FAQs · Destination Guide
Big fish schools, bull shark season, and a community-built marine park on Baja's East Cape
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 19 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
For many travelers, October and November offer the best blend of warm water and high visibility for both diving and snorkeling. Late summer and early fall can be even warmer, but tropical systems can reduce visibility quickly and disrupt road and boat plans. Winter (December to March) is still very diveable, but water is cooler and visibility can drop during windier spells. If you only have a few days, add a buffer day so your operator can pick the calmest morning windows.
Bull sharks are most associated with the cooler months, commonly cited from November through March. Dive operators often target sites like El Vencedor and nearby reefs where sharks may use the area as a cleaning station. Expect stricter briefings and, with some operators, minimum experience requirements. Conditions in winter can include cooler water, thermoclines, and occasionally lower visibility, so bring warmer exposure protection and be ready to follow conservative protocols.
CONANP lists a daily entrance fee of MXN $120 per person for Cabo Pulmo National Park. Some operators include the fee in your tour cost, while others collect it separately and may issue a conservation bracelet as proof. Because Cabo Pulmo has no ATMs and limited card facilities, bring enough cash in pesos for several days. If you are doing multiple activities (dives plus snorkeling), confirm how many days of park entry you need and keep your proof of payment handy.
Most travelers rent a car at SJD and drive to Cabo Pulmo via San Jose del Cabo, then toward Santiago and La Ribera, and finally along East Cape roads to the village. Plan on roughly a 100 km drive, with the last segment slower due to road conditions that can change after rains. Stock up on cash, fuel, and groceries before leaving the main corridor. Arrive in daylight if possible, and keep an offline map in case cell service drops.
On calm days, you can snorkel from shore in Cabo Pulmo Bay, but conditions can shift quickly with wind and surge. For the most consistent experience, book a guided snorkel trip by panga so the captain can choose the best-protected site for the day. Shallow areas around sites like El Islote can work well when visibility is good. Start early for smoother water, use a flotation aid if you are not fully confident, and avoid standing on coral or chasing turtles.
Yes, most divers will be happier with at least a light wetsuit year-round. In the warmest period (late summer to early fall), water can feel tropical and many divers are comfortable in a 3mm. In winter, water can drop into the low 20°C range with thermoclines, and a 5mm (plus a hooded vest for long dives) is common. If you are doing multiple dives per day or long snorkel sessions, err warmer because panga rides can cool you down quickly.
Cabo Pulmo can be great for newer divers because many reef sites start shallow and have plenty to see without going deep. That said, it is still open water: surge can build over the reef bars and some sites have current, especially deeper pinnacles like Los Morros or El Bajo. If you are newly certified, choose an operator known for patient guiding, start with calmer reef sites, and be honest about comfort. Bull shark-focused dives are generally best left to more experienced divers.
Plan as if the answer is no. Cabo Pulmo is small and remote, with limited supplies and intermittent connectivity. There are no ATMs in the village, and food options are mostly small restaurants and basic provisions depending on season. Before arriving, withdraw pesos, fill your tank, and buy groceries in the Los Cabos corridor, Santiago, La Ribera, or La Paz depending on your route. Bring extra drinking water and do not count on late-night resupply runs.
Use authorized operators, pay the park entrance fee, and follow park staff guidance and zoning. Cabo Pulmo is a no-take reserve: no fishing, no collecting shells or coral, and no touching wildlife. In the water, buoyancy control matters because reef structure is shallow in places and surge can push you onto coral. Do not feed animals or chase sharks for photos. If you are unsure about a behavior, assume "look, do not touch" and ask your guide.
Cabo Pulmo pairs naturally with other Sea of Cortez stops. La Paz is a common add-on in whale shark season and for its Malecon dining scene. La Ventana is a classic freediving base, and AIDA events like the Cortez Cup have been hosted there. Plan the road legs as daylight drives and build at least one flexible day for weather. A simple strategy is 3 to 5 nights in Cabo Pulmo for reef diving, then 2 to 4 nights in La Paz or La Ventana for wildlife tours or freedive depth training.