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What To Pack For Cancun, Mexico

Print A Beach Packing List For Cancun, Mexico

You’ve booked the flights and dreamed of the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, but what must you put in your suitcase? Here’s our guide to what to pack for any beach vacation, especially Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.

Whether you’re packing for a girl’s trip to Cancun or gearing up for a romantic getaway with your partner, download our printable packing list.

This list will ensure you have everything you need while avoiding the dreaded over-packing syndrome. We’ve covered you, from swimsuits and sandals to sunscreen and sunglasses. So what are you waiting for? Start packing!

Cancun is only a short flight away from the US, and its party atmosphere, combined with its idyllic coastline, makes it a favorite getaway destination. There are also some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico in and around Cancun.

You really can do Cancun your way. The whole of the Riviera Maya, the coastline from Cancun through Playa del Carmen and down past Tulum, is so diverse that whatever your style or budget, you can find activities to suit you!

We will give you the ultimate Mexico beach checklist for traveling to Mexico on your next vacation, so you can look fabulous by the pool and impress on nights out too!

Cancun, Playa del Carmen & Tulum Packing List

what to pack for a cancun vacation
Smart travel created the interactive beach packing checklist.

Beach Wear

The beaches of Cancun are known as some of the best in Mexico and often even the world. The color of the water is such an intense azure that it needs to be seen to be believed, so it’s no wonder that Cancun & the surrounding area is home to many of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

You can also travel lightly and purchase fashionable, trendy clothes at fantastic prices once you arrive in Mexico.

Swimwear & Bikinis

No matter your shape or size, bikinis are big in Cancun. So include a couple of your favorite bikinis or swimming trunks.

From taking the party from the beach to the restaurant, a sheer beach cover-up is an in-style way – and they help cover up anybody.

The photographs below were created for our best friend’s photoshoot in Cancun, Mexico.

Smart Travel created the interactive beach packing checklist.

Long-flowing designs with embroidered patterns are trending this season and can take a casual beach look like a runway masterpiece.

Once you have the essentials, it’s all about the accessories. Team your look with a sun hat. Not only will you look sharp and keep flyaway hair at bay, but it will also help keep the bright Caribbean sun off your face.

You’ll also need polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh rays. Finally, finish your look with chunky statement earrings for Instagram-ready pictures, making your look a little more wow!

Men Packing List For Cancun

men packing guide checklist cancun
Men are packing lists for beach vacations to cancun, playa del carmen, or tulum.

For men, their beach packing list is more straightforward; it’s a bit simpler. Swim shorts are the go-to option, but feel free to let your personality shine. Take on a bright color or cheerful print to stand out.

Sandals are a finishing touch. The sand and salt of the beaches can destroy your more excellent shoes, but classic brands like Havanans also make options that look great for the beach and club.

Day Trips

While around Cancun, you might explore the local area, which has archeological ruins left by the Ancient Mayan civilizations that lived here. Chichen Itza is a popular site, listed as one of the world’s seven wonders, and is a favorite excursion of tourists to Cancun.

Even if history isn’t your thing, daytime looks in Mexico are causal and must be breezy. Light, woven fabrics are essential, and avoid artificial polyester blends that will be sticky and make you sweat.

Denim shorts are a vacation staple that can be dressed up or down. Wearing these on your Cancun, Mexico vacation is a great option, plus one pair can be worn multiple times, helping you pack more efficiently.

Team it with a cool, long-sleeved, oversized shirt and a sunhat for a relaxed look while exploring the ruins. There’s not a lot of shade in these areas, so a light-colored outfit will help keep the sun’s glare away. Long sleeves will also keep your skin from burning.

Pair those denim shorts with cute tops and sandals for a shopping trip. Many malls in Cancun have high-end, designer brands and local markets offering good value.

Cancun by Night

If you’re staying in a resort during your Cancun vacation, you can get a little fancy during your evenings.

Guests see their vacation as date night every night, so slip on those dancing shoes and a fancy dress to enjoy your evening.

You may also want to check to see if your resort has a dress code for the restaurants. For example, some require men to wear long pants and a collared shirt for evening meals, so you may need to factor this into the outfits you bring.

Even if you aren’t staying at a resort, the bars and restaurants of Cancun come alive at night.

You can let your style rule; although you’ll find people wearing glamorous mini dresses and heels (or wedges if you want something more stable), you’ll also have others dressed up in denim shorts and sparkly tops.

A midi dress can look classy and elegant, or you may even opt for a jumpsuit look if you find your ankles prone to being nibbled at by mosquitoes.

Remember to pack your accessories. Jewelry completes an outfit and can help you feel fancy enough to dance all night. When packing, look at your color palette and stick to complementary colors to get multiple uses out of your outfits.

If you plan on having a more party vibe, Cancun is famous for its nightlife, with clubs like Coco Bongo, where you can enjoy the incredible atmosphere while dancing the night away. On this type of trip, ditch the heels for some fancy sandals that still look dressy but in which you can dance all night long.

If you travel to Cancun in the winter months, you may wish to also pack a light jacket for during the evenings as it can get a little bit cooler.

A linen shirt is always an excellent option for men, worn with shorts and trousers. The light fabric is superior yet stylish and works well with the Caribbean feel of the area.

Boat shoes are a popular footwear choice, or even sturdy leather sandals, like Birkenstocks, can be worn for a more casual feel.

What to Pack for Tulum?

Tulum, Mexico, is a laidback beach destination with yoga retreats, fun nightlife, beach clubs, eco-resorts, and plenty of outdoor adventures, after spending an entire week visiting beaches, luxury hotels, ancient ruins, crystal clear cenotes, and the hottest dining spots. Many of the same rules apply to the Cancun packing list. However, the nightlife in Tulum can be a bit fancier. So you may want to bring a couple of lovely dresses and heels.

What Should I Pack for a Day at the Beach?

That beach day or weekend getaway is calling your name, but what should you pack? With some preparation, you can ensure that everything you need will fit in your car and that you won’t forget anything important.

Copy our day at the beach recommendation list. This list will ensure you have everything you need for fun in the sun.

What Are Fun Things to Bring to the Beach?

bff best friends phootshoot ideas

What Can Make Your Beach Day More Entertaining?

What Food and Drinks Should I Bring to the Beach?

Conclusion: What To Pack For Cancun

While you’re on your vacation in Cancun (and dressed fabulously, thanks to this our Cancun, Mexico packing list, why not book a photoshoot to help capture the unforgettable memories from your vacation?

If you need a photographer in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, please give us a WhatsApp at +1 (713) 578 0080 or an email.

We would love to photograph you in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun, Mexico.

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