One of only three living coral reefs in all of North America is located just miles from Costa Palmas. The Cabo Pulmo reef is approximately 5,000 years old and was established as a proteced marine reserve in 1995. In 2005, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site, meaning Cabo Pulmo is considered an area of outstanding international importance and therefore deserving of special protection.
Cabo Pulmo features 8 separate sections, or “fingers” of the reef: four close to shore and the other four out in the bay. The reef begins just a few meters off the coastline, which makes Cabo Pulmo an extremely appealing diving and snorkeling location. Commecial and and sport fishing are banned.
The waters of Cabo Pulmo are teeming with vibrant marine life, including: sea turtles, dolphin, parrot fish, angelfish, damselfish, mobula rays, sharks and whales. Large tropical schools of fish provide impressive parades of color for those who explore this incredible reef.