The Kaan Luum lagoon is a tropical slice of paradise right in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. The most unique feature of the lagoon is the cobalt blue cenote that sits in the center, whose water is starkly contrasted against Laguna Kaan Luum’s shallow green outer edge.
Although many people visit Tulum for the archeological ruins and sun-soaked beaches, they often overlook a visit to this spectacular location. Don’t skip Kaan Luum Lagoon, it’s great to visit even if you only have an hour.
Lush green jungles and tropical vines surround this mint-green swimming hole. The entire area is free of modern facilities, except for bathrooms and a few thatched huts for shade. Filled with natural beauty and rustic charm, you’ll feel like you stumbled upon a hidden oasis right in the heart of Mexico.
Although Kaan Luum is rarely overcrowded with tourists, it’s still a good idea to arrive as early as possible. It can get busy in the afternoon, so going early in the morning guarantees you have a few hours of this secluded lagoon all to yourself!
Play in the water, jump off the wooden dock, or simply unwind under the sun with a cold drink. No matter what you plan to do, you won’t regret your visit to Laguna Kaan Luum – one of Tulum’s best-kept secrets.
How to get to Kaan Luum
Planning a day trip to Kaan Luum is straightforward if you rent a car. Leaving Tulum, you’ll need to drive 15 minutes south on Highway 307. Make sure to read our renting a car in Mexico guide for essential driving tips.
The entrance to Kaan Luum is easy to miss, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for the sign on the left-hand side of the road; it’s the only marker that tells you when to exit. Once you turn, you’ll drive down a narrow dirt path until you reach the Kaan Luum parking lot.
You will lose cell service between Tulum and Kaan Luum. Before you leave Tulum, we suggest having Google Maps directions started. Even when you lose service, as long as you started directions before you lost service, you’ll continue to get directions.
It’s also possible to visit Kaan Luum by public transportation. There are colectivo buses leave from Tulum and stop directly at the entrance to Kaan Luum. Make sure you hop on the bus headed towards Felipe Carrillo. However, catching a colectivo bus back to Tulum can be challenging, as they run less frequently than the buses leaving town.
Have ultimate freedom and save tons of money on tours with your own rental car! Don’t worry – It’s safe (we’ve rented 20+ times), the roads are good, and it’s easier than you think! We always rent from Discover Cars, it’s easy & they have the best prices.
Kaan Luum Cost & Entrance Fees
Kaan Luum lagoon is getting more popular every time we visit, and prices increase with that. In 2021, the entrance is 300 pesos. It’s worth it, in our opinion. It’s a great place to cool down and spend a few hours.
- Entrance fee: 300 pesos per person
- Cooler Fee: 50 pesos to bring in your own cooler with drinks
- Hours: Daily from 9 am – 5 pm
It’s a great alternative to spending a day at one of the best Tulum beach clubs. Some of the most popular beach clubs have a minimum of $70 per person spend.
Tulum Packing List – Pack This & Not That
Can you fly a drone at Laguna Kaan Luum?
Yes, if you pay the 150 pesos drone fee. If the staff sees a drone up in the air, they will run around trying to find out who is operating it. It’s best just to purchase the drone permit and fly with ease.
Things to do at Kaan Luum Lagoon
If you’re planning a trip to Kaan Luum, there are plenty of things to do to keep you occupied during your visit. However, keep in mind that Kaan Luum is a very tranquil and relaxing destination that attracts tourists and visitors alike for its calm and laid-back atmosphere.
Don’t expect a loud or rowdy crowd, as most people come here for peace and relaxation.
1. Relax on a hammock over Laguna Kaan Luum
Nothing is more relaxing than whiling away your afternoon lounging in a hammock. Thankfully, Kaan Luum has dozens of hammocks on-site, many suspended above the water.
Bring a book, take a nap, or dangle your feet into the water and enjoy a mini fish pedicure! You’ll feel like you’re in a spa when these creatures surround your feet and nibble away at the dead skin.
2. Rent a Paddleboard
Exploring Kaan Luum with a stand-up paddleboard is a great way to get a lay of the land. When you first enter the lagoon, you can stop by the reception desk to rent your very own paddleboard. Each board rents for 150 pesos each. Kaan Luum is also a popular spot for paddleboard clubs and schools, who come here in the afternoon to teach lessons.
At the reception desk, you can also rent snorkel equipment and kayaks.
3. Kaan Luum Mirador – Enjoy the Viewpoint from the Wooden Platform
For the best views over the lagoon, trek up to the panoramic lookout point. A small tower inside Kaan Luum boasts the most stunning views over the entire lagoon. Climbing up the tower is an additional ten pesos, but in our opinion, it’s worth every penny just to snap a few breathtaking photos.
4. Go for a Swing
One of the most unique things to do at Kaan Luum is to hang out on one of the above-water swings. There are several different swing sets scattered throughout the lagoon. You’ll have to walk through the shallow waters to find them, but they’re a fun and relaxing activity to keep you entertained during your visit. Not to mention, the swings also make awesome vacation photos!
5. Walk the Dock
During your visit, take a stroll down the main dock that shoots into the center of the lagoon. This is a great place just to sit and hang out or set up your picnic lunch. You can also jump off the edge of the dock into the center of the lagoon.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can dangle your feet off the edge to enjoy a fun and ticklish fish pedicure. The dock can get busy in the afternoon, so make sure to come early and claim your spot in the sun!
6. Go Swimming
No visit to Kaan Luum would be complete without taking a dip in the cool, refreshing waters. The sparkling light-green water is relatively shallow and should only go up to your shoulders at the deepest point. If you prefer to stay close to shore, then you’ll be able to walk along the soft, sandy bottom along the edges. The water here only goes up to your knee.
It’s important to remember that swimming in the cenote at the center of the lagoon is strictly prohibited. Not only is the cenote over 250 feet deep, but the strong currents can be dangerous, even for the most experienced swimmers. The area is roped off for your safety.
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