How to visit Kaan Luum lagoon: an oasis in the jungle [2022]

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Kaan Luum Lagoon is a spectacular enormous lagoon situated only 10 km from Tulum and about 75 km from Playa del Carmen.

What makes it special is the cenote that is inside the lagoon forming incredible views to admire from a drone perspective.

I could say that I bought my first drone just to be able to see it. And I am happy to share the pictures with you. The contrast between the transparent shallow water at the edges and the intense blue of the deep cenote is incredible. Its maximum depth is in fact about 75 mt.

(I suggest you keep scrolling down to the end to see many amazing pictures from the aerial view point)

Laguna Kaan Luum — Photo was taken by me with DJI Mini 2

When I originally found out about this spectacular lagoon it was more than 10 years ago and very few people knew about it.

There were no infrastructures and the entrance fee was 50 pesos. Now it’s much more, but still worth it.

When I recently went back it become a little too expensive because more people found out about it and of course, the owners saw the business.

Luckily it’s one of the few places where they let you use the drone, at a fee though.

Laguna kaan luum aerial view — Kaan Luum Drone view © Isabella Biava

Here below in this post, I am going to share how to visit and all the things that you can do there, and most of all how to visit it when it’s not crowded.

Let’s find out why among the amazing day trips from Tulum, you must include a visit to Kaan Luum Lagoon.

Kaan Luum Lagoon facts

The swimmable side of the lagoon which is the area marked by cords is only 2 to 3 mt deep and very safe. The Cenote area is 85 mt deep and its access is only allowed to certified divers with their instructor or guide.

Kaan Luum is the Mayan language for “tierra amarilla” (“yellow land”)

Things to do in the Lagon Kaan Luum

Enjoy the view from the lookout

One of the new addition to the Lagoon Kaan Loom is the Lookout to allow you to enjoy a spectacular view of the huge lagoon. Once you arrive at the boardwalk continue on your left and you will find it.

If you get there at 9 am when it opens there will be few people and the sun will be low on your left so it’s great timing to take pictures

Laguna Kaan Luum platform to the water surrounded by bushes

Walk along the broad walk

They have also added a broad walk and a second platform to create more space for tourists to enjoy the lagoon. Make sure you walk to the second platform for a different perspective and, most of all if you like to be alone ( like I do)

Bask in the sun on one of the platforms

Another reason to get there early in the morning is to grab your space on the platform before anyone else does.

Laying in the sun with that view is incredibly relaxing.

Take a swing in the water

If you don’t like to just sit there and do nothing head over to the swings and enjoy it as if you were a kid again! It’s fun. A great place for pictures too.

Swim

It’s very safe to swim in the soothing waters up to where the cords are. On the Cenote side, is in fact off-limits unless you are going with a dive instructor (or guide)

Laguna Kaan Luum from above — Kaan Luum views from the tower

Snorkel

Take your own snorkeling gear and swim around along the edges where mangroves are, you may find some fishes hanging out.

Rent a kayak

They have kayaks for rent, so why don’t grab one and have a little tour around the lagoon. You can also bring your own kayaks and paddleboards but you will have to pay 150 MXN at the entrance.

Dive

If you are a certified diver you should dive in Kaan Luum but you need to book your dive with a school first. There are plenty in Playa del Carmen or Tulum that can take you diving in Kaan Luum or in any other cenotes near Tulum.

Kaan Luum Lagoon Entry Fees

In the picture on the left, you can see the prices, updated to February 2022. I Don’t think they are going to change for a while as they are already pretty high compared to other similar Mexican natural wonders in the area. But you never know.

The entry fee is 300 MXN ( 15 USD) (residents pay 200 (10 USD)

If you have a drone it’s 150 MXN to fly it but believe me it’s worth the money. The pictures you get are unbelievable.

How to get to Lagoon Kaan Luum

Getting to the Lagoon Kaan Luum is very easy. It’s a short drive from Tulum and could even bike there although I wouldn’t recommend it because of the heat.

But let’s see here below all the possible ways to get to Kaan Luum lagoon

Getting to Kaan Luum Lagoon by car

Getting to Kaan Luum Lagoon by car is my favorite way. I always suggest renting a car in Mexico and driving around because you have the freedom to visit on your own terms at your pace, without having the pressure of the tight schedules that groups normally have. I love to drive around a place and find new corners to discover, for as long as I want.

There is a free parking lot right before the ticket office where you can safely park your car while you are enjoying the lagoon.

To get to Kaan Luum Lagoon by car from Tulum you will need to take the main road towards Chetumal and you will find the lagoon bright sign at about 15 minutes drive from Tulum. It’s easy to find. Once you turn on the dirt road you will need to continue for another km until you find the parking and ticket office.

To rent a car in Mexico I would suggest using Discover cars where you can compare prices among different companies and see which one has the best deal.

MY PICK

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Find the best car rental deals and explore around freely, at your own pace. My favorite way to enjoy a destination!

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Getting to Kaan Luum Lagoon by colectivo/bus

Although moving around Mexico by bus is usually a good idea, I would not recommend that in this case because the public transportation will leave you on the main road and you will have to walk for another mile to get to the lagoon. It’s not very convenient, especially with that heat.

Getting to Kaan Luum Lagoon by taxi

This is probably the second-best option in case you don’t feel comfortable about renting a car. Just make sure you agree on the price before getting on the taxi and you both agree on the pickup time.

Visiting Kaan Luum Lagoon on an organized tour

If you are traveling alone and you prefer visiting Kaan Luum Lagoon with some company you can join an organized tour. There are several that you can book in advance to secure your space at the time you want to do it. Here are a few that I have selected for you. Usually, tours combine the visit of the lagoon with other interesting stops.

Where Kaan Luum Lagoon is located

Laguna Kaan Luum is located at 10 km (6 m) from Tulum and 75km (46 m) from Playa del Carmen.

Here below is a map for your convenience.

What to bring to Kaan Luum

Sunscreen is prohibited in the Lagoon even the eco-friendly ones. So, since you are in the sun all day you may want to wear a rash guard to protect you from the sun.
A hat would be great too.
A nice towel
A GoPro, a drone, or a camera to take great pictures of this incredible place.
Snacks and drinks or water if you are planning to stay for a few hours