Most visitors fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and drive to Cabo Pulmo via San Jose del Cabo, Santiago, and La Ribera. Cabo Pulmo is roughly 98 km from San Jose del Cabo and about 27 km from La Ribera. An alternative is La Paz International Airport (LAP), which can work well if you are combining Cabo Pulmo with La Paz's Sea of Cortez wildlife season.

Road conditions vary by route and recent weather. A high-clearance vehicle is helpful, and driving after dark on remote roads is not recommended.

Main gateway for the Los Cabos region with extensive domestic Mexico, US, and Canada service.

Road conditions vary by route and recent weather. A high-clearance vehicle is helpful, and driving after dark on remote roads is not recommended.

Main gateway for the Los Cabos region with extensive domestic Mexico, US, and Canada service.

Useful if you are combining Cabo Pulmo with La Paz (Malecon, whale shark season, and other Sea of Cortez wildlife).

A rental car is the practical way to visit Cabo Pulmo. There is no rideshare service, and taxis are limited and expensive for long distances. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rains. Bring offline maps and plan fuel stops before leaving the main highway corridor.

Mexico entry rules depend on nationality. Most visitors enter with a passport valid for the duration of stay and receive a tourist authorization (commonly via a digital entry record/FMMd when arriving by air at many airports). Your permitted stay length is decided by immigration on arrival. Always verify requirements with official government sources before travel.

If you are traveling with scuba gear, it is useful to carry proof of certification (digital card is usually fine) and dive insurance details.

Cabo Pulmo has limited retail and repair options. Bring spares for masks, fin straps, batteries, and any prescription items.
Protect electronics from salt spray on panga boats with a dry bag.
If you need specialized equipment (camera parts, freedive buoys, etc.), bring it with you from home or from the Los Cabos corridor.
Respect airline baggage rules for dive knives, lights, and lithium batteries.

Mexican pesos are the default for daily life. Some operators may quote or accept USD, but Cabo Pulmo is cash-first and connectivity can be unreliable, so do not rely on cards.

There are no ATMs in Cabo Pulmo. Withdraw cash in San Jose del Cabo or La Paz, or use ATMs in larger East Cape towns before arriving.

Mexico uses North American-style plugs. Because Cabo Pulmo can be off-grid, a small power bank and headlamp are useful.

Communications

Cell coverage can be intermittent on the East Cape. Some lodges and restaurants offer Wi-Fi, but speeds vary. Download offline maps before arrival, and consider a local SIM or eSIM if your phone supports it.

Language

Spanish is the primary language. English is common in tourism businesses, but basic Spanish phrases help for road trips and local services.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that covers remote medical care and evacuation. Divers and freedivers should have specialized dive accident coverage (for example, DAN) and keep policy numbers accessible offline.

Packing list

Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, rashguard, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Water gear: your own well-fitting mask, plus spare straps and anti-fog.
Exposure: many divers use 3mm in warm months and 5mm in winter; bring a hooded vest if you chill easily.
Remote essentials: headlamp, power bank, reusable water bottle, and a small first aid kit.

Cabo Pulmo

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

Getting Around

Entry Requirements

Gear Logistics Checklist

Practicalities

Currency

Electricity

Choose your trip style for Cabo Pulmo