Yalku

Yalku is accessible only by boat, tank or jeep on a dirt road, is one of the last inlets of its kind in the Riviera Maya. For the adventurous traveler, this offers a chance to rough it in a little known cove far from prying eyes and one of the best kept secrets on the Riviera Maya. 

Yalkú has no amenities to speak of; the fees collected at the entrance presumably go toward keeping the area litter free. There is a modest restaurant located on the road leading to the cove and a few private homes, but at Yalku you are pretty much on your own.

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The road is not bad, but can be a little rough in spots. For years the only way to Yalku was by boat, and though that's no longer true, you still won't find it if you don't know where to look. First you find Akumal. There are several roads leading from the highway into Akumal, but to get to Yalku you take the first. 

The sign says 'Akumal Caribe'. This road heads east you take the first left and go north to the inlet. Yalku is shaped like a big 'Y', with the horns reaching up into the jungle and the stem out to sea. It is the perfect hide away and a first class snorkeling site.

Bird watchers will be delighted with the area, which is rich with fowl of various tropical species. Herons hang around sometimes, but other water and shore birds are routinely sighted. The waters of Yalku are clear, calm and inviting. The bay reaches depths no greater than six feet, and there is little or no wave action. 

The cove is almost perfectly still, which is not the least of its attractions. Submerged rock formations create a fascinating underwater terrain and the ideal habitat for the exotic marine creatures. Starfish and sea urchins, damsel fish, sergeant majors, hamlets, parrot fish, blue tangs and queen trigger fish and lots of other Caribbean species. 

Remember that sea urchins are beautiful but potentially dangerous. The spines that radiate from their exoskeletons can easily pierce the skin, and have to then be removed much like a splinter.

Damsel fish are small and don't be surprised if they charge, they do that if they feel threatened. Still, they rarely exceed seven inches in length. The hamlets are the most flamboyant and the shyest of the sea bass family. Parrot fish are extremely colorful and are always busy. 

Churning bits of coral and rock into fine white sand. There are several species of parrot fish whose size range from 10 to 20 inches when full grown. Blue tangs may reach to a foot in length. Juvenile tangs are lemon yellow in color, turning bright blue as they mature. 

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Queen Trigger fish can rotate each eye independent of the other, and are capable of color changes, much like a chameleon. Two brilliant, turquoise blue stripes on the snout below the eye, are the only constant in the trigger fish's coloring.

If you plan visit the are you'll want to bring snorkel gear, a towel, drinking water and picnic supplies and be sure to pack out what you carry in. You should also avoid using tanning oils and creams.