Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for a remote desert environment. Bring cash, expect weak cell signals, and prepare for a bumpy drive.
Cabo Pulmo National Park
Cabo Pulmo, 23570, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur
GPS 23.43718, -109.42924
Open directionsGetting there
Drive yourself or book a transfer.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive north from San José del Cabo via Highway 1 to La Ribera, then follow the coastal road to the village. | 1.5 to 2 hours | Variable rental and gas costs | The final 15 km is a washboard dirt road; a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is highly recommended but not strictly required in dry conditions. |
| Tour: Book a full-day guided snorkeling or diving excursion departing directly from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo. | 6 to 8 hours round-trip | $150 - $250 USD per person | Most operator tours include round-trip hotel transportation, park fees, wetsuits, gear, and lunch. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Visit between late September and November for the warmest water and the highest visibility for diving. If you prefer large pelagic animals, winter (December to April) is peak season for whales and bull sharks.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
You cannot touch, stand on, or remove any coral or shells.
Help protect the 20,000-year-old reef.
How the day runs
Maximize your time on the eastern cape.
A typical full-day guided excursion departing from San José del Cabo.
- Pickup
Board your transport at your hotel.
- Arrival
Arrive in Cabo Pulmo and fit your wetsuit.
- Boat departure
Head out to the reef with your authorized captain.
- Lunch
Eat at a local restaurant in the village.
- Return drive
Travel back via the dirt road to your hotel.
Packing for the park
Bring Mexican Pesos for the park fee, tips, and local restaurants. Card machines are rare due to weak signals. You also need a reusable water bottle and a dry bag for boat rides.
Protect the reef by wearing a long-sleeve UPF rash guard instead of sunscreen. If you must use sunscreen, it must be biodegradable and reef-safe.
Easiest way to do it
Pulmo National Park Snorkel Expedition from Cabo San Lucas
10 h 4.7 (140)
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
From$279per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is the road to Cabo Pulmo paved?
No. The final 15 kilometers from La Ribera to the village are unpaved. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended.
Can I wear sunscreen?
Only reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen is permitted. However, the park heavily encourages wearing UPF rash guards instead.
What should I pack?
Bring cash, a rash guard, a microfiber towel, and motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness.