Snorkeling Cabo Pulmo: Explore the Living Coral Reef of the Sea of Cortez
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours (activity); add ~2 hours travel from Cabo San Lucas each way
Fitness Level
Comfortable swimming ability and basic stamina for repeated surface swims; suitable for most fitness levels
Overview
Float above the only living hard coral reef in the Sea of Cortez on a guided snorkeling trip to Cabo Pulmo. Expect clear water, abundant fish life, and practical shore-to-reef guidance on a half-day adventure two hours from Cabo San Lucas.
Snorkeling Cabo Pulmo: Explore the Living Coral Reef of the Sea of Cortez
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The boat slips away from a limestone spit and the color of the water changes—turquoise softens into a fierce, glassy blue. Sunlight knifes through the surface, and a wall of coral waits below like an underwater ridge that refuses to be ignored. On a clear morning at Cabo Pulmo, the sea feels purposeful: the current nudges you along, schools of small fish turn as one and the reef stands alive beneath your fins.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Go early for calmer seas
Morning launches usually have the best underwater visibility and gentler currents—arrive hydrated and ready to enter the water soon after arrival.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens damage coral; apply a mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen before launch or wear a long-sleeve swim top.
Mask fit matters more than fins
Bring or request a well-fitting mask—leaks will ruin your snorkeling window far more than suboptimal fins.
Respect wildlife distance
Sea lions and groupers are curious but keep your distance to avoid stressing animals and to protect the reef.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- California sea lion
- Gulf grouper
History
Cabo Pulmo became a protected marine park in the 1990s after local fishers, scientists, and NGOs pushed for conservation; its protection led to measurable recovery of fish populations.
Conservation
The reef recovers best when boats anchor in sand, visitors avoid touching corals, and everyone uses reef-safe sunscreen; local cooperatives manage sustainable tourism revenue.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cabo San Lucas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and snorkel (snug fit)
A well-fitting mask prevents leaks and lets you spend more time observing fish than fixing gear.
summer specific
Reef-safe sunscreen or UV swim shirt
Protects skin and the coral—wear long-sleeve UV protection if you prefer to avoid sunscreen in the water.
summer specific
Light wetsuit or vest
Keeps you comfortable during cooler months or if you plan multiple long swims.
winter specific
Water shoes or sandals
Useful for the short beach entries and rocky docks at some launch points.
spring specific