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Yal Ku Lagoon is a renowned snorkeling spot located amidst a gorgeous setting. Its series of shallow pools and bays sheltered from waves and currents make it an ideal snorkeling location for beginners. Marine life isn’t thriving here (few species do appreciate the fresh water pouring in from Cenotes rivers) and the entrance cost is quite high, but this uncommon place is still worth a visit. Don’t hesitate to add Akumal Bay to your snorkeling day, it is located 1 mile from Yal Ku and sea turtles are to be seen there.

Snorkeling the Yal Ku Lagoon, Mexico
Many ladders set on the rocks allow snorkelers to easily enter the lagoon.

How to get to Yal Ku Lagoon for snorkeling?

Yal Ku Lagoon is located 1mi from the small village of Akumal, about 22mi South of Playa del Carmen and 15mi North of Tulum. If you’re driving, take “Akumal” exit from federal road 3017 and head to the village. From there, the “Yal Ku” signs will easily lead you to the park entrance.

If you prefer public transports, collectivos or more classic busses, the nearest stop is “Akumal”. Busses don’t stop closer to Yal Ku: consider taking a cab from Akumal.

The entrance fee to the lagoon is 14 US dollars (200 mex. pesos) per person for a whole day. You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it on site. Please note that the use of sunscreen and mosquito repellent is forbidden in the park in order to preserve the fragile marine environment.

Yal Ku Lagoon snorkeling map, Mexico

Entering the water at Yal Ku Lagoon

The site is equipped with numerous stairways for a safe water entrance; many of them are located close to the park entrance.

Yal Ku Lagoon snorkeling tips and recommendations

Yal Ku lagoon is perfectly fit for snorkeling: its shallow waters (3-12ft/1-3m) are sheltered from waves and currents. The site is made of a bay and a network of channels fringed with rocks and mangrove swamps.

Start with snorkeling the small rocky pools connected to each other. This area, close to the entrance and easily accessible through the stairways and ladders set on the shore, is logically the busiest. Swimming forward, you will enter the less crowded center of the lagoon (↕6-10ft/2-3m). Beware tidal currents that can sometimes appear in the area.

Mullet fish at Yal Ku Lagoon, Mexico
Schools of mullets are one of the most common sights in the lagoon.

The seabed is mainly made of large smooth rocks, sometimes covered with seaweed. Fringing some areas, mangroves add an original touch to the landscape. You will spot a lot of fish in the lagoon, but few different species dwell here.

You will mainly see sergeant majors, sometimes only a few centimeters underneath the water surface. Mullets, Bermuda chub and garfish, hunting right underneath the water surface, are also amongst the most frequent species to be spotted here. A little less frequent but still easy to spot are blue tang and doctorfish tang.

This lagoon is a place where fresh and saltwater meet, and underwater visibility can be poor in some places. A lot of snorkelers here are beginners: beware collisions and fin strokes!

Sergeant Major at Yal Ku Lagoon, Mexico
Sergeants are commonly seen in rocky areas.

Restaurants and accommodation in Yal Ku Lagoon

There is a snack bar inside the park. Numerous options, including restaurants, convenience stores, and hotels, can also be found only 1 mile from here, in Akumal.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth12ft/3m
  • Water entranceEasy, from ladders
  • LifeguardYes
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costs200 mexican pesos/14USD
  • Restaurants nearbyYes
  • Public toilets & showersYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.