Probably the most underwhelming snorkeling experience that I have had. This was my first time snorkeling in a lagoon and I was really excited because the water looked clear and beautiful on land. We came here with a tour guide around 11am in February, and the water was not only cold, but there were not many fish. When there were fish, it was the same type of fish over and over again. Maybe she just didn't take us to the right places, but I didn't see anything that excited me. I probably wouldn't want to come here again to snorkel. There are probably much better places for it! read more

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Super fun experience. On a recent trip to Cancun for a wedding my friends and I decided to book an excursion from our hotel and decided upon one that takes you to both a cenote and a laguna for snorkeling. Yal Ku happened to be the lagoon our guide took us to. Didn't get to explore the area too much but theres a parking lot, small changing rooms, bathrooms, and a small restaurant. Several other groups were there trying to snorkel at the same but it wasn't overly crowded. We first went and got our supplies...lifevests, goggles and fitted them. Once everyone was fitted we jumped into the water and were instructed to go to a certain area of the lagoon. Some areas had slightly poor visibility--I mean, it is a lagoon, can't expect too much. Some cool things I saw included this huge school of sardines swimming right next to me and some rainbow colored fish in another area. Almost didn't want to leave the water because I was so excited to explore. Made me want to book a snorkeling trip to an island asap... Anyway, when you do come out to the parking area, you might run into the ice cream man with those pinwheel crackers~get some! read more

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Easily one of my favorite experiences during a trip to Tulum. This stop was a part of a guided tour so I'm not sure different it would have been if we popped in on our own. There was a stand where you could buy your ticket and gear, if needed. Snorkels and flippers are a must! The walk through the trees was lovely and there are plenty of benches by the lagoon entrance to put on your gear, take off shoes, etc. We were there in Dec, the water was a bit chilly, but you quickly got used to it. We swam for like an hour and the life jackets made it so easy to rest as needed. I saw so many colorful fish and it was a beautiful, sunny day. I literally felt like alot of the fish I saw were the same ones I see at aquariums sometimes. So cool and such a great day! read more

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Yal Ku Laguna is spectacular and I highly recommend a guided snorkeling tour! This area is a mixture of fresh water coming into brackish. Several species of fish stingrays and eels. I highly recommend booking with Amstar they will provide transportation. Easy 5 Stars !! read more

Pros: beautiful lagoon with lots of colorful fish in the reef. We got there early at 9:30 am and it was not crowded. They charge 12 usd for fins, life vest and googles. Extra 5 for snorkel and another 5 for safebox. We spent a couple of hours there looking at marine life. Best way to spend the morning. There is no food or places to hang around. Which is the best part I think. Please don't apply sunscreen when you go in, it will kill the reef. read more

Myself and husband went here. We used the farthest entrance within the lagoon. Which was way back past the dive shop thru a little security spot and past La Buena Vida, there are sign's eventually to help you find it. We got there right when they opened. There were already a few tour type groups in the water but not too many. The water felt great and there was a nice amount of area to explore. I would say if you haven't been snorkeling before this would be great. But overall there are not a ton of fish or things to see. We spent about 2 hours there and then left. It was getting pretty crowded by the time we left. read more

We payed $280pesos p/person, we thought it was gonna be WAY more different, we saw pictures where it looked LIGHT BLUE, and this was not it... Maybe it was the season, the rain, or something else, but it's just too boring & not anything amazing... We have gone to 5 different cenotes in the last 3 days, and this one was the most expensive and NOT PRETTY. read more

Yal ku laguna - Tours Near Me - Akumal, ROO

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I first visited Akumal as a child back in 1986, when it consisted of one dive shop and a single palapa restaurant. It was love at first sight. I have faithfully visited over the years as it has grown bigger than I ever imagined. This year, after ten long years away, I hired a driver, purchased gear, and wanted to take the kids snorkeling in the place I learned to snorkel over 30 years ago. I speak Spanish, am a respectful Traveler, and mindful of other cultures. My toddler got sand in his eye this morning, which cost us an hour on our way to Akumal. We arrived at 4:10pm, with the park closing at 5pm. The parking attendant asked if we were sure we wanted to come in, as the park was closing soon. My kids were tired and I only wanted them to have 20 mins in the water to see some fish before we flew back to the States. So we walked to the pay station. It was VERY clear I was not welcome. "We are closing at 5pm." "I understand. We are happy to pay. We won't stay long, it's just my two oldest children and my husband taking a quick dip." "Well, it costs $x for adults and x for children." "That is fine." "Well you need to rent gear." "We have gear, thank you." "Well, the lifeguards ask everyone to come out of the water at 4:30, Thats 20 minutes." "Again, that's ok." "Well, how do you plan to pay, bc I have already turned off the card machine." By now it was clear- no matter what I said or how much money I had to spend, this woman did not want my family to swim in the lagoon. We were all appropriately dressed, children well behaved, clean, and moving quickly and efficiently, and quie I was so angry that my beloved Akumal that I loved for so long has turned unfriendly and money hungry. Also sad that the locals I spoke so highly of made me feel humiliated and shunned. I don't think I will ever return. It really felt like a betrayal. read more

We weren't staying near the place, so it was a little tricky to find - drive RIGHT PAST all the people waving at you to pull over after you exit the highway. First, you do not need to pull over for them. You can and should drive right through. Second, you're still a long way from the lagoon. So, drive, drive, drive down past all the tour companies, through the back road with all the beautiful homes, and follow the signs to the lagoon. You will need to pay to enter, and (unfortunately) you are required to wear a life jacket even if you're an experienced swimmer. But, it's worth it. The lagoon is cool and clear - sure, you'll get that oily fresh/saltwater mix at times, but it's no bid deal. Swim a few feet and it'll be gone We spent a couple hours snorkling around the lagoon and had a blast. After getting out, you can use the free showers to get the salt out of your hair. If you choose, they do have a restaurant on site - counter service with covered seating. The food wasn't great - 3/5 - but it's convenient if you're hungry after your snorkle. read more

My husband and I stayed at Barcelo Maya Riveria resort and this lagoon is very close to it. We really enjoyed snorkeling here. There is a variety of fish and the underwater vistas are breathtaking! You can see underwater canyons, smooth bottoms and swim near the mangrove roots. There is a shower and a snack bar. read more

The laguna is a wonderful place for snorkeling! Simply gorgeous! The laguna is a blend of freshwater and saltwater (which gives the water an oily appearance), and it contains some gorgeous tropical fish. On our honeymoon in March 2017, we snorkeled here, and it was so wonderful! Beautiful fish, beautiful water! It does get crowded as large groups show up for snorkeling, but earlier in the morning, it's quite calm and much less crowded! It's a beautiful place to snorkel - an experience not to be missed if you're in the Akumal area! read more

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Totally amazing. Its like swimming in a huge fish tank. So many gorgeous fish with bright colors swimming all around you. It was one of the high points of our trip. We went twice in one day. read more

Best saltwater snorkeling we had down there. Some people complain about murky water. It wasn't murky, but the interface of a thin layer of freshwater on top of the saltwater. Dive down even a foot, and you're in clearer, warmer saltwater. The reef at the lagoon's mouth was more varied, calm, and clear than the reef we were taken to in a Tulum-based boat tour. It's worth the swim! Great variety of corals, and decent fish life. The branching pattern of the lagoon does make it feel less crowded than it is. We got and loved having one of the palapas. Worth $20. Gives you a table, some chairs, and a couple hammocks in the shade right by the water. We were one of the first in the gate at 9am, and got the last one - others had been reserved, so keep that in mind. Staff keep the place nice. read more

Have been coming to Akumal since 1993 . The lagoon has progressively been destroyed by TOO MANY SNORKLERS!!!. Very few fish now and most of the reef has been damaged, makes me very sad. Stop all this in the name of GREED!!! read more

$14 to enter, semi-warm water, and quite clear. They accept American dollars, and I saw a sign indicating that they also accept credit cards. Situated about an hour and a half from Cancun, this lagun was not crowded during mid-day, even when a few large groups arrived. There were several times where it felt like I was almost the only one in the water. The current isn't strong, despite the fact that a river empties into the lagoon. Keep in mind that this creates a haze in some areas, as the salt water and fresh water create layers that can make is hard to see in some places. The grounds are immaculately well kept, with beautiful landscaping and statues. The snorkeling is very easy, there are even stairs to enter the water. The fish like to swim on the left side of the lagoon, the right side seemed devoid of life except for small patches of floating seaweed. Contrary to some other reviews, we weren't required to shower before entering, although we did bring biodegradable sunblock. Lockers are available, but we just found a nice visible spot near the water to stash our stuff - nobody touched it. We brought food and picnicked right on the shore, and also purchased some ceviche from the on site food shack - it was great. Overall, a great place to visit. Update: part of the entrance area has apparently been sold, and the amenities / entrance area has suffered as a result. No more shade. No more food shack. No more statues. And the area you pass through to enter looks swampy. Bummer, because this place was amazing. read more

This was the first place my family had ever snorkeled. It was great! Very well kept and very affordable. Make sure to explore the whole lagoon. The path that goes farther to the west has an area that there is an abundance of fish and coral. Changing rooms and showers are free. My whole family loves this place and we will be going back! A must see! read more

Snorkeling at Yal Ku is one of my favorite things to do in Tulum. It's relatively inexpensive (especially if you bring your own gear), and even on a busy day it feels peaceful and private. I went in August 2012 and had more luck seeing colorful schools of fish and an octopus, and this time around there was a little less to see, but the coral reefs are still beautiful, there are parrotfish and other species in abundance, and the swim itself is warm and relaxing. If you plan to go, just take a look at the weather report and avoid super windy days; the waves were churning up a lot of sand, making it more difficult to see. The registration staff are friendly, and the attached cafe served up tasty ceviche and beers for lunch, for a reasonable price. read more

We came here with an Olympus Tours group while staying at Paradisus La Perla. It is gorgeous and the snorkeling was amazing; there were many fish to see and the overall atmosphere of the area was great; you didn't feel like you were in mainstream society; it felt very hidden away and organic. It is very well-preserved and the tour guides and employees help to keep it that way. Gorgeous; a must see. Visited June 2015 read more

Went snorkeling here. It was awesome! Place is well kept and people are all helpful. The water is also not that cold. There are lockers for rent on site and you can also rent whatever snorkeling gear you may need. We went early in the morning. I noticed as the day got later and more people showed up the water got more murky. (Bottom was getting kicked up.) There are showers and restrooms onsite. You can also rent a lapa for the day @ usd20. Not a bad deal for a group of people. Definitely would visit this place again if I made it back here. A must for sure!! read more

Abundance of fish. Great laguna. You will pay more here then a cenote but it's worth visiting at least once.

Lots of fish. Not a huge variety, but very fun snorkeling. The visibility suffers from the mixing of salt and fresh water making things hazy often. Best to bring your own snorkel stuff because the rentals looked cheaply made read more