Nestled along the pristine coastline along the East Cape of Baja California Sur, this hidden gem boasts stunning natural beauty and a rich history that dates back centuries. Once a small fishing village, Cabo Pulmo has transformed into a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, all drawn to its vibrant marine life and tranquil shores.
The town itself is inside the main attraction for the area, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the healthiest coral reefs in North America. Here, you can dive or snorkel alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, and even majestic whale sharks, experiencing the magic of the underwater world firsthand.
For those who prefer to stay dry, hiking trails offer panoramic views of the rugged desert landscape, while pristine beaches invite relaxation and contemplation. There are a few marked trails around the town and numerous others you can find on your own near any of the beaches. Perhaps the most popular hike is to the tower on the top of the hill that overlooks the small village and surrounding areas.
Although we recommend that everyone put Cabo Pulmo on their Baja bucket list, getting in and out of the area is a real challenge – particularly with larger vehicles and RVs – which is why we have included it in our guidebook but did not give it the authority of its own chapter.
Despite being very close to some major cities like La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, the National Reserve is very unspoiled. There are a handful of small restaurants, no ATMs or cell service, and all roads in and out of the village are unpaved and hardly ever maintained. Let us repeat – these roads are unpaved and hardly ever maintained, making them some of the worst roads in all of Baja!
But the laid-back vibe and stunning natural beauty of the remote region of Cabo Pulmo really attract people looking to see Baja as it might have been for campers 30 or 40 years ago.
There are no formal campgrounds within Cabo Pulmo National Park. However, there are several informal areas to camp and a few private properties that offer overnight parking. Some of the more popular places include the beaches near the town of Cabo Pulmo and Los Arbolitos and Los Frailes to the south of town.
Be mindful of soft sand, rocky roads, constant erosion, and potholes, which can be catastrophic for RVs, trailers, and vehicles of all kinds. We broke a few leaf springs and an important u-bolt in our truck camper during our first trip to Cabo Pulmo, so we advise lots of caution and patience if you plan to spend any amount of time in the beautiful region!
Things to do in Cabo Pulmo
The best activities in Cabo Pulmo involve actually getting into the Sea of Cortez. But there is plenty to discover in the small town as well.
Here are the things to do in Cabo Pulmo.
Go Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Cabo Pulmo is one of the best diving sites in the world. The pristine reef, clear water, and vast wildlife attract divers from all over the world. You can dive year-round. But the best time to enjoy this part of the Sea of Cortez is between September and November as the water is warm and the visibility is at its best.
Several dive shops offer dives for certified divers. Possible sighting includes bull sharks, reef sharks, jackfish, sea turtles, occasional whales and all varieties of tropical fish.
You are also welcome to snorkel virtually anywhere you find suitable. Our favorite activity in Cabo Pulmo is to load up our snorkeling gear on our paddleboards and head out to find a more remote reef away from the crowds. Just be mindful not to disturb the coral or marine life if you go unguided.
Enjoy a Hike
The ocean isn’t the only attraction. There are a few marked trails around the town and numerous others you can find on your own near any of the beaches. Perhaps the most popular hike is to the tower on the top of the hill that overlooks the small village and surrounding areas.
A very rough road takes you to the mountain and a 30-minute hike will provide you with an aerial view of the national park and lush landscape of Cabo Pulmo.
Get a Paddle In – Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Kayaking and paddle boarding are great activities that you can do without a guide in Cabo Pulmo. If you don’t own your own, both kayaks and paddleboards are readily available at local shops.
Start in the morning and look for mother humpback whales with their calves, Mobula rays jumping out of the water to impress the females and sharks and tropical fish cruising around in the deep waters.
