14 Reasons You Need to Go Scuba Diving in Cabo Pulmo

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Cabo Pulmo, a hidden gem on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, is a paradise for scuba divers who like to get off the beaten path. Home to one of the most successful marine conservation stories globally, this vibrant marine park offers unparalleled underwater experiences. Here are fourteen compelling reasons why scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo should be on every diver's bucket list.​

Why Scuba Diving in Cabo Pulmo Should Be On Your Dive Travel List

1. Get Inspired by a Conservation Success Story

Cabo Pulmo National Park stands as a testament to the power of community-led conservation. Established in 1995, the park transformed from an overfished area into a thriving marine reserve. 

Between 1999 and 2009, fish biomass increased by an astounding 463%, with top predators like sharks returning in significant numbers. This remarkable recovery showcases the effectiveness of no-take marine reserves and scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo offers a chance to experience a rejuvenated ecosystem firsthand.​ 

2. Explore North America's Oldest Coral Reef

Cabo Pulmo is home to the oldest of only three coral reefs on North America's west coast, estimated to be 20,000 years old. Diving here allows you to explore extensive hard coral formations that have flourished due to successful conservation efforts.​ 

3. Encounter Diverse Marine Life

The park's thriving ecosystem supports over 800 species of marine life, including five of the world's seven sea turtle species, dolphins, sea lions, and various fish species. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of jacks, groupers, and snappers, making scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo vibrant and diverse.

4. Dive with Bull Sharks

For thrill-seekers, Cabo Pulmo offers the exhilarating opportunity to dive with bull sharks. These apex predators have returned to the area, reflecting the health of the marine environment. Encounters with these majestic creatures are a highlight for many divers.​

Love bull sharks? You might like: Best Diving in Fiji: Mantas, Bull Sharks, and Pristine Reefs 

5. Experience Massive Schools of Fish

One of the park's most iconic sights is the massive schools of jacks. During the peak season, divers can find themselves surrounded by swirling silver clouds of these fish, creating a mesmerizing underwater experience.

6. Enjoy Excellent Visibility and Warm Waters

From August to November, diving in the Sea of Cortez offers warm waters averaging 80°F (27°C) and excellent visibility, making it an ideal time for diving. These favorable conditions enhance the overall diving experience, allowing for clearer views of the vibrant marine life and coral formations. 

7. Explore Diverse Dive Sites

Cabo Pulmo offers a variety of dive sites suitable for different experience levels. From shallow reefs teeming with life to El Vencedor, a sunken tuna trawler now serving as an artificial reef, there is something for every diver. ​

8. Engage in Eco-Friendly Tourism

The local community's commitment to conservation has fostered eco-friendly tourism practices. Divers are encouraged to engage in sustainable diving, ensuring the preservation of this marine paradise for future generations. 

9. Go Whale Watching

Beyond diving, Cabo Pulmo offers a front-row seat to some of nature's most awe-inspiring events. Between December and April, humpback and gray whales migrate through these waters, breaching and playing in full view of the shore. 

RELATED: 8 Best Places to See Whales in the Wild 

10. Support a Sustainable Community

Scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo and spending time there means supporting a community dedicated to sustainable living and conservation. The town's transformation from fishing to eco-tourism has led to economic and environmental benefits, making it a model for other communities worldwide. ​

11. Disconnect in a Remote, Barefoot Paradise

Cabo Pulmo offers more than just incredible diving—it is a peaceful escape from the modern world. This tiny village is surrounded by cacti-covered hills, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, creating a laid-back, barefoot vibe. 

With no large resorts or crowded streets, it is the perfect place to unplug, slow down, and soak in the raw beauty of Baja California.

12. Explore Other World-Class Dive Destinations Nearby

Cabo Pulmo is also close to some of the best diving in Mexico. Head south to Cabo San Lucas for liveaboards to the Socorro Islands —a hotspot for giant oceanic manta rays, sharks, and dolphins. 

Drive north to La Paz to swim with whale sharks, dive with sea lions at Los Islotes, or witness mobula rays and orcas in the Sea of Cortez. Visiting in October or November? Do not miss Magdalena Bay’s sardine run, one of the most thrilling underwater spectacles on the planet.

13. Minimal Crowds, Maximum Serenity

Unlike many other popular dive destinations, Cabo Pulmo has strict dive limits and avoids the tourist overload found in larger resort towns. This means uncrowded dive sites, more intimate marine encounters, and a truly immersive experience in nature.

14. Great for Underwater Photography

With excellent visibility (especially from September to November), abundant marine life, and dramatic schools of fish, scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo offers incredible opportunities for underwater photography. 

LEARN MORE: SSI x Edges of Earth: Diving Pristine Oceans in Cabo Pulmo 

Best Time to Go Scuba Diving in Cabo Pulmo

The best time for scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo is from August to November when water temperatures are warmest, averaging around 80°F (27°C), and visibility is at its peak. 

December to March brings cooler waters but is ideal for spotting humpback whales, gray whales, and increased sea lion activity. 

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Travel Tips

• Accommodations: Cabo Pulmo is a small, remote village with limited accommodations. It is best to book in advance, especially during the high season (December to April). ​
• Dive Reservations: Due to the park's popularity and conservation regulations limiting diving activity, it is a good idea to book your dive trips ahead of time.
• Amenities: The village has a few restaurants and a small store with non-perishable items. It is recommended to bring any essential supplies with you. ​
• Cash: There are no ATMs in Cabo Pulmo, so ensure you bring sufficient cash for your stay.​

How to Get There

Cabo Pulmo is located approximately 130 km north of Cabo San Lucas on the east coast of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. The nearest major airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). 

From the airport, you can rent a car and drive to Cabo Pulmo, which takes about two hours. The journey involves paved highways and a final stretch of unpaved road leading into the village. Alternatively, private shuttle services are available for transportation to and from Cabo Pulmo

Ready to Dive In?

Scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo is not just about incredible marine life—it is about being part of one of the world’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Whether you are drawn to the swirling schools of jacks, the bull sharks, or the peace of a remote coastal village, Cabo Pulmo offers something truly special for every diver.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Find your perfect dive center and start planning your adventure with SSI’s guide to diving in Baja California.