Scuba Diving - Cabo Pulmo Watersports

Divers in Cabo Pulmo can encounter a wide range of marine species, including:

• Massive schools of jacks, snappers, and groupers
• Bull sharks (frequently spotted at El Vencedor, the shipwreck site)
• Mobula rays and eagle rays, especially during their seasonal migrations
• Sea turtles, moray eels, and reef sharks
• Humpback whales and whale sharks (seasonal sightings)

The best time for scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo depends on what you want to see:

• October – November: Best visibility, warm water, and high marine life activity
• December – March: Cooler water (70-74°F), chance to see humpback whales
• April – June: Warmer temperatures, occasional plankton blooms that attract larger fish
• July – September: Peak summer season with water temperatures reaching 80-85°F, though occasional storms can affect visibility

Most dive sites in Cabo Pulmo range from 30 to 60 feet (10 to 18 meters), making them accessible to divers of all experience levels. Certain sites, like El Vencedor (The Shipwreck), have deeper sections where bull sharks can often be found.

Winter (December – March): 70-74°F (21-23°C)

Spring (April – June): 74-78°F (23-26°C)

Summer (July – September): 80-85°F (27-29°C)

Fall (October – November): 76-82°F (24-28°C) A 3mm–5mm wetsuit is recommended in winter months, while a shorty wetsuit or no wetsuit may be comfortable in summer.

No, but some sites require more experience than others. Cabo Pulmo offers beginner-friendly dive sites with shallow reefs and little to no current, while others have stronger currents and deeper depths, making them better suited for advanced divers. Your dive guide will recommend the best sites based on your experience level.

Nope! Cabo Pulmo Watersports provides rental gear, including BCD, regulators, wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks. However, if you have personal gear you’re comfortable with, it’s always a good idea to bring it. For Discover Scuba trips, rental gear is provided with the trip cost.

Most operators offer two-tank dives per trip, though three-tank dive trips are also available for certified divers looking for a full day of exploration.

Because Cabo Pulmo is a marine-protected area, diving is strictly regulated to minimize human impact. Operators follow Leave No Trace principles, enforce no-touch policies, and limit the number of divers per site to protect the fragile coral reefs and marine life.

No, night diving is not permitted in Cabo Pulmo to protect marine life and maintain conservation efforts.

Cabo Pulmo is about 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas and 1.5 hours from San José del Cabo. Day trips are available from Los Cabos, please let us know if you need transportation - we can arrange for an additional cost. Many divers choose to stay overnight in Cabo Pulmo or nearby La Ribera for a more relaxed experience.

If strong winds or rough seas make conditions unsafe, tours may be rescheduled or canceled. If you’re visiting Cabo Pulmo for multiple days, plan extra time in your itinerary to allow for flexibility in case of weather delays.

To help protect this fragile ecosystem, divers should:

• Maintain good buoyancy control to avoid touching the coral.
• Never chase or harass marine life.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent water pollution.
• Follow all dive guide instructions and marine park rules.

Yes! Choose our private charter for small groups looking for a personalized experience. Private trips allow divers to visit specific sites and enjoy a more flexible schedule.

No, freediving is not permitted in Cabo Pulmo’s protected marine reserve. Only scuba diving and snorkeling are allowed under strict regulations to protect marine life.

Whale sharks occasionally pass through Cabo Pulmo, but they are not as common here as in La Paz. If swimming with whale sharks is a priority, consider booking a dedicated whale shark snorkeling tour in La Paz during the October–April season.