Baja California Sur is home to 19 Protected Natural Areas throughout the country, among which there is a reef considered an ecological treasure with approximately 20,000 years of age, which is home to many of the known species that inhabit the Sea of Cortez.
Cabo Pulmo constitutes one of the few reef areas in the Eastern Pacific, and the only one present in the Gulf of California, being described by many as “the world’s aquarium”. However, 30 years ago this became a problem, due to overfishing and irresponsible tourism, leading to the risk of extinction of more than one marine species. Due to this, for more than 20 years it was decided to start promoting its conservation and protection as a Protected Natural Area, and in 2005 it was promoted as World Heritage.
However, since it is considered not only a Protected Heritage, but also a National Natural Park, this makes it one of the most beautiful places to practice ecotourism.
Cabo Pulmo is located approximately an hour and a half from the town of Los Barriles and half an hour from the community of inhabitants of Cabo Pulmo, being able to stop by on various excursions and trips made.
Why visit Cabo Pulmo?
Cabo Pulmo has more than 7,000 hectares of marine reserve classified as a National Park, and within this reef there are 875 marine species native to the Gulf of California and more than 75% of the coral species, being classified as one of the Coral Reefs largest in the world, making maritime activities predominate in their list of activities.
If you are not a great swimmer, there are terrestrial alternatives, since Cabo Pulmo, in addition to having large hectares protected in water, has a good part protected on land, in addition to which you can enjoy the food and stories of the inhabitants of the community.
Cabo Pulmo practices Eco-Tourism, a type of tourism that revolves around nature and the rural community. This means that you must be as careful as possible not to leave residues or traces of your stay in the place.
The purpose of this is to minimize the impact caused by tourism on the environment, conserving species and helping communities to sustainable development through means of travel. This is special because not all places can enjoy a blissful view and natural experience, so keeping it natural is essential for the maintenance of the equipment and the correct growth of the species.
What can you do in Cabo Pulmo?
This park, the list of activities offered by Cabo Pulmo are:
- Scuba Diving (Autonomous Diving)
- Kayaking
- Boat ride
- Snorkeling
- Sport fishing (in select areas)
- Shark watching
- Sighting of Manta Rays
- Humpback Whale Watching (Mothers and calves)
- Mountain biking
- Hiking along the beach
- Travel by vehicle around the beach
Tips for travelers
As we mentioned before, the area must be kept as natural as possible, so practicing ecological tourism and minimizing traces of your stay is ideal. Some tips that might help are:
- Get biodegradable sunscreens and creams, especially if you are going to do water activities.
- Fishing is not allowed inside the park unless it is for sporting purposes and authorized by a federal entity.
- Do not cut or mistreat the flora or fauna, this is what damages the environment and may not grow properly.
- Do not steal plants, seeds or animals.
- Separate the types of waste and place them in the assigned containers.
Cabo Pulmo is a beautiful area with a wide variety of activities. We advise you to visit it between December and March, since the temperatures are appropriate to carry out all these activities. And are you ready to live the most natural experience that Los Cabos can offer?
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