)
EVERLIT CARE All-in-One Travel Medicine Kit, TSA compliant
Individually packaged OTC basics: pain relievers, stomach meds, allergy pills. Buying these at a resort shop is expensive, and the nearest pharmacy is a cab ride away.
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Beach & pool
Extra-large mesh beach tote
Extra Large Mesh Beach Bag Tote with Zipper and Pockets
Sand falls through the mesh instead of coming home with you. Big enough for a family's towels, sunscreen and water toys on pool and beach days.
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Hammock pool float
Aqua 4-in-1 Monterey Hammock Pool Float
For the slow days between parks. It works as a hammock, chair, drifter or exercise saddle, and it packs down small enough for a suitcase.
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Packing & organization
Carry-on travel backpack (35L)
Hanples 35L Travel Backpack, personal-item size, 17" laptop
Personal-item sized so it flies free on most airlines, with a laptop sleeve and toiletry bags included. It doubles as the park day bag once you land.
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Magnetic travel clothesline
Magnetic Clothesline with Rubber-Coated Magnets
Swimsuits and rash guards never quite dry overnight in a humid room. String this up and everything is wearable by morning. The magnet ends grip any metal surface and it packs flat.
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Over-door hanging organizer
Univivi 5-Shelf Over Door Hanging Organizer
Hotel rooms run out of drawer space fast with a family. This hangs over the closet door and gives every kid a shelf, so the room stays livable all week.
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Comfort
Microfiber quick-dry travel towel
Rainleaf Microfiber Quick-Dry Travel Towel
A lifesaver after the underground river. It's light, packs small, soaks up more than you'd expect, and dries fast where a cotton towel just stays wet.
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Prices and stock change often on Amazon. If you buy one thing before you fly, make it the reef-safe sunscreen. The bag check at the parks is strict, and on-site replacements are limited and pricey.
Suggested by fellow guests
Things other travelers wish they’d packed. Suggestions are checked by us before they appear here.
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