5 Cabo Pulmo Tours That You Will Love + How To Get There

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Are you thinking about booking a tour of Cabo Pulmo National Park? I’m here to help! 

Cabo Pulmo National Park is a protected marine area on the east coast of Southern Baja, about 60 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. Home to hundreds of aquatic species, this reserve boasts a unique ecosystem with a coral reef believed to be 20,000 years old! 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cabo Pulmo is one of the best diving destinations in the world thanks to pristine conditions and a lack of mass tourism. You can also enjoy snorkeling from shore in Cabo Pulmo, because the reef shelters its beaches from the big waves that you often see in Cabo San Lucas.

Besides water sports, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, beachgoing and star gazing at night. Cabo Pulmo truly has it all! It’s a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spot that offers a chance to experience the rugged beauty of Baja California away from the glitzy resorts and Cabo parties. 

So, if you are looking for a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, Cabo Pulmo should be on your bucket list. In this article, I sourced some of the best tours of Cabo Pulmo that you can join, instead of renting a car. 

Where is Cabo Pulmo? 

Cabo Pulmo Marine Reserve is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Cabo San Lucas on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula. The park sits along the coastline of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). The area is relatively remote and accessible only via dirt roads. But if you can make it here, you will enjoy outdoor activities and water sports like snorkeling and diving.

Cabo Pulmo map 

5 Best Cabo Pulmo Tours: A Complete Overview

1. Cabo Pulmo snorkeling tour – a badge of excellence ⭐️

This Cabo Pulmo snorkeling tour can’t be beat!

While Cabo San Lucas has plenty of snorkeling areas, it’s usually crowded, especially around popular places like Playa Del Amor, and Playa Chileno, where many tourists go. 

The adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel, and your guide will provide fun facts and helpful information about this marine park while you are on the road. Choose from four swimming and snorkeling spots, where you can spot sea turtles, starfish, and other marine species, and enjoy a delicious Mexican lunch when you are done.

What’s included:

• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment

What’s not included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Optional gratuities
• $10 per person round-trip transportation fee

Cabo Pulmo is breathtakingly beautiful! Don’t let the 2-hour drive from Cabo detour you. The landscape is amazing and the underwater sights are thrilling! Santiago and his team are awesome! We would take this tour again and again!

Michelle V 

2. Private jeep tour of Cabo Pulmo – a badge of excellence ✨

There’s no better way to tour Cabo Pulmo than by a private jeep tour, where you can enjoy the sweeping vistas of the unspoiled coastline while off-roading on the Baja’s desert roads. 

Once you arrive at Cabo Pulmo, your guide will drive you to one of the best snorkeling spots in this gorgeous national park. Jump in the water to explore the crystalline waters teeming with fish and other marine wildlife.

The tour also includes a traditional Mexican lunch and pick-up and drop-off from your hotel. 

What’s included:

• Tickets to Cabo Pulmo National Park
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• Private guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Mexican lunch 

What’s not included:

• Gratuities 

Beautiful scenery and adventure. The ride was bumpy but beautiful and snorkeling requires good swimming skills so be aware when booking! Marco was an incredible guide. We enjoyed spending the day with him on a customized tour catered to our needs. Offered stories and recommendations on local places, got us beers during a long journey, and spotted us for margaritas when we were out of cash.

Caroline P

3. Cabo Pulmo diving tour with lunch

Cabo Pulmo is one of the best places for diving in the world, but reaching it is not easy due to its remote location.

Don’t worry: this diving tour of Cabo Pulmo from Cabo San Lucas offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the marine world of Baja California without worrying about the logistics. 

All you need to do is book a 2-tank certified dive, which offers an amazing overview of Cabo’s marine world, allowing you to see shipwrecks, sharks, and sea turtles swimming in the coral reefs. 

➡️ Always tip in Cabo when taking a guided tour! People who work in Cabo’s tourism industry always appreciate a gratuity because it helps to offset lower wages.

What’s included:

• Lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Towels

What’s not included:

• $40 dive equipment rental fee
• Cabo Pulmo National Park admission fee 

First off, my driver Gil was very helpful and knowledgeable! Also, funny at times. I enjoyed the conversations with him toand from the event! On the diving portion, we got to see a lot of marine life and the dive master did a great job leading both dives. I definitely will recommend and attend this event again!!!

A TripAdvisor reviewer 

4. Baja off-road adventure on a motorcycle or buggy

If you are a thrill seeker, don’t miss the fun opportunity for off-roading in Cabo Pulmo.

The tour allows you to choose from a motorcycle or buggy to explore the trails of the famous Baja 1000 race and enjoy some of the most spectacular vistas in the region, that most tourists don’t get to see.

As you ride through the desert, you will have a chance to stop at Santiago Falls, and Boca de Vinorama, and catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. 

Let your guide know if you would like to customize your tour, and they will make the required accommodations to adjust it to your interests. 

➡️ As an alternative, consider one of these popular ATV tours in Cabo

What’s included:

• Off-road motorcycle or off-road race buggy
• Full protective gear
• Bottled water
• Lunch

What’s not included:

• Gratuities 

Amazing 1/2 day buggy experience for my husband and me. It was our first time in this type of vehicle, and the Baja ride crew made sure we were fully equipped and safe. Beautiful scenery off the beaten path in Cabo. Will come back and try the motorbikes next time.

Christin C

5. Scuba diving tour of Cabo Pulmo

This scuba diving adventure is a perfect introduction to Cabo’s marine underworld.

After your tour picks you up from your hotel, you will drive straight to Cabo Pulmo where you will jump on a boat and drive to one of the best diving spots in the area. Here you can spot manta rays, turtles, hammered sharks, and colorful fish swimming in the corals. 

Your guide will provide a complete overview of the area and provide a safety briefing before you get in the water and enjoy your scuba diving adventure. 

What’s included:

• Snacks
• Bottled water

What’s not included:

• Gratuities 

Blue Passion Diving at Nemo’s was reviewed by me but I was unsure about the price as it seemed high compared to a recent trip elsewhere. As I look at other prices they’re very reasonable for the area and run a great operation. Very highly recommended.

Can I visit Cabo Pulmo without a tour?

Yes, you can visit Cabo Pulmo without a tour. You will need to rent a 4X4 car, and download offline maps or bring paper maps with you. Cabo Pulmo is a remote part of Southern Baja, with bad roads and bad phone signal, which means you will need to be self-sufficient if you venture here on your own. 

How to get to Cabo Pulmo

Although many tourists visit Cabo Pulmo with a tour, you can also rent a 4X4 car, if you want to visit the area on your own. 

By car:

It takes anywhere from 2,5 to 3 hours to get to Cabo Pulmo from Cabo San Lucas by car, depending on your ability to navigate the bumpy roads of Cabo Pulmo.

Take Highway 1 north, and at La Ribera, turn off onto the unpaved road that leads directly to Cabo Pulmo. While the highway is paved, the drive-in Cabo Pulmo is a dirt road that can be rough, especially after rain.

🚗 If you want to take a day trip to Cabo Pulmo, renting a car is a perfect option! 

Where to rent a car for my trip to Cabo Pulmo?

You can rent a car at several places around Cabo, but the most convenient way is to rent a car at Cabo Airport. ✈️ This way, you will not have to look for an Uber or taxi to get to your hotel, and can enjoy a complete freedom right from the start.

Many car rental companies like Hertz, Avis and Budget have offices around Cabo Airport, and when you make a reservation, they will pick you up in a shuttle and drive to the office, where you will fill out paperwork and get your vehicle.

Why should I rent a car in Cabo?

Renting a car in Cabo is an excellent idea if you want to get outside the tourist bubble and visit places off the beaten path like Cabo Pulmo National Park. Since public transport is limited in the area, you usually need a vehicle to get around the area.

By shuttle/taxi:

Some companies offer shuttle services from Los Cabos to Cabo Pulmo. Taxi or Uber is also an option but are usually pretty expensive due to the distance. Not every driver will agree to drive you to Cabo Pulmo, because of the rough roads, so you shouldn’t rely on it as your primary option.

Cabo Pulmo from La Paz:

If you are visiting Cabo Pulmo from La Paz, you will need to rent a car, because there’s no public transportation in the area. 

By car

It takes about 2.5-3 hours to get from La Paz to Cabo Pulmo. Take Highway 1 south and follow signs to Cabo Pulmo. Similar to the route from Los Cabos, the last stretch will involve bumpy dirt roads, so you should take your time driving here.

By public transport

There are no direct buses from La Paz to Cabo Pulmo. However, you can take a bus from Los Cabos or La Paz to La Ribera and then arrange a taxi or private transfer to take you the rest of the way.

Cabo Pulmo Hotels 

If you decide to rent a car and spend your day in Cabo Pulmo, you will need a place to stay. Cabo Pulmo is one of my favorite places in South Baja because of the tranquil atmosphere, clear dark skies, and pristine desert scenery. 

Here are some of the places where you can spend a few nights in the area:

Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort

One of the most popular places to stay in the area, Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort is only 3 minutes from the beach and has an on-site restaurant, bar, and free private parking. Airport shuttle is available at an extra charge. 

✅ CHECK PRICES AT CABO PULMO BEACH RESORT

Bungalow Cirujano

Looking for a convenient location? These cozy bungalows are within walking distance from the beach and restaurants and have kitchens and free on-site parking. 

✅ CHECK PRICES AT BUNGALOWS CIRUJANO

Best tours of Cabo Pulmo: FAQs

Is Cabo Pulmo worth visiting for a day? 

Yes, Cabo Pulmo is worth visiting, if you are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Baja California Sur. Cabo Pulmo National Park is home to a pristine coastline free from development and it boasts one of the oldest coral reefs in North America.

What are the best months to dive in Cabo Pulmo? 

The best months to dive in Cabo Pulmo are August and November when you can enjoy warm waters and excellent visibility. These months coincide with the calmest sea conditions ideal for spotting marine wildlife. 

Why is Cabo Pulmo famous?

Cabo Pulmo is one of the last untouched stretches of the Southern Baja’s coastline where you can enjoy pristine beaches and unspoiled views of the Sea of Cortez. 

Is it safe to travel to Cabo Pulmo?

Traveling to Cabo Pulmo is safe, but you should take precautions due to its remote location. Download offline maps, pack plenty of water and snacks, and rent a 4X4 vehicle that can handle the bumpy roads. 

Can you swim in Cabo Pulmo?

Yes, you can swim in Cabo Pulmo. Most beaches in the area usually don’t have big waves because they are sheltered by coral reefs, but you should always check if it’s safe to swim before getting in the water. 

Can you snorkel Cabo Pulmo without a tour?

Yes, you can snorkel in Cabo Pulmo without a tour. If you enter the water from the beach, there’s a good chance you will spot some fish, because the coral reef in Cabo Pulmo is just a few meters from the shore.

Remember to always check weather conditions before getting in the water, and consult with the lifeguard, if there’s one. 

Where is the best place to snorkel in Cabo Pulmo?

Los Arbolitos is one of the best places to snorkel in Cabo Pulmo, where you can snorkel right off the beach. 

Cabo Pulmo Tours: Final word

Whether you want to enjoy a snorkeling tour at Cabo Pulmo or go diving, you will have the best time of your life! While Southern Baja is quickly getting built up, Cabo Pulmo still feels like a pristine stretch of coastline that lacks mass development and tourist crowds. Getting to Cabo Pulmo takes time, but it’s well worth the effort if you want to experience a more authentic Baja and see what the entire area was like before the tourist boom happened.