Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Home to the only living coral reef in the Gulf of California, Cabo Pulmo National Park has experienced an astonishing 465% growth in marine life since becoming a protected area in 1995. This remarkable conservation success story has transformed a once-depleted fishing ground into one of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts.

About Cabo Pulmo National Park

Established in 1995, Cabo Pulmo National Park (Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo) spans 71 square kilometers (27.4 square miles) along the east coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Located approximately 100 km (62 miles) north of Cabo San Lucas, this marine sanctuary protects what scientists believe is a 20,000-year-old coral reef system.

The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2008. What makes Cabo Pulmo truly special is its remarkable conservation story – local fishing families voluntarily gave up their livelihoods to protect the reef, transitioning to ecotourism as a sustainable alternative.

Today, the marine park is home to over 800 species of marine life, including five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, numerous shark species, dolphins, sea lions, and seasonal migrations of humpback whales. The reef itself contains 11 different coral species, making it a biodiversity hotspot in the Sea of Cortez – famously dubbed “the aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Cabo Pulmo requires some planning, as it’s tucked away on the East Cape of Baja California Sur. The journey is part of the adventure, with the final stretch involving a bumpy dirt road that keeps this paradise relatively uncrowded.

From Los Cabos Area

Most visitors arrive via Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), then make their way to Cabo Pulmo by rental car. Finding flights that arrive early in the day is recommended to allow for the drive during daylight hours.

• From San José del Cabo: 1 hour 45 minutes (110 km/68 miles)
• From Cabo San Lucas: 2+ hours (135 km/84 miles)

The most reliable route is to take Highway 1 past Santiago, then turn onto Camino Cabo Este near El Campamento. The road remains paved through La Ribera before turning to dirt for the final 15-30 minutes to Cabo Pulmo.

Via the East Cape Route

For the adventurous traveler, taking the entire length of Camino Cabo Este from San José del Cabo offers breathtaking coastal views. This route takes 2-3 hours on a bumpy dirt road but rewards you with pristine beaches and spectacular scenery along the way.

Important Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo can be visited year-round, but certain seasons offer distinct advantages depending on your interests and priorities.

Getting Around Locally

Once you arrive in Cabo Pulmo, the tiny town is easily navigable on foot. With just three sandy streets and a handful of businesses, you can walk from one end to the other in minutes.

However, having your own vehicle is beneficial for exploring nearby beaches and snorkeling spots that are a short drive from the town center. The best beaches for snorkeling, like Playa El Arbolito and Los Frailes, are 10-15 minutes south of the main town.

For those arriving without a vehicle, most accommodations can arrange transportation to nearby attractions, though options are limited and should be arranged in advance.

Where to Stay in Cabo Pulmo

Accommodations in Cabo Pulmo are limited to small, locally-owned options that align with the town’s eco-conscious ethos. Don’t expect luxury resorts or chain hotels – the charm of staying here lies in the authentic, off-grid experience.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Dining in Cabo Pulmo is a delightfully authentic experience, with a handful of family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine. Opening hours can be unpredictable, so flexibility is key to enjoying the local food scene.

Top Restaurants in Cabo Pulmo

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

The main attraction in Cabo Pulmo is undoubtedly its underwater world, but there are several ways to experience the natural beauty of this special place.

Diving in Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo offers world-class diving experiences for certified divers. The marine park features several dive sites with different characteristics, from shallow coral gardens to deeper sites where large pelagic species congregate.

Popular Dive Sites

• El Vencedor: A small shipwreck that’s a known hangout for bull sharks. Offers high chances of shark encounters, especially in winter months.
• El Bajo: Features large schools of jacks, snappers, and occasional manta ray sightings.
• Los Morros: Rocky pinnacles with sea lions, moray eels, and colorful reef fish.
• El Cantil: A wall dive with opportunities to see larger pelagic species.

Two-tank dives typically cost around $150 USD per person, including all equipment. Local dive shops include Cabo Pulmo Dive House, Cabo Pulmo Adventures, and the PADI center at Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort.

Snorkeling Adventures

Not a certified diver? Snorkeling is an excellent alternative that still allows you to experience the marine park’s incredible biodiversity. The reef begins close to shore in many areas, making it accessible even for beginners.

Snorkeling Options:

Beaches & Relaxation

When you’re not exploring underwater, Cabo Pulmo offers several beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation:

• Playa Cabo Pulmo: The main beach in town, perfect for sunset watching.
• Playa El Arbolito: Clear waters and gentle waves, good for swimming and snorkeling.
• Playa La Sirenita: A secluded cove accessible by walking 20 minutes from El Arbolito or by kayak.
• Playa Los Frailes: Protected by a cape, this beach offers calm waters even when winds are strong elsewhere.

Other Activities

• Whale Watching: From January to April, humpback whales can be spotted from shore or on dedicated boat tours.
• Kayaking: Rent kayaks to explore the coastline and access secluded beaches.
• Hiking: Trails behind town lead up to Cerro El Pulmo for panoramic views of the bay.
• Freediving: Qualified freedivers can join specialized tours that don’t require life jackets (mandatory for regular snorkelers).

Practical Travel Tips

Conservation & Sustainable Tourism

Visiting Cabo Pulmo means participating in one of the world’s most successful marine conservation stories. In the 1980s, local fishing families recognized that overfishing was depleting their livelihood. They took the remarkable step of advocating for protection of the area, transitioning from fishing to ecotourism.

Since the marine park’s establishment in 1995, scientific studies have documented a 465% increase in marine biomass – an unprecedented recovery that demonstrates the power of conservation. By visiting Cabo Pulmo and supporting local businesses, you contribute directly to this ongoing success story.

How to Be a Responsible Visitor

• Book tours with local operators who reinvest in the community
• Follow all marine park regulations
• Use only reef-safe sunscreen
• Conserve water and electricity (resources are limited)
• Carry out all trash and minimize single-use plastics
• Respect wildlife by maintaining appropriate distances
• Learn about local conservation efforts and share the story

Ready for Your Cabo Pulmo Adventure?

Cabo Pulmo National Park offers a rare combination of pristine nature, authentic local culture, and world-class marine experiences. Unlike the developed resort areas of Los Cabos, this hidden gem provides a glimpse of old Baja – where time slows down and nature takes center stage.

Whether you come to dive with bull sharks, snorkel among vibrant schools of fish, kayak along the desert coastline, or simply disconnect on a quiet beach, Cabo Pulmo rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences and the satisfaction of supporting a true conservation success story.