EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BRING TO XCARET TO ENJOY YOUR DAY AT THE PARK
Are you getting ready for a day of epic fun and wondering what to bring to Xcaret? We got you covered on what to bring to enjoy your day at this fun eco-park in Playa Del Carmen.
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This packing list is for families heading to Xcaret for a fun-filled day of swimming, activities, and shows. Plus, there are some things that you do not need to bring to Xcaret so you can enjoy this eco-park.
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WHAT TO BRING TO XCARET (QUICK PACKING LIST)
- Rash Guard (protect kids from the sun)
- Sun Hat
- Water Shoes
- Stroller or Carrier
- Small snacks (for kids)
- Natural Bug Spray (we use this one)
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen (this is our favorite)
- Waterproof phone pouch (we use this brand)
- Reusable Water Bottle (keeps water cold)
- Microfiber Travel Towel (bestselling travel towel)
- Change of Clothes
- Snorkeling Gear (optional)
- GoPro Hero 9 (we have a cheaper alternative)
- Waterproof Dry Bag (most popular)
WHAT TO BRING TO XCARET FOR KIDS
Rash Guard
We like swimsuit sets from Simple Joys. They are the cutest and protect your little one from the sun. Rash guards are the best beachwear for toddlers because they protect without overheating kids.
Spending a lot of time in the water can be harsh on your little one’s skin, and rash guards add an additional layer of protection.
The water in the caves and throughout the park can be cold, depending on the time of year, so they can help keep your kids warm. Also, rash guards have an environmental protection component.
Wearing a rashguard reduces the amount of sunscreen used, which helps reduce the amount of oil that pollutes the ocean from our skin.
Related Post: Best Rash Guard for Babies & Toddlers
Rash Guards for Adults
Last update on 2023-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sun Hat
You’ll need a wide-brim sun hat for the hot and sunny days in Mexico. There are a lot of attractions, so you’ll spend most of the day in the sun.
A wide-brim hat helps to protect your little ones from the bright sun and protects their scalp, which oftentimes we forget about.
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Water Shoes
Native water shoes are one of our favorite brands for kids because they are durable, lightweight, dry quickly, and easy to clean.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so having comfortable shoes are crucial for kids, especially toddlers.
We have put these shoes to the test, and if our toddler’s feet didn’t grow so fast, we’d keep them forever.
It is no surprise these are the #1 best-selling water shoes for boys and girls. These are the perfect water shoes for kids to wear for a day at Xcaret Park.
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Tula Toddler Carrier
We took our Zoe Stroller to the park, so you can use a stroller if you’d like.
Keep in mind there are some areas of the park that are not stroller-friendly. That is why a baby or toddler carrier may be a better alternative.
A carrier is better for portability, to take advantage of everything in the park.
The Butterfly Pavillion isn’t stroller-friendly, so having a baby or toddler carrier will make it easier to get around.
If your little one gets tired, it’s comfortable enough for your toddler to sleep. There is a hood to keep them protected from the sun and keep their heads from leaning back.
We use the Baby Tula toddler carrier, and our little one fell asleep during a walk with a sucker in his hand.
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Stroller
If you don’t want to purchase a carrier, having a stroller is the next best thing.
Keep in mind, there are certain areas of Xcaret that aren’t stroller friendly, so you’ll need to park the stroller and walk up the stairs.
MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR XCARET PARK
Swimwear
Although Xcaret isn’t a full waterpark like Xel-Ha, there are a lot of opportunities to get wet.
You’ll need a swimsuit if you want to explore the underground river and float through caves.
OFF! Botanicals Mosquito Repellent
OFF! Botanicals Mosquito Repellent is our favorite plant-based mosquito repellent that has worked for us in Mexico.
We’ve been living here for almost six months, and this is the only mosquito spray from home that works.
It’s best to use natural mosquito repellent at this park since it is an eco-park. Although DEET is proven to be effective, using an organic option may be better for younger kids with sensitive skin.
Related Post: Best Mosquito Repellent for Families
Bestselling Natural Mosquito Repellent
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
All of the eco-parks in Playa Del Carmen only permit reef-safe sunscreen. Although there isn’t a way to enforce this rule, signs are posted everywhere as a reminder.
Reef-safe sunscreen helps protect the ocean against chemicals known to impact coral in the sea. As a living entity, coral helps provide food and oxygen for thousands of species in the ocean
We can do our part to curb pollution by only using reef-safe sunscreen and wearing protective clothing in the water to reduce the amount of sunscreen used.
Note: The sunscreen at the park and in Playa Del Carmen, in general, is very expensive. I recommend purchasing reef-safe sunscreen before arriving and bringing it with you.
Bestselling Reef-Friendly Sunscreen
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Waterproof Phone Pouch
If you don’t have a waterproof action camera having a waterproof phone pouch is the best thing since sliced bread. We use ours all the time to take pictures of our son in the water.
They are a cheaper alternative, but keep in mind there can be a risk. Some brands are not as reliable, so be sure to test the pouch before heading on vacation.
I usually put a piece of tissue inside the pouch and put it in the sink for 10 minutes. If the tissue is dry, then you are all set.
You don’t want to ruin your phone on vacation, it is a nightmare (speaking from personal experience).
Water Bottle
You WILL need a lot of water during your time at Xcaret. Since this is an eco-park, the cups are recyclable, but you can buy bottled water.
I don’t recommend purchasing bottled water. It’s easier to bring a reusable water bottle and ask to have it refilled throughout the day.
Microfiber Travel Towel
Having a microfiber travel towel will be a lifesaver if you plan on spending a lot of time in the underground river.
It is lightweight, dries quickly, is compact, and holds a lot of water to get you dry quickly.
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Comfortable Water Shoes
You’ll be doing a lot of walking at Xcaret Park, so you’ll need comfortable water shoes. Aleader is one of the best-selling water shoes for women.
You’ll need water shoes that are thick enough to withstand rocks because thin water shoes will begin to hurt your feet after a while.
This tip is from personal experience. By the end of the day, my feet were hurting from my thin water shoes.
Bestselling Water Shoes for Men & Women
Last update on 2023-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Change of Clothes
At the end of the day, you will need a pair of dry clothes.
Although it is warm in this part of Mexico, the humidity is high, so it’ll take some time to dry if you aren’t directly in the sun.
Also, depending on the time of year you are visiting, you may need a light jacket. Although it is warm in Playa Del Carmen, it can get a little chilly at night.
OPTIONAL THINGS TO BRING TO XCARET
These are the things that you don’t need to bring to Xcaret, but they are nice to have. Unless you rent a locker, you’ll need to carry anything you take to the park.
Snorkeling Gear
There is snorkeling gear for rent for $11, but if you have your own, I recommend bringing it with you. Although the snorkeling area is small, there is a lot of colorful fish to see.
If you want to spend a lot of time snorkeling, I recommend going to Xel-Ha. Xel-Ha has better snorkeling and the gear is free. (You have to place a deposit, but the money is returned when you return the equipment.)
GoPro Hero 9 or Alternative
If you do not want to use a waterproof phone pouch to take pictures while exploring the caves and rivers at Xcaret, a GoPro Hero 9 is a perfect alternative.
Although you don’t need to bring it with you, you can easily capture amazing photos without potentially damaging your phone.
Since the GoPro is expensive, we purchased an alternative (AKASO EK700) that provides decent quality at an affordable price.
Bestselling GoPro Alternatives
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Related Post: Best GoPro for Kids
Waterproof Dry Bag
Having a waterproof dry bag will make your life easier while at Xcaret and definitely at Xel-Ha.
There are lockers for rent, but they are small and honestly not worth the cost. Plus, the locker location is inconvenient, so you’ll have to walk across the park to retrieve your things.
You can carry everything you need inside the bag, and take it with you inside the river. Having a waterproof bag will make your time at Xcaret easier, and allow you to see everything in the park.
THINGS NOT TO BRING TO XCARET
You will likely spend the entire day at Xcaret Park, so you don’t want to have a lot of things to carry.
By the end of the day, you will be exhausted. Here are some of the things that you do not need to bring to Xcaret.
Life Jacket
There are life jackets in certain areas of the park to use. Life jackets are required when in the water at the park, no matter what.
There is staff throughout the underground rivers. They are checking to make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket.
Food
Outside food is not allowed inside Xcaret Park. We did bring snacks for our toddler, things such as pretzels, juice boxes, and crackers.
There are buffet-style restaurants in the park. Keep in mind food is not included in the price of the ticket.
If you want to eat, you can purchase the Xcaret Plus package, which will upgrade your ticket to allow you to eat and drink at restaurants.
