Cabo Pulmo National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Los Cabos

Often referred to as the "jewel of the Sea of Cortez," the coral reef of Cabo Pulmo National Park entices visitors to its shores with the promise of marine diversity. Ocean lovers can swim among friendly turtles, explore intriguing shipwrecks or get swept up in a school of tropical fish.

Whether you are a diving pro or simply love to don a snorkel mask and discover the seas, you'll be enthralled by a day trip to Cabo Pulmo National Park from Los Cabos.

Bellow is everything you need to know about visiting Cabo Pulmo National Park, one of the most incredible destinations for day trips from Los Cabos.

How to get to Cabo Pulmo National Park from Los Cabos?

Cabo Pulmo is located on the east coast of the Baja California Sur peninsula. It is approximately 130 kilometers from the main city of Los Cabos — Cabo San Lucas.

From Los Cabos to Cabo Pulmo National Park by car

There are two routes you can follow to access the park by car. If time is of the essence, you can follow Highway 1 out of the city until it separates. When you reach this fork, keep right to follow Camino Cabo Este to the park.

The entire journey takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, choose the scenic coastal route to make your journey to Cabo Pulmo National Park, along the region's east cape.

Guided tour to Cabo Pulmo National Park from Los Cabos

If you don't have access to a car on your vacation, you may choose to make the jaunt to  Cabo Pulmo National Park via a prearranged excursion instead. You'll be picked up from your hotel lobby between 7 AM and 9 AM, and tours usually last between 6 and 8 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to Cabo Pulmo National Park begins with a scenic drive along the East Cape of Baja California Sur.

You may travel on a tour bus, or alternatively, you can choose to make the journey by jeep and experience the magnificent landmarks along the way in close proximity. Once you reach the national park, there’s only one thing to do — jump in and explore.

Those without a diving certificate can participate in a snorkeling tour and swim among an array of tropical fish. You’ll be able to see the coral reef from the surface and might even catch sight of a turtle floating by.

If you’re a water sports enthusiast with a diving license, you may participate in a scuba diving tour, which takes you further into the depths of the sea. You’ll witness immense schools of fish, as well as deep sea creatures, such as hammerhead sharks and humpback whales.

Get up close to the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez and see the hustle, and bustle of sea creatures as you travel through its thriving colony. Enjoy a local Mexican lunch before returning to Los Cabos where your Cabo Pulmo National Park day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cabo Pulmo National Park?

There are several different ways you can explore the abundance of sealife off the Baja California Sur peninsula on a day tour to Cabo Pulmo National Park, depending on your personal interests.

Snorkeling tour to Cabo Pulmo National Park from Los Cabos

One of the best ways to explore the marine diversity of Cabo Pulmo National Park is by snorkeling through its flourishing waters.

After a panoramic drive alongside the turquoise seas of Mexico's west coast, you’ll don your snorkeling gear and slip below the calm blue surface of the preserved marine area.

As you move through the waters, you may encounter turtles, sea lions and the endangered gulf grouper. Watch the thriving coral sway as tropical fish glide lazily through its colorful reef before returning to Los Cabos.

Diving tour to Cabo Pulmo National Park from Los Cabos

Those who are scuba diving certified can travel further into the depths of the ocean to discover colossal schools of fish and explore a fascinating shipwreck.

Journeying toward the sea bed, you may catch sight of a curious hammerhead or reef shark, or swim alongside a humpback whale as they glide leisurely through the waters.

Private jeep tour to Cabo Pulmo National Park from Los Cabos

Alternatively, hop into a 4x4 vehicle and embark on an off-roading adventure toward the national park. On this Cabo Pulmo National Park day trip, you'll take a scenic road trip along the coastal route of Baja California Sur in your jeep.

Along the way, ascend mountain paths and cross rough terrain to gain wide-sweeping views of the picturesque region. Upon arrival at the national park, you'll follow your guide into the ocean to seek out an abundance of sea creatures.

How much does a day trip to Cabo Pulmo National Park from Los Cabos cost?

If you wish to participate in a private jeep day tour to Cabo Pulmo National Park, you'll pay approximately US$540 per group of up to three participants. Divided evenly, you’ll each pay US$180.

Snorkeling and scuba diving day trips to Cabo Pulmo National Park both cost US$280 per person. You will need to pay the marine park entrance fee upon arrival. If you’re participating in a scuba dive, you’ll also need to pay a US$40 fee per person for equipment hire.

What will you see and do?

Cabo Pulmo National Park was established as a protected marine park in 1995  and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. However, it is estimated that the coral reef that the park is home to dates back over 20,000 years and is one of only three surviving reefs in North America.

Spanning over 100 kilometers, Cabo Pulmo is home to a vast array of marine life. With over 100 recorded fish species and more than 80 invertebrates, the park gives divers and snorkelers a glimpse into the underwater world.

Huge schools of puffer fish permeate the waters, alongside gigantic devil rays, whose wings can span up to 5 meters.

A plethora of shark species also reside in this protected environment, including bull sharks, blacktip sharks, reef sharks and lemon sharks. The park is also home to the endangered gulf grouper, which is endemic to Mexico and has suffered a population decline of 50% in the past 80 years.

Humpback whales migrate to the region from cooler climates, such as Alaska, Canada and the northwest coast of the United States where they spend each summer.

When the weather turns bleak — around December — they seek a warmer climate and travel south, as far as Cabo Pulmo National Park where they enjoy the balmy conditions until April.

During the 1990s, the region suffered from extreme overfishing. However, since it has been declared a protected site, the marine life has recovered and the park is now renowned as a haven for all sea life.

The park is also home to the El Vencedor shipwreck, where bull sharks, groupers and sting rays often frequent. Originally a tuna trawler, the vessel sank in the 1980s after hitting the coral reef and has since become a prime spot for experienced divers on a Cabo Pulmo excursion.

Throughout October and November, an influx of sardines journeys through the shipwreck, which is a spectacle to behold for any diving connoisseur.

What are the opening times?

Cabo Pulmo National Park is open between 8 AM and 5 PM every day of the year. However, some dive sites within the park do close occasionally to allow the coral reef to recover.

When is the best time to visit Cabo Pulmo National Park?

The best time to plan a day trip to Cabo Pulmo National Park is between June and November when the waters are calm and clear, providing perfect visibility.

Alternatively, you may choose to plan your excursion between December and March if you're interested in spotting humpback whales.

Travel tips

• During the summer months, Cabo Pulmo National Park experiences high temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius. Ensure you're prepared for the heat with plenty of water and protective clothing.
• Only biodegradable sunscreens are permitted within the national park, in order to uphold the health of the coral reef.
• Consider covering your back with a t-shirt while snorkeling to avoid sunburn on a day tour to Cabo Pulmo National Park.