What to pack for a Playa del Carmen excursion
Water days: cenotes, Akumal, Cozumel
Swimsuit worn under your clothes, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen bought before the day — the shops at the sites know exactly what a captive customer is worth. Life jackets are provided where they are mandatory. Every trip on the snorkeling tours page includes the gear that matters.
Ruins days: Chichén Itzá and Tulum
A hat, water, and cash pesos. Chichén’s entry for foreign adults is 697 MXN paid as two tickets at two booths, and the card readers go offline often enough that cash is simply faster. On the bundled trips you will still want pesos for the extras that come up on the day — the prices page itemises them.
Río Secreto: pack almost nothing
Wetsuit, helmet, headlamp, towels and lockers are all provided, and personal cameras are not allowed in the cave — a staff photographer shoots the group and sells the results. Leave the GoPro at the hotel; details in the Río Secreto review.
Frequently asked questions
Why is normal sunscreen banned at Akumal?
The bay’s seagrass feeds resident green and loggerhead turtles, and chemical sunscreens harm it — so the rule is biodegradable only, on 30+ minutes before swimming. The water tours page flags where the rule applies.
How much cash should I carry on an excursion?
Enough pesos to cover gate-style extras — Chichén’s booths want 697 MXN from independent visitors, and a tourist-restaurant meal runs 150–400 MXN. The full breakdown is on the prices page.
Can I bring a camera into Río Secreto?
No — personal cameras are banned in the cave and staff photos are sold separately, at prices one reviewer called ludicrous. My review covers how to plan around it.