Here's everything we recommend taking with you on Xcaret's Xenotes tour!
If you've already booked Xcaret's day-long Xenotes tour, you're probably wondering what to bring with you. Luckily, you don't need much, but I'll break it all down for you here so you can make a completely informed decision, and aren't left shivering!
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What is the Xenotes Tour
The Xenotes Tour (also called Xenotes Oasis Maya, or Xenotes Enigmatic Waters by Xcaret) is a full day tour of four private cenotes, operated by Grupo Xcaret. The tour takes a full day, and once you start it there's no going back!
If you're still wondering whether you should join the tour, take a look at our Xenotes tour review for an honest opinion as well as a detailed breakdown of everything that will happen during the course of the day.
Essential items
During the Xenotes tour, you'll be engaging in a number of adventurous and water-based activities. As the title suggests, the below are items that you need in order to be able to do the activities.
Swim suit. For men, we recommend comfortable swimming trunks (with a net). For women, we recommend a dependable one-piece that won't slip easily.
Water shoes. Unless you want to walk around the cenotes barefoot, you'll need a pair of water shoes. Opt for a pair with a slightly firmer sole as you'll be walking as well as swimming. You can get away with waterproof sandals that fasten to your feet (remember, you'll need to be able to swim with them on).
Drinking water. Some of the drives between cenotes can be long, there are no food or drinks available once you're in the minivan, so a bottle of drinking water is handy to have. Leave this in your bag in the van as you will be able to get bottled water or soft drinks at the cenotes.
Recommended items
The following items are highly recommended. They're not essential as you will still be able to safely attend the tour without them, however, they will certainly make the tour more comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Rash guard or wetsuit. The cenote waters (especially the underground cenotes) can be very cold. If you're not used to colder water temperatures, it's highly recommended to wear a rash guard at the very least. Reem and I both wore wetsuit jackets.
It's worth noting that the tour guide can sell you an Xcaret rash guard during the trip if you want one at the last moment. A good rash guard or wetsuit jacket will also protect you from the sun.
Towel. While the tour provides you with a towel, it can become quite wet over the course of the day. It's worth bringing your own towel that you can use at the end of the tour so that you can dry off properly and have a comfortable ride back.
Pro tip: If you're staying at Xcaret Arte, you're permitted to grab a fresh towel from the pool areas the morning you're heading out. Just ask one of the attendants and they'll grab it for you.
Spare clothes. As you'll likely put your clothes back for the drive between each cenote, your clothes will get wet over the course of tour. A fresh set of clothes feels lovely to change into for your drive back at the end of the trip.
Backpack. Just a small daypack to carry whatever you decide to bring. It doesn't need to be waterproof or anything as you'll be leaving it in the van. (You can honestly even get away with using a plastic bag.)
Optional items
The items below are completely optional. You'll be able to enjoy the Xenotes tour to its fullest even if you don't bring them. But these are handy in case you want them.
Mobile phone. You won't have any signal for the majority of the trip, but handy for photos or music or reading an ebook while you're driving to the cenotes.
Earphones. A good part of the tour is driving. The longest drives are about an hour without anything interesting to look at out the window. Earphones and music saved on your phone (you may not have signal) makes the time go quicker.
Waterproof pouch. If you're using your phone as a camera, it's recommended you take a waterproof phone pouch. We used these and both are phones were fine. Make sure you test your pouches underwater (use a tissue instead of your phone!) several times before going on your trip.
Pro tip: You want something with a strap that connects the phone to you. If you lose your phone in the water, you won't be able to swim down and find it.
Waterproof camera. If you're a blogger/vlogger, or like to capture your adventures, a waterproof action camera like a GoPro is handy. I carried my Insta 360 (use this affiliate link to get some discounts and free items bundled in!) without the waterproof housing on it.
The downside to this was that I had to hold the selfie stick while doing every activity. And that meant ziplining using only one arm to grip the bar, and swimming with only one arm free. I'd recommend you are confident in your ability to do both of these if you're carrying a selfie stick.
Xcaret Photo Package: A professional photographer will be taking photos of you during the course of the tour. This has an added fee, but is cheaper if you include it as part of your Xcaret photo package prior to attending the tour.
Sunglasses. Only for the car ride, there's a pretty good chance you might lose them if you take them into the cenotes as you'll be swimming, using water slides, and ziplining into water.
Things you won't need
One of the best things about the Xenotes tour is that all of the equipment is provided at no additional cost. Here are a few things you might be wondering about that you don't need to bring with you:
Lifejacket. You'll be wearing a lifejacket for the majority of the tour (basically all the time, except when you're in the van). These will be provided.
Snorkels and goggles. You're only snorkeling at one of the cenotes, and a snorkel and goggles are provided. There were a few couples that brought their own snorkel set. You can do this if you want to, but there isn't any need for it.
Climbing/rappel gear. Your guide will provide all the gear you need for the assisted rappel. They will also show you how to wear it and individually check that you've got it on securely.
Credit cards/valuables. Aside from a tip for the guide and/or photographer, you won't need any cash or payment options with you. And since you'll be jumping in and out of deep water, make sure to leave any valuables (wedding rings, earrings, watches, etc.) at home - if you lose something in the water, you will not be able to get it back.
Sunscreen. Maintain the ecology of the cenotes, sunscreen is not permitted at all. This includes reef-safe sunscreens that are permitted at the Xcaret parks.
Final thoughts
Xcaret's Xenotes tour is a lot of fun. It's also well-organized so thankfully you don't need to carry very much. The list above tells you everything you need to know to decide what to take with you.
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