Getting here · East Cape, Baja California Sur
Getting to Cabo Pulmo
Sixty miles from the Los Cabos airport and a world away: paved road to La Ribera, six miles of graded dirt and then the village, the beach and the blue building of the dive center.
Cabo Pulmo is about 60 miles (100 km) northeast of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), on the Sea of Cortez side of the East Cape, roughly 1,000 miles south of San Diego on the Tropic of Cancer. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours: Highway 1 north, right at Las Cuevas toward La Ribera, right again before La Ribera onto the coastal road, then 6 miles of dirt road. Hotel pick-up and a daily transfer from Cabo San Lucas are available on request. The dive center is the two-story blue building in the village; office hours 8 am to 5 pm.
By car
Directions from the airport (SJD)
Highway 1 north
Leave the airport toward La Paz on the Transpeninsular Highway. You will pass the turnoffs for Caduaño, Miraflores and Santiago. Stay on the highway.
Right at Las Cuevas
About 45 minutes in, at the small village of Las Cuevas, take the signed right turn to La Ribera / Cabo Pulmo. If you cross a long bridge, you missed it.
Right again before La Ribera
Follow the road toward La Ribera and turn right just before entering town, at the Cabo Pulmo sign. The paved coastal road runs south along the East Cape.
Six miles of dirt
Where the pavement ends, continue on the graded dirt road for about 6 miles (10 km). Normal cars are fine in dry weather; go slow, watch for cattle.
The blue building
You are in Cabo Pulmo when you see Tito's and El Caballero restaurants. The dive center is the two-story blue building with the Coral Reef Restaurant upstairs. Park in front.
Rental car
Cars are easy to rent at SJD and give you freedom to explore the East Cape, Los Frailes and La Ribera. Take full insurance. Fill the tank in San José or La Ribera: there is no gas station in Cabo Pulmo.
Transfer or pick-up
We arrange hotel pick-up and drop-off in Los Cabos and run a daily transfer to and from Cabo San Lucas. Ask for a quote with your flight times when you book your dives or package.
Flights
Los Cabos (SJD) has nonstop flights from Los Angeles and San Diego (about 2 hours), Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, New York, Vancouver, Calgary, Mexico City and more. La Paz (LAP) is a 2.5-hour drive.
Practical
Before you leave Los Cabos
Bring
- Cash in pesos and small US bills: most of the village is cash only (the dive center takes Visa and MasterCard)
- Groceries if you are self-catering: the local store is small
- Insect repellent (after rain), flashlight, reef-safe sunscreen
- A light jacket for winter evenings and boat rides
- Your certification card and logbook
Know
- Cell coverage is weak; the Coral Reef Restaurant has Wi-Fi
- The village runs on solar power and well water: short showers, lights off
- Nearest medical services are in La Ribera (20 miles); hospitals in San José del Cabo
- No fishing, jet skis or paragliders inside the park
- Dive check-in is 8:30 am; plan your arrival the day before if you can
Good to know
Travel questions
How far is Cabo Pulmo from the Los Cabos airport?
About 60 miles (100 km). Count on 1.5 to 2 hours by car via Highway 1 north and the La Ribera road; the last 6 miles (10 km) are a graded dirt road that a normal rental car handles in dry weather.
Which airport should I fly into?
Los Cabos International Airport, code SJD, in San José del Cabo. It has direct flights from most major US and Canadian cities and from Mexico City, Guadalajara and Tijuana. La Paz (LAP) is an alternative about 2.5 hours away.
Do you offer transportation from Los Cabos?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off can be arranged, and we run a daily transfer to and from Cabo San Lucas. Ask for a quote when you book. Renting a car at the airport is also easy and gives you freedom to explore the East Cape.
Do I need a 4x4 to reach Cabo Pulmo?
No. The dirt section is graded and regular cars drive it daily. After heavy rain (mostly August to October) call ahead and we will tell you the road conditions. Drive slowly, watch for cattle and avoid driving the dirt section after dark your first time.
Is there gas, an ATM or a supermarket in Cabo Pulmo?
No gas station and no ATM in the village. Fill up and withdraw cash in La Ribera (20 miles north, small Pemex and store) or in San José del Cabo. There is a small store in Cabo Pulmo with basics; for a full shop stop in San José or La Ribera.
Can I visit Cabo Pulmo on a day trip from Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, with an early start: 2 to 2.5 hours each way from Cabo San Lucas. For diving, a 7 am departure makes the 8:30 am check-in. Many divers prefer to sleep in Cabo Pulmo at least one night, and we offer a daily transfer to and from Cabo San Lucas.
Need a ride or a room?
Tell us your flight times and we will quote the transfer and, if you like, a Dive + Stay package so everything is ready when you arrive.