Laguna Kaan Luum Lagoon: What You Need to Know Before You Go
PLANNING TO VISIT LAGOON KAAN LUM — THE BEST-KEPT SECRET IN TULUM?
You’ve come to the right place because I’m about to give you the inside scoop on visiting Laguna Kaan Luum Lagoon.
Visiting is one of my favorite things to do in Tulum, and I rarely travel to Tulum without scheduling in a stop at Kaan Luum.
As someone who’s lived in Mexico since 2018, one of my favorite things is finding the best-hidden gems for you to explore.
Lagoon Kaan Luum tops the list, as it’s one of the best lagoons in Tulum, and best places to swim in the Yucatan Peninsula!
Looking for the best way to visit Laguna Kaan Luum Mexico? Book this Tulum Cenotes & Lagoon Experience (with a near-perfect 5 Star rating ⭐️) to see all the best Tulum cenotes.
This beautiful open-air cenote is almost perfectly circular. The edges of it are shallow, and the water is unimaginably beautiful. You can splash, relax, and soak in splendid views.
From Lagoon Kaan Luum photos to avoiding the crowds, how much the Lagoon Kaan Luum entrance fee is, to how to get to Lagoon Kaan Luum — all the info you need about Kaan Luum Lagoon is right here.
Laguna Kaan Luum: Complete Visitor’s Guide
Where is Laguna Kaan Luum located?
The Lagoon Kaan Luum address is 77760 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located near Downtown Tulum Mexico, and easily accessible by car.
This fabulous Laguna de Kaan Luum Lagoon is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Tulum in your rental car. It is located in the state of Quintana Roo, in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, not far from the famous Riviera Maya.
📍 Laguna Kaan Luum map
📲 Note: I recommend anyone visiting to get a Mexico SIM Card, as your signal can go in and out in the more rural parts of the Yucatan, where Cenote Kaan Luum Lagoon is.
You can also download an offline map from Google Maps or Maps.Me before you drive to Kaan Luum Tulum.
Looking for more cenotes near Tulum, Mexico? Check out 25 Best Tulum Cenotes + Free Cenotes in Tulum Map
laguna kaan luum Mexico
What are the Laguna Kaan Luum hours?
The Laguna Kaan Luum opening hours are daily, from 9am until 4pm.
This spot gets quite busy on the weekends as it is a favorite destination for locals relaxing after their work week.
When you visit Laguna Kaan Luum, don’t forget to take note of the rules and regulations — especially the no sunscreen at Kaan Luum rule.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
What is the Laguna Kaan Luum admission cost?
General admission to Kaan Luum is $300 pesos per person (about $17 USD).
This lake and cenote are pricier than most, but the cost is worth it for the incredible views. 💡Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
- You can fly a drone at Kaan Luum Lagoon, but you’ll need to pay an extra $150 pesos for the permit.
- Kayak or SUP paddleboard rentals cost about $120 MXN pesos per hour. Note: You can bringing your own kayak paddleboard if you plan to spend several hours on the water, as that’s just $150 pesos, and cheaper than renting by the hour.
- There’s a different Laguna Kaan Luum price for foreigners, Mexican citizens, and Yucatan locals. Mexican citizens pay $200 MXN pesos each to visit Kaan Luum, and residents of Quintana Roo Mexico pay just $150 MXN pesos each.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
NOTE: Cenote Laguna Kaan Luum is cash only
This applies to the entrance fee, rentals, and any snacks or drinks you want to buy. Since there’s an intermittent signal for WiFi at Kaan Luum lagoon, it’s usually impossible to use credit cards.
🥥 Kaan Luum Pro Tip: I recommend buying fresh coconut water for a refreshing beverage on what will likely be a very hot day at the lagoon.
Laguna kaan luum Mexico
Laguna Kaan Luum Layout and Structure
When you visit Kaan Luum, you’ll first encounter the parking lot and ticket counters.
After paying (⚠️ Remember: Kaan Luum Lagoon is cash only), you’ll walk down some wooden boardwalks to reach the cenote where you’ll go swimming.
Here you’ll find two wooden piers, the shaded palapas, and the lagoon itself. There are benches here under umbrellas, and snack bars. These benches are first some first served, so if you want one, arrive early!
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Are there facilities at Laguna Kaan Luum?
Yes — You have everything at Kaan Luum from restrooms and life jack rentals, to food vendors and umbrellas that offer shaded areas.
👀 Laguna Kaan Luum Viewing Platform
One thing you won’t want to miss while you’re at Laguna Kaan Luum Cenote is the viewing platform.
This wooden tower will give you a much better vantage from which to see the dramatic shift between the shallow waters and the striking blue of the depths.
🚿 Laguna Kaan Luum Showers & Restrooms
Visitors to Laguna Kaan Tulum have access to basic bathrooms and showers. They may not be fancy, but they offer space to change and rinse off. After a shower, you’ll feel more refreshed when leaving the lagoon.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to rinse off any skin products before entering the lagoon to preserve the pristine nature of the place.
🦺 Laguna Kaan Luum Life Jack Rentals (& Other rentals)
Need a life jacket, kayak, or paddleboard to add to your Kaan Luum Lagoon experience?
You’re in luck because you can rent these items while you’re at the lagoon — but don’t forget the entire place is cash only, so make sure you have extra pesos for your rental(s).
🚣🏼♀️ Note: Paddling around the edges can make your time extra fun, so if you’re planning to spend the whole day at the lagoon, don’t skip the Kaan Luum SUP paddleboard rentals.
🥤Laguna Kaan Luum Snack Shop
If you get hungry or thirsty, you can buy water, snacks, and coconuts from the snack shop. These items are expensive, comparatively speaking, so you might want to take your own.
🍾 Note: You can’t bring outside alcoholic beverages in, so there’s no BYO alcoholic drinks allowed.
⛱️ Laguna Kaan Luum Hammocks, Benches, Piers, and Palapas
One of the nicest things about Kaan Luum is the hammocks strung above the water. They are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the amazing views of turquoise water and green trees.
There are also wooden pathways, benches, and palapas (great spots to escape from the sun for a bit). Two different piers make access to the water easier.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Can I purchase food and drinks at Laguna Kaan Luum?
Yes — Head to the snack shop at the lagoon to buy bottled water, sodas, beers and stronger boozy beverages, fresh coconuts for coconut water, and some snacks like chips and packaged cookies.
Although there are multiple signs around the lagoon saying no food or drinks are allowed, they mean outside food rather than food purchased on-site.
🥤 Kaan Luum Pro Tip: Bringing snacks, drinks, or even a full-blown picnic is a great option, especially since the snack shop prices tend to be high. (Just don’t bring your own alcohol as that isn’t tolerated.)
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Is Laguna Kaan Luum a cenote?
Yes — Laguna Kaan Luum is a huge open-air cenote, or swimming pool cenote. It may look like a lake, but due to how it was formed, it is a cenote.
Part of what leads to the confusion is that the edges of the lagoon are quite shallow. However, if you walk to the top of the mirador, you can see the crazy deep center section of the lagoon.
This is where the Kaan Luum Lagoon depth drops off, and it drops off immediately. For this reason, there is a sign warning swimmers not to enter the deepest parts of the lagoon.
💡 For more cenotes facts and information, see the Laguna Kaan Luum Mexico FAQs at the end of this article.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
How deep is Kaan Luum Lagoon?
It varies — The edges of Laguna Kaan Luum are usually only 4 to 6 feet deep (2-3 m), perfect for swimmers, children, and anyone who enjoys splashing and lounging.
However, the Luum Lagoon depth ranges from about 4-feet-deep (1.2 m) in the shallows, to 262-feet-deep (80 m) in the center of the lagoon. The center is much deeper, which is why swimmers aren’t allowed.
This shallow area is the only place you can access, as the deep part is off-limits. You’ll see a sign in the water at the point where you shouldn’t continue swimming (see image above).
From the Kaan Luum viewing tower, you can see where the lagoon drops from the shallows to a staggering depth of approximately 262 feet.
Here, the water instantly goes from a bright turquoise blue to a deep indigo blue.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
What’s the best time to visit Laguna Kaan Luum?
The best time to visit the lagoon is early in the morning on a weekday. Weekends tend to be busy, and some days the lagoon gets a bit crowded by mid-morning.
Still, there is plenty of areas to spread out, so if you head there later in the day, it won’t be a problem as some people end up leaving at midday.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
How much time do I need at Laguna Kaan Luum?
You can spend anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire day at La Laguna Kaan Luum — depending on what your itinerary for Tulum allows.
If you’re looking for a one to two-hour stop, a place to swim, take pictures, and then move on, you can do that at Kaan Luum.
However, if you’d like to spend an entire day here, chilling on the hammocks and in the palapas, drinking coconut water, eating a picnic lunch, paddling around the edges, or relaxing and enjoying the beauty, you can do that too.
The limiting factors are going to be the no sunscreen rule, the brutal Mexican sun, and whether or not you have enough food and drinks with you. To protect your skin, you’ll want to pack a long-sleeve bathing suit (AKA rashghard or swimming shirt).
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Best Laguna Kaan Luum Tours
Interested in a Laguna Kaan Luum tour? There are two main reasons to head to this turquoise lagoon on an organized Kaan Luum Lagoon tour.
1️⃣ First, you might be a solo traveler. Going with a group can be a lot more fun and provide opportunities to make new friends as opposed to going on your own.
2️⃣ Second, you might not have much time in the area, and you want to see everything you can, including several other nearby cenotes, like you will on this Kaan Luum Lagoon tour.
Both of these reasons make choosing a Kaan Luum Lagoon tour a practical choice.
You won’t have to worry about transportation or logistics, or waste time trying to figure things out. Instead, you can just enjoy each spot on your tour and take pictures.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
How to Get to Laguna Kaan Luum On Your Own
Thanks to its proximity to Tulum Beach, Kaan Luum Laguna is super easy to access. It is right off Highway 307, and only about a 10-minute drive from Downtown Tulum, the main area in magical beach town.
Depending on your departure city, you can get to Kaan Luum by rental car, scooter, bike, or colectivo (shared van).
Note: The colectivo option involves walking 1.2 miles (2 km) in the Tulum heat, so it’s not ideal.
🚘 Want to rent a car in Tulum Mexico? I book all my Mexico rental cars with Discover Cars because they have free cancelation and great rates.
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Can you visit Kaan Luum on your own from Tulum?
Yes — You can easily visit Kaan Luum Lagoon on your own, and you have several options to do so. Keep reading for the 5 best ways to get to Laguna Kaan Luum from Tulum on your own.
1. Drive your Tulum rental car
The best way to get to Laguna Kaan Luum is via a rental car, allowing you to travel the whole Yucatan Peninsula. For more info on Mexico car rentals, head to Renting a Car in Tulum: Everything You Need to Know.
As someone who lives in Mexico and travels often, I personally use and recommend Discover Cars for all my rentals.
This company’s search feature will check prices at both local Mexico companies and large international companies so you get the best rates.
2. Kaan Luum Bus or Colectivo
Although moving around Mexico by bus or colectivo (small, shared van) is usually a good idea, I would not recommend it in this case because public transportation will leave you on the main road.
From there, you will have to walk for another mile (1.6 km) to get to the lagoon itself.
🥵 With the Tulum heat and humidity, this is not very convenient — though the colectivo is inexpensive, so if you’re traveling to Tulum on a budget, this is definitely the way to go.
3. Hire a private driver or take a taxi
To get to the lagoon from Tulum, catching a taxi from your hotel or downtown is easy.
Or, you can upgrade by arranging a private driver — a great option if you want a local guide to get you around for the day.
Additionally, hiring a driver frees you from transportation worries on your way back to Tulum.
4. Tulum Bike Rentals
Renting a bike in Tulum is one of the best way to get around — so kick-start your day with a dose of physical activity!
Grab a bike and pedal the seven miles (5 km) from downtown Tulum to Kaan Luum Lagoon. It should take about 35 minutes, and you can celebrate at the end by jumping into the cenote’s refreshing waters.
5. Tulum Scooter Rentals & ATV Rentals
If you’re planning to check out the cenote on your own, renting a scooter or ATV (also called 4X4 or quad) is a great alternative to hiring a taxi.
It’s also a unique and enjoyable option to get around without having to rent a car in Tulum.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
How to get from Cancun to Kaan Luum
Rental cars are a great affordable option for traveling from Cancun to the lagoon. This will also give you the option of making it a single or multi day trip and visiting numerous great destinations along your route.
If you don’t like the idea of driving yourself, you can book this private driver or tourist transfer to Tulum or take the ADO bus.
Tulum offers plenty of options for traveling the last 7 miles to the lagoon, from bike and scooter rentals to taxi rides.
- Cancun to Laguna Kaan Luum Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
- Cancun to Laguna Kaan Luum Travel Time: About 2 hours in normal traffic
- View route on Google Maps
laguna kaan luum Mexico
How to get from Playa del Carmen to Kaan Luum
Considering a trip to Lagoon Kaan Luum from Playa del Carmen? Booking a rental car is your best choice because you’ll be in charge of your itinerary and you can make all the stops you like.
However, you can also hire a private driver, take a taxi (though that’ll be expensive), or travel to Tulum by ADO bus.
- Playa del Carmen to Laguna Kaan Luum Distance: 46 miles (75 km)
- Playa del Carmen to Laguna Kaan Luum Travel Time: About 1 hour in normal traffic
- View route on Google Maps
laguna kaan luum Mexico
How to get from Valladolid to Kaan Luum
If you’re in the charming colonial town of Valladolid, a rental car will get you to Laguna Kaan Luum with the greatest speed and ease.
However, you can also travel by ADO bus or hire a private driver for the day.
- Valladolid to Laguna Kaan Luum Distance: 71 miles (113 km)
- Valladolid to Laguna Kaan Luum Travel Time: About 1.5 hours in normal traffic
- View route on Google Maps
Now, this is a long trip, at 3.5-4 hours each way, so if you’re looking for cenotes near Merida, check out these 30 Best Merida Cenotes You Must Visit.
If you still want to go, but don’t fancy driving all that distance yourself, you can also hire a private driver.
Alternatively, take an ADO bus to Tulum, then take a taxi to Kaan Luum Lagoon to go the final distance.
- Merida to Laguna Kaan Luum Distance: 167 miles (269 km)
- Merida to Laguna Kaan Luum Travel Time: About 3.5-4 hours in normal traffic
- View route on Google Maps
laguna kaan luum Mexico
What do I bring to Laguna Kaan Luum?
Wondering what to bring to Kaan Luum and the what to pack for Tulum cenotes? You’re not alone!
Since this will likely be your first visit to any of the best Mexico cenotes, you’re probably unsure what to take and what to leave home. Don’t worry — I’m here to help.
Below, you’ll find a list of seven things you need to consider when making your Tulum cenotes packing list.
This list will come in handy for other places too, beyond just Laguna Kaan Luum & Cenote.
If you’re visiting any cenotes in Tulum (or cenotes near Tulum), like Cenote Sac Actun, Laguna Nopalitos, Neek Lagoon Tulum, don’t forget the things you see below.
1. Go Pro Waterproof Camera
- 5.3K 60 Ultra HD Video
- 27 Megapixel Photos
- Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Image Stabilization
- Webcam with Live Streaming
- 1/1.9 Image Sensor
- Whats Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
If you’ve been considering getting a GoPro Hero, photogenic Laguna Kaan Luum Yucatan is the perfect place to put it to good use.
📸 Looking for an inexpensive GoPro alternative? I recommend this Akaso EK7000, an Amazon Best Seller.
2. Long Sleeve Bathing Suit (AKA Rash guard or Swim shirt)
🚨 In case you didn’t know: Sunscreen is prohibited in ALL cenotes!
That’s right: You’re not allowed to wear sunscreen of any kind in the lagoon (even eco-friendly sunscreens and reef safe sunscreens) because they can harm the natural environment.
However, you will want sun protection, so opt for these long sleeve bathing suits and even these waterproof sun hats so you don’t end up with a bad sunburn on your Tulum vacation.
3. Mask and Snorkel
- 180° Panoramic View
- Anti-Fog and Anti-Leak Dry Snorkel Technology
- Made of High Quality PC and Medical Grade Silicone
- Detachable Camera Mount (Fits GoPro, Akaso, and most models)
- Adjustable straps designed for comfort in the water
You can snorkel in Laguna Kaan Luum to see the rocks underneath and all the little fish.
For those who want to conserve luggage space, these small goggles and this roll up snorkel are a great option, but this combo mask and snorkel is the best option for snorkeling in Laguna Kaan Luum.
🤿 Note: If you don’t want to bring your own snorkel and mask, you can also rent them — though it’s always more sanitary to have your own.
4. Water Shoes
One of the best Laguna Kaan Luum travel tips: Don’t forget to buy and bring your water shoes! As cenotes are natural pools, most have slippery rocks, muddy ground, etc.
Water shoes also help you not slip in general, especially when walking down any staircase entryways.
5. Waterproof Phone Holder
If you’re planning to take Instagrammable cenote photos, this inexpensive waterproof phone holder that goes around your neck really comes in handy.
With these, you can take them in water and capture the Tulum cenotes from all angles.
6. Waterproof Fanny Pack
This waterproof fanny pack is another great option. Not only are they cute, but it will also hold all your valuables, not just your phone. Keep all your belongings on you in a waterproof waist bag.
7. Quick Dry Towel
This quick dry towel is one of the best things to throw in your suitcase when packing for Mexico, and will definitely come in handy when you visit the cenotes and Yucatan beaches.
Best Things to Do at Kaan Luum Tulum
Climb the Laguna Kaan Luum Mirador (Viewing Platform)
Another thing you won’t want to miss during a visit to the lagoon is the viewing platform or Mirador.
📸 Note: Sapping a picture from here is a must, as it’s one of the quintessential Laguna Kaan Luum photos spots.
The top of this tower offers spectacular views of the multi-hued water, the deep Cenote Kaan Luum in the center, and the thick verdant trees surrounding the area.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Can you go swimming at Laguna Kaan Luum?
Yes — Since the depth of the lagoon ranges from 4 to 6 feet deep (in the portion you’re allowed to access), swimming here is very safe. Life jackets are available for rent if you need them.
The deep section is marked off with ropes and posts, ensuring no one wanders over the edge by accident. There are no waves, no sargassum seaweed, and gallons and gallons of sparkling water.
You can even take a break from swimming to enjoy a healing Laguna de Kaan Luum mud bath.
The clay on the bottom of the lagoon is said to have healing properties, so don’t pass up the chance to make this a spa day at Kaan Luum 🧖♀️
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding at Laguna Kaan Luum
Paddling around the edge of the lagoon is a fun way to spend an hour or so and mix up the activities.
🚣🏼♀️ Kayaks and paddleboard rentals cost approximately $120 MXN (about $7 USD) per hour.
Keep in mind that rentals are subject to availability. If you want to go paddleboarding in Tulum, Kaan Luum is one of the most popular places, so you’ll want to show up early in the day to make sure you get a rental without waiting.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Can you go snorkeling at Laguna Kaan Luum?
Yes — Though there aren’t any coral reefs at Kaan Luum Lagoon, you still might see some fish, even if there’s limited visibility.
In fact, there are lots of little fish in the lagoon that will dart around you and nibble on your skin while you’re swimming. You actually feel them more than you see them, depending on the water clarity that day.
If you visit on a clear day with great visibility, you can get a closer look at these cuties by bringing your snorkel gear and mask 🐠
For the best change of seeing fish, explore the edges of the lagoon and look for fish among the mangrove roots.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Can you go diving at Laguna Kaan Luum?
Yes — Kaan Luum Lagoon diving is possible, but you have to dive with a certified guide because this is a very deep underwater cave.
Cenote diving is a popular activity in the Riviera Maya — and yes, Kaan Luum is a cenote. In fact, Laguna Kaan Luum is characterized by its unique cenote, a natural sinkhole connected to an underground river system.
If you’re scuba certified, the 262-foot-deep section in the center of Kaan Luum might have caught your attention. (In meters, Kaan Luum Lagoon is 80-meters-deep).
Because of the stunning depths of this cenote, it is only suitable for highly experienced divers, including dive masters and cave divers.
🤿 Note: Laguna Kaan Luum diving is not offered by all Tulum dive shops, and this includes the popular La Calypso Dive Center. However, there are other options for diving Tulum cenotes, like this Tulum Cenotes Diving Tulum Tour with Eduardo.
Laguna Kaan Luum Mexico: FAQ & Travel Guide
What’s the closest city to Laguna Kaan Luum?
The beach city of Tulum is the closest city to Laguna Kaan Luum, and in fact, Kaan Luum is located in Tulum.
While Tulum is famous for its beaches, ATV tours, entertainment, nightlife, and party scene — don’t forget to add Laguna Kaan Luum to your Tulum itinerary. With so many things to do in Tulum, it’s still well worth a visit.
🚙 Tulum to Laguna Kaan Luum Travel info
- Downtown Tulum to Laguna Kaan Luum Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
- Tulum to Laguna Kaan Luum Travel Time: About 15 minutes in normal traffic
- View route on Google Maps
How to get to Laguna Kaan Luum from Tulum is easy because the lagoon is only seven miles (5 km) away from Tulum Town. Note: Tulum Town is also called Tulum Pueblo or Downtown Tulum.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Is there parking at Laguna Kaan Luum?
Yes — If you’re arriving in your own vehicle (whether a scooter, ATV, bike or a Tulum rental car), you can make use of the FREE parking lot at Laguna Kaan Luum.
The Kaan Luum parking lot is located right next to the ticket office — so you can just park your car, pay for admission, and enjoy the swimming in this best Tulum cenote.
What NOT to do? Laguna Kaan Luum Pro Tips
1. Sunscreen is not allowed at Kaan Luum
The oils and chemicals in lotion and sunscreen (even eco-friendly sunscreens) will harm the cenotes.
Please do your part to practice sustainable tourism in Mexico by not applying lotion, inspect spray and/or sunscreen on the day you plan to visit Laguna Kaan Luum.
When you are out of the lagoon, then you’re free to apply sunscreen, and this Bullfrog Anti-Bug SPF 50 Sunscreen is great for both sun protection and mosquito protection.
2. Don’t visit Kaan Luum on weekends (If you can help it)
There have been quite a few mentions throughout this article about this being one of the most Instagram-worthy cenotes in Mexico. On that note, remember the Instagram vs. Reality factor when you’re planning to visit.
If you want those people-less Instagram photos, try to visit Laguna Kaan Luum on a Tuesday morning at 9am when they open because there will likely be no one else there.
If you can’t, no worries! This is a huge cenote and lagoon, so you’ll still find some space.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
What are cenotes?
A cenote is a deep sinkhole in the natural limestone floor, which exposes the freshwater underground. This sunken-in area forms a natural a pool (or cenote), and these cenotes are found especially in Yucatan Mexico.
The word “sinkhole” describes the process of how the cenotes came to be. At one time, all cenotes were encased in the Yucatan Peninsula’s native limestone rock.
Over time, some rock has eroded, collapsed, and “sunk in” to reveal the water beneath — which is the cenote water we can now swim in.
🛑 Just want a short answer to, What is a cenote? Mexico’s cenotes are natural freshwater pools located primarily in the Yucatan Mayan jungle.
The cenotes aren’t individual pools, but rather the same water that comes from massive freshwater rivers flowing beneath the Yucatan Peninsula. In fact, some cenote water comes from the largest underground river on Earth, the Sistema Sac Actun.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
How many cenotes are there?
There are about 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula — the largest concentration of cenotes found anywhere on Earth.
How do you pronounce cenote?
Cenote pronunciation is sen-no-tay, and sen-no-tays in plural.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
What are the 4 types of cenotes?
Of the (approx.) 6,000 cenotes in Yucatan, there are four distinct types of cenotes: open, semi-open, cave, and diving cenotes.
Each type is unique and beautiful in its own way, so make sure to visit as many types of Mexican cenotes as you can.
1. Open Cenotes
You may see these called “swimming pool cenotes,” as they are completely open and look like a natural swimming pool — like Cenote Azul, Cenote Zacil-Ha and Gran Cenote.
2. Semi-Open Cenotes
These cenotes are semi-encased in their native limestone rock. Semi-open cenotes have large walls surrounding the pool itself, and a large hole in the top of it so some sunlight gets in — like Cenote Ik-Kil.
3. Closed Cenotes in Caves
Cave cenotes are exactly as the name says. These are located underground in a cave, and you’ll have to access them by going down some stairs — like Cenote Suytun.
4. Dive Cenotes for Diving
The final type is also located inside a cave, but the water in these cenotes is much deeper so they are sought out for diving — like Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote El Pit and Cenote Calavera.
🤿 Note: You must be certified for Mexico cenote diving! For those who are, check out this Cenotes Scuba Diving Tulum Tour — which has great reviews on Tripadvisor.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
What’s some Laguna Kaan Luum Lagoon history?
Kaan Luum Cenote Tulum is an open-air cenote, formed by underground rivers that ate away at the limestone bedrock of the Yucatan Peninsula. Likely a cave at one point, the roof of the cavern has since fallen in, exposing it to the sky.
For the Mayan people of ancient times, cenotes were considered portals to the underworld. They were often used as means of communication with the gods.
Kaan luum means “yellow earth” in the Maya language. This name is thanks to the yellow clay that’s found there — perfect for a mud bath.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Are there crocodiles in Laguna Kaan Luum?
🐊 Worried you’ll encounter Kaan Luum lagoon crocodiles? These reptiles are typically nocturnal, so your chances of encountering one are pretty slim, even in the unlikely event a crocodile is in the area.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Are there lifeguards at Kaan Luum Lagoon?
No — There aren’t Kaan Luum Lagoon lifeguards, but the water is very shallow, and there are no currents, waves or tides, so it’s easy to stay safe.
laguna kaan luum Mexico
Is Laguna Kaan Luum dangerous?
No — Laguna Kaan Luum is not dangerous, even if you aren’t a strong swimmer. Thanks to its shallow depths, it’s a safe place to swim and float, and there are no waves and no tides to worry about.
Although the central part of this lagoon is incredibly deep, only scuba divers with a certified guide can enter this area.
Ropes separating the shallow and deep sections ensure visitors won’t accidentally stumble into the blue hole at Kaan Luum.
Final Thoughts: Laguna Kaan Luum Tulum Guide
Tranquil turquoise waters, hammocks, and fabulous views make Laguna Kaan Luum a marvelous place to visit.
The unique shallow edges of this open-air cenote make it an ideal spot to swim, splash around, relax in an over-water hammock, or meander around the edges in a kayak.
Thanks to its proximity to Tulum, Laguna Kaan Luum is one of the easiest cenotes to access.
With the travel tips in this article, you’re sure to have a wonderful time! Drop in for a few hours, or take a picnic and spend the whole day.
Additional Tulum Cenote Blogs
Looking for more info on Tulum cenotes? Smart choice, as the cenotes are some of the top sites you can’t miss when you visit Tulum. Check out these additional Tulum cenote guides: