Akumal: Yal-ku Lagoon

Outfitted with our own snorkel gear, we were eager to break it in. We wasted no time, we drove to Akumal and spent the day at Yal-Ku Lagoon. Not only is it beautiful, but snorkeling conditions are always ideal because it's calm, even when the sea is rough. Since it's where the salty waters of the Caribbean meet with the fresh waters of the Yucatan cenotes the water temperature is pretty comfortable (if you're a cold water wuss like me, you will feel the sting of the initial plunge, but it subsides fairly quickly) and sealife is plentiful and the underwater landscape is incredible. We visited on a Monday and it was far busier than our first experience there two years ago. We bailed when it became overcrowded, I recommend going early or later in the day. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in the water. It's wonderful to have masks that fit. Frank was so pleased. He also tried out his new dive boots (never been able to find watershoes size 15) they work great for gaining traction and protecting his feet, but they also draw the attention of the fish. They become quite aggressive by stalking and biting. I don't understand it, but his boots were a target in the lagoon and in cenotes.



























Year's ago, we kept needle nose gars as pets. So, we always love seeing them in their natural habitat. They loved lounging in the man groves at Yal-ku. We also saw them near the shore on Xpu-ha beach.



See, the fish are after his boots!?



It's hard to make it out, but there is a narrow passage way that winds around. I've been claustrophobic here before. This time, I had no issue. Probably because there was no schools of fish anywhere near me. When I get surrounded I get panicky. Overall, I did well this time at Yal-ku. Though, there was one area back where the fresh water comes in that I was unable to judge depth and got uncomfortable. I don't like being close to the reef, rocks, etc. I'm afraid I'll get hurt or that I'll hurt the sea life. I know, I'm a mess, but at least I try.

Above



Below



Time to go!



We thought of returning a different day in the late afternoon, but our interest waned. Instead, we had lunch at La Buena Vida. We had a great view of Half Moon Bay. We saw they offered a microbrew, which was a nice change, but I must admit I love my Mexican beer varieties so light, refreshing perfect for the beach. We ordered guacamole, calamari and fish tacos. We were enjoying the sea breeze and our feet in the sand, all was good. Then, you know that saying "Some days your the bird; others your the statue?" Well, I now know what it's like to be the statue. A bird totally pooped on my leg. It fell from the palm he was perched upon above me. EW. I was so grossed out. Thankfully, our food hadn't arrived yet. I've never been so paranoid, though. I was on edge the rest of the time.





The food was just ok, Frank had a couple decent bites of calamari, but all the rings I tried were chewy. The tacos were better, but I wasn't impressed. It's a shame, because we've really enjoyed La Buena Vida previously, maybe being shit on soured the experience? Still, it's a really cool place. Great for a lazy afternoon.

Next up... Tulum.