What to do with valuables when snorkling?
 

When we go snorkling in the cenotes around Playa del Carmen, where should valuables like wallets be kept? Also, what about passports? Do we have to bring our own towels? Have rented a car from Cancun airport.

You will need to bring your own towels.

You should not have a problem, but secure valuables out of sight in the trunk BEFORE you leave Cancun, and take only the items you plan to use with you when you leave the car to snorkel - towels, equipment, disposable camera, sunscreen, etc.

The area is very safe, but if you visibly stow your valuables in the trunk upon arrival, anyone who has their eye on you will know exactly where to go to get your things.

I'd leave my passports at the hotel.

Unless I am going on a cruise, I try to take as few valuables as possible on a trip. I even bring the disposable cameras and have gotten very good pictures from them.

I do bring money, credit cards and passport when I snorkel and I always keep these in a waterproof wallet that hangs on a string around my neck. You can get whats called a plastic dive box at a dive store before you leave - don't count on finding one in Mexico. I learned this lesson when diving other places around the Caribbean - things you can find easily in the US you may not be able to find overseas. Other travel web sites may have other types of waterproof wallets that are more like a fanny pack, but the dive boxes are small and inexpensive. They are also waterproof. I make sure I can fit my wallet, cards and passport in one when I shop.

I don't leave valuables in a rental car trunk. I have heard stories where even if no one sees you put goods in a trunk, thieves can spot tourists and break into the trunk just to see what is there. I am not saying that this will happen, just that it is possible.

Also, check to see if the cenotes are a part of a park. I have never snorkeled at cenotes, but I think parks like Xcaret have them. If the cenote is just a remote location, bring everything you may need including towels, water, bug spray, etc. If it is part of a park, they may have lockers and facilities.

My husband has velcro pockets on his swim shorts - we place our room key, a folded COPY of our passports, Driver's license (picture id) and cash in an otterbox - and place the otterbox in the velcro pocket. You could put it around your wrist as well - the boxes are cheap - under 10 bucks .
Our original passports stay in the room safe the entire trip.
http://shop.divebooty.com/products/m...dry_boxes.html

You can also find a waterproof sort of tiny fanny pack that works with heavy duty zip-lock baggies. That way you can keep your valuables on your person. It's similar to snorkelcat's idea, but it goes around your waist.

-Sharon