Looking to lose the crowds, spend the day with some truly amazing marine life, and see a side of Baja most tourists never do? Then keep reading!
Lori and I have been looking forward to visiting Cabo Pulmo in Baja California Sur (BCS), since we first moved to La Paz two years ago. A short while ago we finally got our chance and are excited to share our findings.
A world away from the oh-so-popular tourist hub of Cabo San Lucas, Cabo Pulmo offers up an immersive outdoor experience on the shore’s of what Jaques Cousteau called “The World’s Aquarium”.
In this article, we share the top reasons we think you should visit Cabo Pulmo, BCS, particularly if you’re planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo—plus what to see and do while you’re there. So grab your snorkel and dive gear and let’s get to it!
8 Reasons to Go to Cabo Pulmo
(And What to See & Do!)
1. A Paradise of Marine Diversity
We knew Cabo Pulmo was renowned for its marine life, but we had little idea until we got there what that actually meant.
In short, if you want to sample a little bit of everything the Sea of Cortez has to offer, there may be no better place than in the warm waters of the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park.
For most visitors to Baja, Cabo Pulmo is still very much under the radar. But it’s no secret to the marine biologists and diving enthusiasts across the world who have been coming here for decades.
To us, it was a like like plunging into a giant natural swimming pool and being greeted by a swirling kaleidoscope of over 800 marine species.
From playful sea lions, graceful sea turtles, and majestic manta rays, to staggering numbers of tropical fish, the underwater world of Cabo Pulmo is in a league of its own.
This is in large part thanks to Mexico’s best-preserved coral reefs thriving under the protection of the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, which encompasses the waters between the settlement of Cabo Pulmo south to Los Frailes.
2. Pristine Coastline
If you’re coming from the sprawling and heavily developed tourist jungle of Los Cabos, the coastline of Cabo Pulmo might feel like a breath of fresh air—literally!
No high-rise beach hotels or kitschy tourist traps here. This is a place where nature is protected and visitors adapt to the environment rather than the other way around.
We found small, locally-owned, and eco-friendly guesthouses scattered across the tightnit community. Outside of town, we were greeted by a whole lot of nothing but untamed beauty.
Stretching far and wide, Cabo Pulmo’s wild beaches provide lots of space for communing with nature, shifting into low-gear, and enjoying the area’s natural scenic splendor.
Whether you’re visiting on your own (like we did) or with a tour company, be sure to leave time for soaking up the region’s pristine coastline with its impossibly clear waters.
It’s undeveloped state is a distinct aspect that sets Cabo Pulmo apart from many of its neighbors, so it’s doubly important for visitors to do our best to leave the place as we found it.
3. Non-Motorized Water Sports
Cabo Pulmo has gained a reputation for being one of the best destinations in Baja to enjoy all that makes the Sea of Cortez so darn special. And that’s exactly why this place has been on our radar for many months.
Scuba diving the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is still the most popular activity these days. But there are so many more aquatic adventures to be had here as well!
Surfers seek out the area in the summer months, which offers some of the best breaks this side of the Baja Peninsula, such as Playa Rincon and 9-Points.
And in recent years, kiteboarding has become more popular among those looking for consistent wind conditions and surreal coastal views.
If you’d like to take in the Cabo Pulmo coastline at a more leisurely pace, kayaking and paddle boarding offer an ideal opportunity to do just that. If you’re lucky, you can even spot sea turtles swimming through the water and sea lions frolicking around rocky outcroppings. We definitely regret not bringing the paddle boards this time around!
Lastly, the waters outside of the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park are also a sought after destination for deep sea fishing trips and charters.
4. Land Adventures
We love being in the water, but variety is the spice of life. Hiking opportunities abound in and around the community of Cabo Pulmo.
There are a couple of easy-to-moderate viewpoint hikes from town offering commanding views of the rugged and surprisingly lush landscape teeming with unique flora and fauna.
We were able to get about halfway up the highest hill behind town with our young boys, as reaching the summit required a fair bit of scrambling. But we were still rewarded with spectacular views.
Wandering the area’s beaches on foot is also a popular activity, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
The dirt tracks around Cabo Pulmo also offer excellent opportunities for mountain biking, providing stunning desert and coastal views and glimpses of local wildlife on land and sea.
Cabo Pulmo is also a prime place for camping, be it along an isolated stretch of beach or at designated campsites on the grounds of guesthouses and hotels. And RVers have long sought out the area for its spectacular boondocking perches right on the Sea of Cortez.
5. Swimming with Sea Lions
Diving or snorkeling with sea lions is one of the most popular experiences that Cabo Pulmo has to offer. The national park is home to a friendly sea lion colony located near Los Frailes that you can visit as part of a guided tour.
The sea lions here are known for their playful and curious nature, often interacting with snorkelers and divers. With that said, local guides are quick to remind visitors that sea lions are still wild animals. It’s strongly encouraged to act responsibly, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding any activity that might disturb their natural behavior.
6. Excellent Diving Conditions
If you’ve made it this far, this one goes without saying. Diving is by far the top activity at Cabo Pulmo and there’s a reason for that.
For one, the area boasts crystal-clear waters with visibility extending up to 100 feet on good days, creating ideal conditions for divers to explore the natural underwater playground here.
However, the heart of Cabo Pulmo’s appeal is its world-famous marine biodiversity. The region is home to the Cabo Pulmo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most successful marine reserves.
Here, the ocean floor teems with a mind-boggling assortment of marine life, from colorful schools of tropical fish to graceful rays and playful sea lions.
But divers and snorkelers can also encounter larger species like humpback whales, dolphins, and even sharks. And the coral reefs, with their numerous hard and soft corals, provide a colorful backdrop it all.
7. Snorkeling at Los Arbolitos Beach
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Cabo Pulmo might just be the opportunity to explore the underwater world of Los Arbolitos Beach, considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Baja California Peninsula.
Despite Los Arbolitos being well known in diving circles, it remains something of a hidden gem while offering underwater enthusiasts a world-class snorkeling experience.
The location’s generally warm and calm waters are home to brightly colored schools of tropical fish and larger marine creatures. And its secluded setting within the natural reserve and idyllic beaches offer a peaceful oasis from the likes of Cabo San Lucas’ crowded golden strands.
8. Rich History & Culture
Most visitors to Cabo Pulmo come for the world class diving, not knowing that the area is also rich in a history dating back over 10,000 years.
The Cape Region was initially inhabited by the Pericúes, an indigenous tribe known for their extraordinary survival skills in the harsh desert conditions. There are a number of archaeological sites here that offer a glimpse into their lifestyle and traditions.
Even today, visitors can observe the cultural heritage of the Pericúes in the local community, who have learned to live in harmony with the desert and the sea, much like their ancestors.
Cabo Pulmo FAQs
Is Cabo Pulmo worth it?
If you love the underwater world, there are few better places in Baja to get your feet wet. Cabo Pulmo’s legendary coral reefs and abundant marine life make it well worth a visit for divers and snorkelers.
Is it safe to travel to Cabo Pulmo?
Generally, Cabo Pulmo is considered safe for travelers. It’s a small and close-knit community, and visitors often feel secure. As with any destination, it’s recommended to stay informed and follow local guidelines.
Can you snorkel on your own in Cabo Pulmo?
Yes, you can snorkel on your own in Cabo Pulmo (we did it!). The protected marine park is known for its clear waters and diverse marine species. However, if you’re not experienced, guided snorkeling tours are available to provide better safety and deeper insights into the underwater wonders.
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