Cabo Pulmo National Park, Marine national park on Gulf of California coast, Mexico.
Cabo Pulmo National Park protects 71.11 square kilometres of the Gulf of California between Pulmo Point and Los Frailes Cape, about 100 kilometres north of Cabo San Lucas. Its hard-coral colonies sit on rock outcroppings running parallel to the coast in progressively deeper water, forming the northernmost coral reef in the eastern Pacific. The land side holds two small coves, Cabo Pulmo and Los Frailes, with sandy beaches below low bluffs.
Protection came in 1995 after overfishing had depleted marine resources significantly. The recovery that followed showed how conservation efforts could restore ocean health when given time and commitment.
The area reflects the efforts of local fishing communities who worked to establish protection programs and now guide visitors responsibly. Their involvement shaped how the place operates and what tourists experience today.
The park lies about 100 km north of Cabo San Lucas, reached via a paved road to La Ribera and then a 10 km dirt track along the coast. The nearest town is San José del Cabo, 63 km southwest. Dive shops in the small community of Cabo Pulmo rent gear and lead trips; deeper coral lies at 40 to 50 feet.
The reef's hard coral grows on rock outcroppings running parallel to the coast in progressively deeper water; scientists found depth strongly affects how many fish species live there, with large predators such as whales, dolphins and sea lions diving to coral at 40 to 50 feet.
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