Hello from Casa Nalum! We are a beachfront eco villa in Sian Ka’an, Tulum. We know how much fun it is to plan a trip to our sunny beach. You might wonder what to pack for Tulum. This guide will help you get ready. It shows you what items to bring so you feel calm and happy. Packing smart will let you enjoy our private pool, kayak on the lagoon, and walk on soft sand.
Table of Contents
What to Pack for Tulum: Essential Items
When you stay at Casa Nalum, you can do many fun things. You can swim in the sea, relax by the pool, and take a kayak out on the lagoon. You can also visit the local cenotes or the Mayan ruins of Tulum. Here is a list of items to bring. Each category has the most useful things for your trip.
1. Clothing
Bring clothes that are light and flowy. The weather in Tulum is warm and sunny. You want to stay cool. Pack:
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Bathing suits 🩱 for pool and beach fun
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Beach cover ups for quick trips from the water to dinner
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Light flowy clothing such as cotton shirts and dresses
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Versatile clothing that can go from day to night
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Maxi dresses for dinner under the stars
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Linen pants or shorts for warm days
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Light sweater for cooler nights by the pool
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Rain jacket for sudden showers on unpaved roads
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Hats 🧢 for sun protection and style
Casa Nalum has a Meal Plan if you want tasty meals each day. You can wear your dinner outfit from our villa to nearby beachfront restaurants.
2. Footwear
Tulum has soft sand, muddy roads, and rocky paths to cenotes. Pack shoes that keep you safe and dry.
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Flip flops for quick trips to the pool or beach
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Rubber sandals for mud and puddles on rainy days
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Water shoes for cenote swimming
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Walking shoes for town and ruin walks
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Closed-toe shoes for rocky cenotes
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Running sneakers if you want to jog on the beach
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Travel-friendly shoes that fit in your day pack
At Casa Nalum, you can store your shoes by the front door and keep our villa clean. We offer fresh towels after a muddy beach day.
3. Toiletries and Self-Care
Keep your skin and hair happy in the sun and salt air. Pack:
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Sunscreen 🧴 with high SPF to protect your skin
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Aftersun cream or aloe gel to soothe sun care
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Mosquito repellent or bug spray to avoid bites
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Organic beauty shop finds like La Madre Tierra repellant (see Organic Beauty Shop La Madre Tierra)
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Hair mask for sun and salt damage
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Hydrating shampoo and conditioner
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Clay mask to detox pores from beach dust
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Body wash and face wash
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Lip balm with SPF
We have a spa day space at the villa. You can use our outdoor shower to rinse off sunscreen before you dive in the pool.
4. Health and Safety
Pack a small first-aid kit in your carry-on luggage. You never know when you need:
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First-aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic
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Stomach meds and probiotics to avoid tummy trouble
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Travel insurance info in case you need help
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Backup credit card and a list of card numbers
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Cash in pesos and small bills for local shops, taxis, and tips
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Backup phone charger or power bank
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Journal and pen to note your daily fun
At Casa Nalum, our villa manager can direct you to the nearest farmacia if needed.
5. Gear and Gadgets
Bring gadgets that help you capture and share your memories. Keep them dry and safe:
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Carry-on luggage and day pack for beach trips
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Light backpack with a dry bag pocket
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Quick-dry towel for cenotes and beach
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Snorkel gear if you have your own
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Underwater camera or GoPro for reef shots
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Adapter for non-US plugs if you travel from afar
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Waterproof pouch for your phone and keys
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Portable speaker for villa playlist
Casa Nalum has fast Wi-Fi and USB chargers in each room. Our private pool area is a great spot to charge your devices under our pergola.
6. Special Extras
Little extras make your trip more fun:
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Yoga attire for a sunrise yoga session on the beach
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Journal for your thoughts or travel notes
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Sunglasses for style and protection
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Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste
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Books or board games for villa nights
Link to our Experiences page to see all you can do.
Tips & Tricks
Casa Nalum has a few insider tips to make your stay easy:
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Pack light: Use a carry-on if you can. Our villa has laundry service if you stay more than a week.
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Stay hydrated: Fill your reusable water bottle at our filtered water stations.
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Use on-site gear: We have kayaks, board games, and pool floats free for guests.
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Eat healthy: Choose our Meal Plan for fresh fruits and local fish by our chef.
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Book early: Our villa is in the UNESCO Sian Ka’an biosphere. Reserve through our Booking page to get the best dates.
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Cash in pesos: Get pesos at the airport or at an ATM in Tulum. Many beach clubs only take cash.
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Protect your gear: Store cameras and phones in a waterproof pouch at the beach.
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Wear quick-dry shoes: Water shoes and rubber sandals dry fast and protect your feet on rocky cenote steps.
Conclusion
Now you know what to pack for Tulum. Packing well helps you enjoy all the beauty around our villa. You will have fun at the beach, pool, and cenotes. You can relax knowing you have all your lotions, shoes, and health items ready.
Casa Nalum can make your trip smooth and calm. We have a private pool, chef, fast Wi-Fi, and beautiful ocean and lagoon views. Book your stay with us at Casa Nalum and make your Tulum vacation easy and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What clothes to wear in Tulum?
Lightweight, airy clothing like cotton or linen shirts, maxi dresses, and beach cover ups are best. They keep you cool and protect you from the sun.
Do I need sneakers in Tulum?
What shoes you bring depends on what you plan to do. Sandals and water shoes are best for the beach and cenotes. If you want to hike the ruins, add a pair of walking shoes or running sneakers.
Is it OK to drink the water in Tulum?
Tap water is not for drinking. It is safe to shower and brush your teeth with it. Carry bottled water or use our filtered water station at the villa.
Do you need bug spray for Tulum?
Yes, Tulum is in a jungle area. You will want mosquito repellent or bug spray especially at dawn and dusk. Bring eco-friendly options from the Organic Beauty Shop La Madre Tierra.
Should I bring backup credit cards and cash?
Always. If one card does not work, you can use another. Many small shops accept only cash, and a tip for your chef and staff is lovely in pesos.
Can I pack my snorkel gear and underwater camera?
Yes! If you have your own snorkel gear, bring it. You will love snorkeling in the clear Sian Ka’an waters. A GoPro is perfect for reef photos. We also have a few sets at the villa if you forget yours.
