Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsLagoon Layer has 72 fossils to collect in Donkey Kong Bananza: 61 Normal Ammonite, 10 Rare Anomalocaris, and one Extra-Rare Whale Fossil. The fossils are spread across SL100, SL101, and SL102. Use the linked maps for exact pins, then use Hand Slap sonar to find fossils that are hidden above or below your position.
How many fossils are in Lagoon Layer?
Nintendo Life’s July 22, 2025 guide counts 72 fossils across the three Lagoon Layer sections: SL100, SL101, and SL102.
| Fossil type | Rarity | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonite | Normal | 61 |
| Anomalocaris | Rare | 10 |
| Whale | Extra-Rare | 1 |
For the exact pin locations, use the three section maps in Nintendo Life’s fossil location guide. Its maps show the pins for SL100, SL101, and SL102; the pin-by-pin coordinates are not listed in the page text.
How to find the fossils on the maps
- Open the fossil map for the section you are exploring: SL100, SL101, or SL102.
- Travel to a marked pin, then use Hand Slap to check for the fossil. A pin marks the area, but the fossil may be above or below you rather than directly at your current height.
- Follow the sonar direction and search around the marked spot until you uncover the collectible.
- Check the map’s fossil collection stats using the Y button to see your progress.
Nintendo’s official tips for Donkey Kong’s mitts explain that Hand Slap sonar can point toward nearby points of interest. Treasure chests may also contain fossil maps, which can help reveal collectibles as you explore.
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How to get the Whale Fossil
The Extra-Rare Whale Fossil has a specific route on SL101 near the Salvagers Landing checkpoint. Nintendo Life’s guide describes this sequence:
- Restore the water level to its maximum.
- Swim to the raised platform near Salvagers Landing on SL101.
- Climb the rock face from the platform.
- Punch the Whale Fossil repeatedly to collect it.
This is the one fossil in the layer with a distinct water-level and climbing route; use the map pins and sonar to locate the remaining Ammonite and Anomalocaris fossils.
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What fossils are used for
Nintendo says fossils can be traded for new outfits at local Style Shops, and outfits may provide benefits. The official description is on Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bananza exploration page. For another visual reference to the complete set, IGN’s video guide to all 72 Lagoon Layer fossils includes segments for the Rare fossils and the legendary fossil.
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