Blog  |  Tuesday, December 31, 2024

A Guide to Scuba Diving in Cabo Pulmo

Scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo is one of the most popular activities in East Cape–and with good reason.

In Los Cabos, there’s no better place to witness the menagerie of magical marine life firsthand than Cabo Pulmo National Park. It is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as one of the most lively coral reef ecosystems on the continent. And Cabo Pulmo is home to an astonishing 6,000 marine species.

Even more, it’s only a short drive or boat ride from Costa Palmas. And most dive sites are only a ten minute jaunt from the shore.

Ready for adventure?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the most of your action-packed experience in Cabo Pulmo and activities in East Cape.

• Timing is everything

  Consider the timing before you book your next yachting trip, glamorous getaway or private plane excursion to Costa Palmas. You’ll want to get the most out of your scuba diving excursion.

• Peak season

  A visit from October through January will be your best bet for catching a glimpse of some of the most sought-after species. These species are migrating during optimal seasonal conditions and will be hanging out near the surface in warmer waters.

  For live-aboard diving in the Sea of Cortez, the best time to visit is from August to November. This is when the water’s average temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

  You’ll experience slightly cooler sea temperatures from December to March. But you’ll have greater odds of spotting humpback whales, gray whales, and mobulas. As well as seeing increased sea lion activity.

• Follow the proper protocol

  As a protected site, there are certain rules and regulations in place to ensure Cabo Pulmo–and all of its inhabitants–are able to survive and thrive.

  With a multifaceted approach to conservation, one rule that is strictly enforced is that only two dive groups per site are allowed, and those approved sites are predetermined by a strict permitting system.

  Additionally, only a certain number of boats are allowed each day. So scheduling a visit well in advance greatly enhances your chance of admittance.

  Have your yacht crew or concierge schedule your visit ahead of time. This will ensure your arrival to and experience within the park is a smooth, seamless experience for all involved.

  Once you’ve arrived and are ready to dive, a maximum of 45 minutes of bottom time per dive is allowed.

  Onshore, there’s a strict policy forbidding taking or collecting of any seashells, plants, animals. Or any other artifacts. This helps to keep the park preserved and full of treasures to discover.

  Your tour guide will be well-informed about all of the park’s policies. But it’s always a good rule of thumb to acquaint yourself with pertinent information before traveling somewhere new.

• Plan for provisions

  Whether you’re booking a private dive tour or joining in with another group, a wise move is to make sure you’ve got the necessities prior to hitting the water.

• Gear up

  Have your yacht crew provide you with the scuba diving gear you will need. Or check to see if the private tour group you’ll be using provides the necessary items. For starters you’ll need a mask, fins, and wetsuit.

• Water, snacks, and sunscreen

  While there are a few restaurants to choose from in the sleepy fishing village onshore, options are limited, particularly for shopping.

  Stock up on any snacks, water, or sun-shielding products you’ll need to keep you satiated and hydrated as you travel to and from the dive site.

• Consider getting your certification

  Most of the dive sites you’ll be permitted to explore in Cabo Pulmo are suitable for scuba divers from beginners to advanced levels. But it’s a good idea to obtain your Open Water Diver certification before making the trip.

  Once you have this basic certification, you’ll feel more comfortable. Confidently venturing out to explore all of the natural wonders Cabo Pulmo has to offer.

• School yourself on possible sightings

  With such a massive amount of marine species that call Cabo Pulmo home, you can’t expect to spot them all on a single dive.

  However, read up on which types of colorful fish, coral reef formations, and more are commonly found so that you’re more likely to recognize them when you cross paths.

  Being more informed about your surroundings will make you more alert and further enrich every encounter at this natural hotspot for biodiversity.

  For example, scuba divers commonly report seeing species like the area’s famous sea lions.

  In addition to humpback whales, gray whales and mobulas; there are other stars of the show. Including everything from bull sharks and reef sharks to manta rays, sea turtles, grouper, snapper, and parrotfish.

  More marine life you can put on your Cabo Pulmo bucket list include hard and soft corals, sea stars, urchins, dolphins and octopuses.

• Make a day of it

  Maximize your time spent at or near Cabo Pulmo by planning a whole day (or more) of activities in East Cape.

  From the moment you step off of your yacht or disembark, there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy in the area in addition to scuba diving.

  For travelers who enjoy staying active, there’s also ample snorkeling, kitesurfing, kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding.

  Fishing is yet another opportunity for high-octane thrills, with an array of competitive sport fishing tournaments that draw travelers around the world each year.

  Prefer to fish with a more relaxed vibe? Let a local fishing expert take you to the spots most likely to be brimming with fish.

  Immerse yourself in local culture by embarking on a day trip to any of the nearby charming coastal cities and beach towns that dot the region, where you can shop a curated collection of artisan wares created by talented local merchants.

Take your scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo experience to the next level with the Aventura team at Costa Palmas. Offering guided scuba diving trips that deliver a stunning, up close and personal look at a variety of vibrant ocean life. When you purchase a piece of regal real estate at Casa Blake in Costa Palmas; luxurious amenities, fine dining, world-class shopping, and unforgettable adventures await each day.