Whether you are a new traveler or even a seasoned journeyer, heck, even a local, something that is invaluable is a well-prepared checklist of things you really need to bring on your next trip to those blue cenotes.
So that is why I set out to make this checklist jam-packed full of all of the stuff you need to bring, should consider bringing, and even things that you probably didn’t even think you needed to bring but add so much more on your next trip to your cenote of choice.
These items are guaranteed to take the stress out of your trip. Making you able to focus on what is important, enjoy your time, and make unforgettable memories.
Free printable international checklist at the end!
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Also, don’t forget to check out the beginning of this massive series I’ve been working on. It’s all about cenotes, and you will become an expert after you’re done reading. Discover the must-see spots, learn the intriguing history, and get all the insider tips and tricks. Perfect for travel buffs and history enthusiasts alike! Ready to dive in? (Stay tuned)
So let’s Journey Together!
*Side Note: I am still finishing up the other articles, so for now, the links say, “Stay tuned” As soon as I finish the other articles, I will update the links. Sorry for the inconvenience, I only have an hour or two after work, and this series is close to 30,000 words! It will be done soon; 5 out of the 10 are done. I need to finish editing the other 5. If you want to be the 1st to know when these other articles go live, sign up for our newsletter and be the 1st to know (sign up above)*
Table of Contents
Necessities for your trip to the Ol’ Swimming Hole
Bathing suit
If we are going to be swimming (we might be crazy if we weren’t), then this one is self-explanatory. Some good news is that cenotes generally don’t have a dress code, so long as you are not showing private parts, you can wear the swimsuit that you like the most.
Something to keep in mind, depending on the time of year and cenote you will be swimming in, you might want to cover up more than less to help fight off bug bites and potential sunburn.
Towels
I have been trying to perfect my dog-style shake dry skill for years now but, alas, to no avail… So for the normal people who haven’t perfected this skill yet, there is another option. It comes in the form of a nice absorbent rectangle of fabric that I like to call a towel.
All jokes aside, it seems super simple, but I can’t tell you how many times I have forgotten one. On a hot day, you can sundry pretty well, but you run the risk of sunburn. So, it’s a good idea to look for a big beach towel.
They also can provide valuable protection and make a great place to sit that is clean, given the cenote your visiting has room to lay out or doesn’t have places to sit.
Sandals or flip flops
You may want to go with shoes, and that is fine, but for me, I’m lazy, and shoes require too much effort between socks and untying them. Nah, I will go with flip-flops/sandals.
Why? Well, a lot of cenotes allow you to bring your flip-flops down with you, just not in the water (in tourist areas, other natural ones have no such limitations). This gives you protection from the dirt and rocks as you make your way down to the cool water. Also, if I have a backpack, they are very compact and nest together well. Helping them fit nicely in a backpack.
Plus, a fun fact depending on the material of your flip-flop, they float really well, allowing you to retrieve them in the event of sandals going overboard. Avoid leather or full rubber ones as they won’t float, and leather can get damaged with prolonged water exposure.
Snacks
Well, this one can vary. Many tourist cenotes like Ki Kil may have vendors selling snacks or even food. While I have seen some other cenotes not allow food at all. So it is important to do your research on the specific cenote you will be visiting and their rules.
Aside from that, swimming can be some hard work, and it’s pretty easy to work up an appetite. I generally bring something like fruit or vegetables. That way, I don’t have to worry about trash or will at least have very little of it.
Just remember to follow the leave no trace motto. After you leave, no one should know you were there.
Natural sunscreen
We have gone in-depth about the risks of none natural sunscreen, and it is not only bad for your health but that of the cenote as well. You really have to check out all of the details (https://juntosjourneys.com/top-5-important-donts-for-cenote/)
Awesome, you read the other article, right? Right…? Okay, good. So I won’t leave you hanging. I have been using this sunscreen https://amzn.to/44sOKB5 for a while. It’s natural and doesn’t have those nasty chemicals that hurt the cenotes and you.
Going back to what I said earlier about wearing shoes (I’m lazy) so, this sunscreen caters to me. It’s a spray with a lite white color, so you know where it has been applied, and has a pleasant scent. Plus, it feels really clean, not oily. I don’t just use it at cenotes but also at the beach, heck, even the pool when I’m near one.
I almost always have to wear some form of sunscreen because I burn at the drop of a hat. The link above is my Amazon link, but by no means do you need to buy that one. It’s just the one that I currently use and recommend.
Natural bug spray
Same thing as above. We have gone in-depth in the same article as the sunscreen, the risks of bug spray with DEET, and it is not only bad for your health but that of the cenote. You really have to check out all of the deets on DEET. It is some pretty nasty stuff (https://juntosjourneys.com/top-5-important-donts-for-cenote/)
So now that you have read up about all of the dangers related to DEET. I really don’t think that bug spray is that needed unless you are visiting a cenote in the rainy season, which runs from June through October in the Yucatan Peninsula.
During that portion of the year when insects such as mosquitoes are more active, and that’s when I would be more inclined to wear some protection, remember to use something DEET-free.
The one I’m currently using that seems to be pretty good at keeping those bugs off is https://amzn.to/3PqUcjx. That link will take you to Amazon, where you can check it out. I like it because it comes in a smaller bottle and is easy to apply, unlike some other brands that are creams.
Plus, it is a name brand which, if you are currently using DEET bug sprays, you are probably familiar with “Repel”. Speaking of which, I will give you a warning. I have tried a lot of bug sprays since I lived 12 years in Georgia (SoOo Many Bugs).
A lot of the natural bug sprays work but nowhere near as well as the DEET ones, generally. But, the one that I linked has been the only one that I have found to do as good of a job.
Maps or phone apps
Not too long ago, I would have been recommending bringing a paper map or even a ritzy waterproof one. But nowadays, if you have a smartphone, you have access to the whole world of maps at your fingertips.
This is a good thing, just in case you want to go explore. Some cenotes are located close to towns or even historical sites. So this could very well be a possibility to spice up your cenote trip. Just keep in mind that not all cenotes have great cell service, and some don’t even have it.
If you’re using something like google maps, make sure to download the maps for offline use, and you will be fine.
(side note I still think it’s a good idea to have a paper map of the country you visit. It’s just good practice https://amzn.to/3pqkZC3)
Sunglasses
It might be hard to see why you wouldn’t need sunglass being there in the sun all day. But you would be surprised how many people think because cenotes are sinkholes (they are in the ground), That they won’t need them, only to end up regretting their choices.
I wouldn’t bring an expensive pare because you might damage them. But a long day in the sun can lead to headaches, and that is only amplified by the sun reflecting off the water. Now I know that these are more of creature comfort, but did you know they could actually improve your experience?
Ever wonder why fishermen and people of the sort like to wear sunglasses? Yes, it is to keep the sun out of their eyes, but a lot of those sunglasses that they wear are what are called polarized sunglasses.
This means that they have a coating on them that is designed to reduce glare on the surface, not only on water but on snow and glass too. A glare occurs when light waves from the sun reflect off a surface and become concentrated in a horizontal pattern.
This is how polarized sunglasses work by having a special film applied to the glasses that contain molecules that align themselves horizontally, which blocks light horizontally and still allows light to pass vertically.
How does this benefit you and the fisherman? Well, it makes it so you can see straight down into the water, almost like it was glass allowing for details you didn’t know were even there. Pretty cool, right?
Now since glasses are a pretty personal thing, I won’t recommend anything here. Just remember, for use at cenotes, I still recommend a cheaper pair of sunglasses, but here is a search on Amazon for cheap polarized glasses https://amzn.to/44wWeTz
Nice To Haves To Level Up Your Trip
Backpack
No, I don’t mean packing stuff in your back. Sorry for the dad jokes… (poor Francia). This one is pretty self-explanatory. You can only care so much about your person. I almost always travel with a backpack. They can be incredibly vestal.
How? Well, the first thing that they do so well is carry all of your stuff. I need to stop. They are also super helpful for going to the store to pick up some groceries and even on your normal travels giving you the ability to grab some souvenirs.
I use them to hold drinks for the day, food and or snacks, and camera equipment. This helps me save money because I generally have everything that I need on my back! The same principle applies to your trips to the cenotes. You can hold sandals, bug spray, sunscreen, towels, batteries, and pretty much everything needed on your trip.
What I like about them is that you can keep your stuff a little safer than just in your pockets by wearing your backpack on the front side when you are in areas that might be a little more susceptible to petty theft.
Currently, I’m using a backpack that is semi-anti-theft in the sense that if it is opened up on your back by someone, everything will fall out, which gives you a heads-up. But what I really like about it is that it is a 3-in-one backpack! I can change from a backpack into a messenger bag and a briefcase style in seconds. It also fits a 17″ laptop which is a little hard to find.
I have had it for about a year now and use it almost every day, and it’s still holding up, plus it is cheap. Here is the link. You should check this one out for sure! https://amzn.to/3NDOf08
Cash
Cash is king goes the expression, and while this saying has started to lose its momentum in Westernized countries, it still holds strong in Mexico!
In a lot of areas in Mexico, only cash is accepted. Now, this is not to say that cards are not accepted here. It is just not everywhere like it is in the States. In places like big box stores, established stores, government (not in all cases), and tourist areas, cards are perfectly fine. But, depending on the cenotes you are choosing to visit if you don’t have the cash, you may not even be able to get in, let alone buy food, drinks, or a taxi.
A good rule of thumb in Mexico is to carry around 1000-2000 pesos. This should be enough for a day out and isn’t too much to cause a stir if someone was to see it.
Fun Travel Tip:
Avoid getting cash from exchanges in the airport if possible. You will find better exchange rates at ATMs that are more current. Just watch out for the fees. Also, if you are planning to go to Mexico in the future, something that can help make your money go further is to not get all of your spending money at once.
Currency is traded similarly to stocks (this is called forex trading), so the exchange rate can fluctuate. An example would be 17mx for every 1usd, so a good time to buy is when it’s 18mx for every 1usd. This was just an example, but as you can see, some days, you might get an extra peso per dollar or more, and this can add up.
Also, I mentioned taxis in Mexico but have you ever wondered what forms of ridesharing are available to you while you are in Mexico? How about how to use these services to get to the beautiful cool waters of the cenote of your choosing? Then you have to check out my other article on Uber, Lyft, DIDI, and taxis in Mexico https://juntosjourneys.com/lyft-uber-and-taxis-in-mexico-a-comprehensive/
Bottled water
No one likes to have a dry mouth, and dehydration is a real risk in the hot climate of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s important to stay hydrated! It can be bad for your kidneys and even lead to things like heat stroke and death.
Staying hydrated is something that many people forget to do while they are swimming. This is because even if you try not to, water still gets in your mouth, which makes you forget that you are thirsty.
The water of the cenote also helps you stay cool, which is a good thing, but it is also a dangerous thing. Because swimming is a lot of work even though it doesn’t feel like it, that’s just because it’s fun. So be sure to drink something no matter the fun you are having. Your body will thank you!
Some cenotes may have food and drinks either at the park where the cenote is located or in the surrounding areas, but still, it is always good to be prepared. So remember to bring water with you on your next trip to the cenote.
Change of clothes
A change of clothes can be a good idea, and if you have a backpack, it can take up hardly any space to bring. Depending on the cenotes you visit, as I have mentioned earlier, you will have the opportunity to go visit other things outside of the cenote or even talk for a walk on a trail.
This is all part of the journey when visiting a cenote, but it could be uncomfortable in wet clothes, or if it was to rain, then you would have something else to wear. This seems simple, but in some cases, it can be a game changer and open up new opportunities.
Dry bag
Now this one can make a world of difference when it comes to visiting any location that involves water. I personally use one for things that I can’t risk getting wet, like hard drives, camera equipment, my phone, papers, and even a change of clothes.
Something to look for when choosing a dry bag is the size. How many things do you plan on carrying? If it’s something small, I have used something as simple as a ziplock bag, and a cool thing about a ziplock bag is you can still use your phone through the bag!
Now if you have something bigger, then you really need to look into a full-blown bag. These can range in price but can be worth it because most of the bags can be fully submerged and still keep everything inside dry.
I have one dry bag. If I need something smaller, I will use a good-quality zip-lock bag. They do sell small bags and even boxes, but I personally feel like they are not necessary, maybe if I was going to be on an extended trip that involved water.
Side note an unintended pro to using a dry bag is that they normally can float (I mean, depending on what you put in it). The one that I am currently using is a roll-top bag, and I have had it for probably about 5 years, and it’s gone everywhere I have where water is involved. Here is the Amazon link to check it out https://amzn.to/3r9e1BM.
Another thing is you can even find waterproof backpacks that can do the same thing, and if you don’t mind the stiffness of the fabric, you could kill 2 birds with one stone. Get a backpack and a dry bag. I don’t have one of these, but after some research, this one ticks all of the boxes of a good bag, and it even comes with a phone case! https://amzn.to/3rg7fKo
Phone case
Speaking of phone cases. Most people already have a case on their phones, which is good. Now, if you are one of the few people that do not have a case on your phone, then you really should consider getting one when doing any outdoor activities.
Cenotes are outdoor natural spaces that are, in some cases, located deep in the jungle. Protecting your phone is something that you should really look at doing. They also have phone cases that are waterproof, which can be useful for people that have phones that are not water rated.
Buying a phone case, a lot like sunglasses is something personal and can vary on what phone you currently have. Look for reputable brand names like OtterBox, Speck, and Lifeproof. These brand names are generally a safe bet and have many models of phone cases. Plus, in the “case” (dad Jokes) of Lifeproof cases, they even come with a guarantee to replace your phone if damaged from lack of protection.
Reusable batteries or charger
I feel like this is something that many people really overlook. I’m really not sure why with all of the technology we walk around with on a daily basis, you would think that everyone would have a battery bank on them.
I personally keep a large one on me when going out. I have been doing this for a few years now. You really don’t need a large one. I have the bigger one because I’ll use it to charge my camera batteries, phone, earbuds, and heck, even my laptop in a pinch.
I have tried a whole bunch of battery packs through the years, but the one that I have settled on for a couple of years now. Has solar panels that are slow to charge but still do their job for the times that I’m outside.
It is also wrapped in leather, giving it a premium feel with a hefty weight. It’s rugged, being dust-resistant, splash-resistant, and impact resistant. The last one I can really attest to, I have dropped this silly thing more times than I can count, I pick it up, dust it off, and it’s good to go. Plus, it is 25,000mAh, which is huge. It even has a built-in flashlight.
Like I said, though, this is a large one, and if you are not using a backpack on your trip to the cenote, then this probably isn’t the best option for you. Nonetheless, it’s a great price and is a solid place to start looking at. Here is an Amazon link so you can check it out and go from there. https://amzn.to/3rh7y84
First-aid kit
Yet another one that I haven’t seen many people take seriously. In my book, this should be on every traveler’s list of things to bring. Whether you are going to the cenote for the day or a walk around town, you never know what could happen.
I’m not saying bring a military-grade first-aid kit here, just something simple that you can throw together yourself. Me, personally I use mine quite frequently for headaches and allergies. Here are some things that are worth keeping in a kit:
- Band-aids (just a few and of different sizes)
- Tissues (if you know, you know, https://juntosjourneys.com/where-in-mexico-can-you-flush-toilet-paper/)
- A small bottle of hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes (for cleaning)
- Blister relief pads (moleskin)
- A few general medications (i.e., Advil or Tylenol, Benadryl or other allergy meds, Tums or antacids)
You can buy these kits all premade, but I find that it is cheaper to make my own at home. I generally already have this stuff at home anyways. So I will toss them in a nice bag for storage, and then into the backpack it goes.
If you have a few of each thing that I have listed, you will be well prepared for anything that comes up!
Things you wouldn’t think to bring
Snorkeling gear
Now this one is something that I have done, defiantly not on a professional level. But I have gone on a snorkeling tour. This is where you rent some fins, goggles, and of course, a snorkel, and then you hop in.
This is by far one of the coolest things you can do at a cenote. Since you can swim along the surface without ever having to pick your head up. There are also courses for snorkeling, and I recommend taking a look at the article that I wrote about tourism at Cenotes. It goes more in-depth about all of the things you can do (stay tuned)
I can’t say that I own a snorkeling set yet. I was under the impression that it would be expensive. But after looking around a little. I was wrong. Now, professional equipment can be expensive, but if you want to have some fun floating around cenotes.
You should check out these top-rated sets I found on Amazon https://amzn.to/3reBBNH. This one includes everything you need. I also found another one that doesn’t have fins but gives you 180 degrees of viewing https://amzn.to/46zhklP
Aside from buying your own equipment or taking a tour. There are also places where you can rent equipment. You won’t see these shops everywhere, but in tourist cities or beach towns, you might see them. Also, some of the bigger cenotes may have shops close by.
Diving gear
This one is a bit interesting and honestly is something that I have never done and is something that not many people have. But I have seen people show up with diving equipment.
I would imagine that if you are a diver, this is not something that I need to recommend to you. For everyone else, diving in cenotes can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with some inherent risks and requires special training.
You can find a diving class/course in Yucatan, and I would highly recommend it. Getting my diving cert is on my bucket list. It just opens up so many possibilities!
Camera/underwater camera
Cameras have become so commonplace nowadays, so much so that chances are that you already have one in your hand. It is just taking the form of a phone! In all honesty, that is really all you need.
Phone cameras have come such a long way, and depending on the phone can hold their own with some of the expensive DSLRs out there. You might have to be a bit more creative when taking your shots due to the lack of a lens. But the convenience of having a camera in your pocket makes it worth it.
What about taking pictures or videos in the water? Well, unless this is something that you are very passionate about or due for a living, I would say that your phone will do just fine! So long as it is waterproof.
Now if you want to take underwater photography a step further, something like I have, the insta360 x3, is an awesome camera that records in 360, which means it records all directions at once. This is the very camera that I record my videos on YouTube with.
I strongly recommend it if you’re looking for something interesting with almost endless potential. The only downside is the price, but this link will take you to Amazon to learn a bit more about it https://amzn.to/3poPzvS
or this is an Insta360 Go 3, which is smaller, cheaper, and more practical https://amzn.to/3PKSBVG
Now some cheaper options for a waterproof camera would be one of the older Go Pros. I would recommend Hero 8 – Hero 9. They both record in modern qualities and feature sets but just will be lacking the practicalness of the Insta360 Go 3 that I recommend above. Go Pros are bigger, but they do carry a slightly lower price tag of 150-300, depending on the model and condition.
Water shoes
Water shoes could be a useful thing to bring to the cenote. This is because some cenotes have shallow areas before they get deep, and the bottom of a cenote is generally just rock which could be painful on bare feet.
For me, I will stick with my flip-flops. I struggle to swim in water shoes. I have known people that won’t even go to the beach without water shoes because they are afraid of what they can’t see. In this way, I can understand the need for the shoes.
We can’t deny the fact that they would come in handy if you plan on doing some exploring around the cenote. That being said you want to find some shoes that are snugger fitting to avoid blisters when walking.
They should also have quick-drying materials like mesh or neoprene, and the soles should have good traction and a decent thickness without hampering movement. They should also be lightweight, with some toe protection would be a nice feature too. With all of that said, here is a recommendation that I was able to find on Amazon https://amzn.to/449RIuo
Trash bag or container
I you are going to be bringing anything that could make some trash, it is a good idea to bring something to store the trash until you leave. Most cenotes have trash cans in tourist areas, but some of the cenotes that are off the beaten path will most likely not.
So it’s up to you to set an example and keep the environment clean with the added bonus of protecting wildlife. Also, as part of the new incentive to keep cenotes clean, the government has started to impose fines for littering, so that also adds another reason, no one wants to pay a fine.
Guidebook
There are a lot of cenotes, and most of the popular ones will have some informational materials on them for tourists. I always like to grab them from the hotels even if I don’t plan on going to visit. But having something to read will give you a chance to sit and enjoy nature while you learn about the history and things that can be done on your visit.
Waterproof notebook
If you are someone that is interested in journaling, then it could be a good idea to bring some waterproof writing materials. I will agree that this one is pretty unusual. But with the natural and relaxing setting, I could see it really sparking some creativity and being enjoyable, and I’ll probably try this at some point. I can’t remember the last time I physically wrote something, though.
Filtering water bottle
This one is a life hack if you ask me whether you are visiting a cenote, going hiking, or even walking around a city. I have been using a filtering water bottle for a while now and really enjoy the peace of mind that whatever water source I have, it will be safe to drink.
The one that I have been using filters out 99.999999% of Bacteria like E.coli, Salmonella, and more. Also, it removes 99.999% of parasites and microplastics. I can’t say how many times this has saved my skin. Being able to fill up my bottle from a bathroom or even a body of water like a cenote is a great way to save money.
No, I wouldn’t want to make a habit of filling up from puddles and rivers, but the fact that you can is awesome. Here is a link to the water bottle that I use on Amazon. It’s worth checking out for any traveler https://amzn.to/3D2kWiP
Our list is done. Let’s wrap up
Well, hopefully, this has been super helpful. I use a lot of the stuff that have mentioned, and the stuff that I don’t, I took the time to research. We covered a ton of stuff, but don’t let this list scare you from going. You don’t need everything to have a good time at a cenote. Bring some lite clothes, a backpack, cash, and water, and focus on having a great time. It can be as simple as that.
Thanks for taking the time to journey with me today! This article is off of the back side of a larger series that I have made covering everything you can think of about cenotes. Check out the whole series here (stay tuned)
Bonus: The super important thing to bring!
Toilet paper, toilet paper….. did I mention toilet paper!? Yeah, I know this one sounds weird, but whenever or where ever you are traveling in Mexico, I recommend bringing a small roll of TP or maybe a pack of wet wipes or tissues.
This sounds crazy, but if you don’t know the full situation of how bathrooms work in Mexico, you need to check out my other article, which goes over everything! Don’t be unprepared. Read this https://juntosjourneys.com/where-in-mexico-can-you-flush-toilet-paper/
Free Juntos Journeys Internation Checklist
I have also taken the liberty to make a travel checklist to ensure that you don’t forget anything on your next international trips, and the best part is that it’s free. Just print it out and grab your pen; boom, all worries are gone. Hopefully, you can find this useful, Journeyers!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.
