Yal-ku Lagoon, Akumal, Quintana Roo, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Yal-ku lagoon is a seawater inlet on the north side of Akumal on the Riviera Maya.  It is a popular spot for snorkeling in protected waters.   The entrance fee is - $12 USD and palapas and shade are available on the grounds for an additional fee.

The entrance area and one of the many sculptures on the property.

A red-shorted man (Santa?) makes his way into the lagoon as statues sit on a bench nearby.

A flotation vest, flippers, and snorkel make for a very leisurely float to check out the undersea wildlife.  The house owner in the background has built quite a nice observation deck above the lagoon.

A thinker-like statue contemplates the water. There were not many people in the water when we visited but I understand it can get quite busy at times.

Akumal, Quintana Roo, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Located about 100 km south of Cancun, Akumal's bays are popular vacation spots on the Riviera Maya.  It features many rental villas and condos,  a market, shops, restaurants, snorkeling, diving, and lazing around on  white sand or rocky coral beaches. The beaches are part of the endangered Green Sea Turtle habitat and the community is ecological aware and focused on preservation. ("Akumal" means "place of the turtles" in the Mayan language).

Click on this panoramic image to view full width.

This was a popular beach on this warm, sunny weekend day.

This is what happens when you fall asleep in the sun lying on the beach without enough sunblock.

And this is what happens when you don't.

I think I'll get out of the sun.......