Most Cancún packing lists say the obvious. Here's the version with the details that actually save a trip.
Sun and water
- Reef-safe sunscreen — required at most cenotes and encouraged everywhere else; regular sunscreen is often not sold as such locally, so bring it from home if you're particular about it.
- A light long-sleeve layer or rash guard for extended snorkeling days — more reliable than reapplying sunscreen in the water.
- A dry bag for boat trips and ferries.
Documents
- Passport (with the validity buffer discussed on our entry requirements page) and a photo of it stored separately from the original.
- Your FMM tourist card confirmation — keep it until you leave, it's checked again at departure.
- Any prepaid tour/transfer confirmations, ideally downloaded for offline access.
Money
A debit/credit card with no foreign transaction fees, plus a small stash of pesos in small bills — see our money guide for why cash still matters here.
Easy to forget
- A light jacket or layer for surprisingly cold A/C indoors — resorts and buses run it cold.
- Comfortable closed shoes for Chichen Itza and cenote sites, where flip-flops aren't ideal on uneven stone or rock.
- A basic first-aid kit with rehydration salts and stomach-settling medication.