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Things to Do in Akumal
Yal-ku Lagoon

Yal-ku Lagoon, Akumal: Hours, Address, Yal-ku Lagoon Reviews: 4/5

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Yal-ku Lagoon

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Yal-ku Lagoon
4
3,102
#9 of 14 things to do in Akumal
Bodies of Water
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Admission tickets
from $15.50
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
Top ways to experience Yal-ku Lagoon
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
47 within 3 miles
La Lunita
997
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Caribbean • Seafood
La Buena Vida
4,210
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • American • Bar
Taverna Akumal
736
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Seafood
Imelda's Ecocina Akumal
217
1 mi$ • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly
Turtle Bay Cafe & Bakery
2,087
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Mexican • American
Loncheria Akumalito
260
1 mi$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
La Cueva del Pescador
1,226
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Caribbean • Latin
Lol-Ha on Akumal Main Bay
1,797
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Bar • Seafood
Lucy's Homemade Ice Cream
231
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert
Tequilaville
384
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Bar • Seafood
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Attractions
16 within 6 miles
Yal-kú Park
2
381 ftNature & Wildlife Areas
Half Moon Bay
519
0.4 miBodies of Water • Beaches
Akumal Beach
13,486
1.1 miBeaches
Cenote Santa Cruz
708
1.3 miCaverns & Caves
Centro Ecologico Akumal
503
1.1 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Dolphin Discovery Tulum - Akumal
1,423
1.8 miSwim with Dolphins
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals
1,354
1.7 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Mayamar
197
2.7 miParks
Aktun Chen
2,172
2.8 miBodies of Water • Caverns & Caves
Hekab Be Biblioteca de Akumal
63
1 miLibraries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
3,103 reviews
Excellent
1,672
Very good
835
Average
364
Poor
147
Terrible
85
GlobeTrotting707478
7 contributions
Cold but very nice.
Great lagoon to snorkel in. Not too many people but more were coming as we left. It was a s Sunday. I would do this lagoon again.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TarraS
McAlester, OK22 contributions
So many lovely fish to see
Family
For me this is still a wonderful place to snorkel. Relaxing, no hassle , plenty of space and so many lovely fish. I had been here 12 years ago and the water is certainly not near as clear. What is the cause?? Not sure but the entire area of beaches are full of sargassum, a seaweed-like algae. I feel this bad right now here.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barny D
Milton Keynes, UK38 contributions
Choose between two operators
Family
Worth knowing that there are two operators with access to the lagoon. The one on the left is a bit more low key; less shade, more basic facilities but cheaper.

The one on the right is more up market but more expensive. In the end, you are there for the water and both have access to the whole lagoon.

We swam as far as the marker bouys and the current is stronger there so not so good for weaker swimmers. Also there are fewer fish further from the jetties. Visibility is poor near the jetties so you need to swim far enough away to be able to see but not so far that there are fewer fish.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
charlie k
4 contributions
Revisit
Couples
First visited 2018 on a tour, felt we were a little rushed. Returned 2022 to find it has improved with changing area ,lockers and cafe.
This time arrived by taxi from hotel and had more leisure time. Had first snorkel then came out enjoyed the sunshine then returned to snorkel again. Saw so many fish and a ray. Water in some areas is brackish which affects visibility. Life jackets are mandatory which is an extra $6.. Does get busy with tour groups, just swim the opposite way and it's fine. Set in pretty grounds with sculptures. Great day out.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
antheunis jean-pierre
Ghent, Belgium51 contributions
All kinds of wonderful sealife
Couples
We came back yesterday from 2 weeks Akumal. Our touroperator in the hotel told us about the place. We stayed at Akumal bay. It was about 6 miles on foot. But what a place. It’s only 30 US dollars. Including snorkel gear and life jacket. It’s mandatory to wear one. But you have to see the Laguun. It’s beyond words. The sea life you see is breathtaking. You can spend all day in the water. But take my advice and come early. The place is a must go!!!!
We had lots of fun
Great place, awesome experience
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan K
Baltimore, MD6 contributions
Excellent place for snorkeling!
Friends
The entire trip was simply marvelous. We saw countless times and sizes of fish, and the whole experience was magical. Highly recommend.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kevin E
Brookfield, WI56 contributions
Brackish water ruins the visibility
Solo
The setting is beautiful, staff are friendly, and the collection of fish is awesome but it’s ALL FOR NOT because the brackish water (mix of fresh and salt) ruins the visibility. I thought there was something wrong with my mask but after snorkeling elsewhere and doing some research I learned it was the brackish water that distorts visibility. The place is also very crowded with people that have likely never snorkeled before. I’m glad that I saw it because it is a beautiful and unique setting but as far as snorkeling goes it was one of the worst ever. A similar review from another reviewer from 2015 is accurate.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PrincessPinky
Manchester, UK87 contributions
Off the tourist route
Couples
Lovely area that isn’t that touristy. Not too expensive to enter and parking is included. Easy to access the lagoon and the only slight issue is there are no lockers or anywhere to leave your things. It is safe to leave things but can be a little disconcerting. Food and drinks are available too
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tonypusa
Seattle, WA107 contributions
Lots of fishes! I liked it.
Was just here on Tuesday.

I think the reviews that say there are no fishes are just bots or paid negative reviewers from competition. There are tons of fish here.

We saw a huge yellow moray eel, at least a meter long! No idea what it was doing in the lagoon and not hiding in a hole. Also saw a mini barracuda. Lots of parrotfish. It was good fun.

Even saw a hawk like bird flying in the air, carrying away a fish.

That being said, it is a bit crowded with the tour groups.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gnatty8
Philadelphia, PA82 contributions
Little Underwhelming
I have been taking my kids to Akumal for 10 years now, and finally, after a half dozen visits without seeing Yal-ku, we decided to give it a shot. Was pretty underwhelmed, especially for the price, which did NOT include a life vest (extra $6) and which I would highly recommend if you have anyone who is not a strong swimmer, since there are long stretches of deep water. Water was cloudy, very crowded, and didn't see a single fish entire time we were there.
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Yal-ku Lagoon
Yal-ku Lagoon is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Yal-ku Lagoon admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $15.50, while a popular guided tour starts around $89.00 per person. See all 25 Yal-ku Lagoon tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
Yal-ku Lagoon can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 25 Yal-ku Lagoon tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near Yal-ku Lagoon: View all restaurants near Yal-ku Lagoon on Tripadvisor