How to visit Kaan Luum Lagoon + amazing drone pics!

If you are traveling to Tulum and you are interested in visiting one of the most beautiful places your eyes have ever seen, you need to head over to Kaan Luum Lagoon. But make sure it’s a sunny day to see it at its best.

Located at only 10 km (6 miles) from Tulum, Kaan Luum Lagoon makes a great day trip from the touristy Mexican town and you should indeed include it in your list of the things to do in Tulum.

Although I have included it among the cenotes near Tulum, it is not properly a typical cenote. If you want to see one of those, head over to Cenote Corazón del ParaÍso ( just a few km away) or Cenote Escondido, among others.

The beauty of Kaan Luum lies in its huge size and its spectacular shades of blue colors that remind of Bacalar’s, in a way.

Also inside the lagoon, there is indeed a cenote, which, seen from above, offers a truly unique image. However, you cannot swim in the cenote unless you are an experienced diver with an instructor or guide. The cenote is in fact 84 mt deep, an unimaginable number.

I have been there quite a few times, but this last time in February 2022 I went back with. my new drone to make sure I captured Kaan Luum in all its beauty and angles. And here it is.

Kaan Luum lagoon facts

Once you get to the entrance and have parked your car, you pay for the ticket and move on to the beautiful path that leads you to the lagoon. (stop by the showers first if you intend to swim)

You will find a spacious platform with benches and a snack bar and a pier where you can go lay down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Or you can continue your walk on the left side and climb onto the tower to admire the spectacular views.

If you continue past the tower you will find another pier for other amazing views.

Location Located at 10 km from Tulum and 75 km from Playa del Carmen on the way to Chetumal

Kaan Luum Lagoon depth – No deeper than two meters (6.5 ft.)

Kaan Luum Cenote depth – 85-meter (279 ft.)

Facilities – bathrooms – showers (mandatory) – life jacket rentals

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Kaan Luum opening hours

9 am – 5 pm – every day. ( I would avoid Sundays if I were you unless you love big crowds)

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Things to do in Kaan Luum lagoon

Bask in the sun

Among all the things you can do in Kaan Luum relax laying on the wooden platforms with your favorite book or just doing nothing and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding nature.

For this silent effect, I would recommend arriving very early (9 am when it opens) and never on weekends, especially Sundays, or holidays.

Enjoy the wooden swings or the colorful hammoks

This is the place for the perfect Instagram shots but also for some chill time plays. They have recently added these swings where you can have some fun, but I am sure there will be a line so use your time wisely 🙂

Admire the view from the tower

The first time I went to Kaan Luum lagoon 10 years ago there was no tower. I was a pleasant surprise to see this additional feature where you can have an incredible perspective of the lagoon. You should try, even if you are not a fan of heights.

Go Kayaking or paddleboarding

There are a few kayaks that you can rent for 150 pesos per hour or you can bring your kayak or paddleboard but you still have to pay 150 pesos (for the day) to let them in. Some tours organize paddleboarding in the lagoon as well and it’s included in the price.

Swim

Obviously, the first thing you will want to do is take off your clothes and jump in that crystal clear emerald water. It’s very safe to swim in the Kaan Luum Lagoon as it’s lower than 2 mt deep if you stay within the cords they installed to prevent you from trespassing into the dangerous area.

You need to know that where you see a dark blue color, that’s the cenote which goes 84mt deep. You don’t want to go there unless you are a certified diver with a guide.

Snorkel

You can snorkel in along the edges of the lagoon but you should bring your own mask and snorkel.

Dive

As mentioned before diving is allowed in the lagoon and it should be fun but you need to be with a certified guide, therefore, you must book your dive in advance in a Dive center, which could be either in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

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How to get to Kaan Luum lagoon

Getting to Kaan Luum by car

Getting to Kaan Luum by car is very easy. Drive from Tulum towards Chetumal and after 10 km you will find the Kaan Luum sign on your left-hand side. Turn into the gate (if it’s still closed at 9 am, wait there) and continue for a couple of km until you find the parking lot.

If you ask me, renting a car in Mexico is the best thing you could do, because it’s safe and you can get to wherever you want at your pace. If you have been reading my blog for quite some time you know already my point of view.

I love driving around the Yucatan peninsula where you can discover so many hidden gems, like cenotes, haciendas small villages and their churches, and much more.

It gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want at your own pace. If you are concerned about driving in Mexico and renting a car, worry not! I’ve got you covered.

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Getting to Kaan Luum by taxi

Another option is hiring a taxi. I usually don’t recommend it, because taxis in Tulum can be expensive but you still have the option, especially if you can share the cost with other travelers.

Just make sure you agree with the price before and ask the driver to pick you up at a certain time.

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Getting to Kaan Luum by bus (not a good idea)

If you were thinking of getting to Kaan Luum by bus, I would think again. The van will leave you on the main road and then you’ll have another km to walk in the jungle. Not really safe, nor convenient.

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Join a tour to Kaan Luum

On some occasions, you may prefer to join a tour to enjoy the company of other travelers and share good memories, especially if you are traveling on your own.

Even for Kaan Luum Lagoon, there are some companies that organize tours combining the lagoon with other interesting sites. Here I am including a few that I have selected for you. I hope you like them

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What to bring to Kaan Luum Lagoon

Here is a list of things you should bring to Kaan Luum

• Swimsuit or a rash guard to protect you from the sun. Remember you are not allowed to use sun protection.
• Sunglasses
• Beach towel
• Go Pro Hero 10 for stunning underwater pictures
• DJI Mini 2 fly combo to capture the spectacular lagoon shape and color
• A reflex camera to take great pictures. I have a Canon 5D Mark III and I love it.
• A plastic waterproof phone bag
• Water, soft drinks, and snacks if you plan to stay for a while.

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What is prohibited to Kaan Luum Lagoon

First and foremost here and anywhere else trashing should be prosecuted by the law with a high fine if it were for me.

So respect the environment, which means don’t litter and shower before entering the water.

But also have some respect for other visitors and avoid shouting (there is no need).

Besides common-sense rules, here are the official rules

• You CANNOT wear any type of sunscreen
• You cannot bring any kinds of speakers for music
• You are not allowed to bring any alcohol
• You CANNOT smoke
• Pets are NOT allowed

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