Cabo Pulmo National Park: planning guide
A hard-coral reef at the tip of Baja California Sur — one of the Gulf of California’s best recovered marine areas. Snorkel and small-boat access.
Cabo Pulmo National Park is in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The nearest town is La Ribera — roughly 24.4 km (15.2 mi) out, about 38 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| La Ribera | 24.4 km (15.2 mi) | 38 min |
| Miraflores | 36.4 km (22.6 mi) | 51 min |
| Los Barriles | 39.4 km (24.5 mi) | 54 min |
| Las Veredas | 42.7 km (26.5 mi) | 58 min |
| La Playa | 48 km (29.9 mi) | 1 hr 3 min |
| San José del Cabo | 50.9 km (31.7 mi) | 1 hr 6 min |
| El Pescadero | 76.3 km (47.4 mi) | 1 hr 34 min |
| Las Palmas | 76.5 km (47.5 mi) | 1 hr 34 min |
Where Cabo Pulmo National Park sits
Official Cabo Pulmo National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Bahía de Loreto National Park
Sea of Cortez islands and waters around Loreto in Baja California Sur. Desert mountains drop to blue water, whales, and kayak country.
- Isla Isabel National Park
A tiny volcanic island off Nayarit in the Pacific. Frigatebirds, boobies, and a remote research and diving outpost.
- Islas Marietas National Park
Small Pacific islands off Punta de Mita, Nayarit. Hidden beach, snorkeling, and strict visitor limits to protect seabirds.
- Basaseachic Falls National Park
Basaseachic Falls and pine–oak canyon country in the western Sierra Madre of Chihuahua. One of Mexico’s tallest waterfalls in a high desert setting.
Common questions
Where is Cabo Pulmo National Park?
Cabo Pulmo National Park sits in Baja California Sur, Mexico, and the closest town of any size is La Ribera — about 38 min away.
When is the best time to visit Cabo Pulmo National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.