ashenOur previous post on Mexico was about the Mexico City Mayan Ruins and we briefly touched on Cancun when we mentioned the distances to various sites from Cancun. Well, today’s post isn’t about Mexico’s history, but rather on how to enjoy the tropical glamorous beaches of a part of Mexico. In this guide we will cover mostly the essentials needed for a hazel free vacation in Cancun and a little tourist guide of the area. Before actually beginning the checklist on what to pack for Cancun, let’s get to know a little about where we are headed.
Cancun Facts
- -The city was called Ekab before it was called Cancun. Ekab means Black Earth. Cancun too is a Mayan word that means “nest of serpents.”
- – Located on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.
- – Cancun is responsible for 1/3 of Mexico’s tourism revenue.
- – Downtown Cancun, the Ecological Reserve and the Hotel Zone are the three divisional districts of Cancun. The Hotel Zone is the major tourist attraction spot which consists of hotels and beautiful beaches.
- – Cancun beaches are widely popular for their white sand made out of crushed coral, enabling a cool touch to the feet.
- – The second-largest coral reef in the world Great Maya Barrier Reef, is in Cancun making it a famous diving spot.
- – Cancun hosts a wide variety of festivals Conferences throughout the year, so make sure to check what’s going on before you visit. It is worth adding to your itinerary.
- – May is the turtle season in Cancun. And the Hotel Zone protects these laid eggs.
- – Blue Flag is a certification awarded by the European Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches and ports that abide by a series of environmental conditions and facilities. There are 5 of these in Cancun. Which means these beaches have an exceptional water quality, safe for tourists and satisfy the required environmental conditions.
- – Cancun underwater museum consists of more than 500 life-size sculptures making it one of the most unique underwater artificial art attractions.
- – The longest underwater cave in the world, Ox Bel Ha is in Cancun and it spans 134 miles.
Now that we know some trivia of where we headed, let’s start with the items you cannot do without, in Cancun. After that we will talk about the appropriate Cancun outfits for everyone.
Items To Pack For Cancun
Waterproof phone case
Makes sense doesn’t it? you are on a beach most of the time and your electronics need to be well waterproofed. And not just the phone, you can also store some pocket money and minor cables, charges etc. We recommend the JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch. Fits smartphones up to 7.0″ diagonal size, clear visible window on both front and back sides, has a simple snap and lock access plus you can wear it around your neck.
Waterproof Camera
What to pack for Cancun in terms of electronics? Of course you’ve thought about this even before mentioning it on this list. How else are you supposed to capture the memorable moments underwater with the coral reefs and the aquatic life? The one we are recommending has 48MP resolution, 2.7K video camera, supports standard tripod and can be submerged 10 feet underwater without a waterproof case. However, if you have the extra money to spare, you can invest in a higher quality GoPro.
A Power Bank
While in a foreign country your phone is of greatest value. Therefore you always need to have it ready to go to check maps, nearby hotels, taxis etc. A 10000mAh power bank would totally suffice. High speed charging and extremely compact. You won’t even know that it’s there. Keep your battery running and stay connected throughout your tour.
Lip Balm and Sunscreen with SPF
Since Mexico is close to the equator you can only begin to imagine the heat of the sun. Long days on the beach definitely calls for sunscreen and frequent hydration. But what you should know here is that since you are going to be swimming in the ocean, the standard regular sunscreen isn’t going to work here. Because they consist of chemicals that have been proven to cause severe damage to aquatic ecosystems.
However the reef-safe sunscreen doesn’t contain any of those harmful chemicals, yet they are equally effective against Sun’s UV rays. Also do carry a lip balm with high SPF. Because most people are so focused on the skin, they forget that the Sun can burn the lip as well. Therefore make sure to not only have these in your bag, but to use it! or you are going to regret the time spent there.
Water Bottle and Bottle Opener
It is easy to find drinkable water in tourist areas such as Cancun. But you have to be careful about the water you drink outside these parts. You are better off with a water bottle that filters everything. Such as the LifeStraw Go Bottle which uses a hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon. Filters all dust particles, harmful microorganisms and bacteria.
Most Mexican beers do not come with a twist-off cap so a small bottle opener is a convenient thing to add to make sure you’ll be able to have a nice cold beer while you’re relaxing on the beach.
Hand Sanitizer and Toilet Paper
How many of us are extra clean all the time? Regardless, it is always recommended to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer when you are travelling. You are certainly exposed to a lot of germs and bacteria in the flights, airports and public transports. Also, you will find that Mexico isn’t the most cleanest. Therefore you’d be doing yourself a favor by having travel toilet paper. Better safe than sorry right?
Cooling Towel and Quick Dry Towel
You might have already had this in your itinerary as soon as we said that the Cancun weather is hot. Regardless of your activity you do outdoors, sooner or later you are going to be dripping sweat and feel worn out. Therefore having a cool towel and really boost your moods and energy.
Quick dry towels are ideal for hiking, camping, backpacking, beach trips, working out at the gym, or drying off after a short shower. The soft microfiber towels are compact, lightweight, and made for avid travelers. These towels soak up water, moisture, or sweat quickly and are a great choice for traveling with its compact, breathable drawstring pouch to help you store it neatly and easily in a backpack, suitcase, or beach tote.
Beach Bag
A side purse or pouch won’t have the capacity to carry all your stuff. Therefore it is always handy to have a beach bag to store the essentials. Something like the Waterproof Large Tote Beach Bag. Easy fold and fit a beach blanket, two towels, swimsuit, sunscreen and etc. Lightweight and comfortable soft cotton rope.
Insect Repellent spray
You need something to protect yourself against mosquitoes, fleas, chiggers, ticks, leeches, and other insects. These tropical countries contain varieties of insects and bugs and you don’t want them to ruin your vacation.
What To Pack For Cancun: Cancun Outfits
Okay, So we’ve talked quite a bit about the accessories that you must have with you during your trip to Cancun. So what to pack for Cancun in terms of clothes? Now let’s dive into the appropriate outfits for everyone plus a few other equipment.
Bathing Suits
Beyond sunbathing, Mexico does have many water sports and activities as well. Deciding beforehand what type of activities you will be participating in will help ensure you pack the most comfortable swimsuit for the occasion. Kanu Surf Men’s Barracuda Swim Trunks is a great Cancun outfit for guys. 100% Polyester, Drawstring closure and comes in many beach appropriate colors.
This One Piece Swimsuit by BALEAF is a perfect wearable for the beach. 90% polyester 10% spandex, chlorine resistant, built-in shelf bra with soft removable cups, adjustable shoulder straps and also available in many colors. Sizes range from extra small to 3X large.
You can also choose to have a rash guard. Rash guards are optimized for providing an extra layer of protection while in the water and they also provide sun protection.
Sandals and Sneakers
We already mentioned the Mayan Ruins in Cancun. So if you get an opportunity to visit these amidst your vacation, then a pair of sneakers would be the best choice. Plus you are going to need it when roaming about in the markets. They add an extra layer of protection than the sandals. Also needless to say that Sandals should be a priority when planning beach vacations. You can also use these for water sports like kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, snorkeling, etc. Cancun also offers you a great nightlife experience after spending the day at the beach – and for that also, you need real comfortable sandals.
Snorkel & Mask
Obvious right? You are about to see the second most prominent reef in the world and experience some real quality marine life. If you have booked an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, you will get a snorkel and mask for free from your hotel, which is most likely to have been used many times over. And it can be poor fitting. Therefore it is best to purchase your own snorkel and mask. You can check out our guide on snorkeling to know which suits you best.
Sunglasses and Hat
The SPF sunscreen and lip balm will protect your skin. But what about your eyes? You need a good pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the strong UV rays of the Sun. The best suggestion is that you pack polarized sunglasses known to save the eyes from the glare and reflection from the sun. And make sure that they are lightweight, since you are going to be wearing for long hours.
Even if you are used to the Sun and come from a tropical country, you will have difficulty in handling the day-long sun at Cancun without packing a hat and a pair of sunglasses. These will be a part of you wherever you visit in Cancun.
Swimsuit Cover-up
You are definitely going to be spending more time on the beach so you’ll spend a lot of time in your swimsuit. Often just a cover up will do if you’re hanging poolside or beachside and enjoying a snack or a meal, therefore pick a vibrant-looking one for that purpose. Swimsuit cover ups are great for transitioning from the beach to a hotel or a bar/restaurant. You need to check if they are comfortable and quick drying which means it will be ready for the next day when you need it.
Of course you can choose to buy these clothes at Cancun itself, only it is going to be much more expensive. For someone interested in Cancun clothes shopping, Checkout these places to buy clothes in Cancun if your budget isn’t compromised.
In addition to these make sure to pack your meds if there is any, a motion sickness reliever since you are going to be participating in boat rides, sunrise and sunset cruises. The seas aren’t always calm and the boat rides can be a bumpy ride.
Have some Antacids as some of you might find that your stomachs aren’t exactly compatible with Mexican food. Now please don’t make this a point to avoid the local cuisine. That would be terrible. Just be aware that it might happen and having an Antacid will quickly take care of the situation.
Summary
I think we’ve made an all inclusive 2021 list on what to pack for Cancun. Make sure to cover yourself from the Sun with sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. Have some hand sanitizers and wet wipes to keep clean, get a filtering water bottle, keep the sneakers and sandals ready and the emergency medical toolkit on the go. You are in for an unforgettable Cancun experience. Hope this guide helps and if we have missed out on anything, let us know what you have found helpful in the comments. Here is our post on some of the best hard shell carry on luggage we recommend for hazel-free travels.
