Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

The Basics

Most tours of the marine park leave from Cabo San Lucas and include snorkeling or scuba diving excursions to the coral reef, allowing you to experience the area’s robust wildlife and varied coral structures. Scuba divings tours are available for beginners without PADI certification, as well as seasoned pros. Some tours also visit above-sea attractions such as Lover’s Beach, the Arch, and a resident sea lion colony.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers, families with kids, snorkelers, and scuba divers.

• Remember to bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and plenty of water.

• It’s a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard while diving or snorkeling to protect against the sun, jellyfish, and rough coral surfaces.

• Advanced dives require evidence of dive certification.

How to Get There

Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park stretches from Pulmo Point to Los Frailes Cape on the east coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Most tours include round-trip transportation from Cabo San Lucas, about a 2.5-hour drive away. Rental cars are a good option for independent visitors.

When to Get There

Diving and snorkeling conditions are best in October and November, when the Sea of Cortez is at its warmest. During summer (April through July), seas are rougher and temperatures are hot and humid, although you might find fewer crowds. Winter is the best season to see humpback and sperm whales, and fall is the best time for spotting whale sharks.

Biodiversity at Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

This national park is one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Los Cabos area, with a rich array of marine life and an underwater world of hard coral reefs. A variety of tropical fish species such as pufferfish, yellow snapper, manta rays, and sharks can be found here, plus large marine mammals such as whales and dolphins.

Ways to explore

An ideal destination for day trips, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a favorite spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale-watching excursions. Most tours depart from Cabo San Lucas, but you can also rent a car and explore independently; a 4WD vehicle is a necessity, due to the rugged terrain of the park.

If you’re planning to stay longer than a day, there are plenty of holiday homes available for rental and several campsites, spread out across the desert landscape.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible boat tours are available to explore the park, and there are also accessible diving experiences. Check with providers ahead of booking to ensure they offer the required accessibility accommodations.

Age limits

None; although tours may have age restrictions, depending on the activity.

What to pack

Snacks, water, swimsuit, towel, cash, reef-safe sunscreen

What to wear

Clothing that covers you from the sun, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, plus water shoes may be useful.

Not allowed

Camping outside of designated areas, touching or interfering with sea life in any way when diving or snorkeling, fishing, wearing sunscreen that isn’t classified as reef safe

Amenities

Parking, restaurants at park entrance, dive shops

Address

It takes about 2.5 hours to get to Cabo Pulmo from Cabo San Lucas, along a mix of highways and bumpy sand roads. If you drive yourself, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle. Otherwise, plenty of tours depart from Cabo San Lucas and include round-trip transportation.

Driving

Take the Transpeninsular/San José del Cabo-Lapaz/México 1 highway toward La Paz/Santiago, and then follow the Camino Cabo Este road towards the park.

Public transportation

Public transport does not serve the park. If you don’t have your own car, book a tour that includes all transportation.

Best times to visit

It takes a while to get to the park from Cabo San Lucas, so set off early to maximize your time.

Best days to visit

The park is open seven days a week and is typically quiet. Plan your visit for whenever works best with your itinerary.

Best months to visit

The best time to visit depends on the activity you’re interested in. For diving, visibility is best and the water is warmest from August to November. If you’d like to take a whale-watching boat trip, arrive from January to March.