Snorkeling Gear to Pack for Mexico’s Cenotes and Reefs
Bring your own mask and snorkel to ensure a proper fit and better hygiene. Leave the fins at home to save space, as most tour operators include high-quality fins in their rental price.
- Choose a low-volume silicone mask. Cenotes are often dimly lit. A low-volume mask with a clear silicone skirt lets in more light and provides a wider field of vision compared to black silicone.
- Select a dry-top snorkel. Look for a snorkel with a dry-top valve that prevents water from entering the tube when you dive or if a wave hits you. This is essential for the choppy waters sometimes found on the Caribbean coast.
- Bring a rash guard with UPF 50 rating. Sunscreen is strictly prohibited in most cenotes to protect the delicate water ecosystem. A long-sleeved rash guard is mandatory to prevent severe sunburn while snorkeling reefs.
- Pack an anti-fog spray or gel. Cenote water is often much cooler than the air temperature, which causes masks to fog up instantly. Apply a drop of anti-fog gel to your dry lens 10 minutes before getting in the water.
- Can I bring my own fins?
- You can, but they are bulky and heavy. Almost every dive shop or cenote entrance provides fins included in the entry fee.
- Why is sunscreen banned in cenotes?
- Cenotes are closed ecosystems. Chemicals in standard sunscreens poison the water and kill the microscopic life that keeps the cenote water clear.
- Do I need a wetsuit?
- Most cenotes stay around 75°F (24°C). If you get cold easily, bring a 2mm shorty wetsuit or a neoprene top, but for most people, a rash guard is sufficient.