Yal-Ku Lagoon: A Cenote on the Surface

When was the last time you swam in a river as it joins the sea? There are a few places you can do that in the Riviera Maya, such as the Yal-Ku Lagoon, where you can experience the clash of two very different ecosystems.

Where is the Yal-Ku Lagoon?

Yal-Ku is in Akumal, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum—a 45-minute drive should do it. If you’re using public transportation, it might take you a little longer, as there are a couple of stretches you have to cover on foot.

Access Points

There are three ways you can access the Yal-Ku lagoon. In Yal-Ku Akumal Lagoon and Snorkel and the Xel-Ha Eco Park, you can rent all the necessary equipment—snorkel, mask, and lifejacket—and both places have showers and bathrooms. Xel-Ha Eco Park has lockers to store your belongings as well. The third way is via Aventura Maya adventure tours, as they offer a visit to Yal-Ku.

In the Yal-Ku Lagoon

A lagoon such as Yal-Ku is formed when the currents from the underground rivers reach the surface and make their way to the ocean across the land. Imagine the incredible vistas this complicated and long process creates.

Without a doubt, snorkeling is the main attraction. The crystalline water is a window to all kinds of views, plants, and animals, such as colorful fish or bigger creatures like rays and barracudas. You’ll find wildlife above the surface as well, as the birds look for a snack among the mangroves.

What’s your snorkeling technique? Why not let your lifejacket do the heavy lifting? Lay on your stomach and float around breathing through your snorkel. The currents at Yal-Ku are not too strong and the water level is mostly shallow, so don’t worry too much about getting carried out to sea.

You can have a snack or two, provided you don’t leave any trash behind. There are no restaurants or cafeterias inside Yal-Ku, but there are quite a few in the surrounding area. If you have a Yal-Ku Akumal Lagoon bracelet, you can come and go as you please until the afternoon.