Cabo Pulmo felt completely different from most dive destinations I’ve visited.
After leaving the busy resorts around Cabo San Lucas, we spent nearly two hours driving rough dirt roads into a tiny remote town with solar-powered accommodations, limited Wi-Fi, and more dirt roads than pavement.
I came to Cabo Pulmo for scuba diving and spent three days diving throughout the marine park. During our trip, we swam through massive schools of jacks, encountered bull sharks, and watched dolphins weave through huge groups of fish in one of the most memorable underwater experiences I’ve had.
If you’re looking for luxury resorts and nightlife, Cabo Pulmo probably isn’t for you. But if you want an off-the-grid dive destination with incredible marine life and one of the greatest marine conservation success stories in the world, Cabo Pulmo deserves a place on your list.
Planning your trip?
- Find accommodations in Cabo Pulmo
- Book diving packages
- Rental car booking
- Travel insurance
- Underwater camera gear
Why Cabo Pulmo Is So Special
Cabo Pulmo National Park is a hidden gem on the East Cape of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Once an overfished area, local residents partnered with the Mexican government to protect the region, creating a marine reserve in 1995.
The transformation has been incredible.
Today, Cabo Pulmo is home to the largest living reef in the Sea of Cortez and is considered one of the world’s greatest marine conservation success stories.
People don’t necessarily come here expecting colorful coral reefs like Hawaii or the Caribbean. Instead, divers come for something different:
- Massive schools of fish
- Bull sharks
- Sea lions
- Dolphins
- Rays
- Seasonal whales
- Sea turtles
- Incredible marine biodiversity
The town itself also feels refreshingly different from many tourist destinations. Cabo Pulmo remains small, remote, and intentionally simple, creating an experience that feels far removed from crowded resort areas.
Where Is Cabo Pulmo?
Cabo Pulmo sits on the East Cape of Baja California Sur along the Sea of Cortez, approximately 60 miles northeast of San José del Cabo.
Depending on traffic and road conditions, the drive from the airport takes roughly 1.5–2 hours.
The final stretch of road can be rough and bumpy!
If you plan to rent a vehicle, I strongly recommend a higher-clearance SUV. Some dive packages include transportation, which may be worth considering if you don’t want to navigate dirt roads yourself.
What to Expect in Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo isn’t a typical beach town filled with chain restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.
Instead – you’ll find:
- Dirt roads
- Small villas and bungalows
- Solar-powered accommodations
- Quiet beaches
- Limited connectivity
- A handful of restaurants and dive shops
For some travelers, that sounds inconvenient.
For others, it’s part of the charm.
Is There Cell Service or Wi-Fi?
Well.. there is supposed to be. But, just in case – expect a bit of a digital detox.
We visited shortly after Hurricane Norma, which had disrupted communication systems, and connectivity was extremely limited. Some restaurants and businesses offered Wi-Fi, but it was inconsistent.
Before traveling, check with your phone carrier regarding international coverage and roaming fees.
Where Should You Stay?
There are limited accommodations available, and they mostly consist of small villas, guesthouses, and bungalows rather than large resorts.
I would look for something directly in the town itself – such as this family bungalow.
Some dive shops offer lodging and diving packages together, which can simplify planning.
Keep in mind:
- Many properties rely on solar power
- Water conservation is common
- Electrical issues occasionally happen
- Air conditioning may be limited
Are There Shops and Restaurants?
Cabo Pulmo is tiny.
There are only a handful of restaurants and a small convenience store with limited supplies.
My favorite spots were Tacos & Beer and El Caballero! The Coral Reef Restaurant had a nice rooftop space and consistent WIFI on my trip as well.
A few things I wish I’d known beforehand:
- Bring snacks
- Carry cash
- Restaurant hours can be unpredictable
- Don’t expect late-night dining
If you have dietary restrictions or favorite travel essentials, pack them before arriving.
Best Time for Scuba Diving in Cabo Pulmo
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| November–April | Cooler water, whale season |
| May–July | Warm weather and calmer seas |
| August–October | Warmest water temperatures, hurricane season risk |
We visited in October during the shoulder season. It was pleasant weather and lacked major crowds – although I’m bummed we missed whale season!
Although I would have loved to see whales, we had a better chance of accessing some of the more popular dive sites and experienced fewer crowds.
Scuba Diving in Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo diving is famous for abundant marine life and larger animal encounters.
Unlike destinations where the coral itself is the star, Cabo Pulmo shines because of sheer underwater activity.
How Dive Sites Are Managed
One thing I found interesting was how seriously conservation is taken.
Dive sites operate using a lottery system.
Each morning, dive operators enter a draw for available sites, and popular areas have visitor limits or temporary closures to protect the ecosystem.
Because of this, I strongly recommend booking multiple days of diving if you can.
More dive days mean better odds of accessing the most sought-after sites.
We completed three dives per day over three days and experienced several of the most famous areas!
Best Marine Life to See While Diving in Cabo Pulmo
Bull Sharks
Having previously dived with hammerheads in the Galápagos, I was excited but slightly nervous about my first bull shark dive.
Once underwater, I was surprised by how calm the experience felt.
The strongest challenge wasn’t actually the sharks – it was the surge.
We had to hold onto rocks to avoid drifting as waves pushed water back and forth.
The sharks showed little interest in us, although one curious shark briefly followed our group as we exited.
Massive Schools of Fish
This ended up being one of my favorite experiences!
Cabo Pulmo is famous for its bait balls and massive schools of fish. We saw several different kinds of fish, but jacks are the most commonly seen here. But experiencing it in person was so cool. It honestly felt like underwater choreography, and the scale was difficult to describe!
To make it better, we had a few dolphins (my favorite animal) swim between the jacks!
Other Marine Life You May Encounter
Depending on season and luck, divers may also see:
- Sea lions
- Sea turtles
- Mobula rays
- Whales
- Reef sharks
- Rays
- Dolphins
What Else Can You Do Besides Diving?
Not everyone visiting Cabo Pulmo dives, although it is the main activity here.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the most popular alternatives and still provides opportunities to see incredible marine life.
Hiking
There are also a few nearby hiking trails.
One thing worth noting: guides warned us about local wildlife, including rattlesnakes and larger animals in the area. We actually hiked with guides whose dogs had been trained to detect snakes.
Sunset Beach Walks
The main beach is used to launch dive boats, but walking farther down the shoreline at sunset was one of my favorite slower moments during the trip. It’s a mix of sand and rocky terrain. Be mindful of wildlife – snakes, coyotes, cougars call this area home. However, encountering them is fairly rare.
Cabo Pulmo vs La Paz Diving
If marine wildlife experiences are your priority, Cabo Pulmo and La Paz both deserve consideration!
Cabo Pulmo focuses more on scuba diving, large schools of fish, sharks, and protected reef ecosystems.
La Paz is famous for whale sharks.
Both places are home to sea lion colonies!
If you’re planning a Baja adventure, you can combine both.
Read next: Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz
What to Pack for Cabo Pulmo
- Reef-safe sunscreen (normal sunscreen not allowed!)
- Dry bag
- Towel
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Motion sickness bands
- Action camera (can go 65ft without an underwater case!)
- Underwater case FOR your phone (I swear by this!)
- Extra snacks
- Cash!!!
- Sunglasses
Is Cabo Pulmo Worth Visiting?
If you’re expecting luxury resorts, nightlife, and colorful Caribbean-style reefs, Cabo Pulmo may feel too remote.
But if your ideal trip includes bull sharks, giant schools of fish, conservation success stories, and a few days disconnected from the world, Cabo Pulmo delivers something that feels increasingly rare.
It felt wild, quiet, and far less commercialized than many diving destinations I’ve visited – and that’s exactly what made it memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabo Pulmo
How many days should you spend in Cabo Pulmo?
I recommend at least 3–4 days if diving is your main priority.
Can you visit Cabo Pulmo as a day trip?
Yes – many travelers visit Cabo Pulmo as a day trip from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, especially if they’re primarily interested in snorkeling or experiencing the marine park without staying overnight.
One of the biggest benefits of booking a guided day trip is convenience. You can avoid navigating the long, rough dirt road leading into Cabo Pulmo and instead have transportation arranged for you. This can be a great option if you’re staying at a resort in Cabo and only have limited time.
That said, if you’re interested in scuba diving, I’d personally recommend staying overnight if your schedule allows. We spent three days diving in Cabo Pulmo, and staying longer gave us multiple opportunities to access different dive sites. Since dive locations operate on a lottery system and marine life sightings can vary day to day, having extra time can significantly improve your experience.
If you’re not scuba certified or simply want to experience the marine life from the surface, a Cabo Pulmo snorkeling tour from Cabo San Lucas can be a great alternative.
👉 Check out this Cabo Pulmo snorkeling tour from Cabo San Lucas
Is Cabo Pulmo good for beginner divers?
Yes. Many sites can work for beginners, although certain dives involving stronger currents or bull sharks may require more experience.
Do you need a rental car in Cabo Pulmo?
You will likely need a rental car with high clearance, unless you plan to take a day trip from Cabo San Lucas.
Hi, I’m Amber —
A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.
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