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Marine national park · San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur
Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo
Protected coral reef in the Gulf of California, a national park since 1995 and part of the World Heritage of the Gulf islands, offering diving and snorkeling.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo National Park protects one of the few coral reefs in the Gulf of California, on the east coast of the tip of the peninsula. It was declared a national park in 1995 at the request of the local residents, former fishermen, and since 2005 has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California.
With fishing banned inside the park, marine life has returned: large schools of fish, rays, turtles, sea lions in a nearby colony and, at times, bull sharks. Scuba diving and snorkeling are done with authorized local operators who take visitors to reef sites in small boats.
The village of Cabo Pulmo is small, with solar-powered houses, few inns and restaurants, and no large buildings. The beaches of Los Arbolitos and El Arbolito allow snorkeling from the shore on calm sea days, following park rules.
Access includes a stretch of dirt road. The visit usually takes a full day from San José del Cabo.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day.
Best time
From May to October the water is usually warmer and clearer for diving; in winter winds can roughen the sea. Tours depend on the weather.
How to get there
About an hour and a half to two hours from San José del Cabo, via the east coastal road with a dirt section, or by Highway 1 to Las Cuevas and La Ribera. By car or organized tour.
Tip
Book scuba diving or snorkeling with operators from the village itself, authorized by the park.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo
What can you do in Cabo Pulmo?
Scuba diving and snorkeling on the coral reef with authorized operators, and peaceful beaches. Fishing is prohibited in the park.
Is Cabo Pulmo a World Heritage site?
Yes, since 2005 it has been part of the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California World Heritage site (UNESCO).
How to get to Cabo Pulmo?
By car or organized tour from San José del Cabo, in about two hours, with a stretch of dirt road.