If you’re reading this you probably already know that Lake Atitlan is stunning, definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in Central America, possibly the world. An ancient crater lake surrounded by volcanoes, steep hills and traditional Mayan villages. So, obviously, it looks great. And, not surprisingly, Lake Atitlan swimming can be spectacular as well.
There is nothing quite like enjoying a morning swim in Lake Atitlan in crystal clear water with the three big Lake Atitlan volcanoes looming in the background. We’ve been swimming in Lake Atitlan since 2010 and most mornings are calm and gorgeous, perfect for a long exercise swim, some adventurous cliff jumping or maybe just some relaxing floating.
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Usually the wind starts to pick up later in the morning and by afternoon there are more waves, although rarely any big enough to stop you from swimming altogether. The Lake Atitlan water temperature is cool but pleasant, like a Canadian lake in July, for those that can appreciate that reference, or simply “fairly cold” for everyone else.
Now, to answer the most common question about Lake Atitlan (although you can probably guess where we’ll land on the issue):
Can you swim in Lake Atitlan?
Yes, most of the lake is perfectly safe for swimming. Not everywhere, though. Unfortunately, Guatemala has a long way to go when it comes to environmental practices. While efforts have been made to improve things in the villages of Lake Atitlan, there is more pollution than there should be. As a result, some places are better than others for swimming in Lake Atitlan.
Avoiding the busiest dock areas in front of the main village drainage is the first step. Yes, I do understand that water doesn’t just stay in one place and tends to mingle. However, one thing Lake Atitlan has going for it is that it is very deep, like, over 300 metres deep, so it holds a LOT of water. Which means that the farther you get from the source of the pollution, the cleaner the water tends to be.
Lake Atitlan Swimming Safety
For the most part, we feel that swimming in Lake Atitlan is safe. We have visited Lake Atitlan annually since 2010, swim several times per week and have never noticed any ill effects. Which isn’t definitive, of course, but it lets you know where we stand on the issue. I wouldn’t drink it or anything, though.
For us, the more pressing concern is boat traffic. The lanchas of Lake Atitlan buzz back and forth between the villages constantly from morning until night. And, while most of the “capitans” are good, conscientious drivers, there are always a few cowboys who like to go really fast and don’t always pay attention.
So, when swimming in Lake Atitlan it is always a good idea to stay close to shore and be especially alert whenever you’re near a dock in case a boat suddenly appears to drop someone off or pick someone up. Some people also tie colourful flotation devices to themselves to make them more noticeable. Not a bad idea, either, although I personally like to be able to dive down if necessary without anything holding me to the surface.
Another Lake Atitlan swimming danger is the sheer depth. The bottom of Lake Atitlan is over 300 metres down at the deepest point and even though it isn’t nearly that deep around the edges, it does drop off very quickly. This is definitely not one of those leisurely Thai beaches where you can walk out for hundreds of metres before the water goes above your knees.
No, if you are going to swim in Lake Atitlan, you need to actually know how to swim. Not wade, or frolic, or splash around giddily, or just bake in the sun in a lawn chair. Actually swim. But if you can do that, you should have no problem, since there are no giant waves, no strong current and no dangerous undertow.
And, as crazy as it sounds, we have had people ask if there are crocodiles in Lake Atitlan. The answer, to the best of my knowledge, is absolutely not. No crocodiles, alligators, dugongs or piranha. Just the occasional fish and, apparently, some crabs, although you literally never see them.
Finally, even though it doesn’t happen very often, we should address the dreaded “algae bloom”. Normally the Lake Atitlan water quality is quite good but, historically, every 5-10 years Lake Atitlan has suffered an algae bloom, caused by cyanobacteria in the water. When the algae appears, it changes the colour of the lake and causes an unpleasant smell, both of which are pretty obvious indicators to stop swimming.
These algae blooms are caused by many different things and can occur naturally, although in most cases they are triggered by a combination of natural materials, fertilizers and sewage. The most recent occurrences in Lake Atitlan were in 2009 and 2015.
Now, obviously, when there is an algae bloom you’ll want to stay out of the water. We have never had problems any other time, however. I am not a scientist and have never attempted to test the water (except by looking at it really closely through my reading glasses, maybe) but our personal experience has always been fine.
Lake Atitlan Quick Links
Now, here are some of our most popular Lake Atitlan posts to help you plan your trip to the best destination in Guatemala.
The Ultimate Guide to Lake Atitlan
Where to Stay: The Best Hotels on Lake Atitlan
Best Yoga Retreats on Lake Atitlan
Best Places to Swim in Lake Atitlan
Ok, now that we’ve covered all the practicalities of swimming in Lake Atitlan, it’s finally time for the fun stuff. Where should you go for the best Lake Atitlan swimming, and what can you expect when you get there?
Now, first of all, this list is purely subjective. But we’ve been coming to the lake for over a decade and these are pretty much the only places we would swim in Lake Atitlan. They are all at least a little way from the main population areas and all offer an intriguing range of benefits, from peace and quiet to adrenalin-inducing jumps to social beach settings.
Bottom line: whatever type of Lake Atitlan swimming you are looking for, you should be able to find an option that suits.
1. Reserva Natural del Cerro Tzankujil
This lovely protected park area next to San Marcos is easily the most organized place to swim in Lake Atitlan. There are nice walking paths, fantastic views, comfortable lounging areas and, best of all, several platforms specifically designed for leaping into the lake (known as “las trampolinas”).
The Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve platforms are at a variety of heights – including a monster 12-metre jump which I emphatically have not tried myself – and there are also plenty of rocks that can be used for the same purpose. Performers will love the chance to entertain passing boats, as well. However, it is worth mentioning that people hurt themselves jumping off these platforms on practically a daily basis. Please don’t jump from a height above your comfort level and if you do choose one of the highest ones, remember the golden rules – limbs in, legs crossed. No belly flops, no flailing arms (dislocated shoulders aren’t uncommon).
But don’t worry, even if you’re not looking for an adrenalin rush, there are lots of easy lake entry spots and even more places to simply hang out and enjoy the amazing weather and great views. They also rent kayaks and paddleboards if you’re looking to mix it up.
Yes, when it comes to water cleanliness, maybe it is a bit close to San Marcos but the area out at the point sees a lot more waves and overall water movement which, theoretically, keeps it a bit cleaner than the section right near the public dock.
The only other downside is that you need to pay 20Q to enter the park (15Q for Guatemalans), although this is good for the entire day if you want to come and go.
2. Pasajcap
Proximity bias? Maybe a bit. But no matter where you’re staying, the pleasant little bay in front of Pasajcap Rentals (i.e. Casa Pierre) is one of the best places to swim in Lake Atitlan.
We always stay at Pasajcap Rentals when we’re in Guatemala, partially because it has such easy access to a terrific swimming area. Our general weekly “schedule” involves 3 hiking days and 4 swimming days. And we have never gotten sick from the swimming (at least we’ve never noticed a connection).
The Pasajcap dock is private but there is also public access to the shoreline via a steep set of stairs leading down from the road. It is also a popular stop for people coming by water on kayaks or paddleboards.
Boats rarely have any reason to enter the bay and people looking to get a little more active can climb up the rocks at the end for some good jumping spots.
3. Punta Tzan Kumibal
Not to be confused with the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Preserve in San Marcos, this impressive rock outcropping at the end of Cerro Tzan Kumibal features an important Mayan religious site (although it is mainly just ruins these days), fantastic views and calm water in front of Colibri and Casa Floresta. Not everybody has access to the great swimming dock at Pasajcap but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy swimming in this wonderful nearby bay.
There are a number of rocks that can be used for jumping, all of which vary considerably depending on the current water level in the lake. You’ll often see white herons perched on the rocks and there is public access from the road.
4. Hotel Casa del Mundo
Located halfway between Jaibalito and Santa Cruz la Laguna with no road access, this excellent mid-range hotel features a number of nice docks and terraces at slightly different heights, making it a very easy place to swim.
Beside Casa del Mundo is a calm, sheltered bay that almost never sees any boat traffic, making this one of the safest Lake Atitlan swimming spots. The hotel has kayaks and paddleboards available for guests, or you can rent one in Santa Cruz or San Marcos and make your own way there.
And even if you decide to stay somewhere else on the lake, Casa del Mundo offers day passes for 50Q that allow you to use their facilities and enjoy the terrific swimming area.
5. Playa la Finca
This remote, black-sand beach between San Pedro and Santiago Atitlan is about as far as you can get from any busy village area, which theoretically makes it one of the cleaner places to swim in Lake Atitlan.
Plus, it’s an actual beach! And these aren’t exactly common around Lake Atitlan. So this is the perfect spot for those craving some sandy lounging time. There are also some pretty spectacular views of Toliman and Atitlan volcanoes from a much different angle than you get on the north side of the lake.
It takes roughly 45 minutes to walk to Playa la Finca from San Pedro but you can shorten this by taking a tuk-tuk to the end of the road, leaving you with just a pleasant 15-minute walk through forest and a few farms.
6. Playa las Cristalinas
The other decent beach on this side of the lake is Playa las Cristalinas, which is relatively close to San Juan la Laguna just off the road from San Pablo. This popular beach completely disappeared for a few years when the Lake Atitlan water level went way up but as it slowly dropped again, plain little Playa las Cristalinas has once again appeared.
It is certainly nothing fancy, with average, somewhat rough, brown sand. But the views are predictably exceptional and, unlike Playa la Finca, it is very accessible.
It is just a 2-minute walk downhill to the beach from a small parking area on the road above. You can also walk there from San Juan in about 15 minutes or access it by private boat.
It is one of the more popular places for Guatemalans to swim in Lake Atitlan and on weekends and holidays there might even be a stand or two selling snacks and drinks. And it gets VERY busy at Easter (Semana Santa).
7. Santa Cruz
I’m not entirely sure how clean the water is in front of Free Cerveza, one of the most popular backpacker hotels on Lake Atitlan, as it is fairly close to the main dock, but this is certainly the most social Lake Atitlan swimming spot.
Free Cerveza (at times there is a 5-7 free cerveza happy hour) is a very popular budget backpacker hostel and when everyone congregates on the docks and loungers out front it can get pretty festive. Kayakers, paddleboarders, swimmers, sunbathers, drinkers, music, etc. An honest to goodness beach party scene. Just without the actual beach.
Drinks and food are readily available in the restaurant and the atmosphere is exactly what a lot of Central American backpackers are looking for.
However, it isn’t the only option in the Santa Cruz bay. There are a few more docks with good lake access further west along the lakeshore path that each charge 20Q for use of their “zona recreativa”. Swimming and sunbathing, essentially. There are also a couple places to rent kayaks and paddleboards here.
8. Santa Catarina Palopo Hot Springs
Full disclosure, as cool as these hot springs are, they are actually located below the surface of the lake. So don’t envision a steaming hot soak with your arms draped over the edge of a tub while gazing out at the majesty of the lake.
It is, however, still a great place to swim because the entire vicinity around the springs shares in the warmth and this makes it a much more comfortable temperature. Not that the lake is particularly cold, but I don’t think anyone would describe it as balmy. At least not if they were being honest.
So swimming here is a comfortable temperature and kids often seem mesmerized by the contrasting heat and cold in different spots near the rocks. In addition, there are some good rocky ledges here for jumping or simply hanging out, and the entire area is a good distance from the dock. Which means less motor pollution and essentially no danger of getting in the way of passing lanchas.
Lake Atitlan Swimming Map
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Trip Planning Resources
Here is a list of the most important resources we use when planning our travels, all in one convenient spot. Full disclosure, when you use any of these links to reserve or sign up for something, we receive a small commission which is greatly appreciated. However, your price does not change and we have only included products and websites that we can honestly recommend.
- DuckDuckGo is now far and away the best search engine for travel planning. While Google still provides quick answers to a specific questions, the rest of the results are completely overrun by ads and big company sites with only vaguely related info. DuckDuckGo, on the other hand, still offers useful lists of firsthand articles and posts about potential destinations, perfect for planning your next trip.
- We book the majority of our hotels on Booking.com. With frequent stay discounts, thousands of reviews and free cancellation, it is very rare for us to have a bad hotel experience these days.
- Wise is by far the best international multicurrency bank account we’ve found. We can now send and receive money in half a dozen different currencies, convert to dozens more with no exchange premium and pay or withdraw local currencies. Highly recommended.
- When travelling we always get SIM cards with data for our phones. Local SIM cards are sometimes a bit cheaper but if you have a relatively new smartphone (iPhone XR or newer, Samsung S20 or newer) you can just buy an eSIM online, get a QR code by email and you’re good to go. After extensive research we have found that JetPac sim cards usually have the best coverage and prices.
- If you’re interested in local guided tours, including everything from city tours to cooking lessons to adventure activities, check out the huge range of options at Get Your Guide.
Swimming in Lake Atitlan Summary
In our personal opinion, we think swimming in Lake Atitlan is great. We’ve been doing it long enough to know we don’t suffer any ill effects and it is obviously one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever find to go for a swim.
So, whether you’re a long-distance specialist swimming all the way from Tzununa to San Marcos, a jumper looking for the next big leap or just someone who likes a refreshing dip with a view, you should be able to find the perfect place to swim in Lake Atitlan.
Other useful articles you may want to check out:
San Marcos la Laguna: Lake Atitlan’s Spiritual Village
San Juan la Laguna: Lake Atitlan’s Artistic Village
San Pedro la Laguna: Lake Atitlan’s Most Popular Village
Santa Cruz la Laguna: The Best Views on Lake Atitlan
Jaibalito: Lake Atitlan’s Quietest Village
Tzununá: Lake Atitlan’s Holistic Village
Pasajcap Rentals: The Best Place to Stay on Lake Atitlan
Panajachel Guatemala: Gateway to Stunning Lake Atitlan
Santa Catarina Palopó: Lake Atitlan’s Most Colourful Village
San Antonio Palopó: Lake Atitlan’s Pottery Village