Scuba Diving Cabo Pulmo: Explore Mexico’s Living Coral Reef in the Sea of Cortez
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; comfortable with boat transfers, surface swims, and repeated descents
Overview
Dive into the Sea of Cortez at Cabo Pulmo and swim through one of North America’s few living coral reefs. This half-day scuba trip pairs clear water, dense marine life, and a conservation success story — ideal for certified divers who want vivid underwater encounters.
Scuba Diving Cabo Pulmo: Explore Mexico’s Living Coral Reef in the Sea of Cortez
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You step off a low-profile dive boat and the Sea of Cortez opens like a cool, breathing world. The surface shimmers turquoise; below, ledges of stony coral tumble into blue. On the ride out the captain points to the shoreline of Cabo Pulmo — a thin ribbon of sand and low houses where the village seems to watch the ocean like a careful neighbor. The water here doesn't promise private calm so much as presence: currents that move life through the reef and visibility that dares you to look farther.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring certification
Carry your Open Water certification card and photo ID — operators require proof for certified dives.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral health.
Surface interval hydration
Drink water during the surface interval to prevent dehydration and reduce risk of decompression issues.
Secure gear and camera
Tether cameras and secure loose equipment to avoid accidental damage to corals or losing gear in currents.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea turtles
- Manta rays
History
Cabo Pulmo was designated a national marine park in the 1990s after local fishers led efforts to protect the reef; protections allowed fish biomass to recover dramatically.
Conservation
The park is a community-driven conservation success; visitors should follow no-touch rules, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid anchoring on coral.
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Adventure Hotspots in Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and snorkel
A well-fitted mask improves visibility and comfort during surface intervals.
Dive computer or depth gauge
Tracks bottom time and ascent rates for safe repetitive dives.
Thin wetsuit (3–5mm)
Keeps you warm during early-morning dives and longer surface intervals.
spring specific
Underwater camera or wide-angle housing
Captures schools, turtles, and large reef formations in clear tropical water.
summer specific