At the northern reaching corner of Akumal is situated a natural inlet named Yalkú lagoon. The incredible phenomenon of salt and fresh water mixing creates, in Yalkú, an ecosystem resulting in a snorkeler’s paradise beyond compare. Being an estuary by loose definition, Yalkú is the point where an underground river meets the ocean, and it is subject to changes with the tides. The brackish water (saltwater mixed with fresh water) environment creates a perfect nursery for the growth of lush algae on the limestone substrate. This yields high concentrations of food for all herbivorous fish as well as for sea turtles.
One can expect to see schools of blue tang (like Dori in Finding Nemo), striped sergeant majors, large parrotfish, needle-nose fish, and countless more. And, as one could expect, when all of these fish congregate in one location, their predators, like the barracuda, tend to show up as well. I cannot explain how many times I have heard the remark, “I CAN’T believe how many FISH I just saw!!” by snorkelers returning from their Yalkú experience. There are two entrances to Yalkú at the north end of Akumal, and both offer docks, steps for easy entrance, bathrooms with showers, and an entrance fee. You can rent gear at the entrance or from any of the dive shops in Akumal.
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