Cabo Pulmo Beach, Protected beach in Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico.
The beach features white sand along the Sea of Cortez, bordered by desert plants and rock outcrops that meet clear blue water. The shoreline forms the edge of a marine protected zone with extensive coral reefs in the surrounding waters.
This was once a fishing village that residents transformed into a marine protected area in the 1990s. The shift led to a dramatic recovery of marine wildlife and turned the place into a model for sustainable coastal development.
The handful of residents here shape daily life around conservation principles, running solar-powered lodges and carefully managing marine activities. Visitors notice how every choice, from energy use to tour operations, reflects a commitment to protecting the local environment.
Access comes via a dirt road from Highway 1, with certified local operators offering diving and snorkeling tours. Visitors should prepare for a rough road and book directly with operators to ensure all gear is available.
The waters here host coral that ranks among North America's oldest, supporting an extraordinary range of marine animals. These reefs thrive despite their exposed location at the peninsula's southern tip and contain a remarkable concentration of coral species and fish life.
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