Yal-ku Lagoon, Akumal: Hours, Address, Yal-ku Lagoon Reviews: 4/5
Yal-ku Lagoon
Yal-ku Lagoon
4
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
About
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from $15.50
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Top ways to experience Yal-ku Lagoon
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
nickyray55
Dallas, TX170 contributions
I am reading elsewhere that there is a main entrance where life jackets are required but that there is an alternative entrance at "the private residence" which is less commercial and most importantly where life jackets are not required. Does anyone know any details about this as I would prefer the latter?
drea
Toronto, Canada27 contributions
No, I am not aware of any private residence. And lifejackets are required to protect the marine life....
There is a fee? Can you enter with out a fee. We are staying there.
freebiekatt
Las Vegas, Nv.31 contributions
You can't avoid paying the fee. Even locals must pay a (reduced) fee to enjoy the facilities. In all fairness it's totally worth the $15 to enjoy the area. They have showers, bathrooms plus the lifejacket.
Luisalane9
Mexico City, Mexico
holaa! Saben si va a estar bierto la laguna el 1° de enero? gracias!
Verónica d
Cancun, Mexico176 contributions
La verdad no tengo idea, pero no creo. Hay varias compañÃas que no abren y otras si. Yo te recomendarÃa llamar para preguntar. Lo más seguro es que encuentres los números del parque en lÃnea.
Katerina Z
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Hola, ¿cuánto cuesta una visita independiente a la laguna y cómo llegar sin un automóvil desde Playa del Carmen?
ShelleyNick
Scarborough, UK14 contributions
Hi there. Is the snorkelling safe here? Are there sharks at this park?? We are coming in April and i know thats bull shark season and i am very nervous! Thank you. :)
mike j
North Las Vegas, NV24 contributions
No sharks but we saw lots of baby barracuda. They are harmless but might give you s little nibble
Rya14
Colorado Springs, CO11 contributions
Thanks for everyones info. Curious- how did you pay entrance and rental? Credit card? cash ? Dollars? Pesos?
How did you get there?
Last time we went we were close enough to ride bikes-
We will be there next week and considering a cab, uber or ...?
Thanks in advance for your help-
Renee
Chuck M
Ontario, Canada62 contributions
We took a taxi and when we finished snorkelling they attendants in the booth called for a taxi for us to leave. We paid in US dollars but used pesos for the taxi.
giorgiaUda
Cairns, Australia1 contribution
Ciao!è possibile effettuare l.accesso via mare con una barca propria?
MelKel17
West Palm Beach, FL10 contributions
Does Yal-ku have any crocodiles?
marc232015
Corona, CA74 contributions
Nope.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yal-ku Lagoon
- Yal-ku Lagoon is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 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
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Yal-ku Lagoon:
- Yal-Kú Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket (From $15.50)
- Tulum Guided Tour, Cenotes and Yal-kú Lagoon Snorkeling (From $151.84)
- Snorkel adventure in the Yal-Kú lagoon, + Underground Cenote (From $109.00)
- Mayan Adventure Snorkeling Tour from Cancun (From $129.00)
- VIP Cenotes Private Tour (From $169.00)
- Hotels near Yal-ku Lagoon:
- (0.00 mi) LauritaMar: Artistry On The Beach - Perfect for Work and Play!
- (0.02 mi) La Iguana Condos - Villa #12 - Modern upgrades and amenities!
- (0.02 mi) Yalku Lagoon Akumal Large 5 BR w/ Pool - Perfect for families and groups.
- (0.07 mi) Hotel Que Onda
- (0.07 mi) Casa Gatos
- Restaurants near Yal-ku Lagoon:
- (0.24 mi) La Lunita
- (0.51 mi) La Buena Vida
- (1.00 mi) Taverna Akumal
- (1.01 mi) Imelda's Ecocina Akumal
- (1.42 mi) Autor