How to Get to Cabo Pulmo: Driving, Maps, and Tips from a Repeat Visitor
Cabo Pulmo is my favourite place in Baja California Sur (so far!). I visit Cabo Pulmo to hike and dive at least once a year, sometimes twice.
The remote location of this fishing village is what give Cabo Pulmo its charm, but it can be challenging to get there. How do you get to Cabo Pulmo?
Cabo Pulmo transportation can be difficult, and I have explored every option of Baja transport during my many visits. So I’ve compiled them here for you to decide what works best for you.
Here is how to get to Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, from Los Cabos or La Paz.
Photo: Shev
Where is Cabo Pulmo?
Cabo Pulmo refers to the Cabo Pulmo National Park along the eastern coast of Baja California Sur. It’s located along the south side of the peninsula, 1.5 hours from the Los Cabos International airport, and 2.5 hours south of La Paz.
The park encompasses 70 square kilometres. The activities inside these borders are closely monitored by the park office, keeping the park healthy.
Cabo Pulmo National Park was formed in 1995, and became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2005. Thanks to more than 30 years of protections, the reef within the park is beautiful, vibrant, and full of life.
The health of Cabo Pulmo is due to the hard work of the local community who have fought to protect it for over 30 years.
Photo: Shev
Dive Tights: Waterlust
Why Visit Cabo Pulmo?
People come to Cabo Pulmo to see the ocean life. While primarily scuba divers are attracted to the area, it’s also worth visiting Cabo Pulmo to snorkel or go on an ocean safari.
Depending on the time of year, you can see bull sharks, orcas, dolphins, schools of jacks, humpback whales, and even blue whales.
There are so few places in the world you can see all of these things, and see them sustainably. That’s why people come to Cabo Pulmo! For incredible, responsible wildlife encounters.
Cabo Pulmo also has some great hikes and star gazing, but that’s just an added bonus!
Getting to Cabo Pulmo by Car
In general, car rentals are a last option when I travel. I prefer to use public or active transit.
But I always rent a car when I’m in Baja. Similar to my home, Canada, Baja is sparsely populated and full of natural beauty. It is too difficult to experience all Baja has to offer without a car!
Truly, the most effective way to get to Cabo Pulmo is to rent a car and drive.
Pro Tip: Cabo Pulmo does not have a gas station, La Ribera is the last gas station so fill up on your way!
Tips About Car Rentals in Baja
I always use Discover Cars to rent a car in Baja. I find it the easiest option to compare prices, but you can also clearly see if insurance is included or not.
In Baja, you are required to get Third Party Liability insurance when renting a car. When I booked with Localiza, this was included through Discover Cars. But at MexCar it was not, and I paid extra.
Through Discover Cars, I have booked with MexCar, Sixt, and Localiza from the airport. It is astronomically cheaper to rent a car from the airport than from downtown Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo.
How to Get to Cabo Pulmo from Los Cabos by Car
From the Los Cabos airport, the drive to Cabo Pulmo is about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
There are two roads that go to Cabo Pulmo from Los Cabos, but the best and safest option is to take Highway 1 north from San Jose del Cabo. The coastal road is not always maintained or open to the public.
The road is well-maintained, with few potholes. But keep an eye out for “topes” – Mexican speed bumps. They can sneak up on you!
Continue on Highway 1 until you come to the town of Las Cuevas. From there you will exit onto Camino Cabo Este.
Follow Camino Cabo Este through the town of La Ribera. The road is pretty good and paved, but keep an eye out for wildlife! On my trip in July to Cabo Pulmo, we saw coyotes, road runners, grouse, lizards, a jackrabbit, and lots of cows & horses. Remember, you are in the wild!
The last 10k (6 miles) or so is dirt road. It’s windy with lots of blind corners, so watch your speed here.
Pro Tip: There is a cell service gap along the dirt road until you hit the town of Cabo Pulmo, for about the last 15 minutes. Make sure you have your accommodations pinned and have contacted your host!
You’ll come down the last hill and be treated to this breathtaking view of the town of Cabo Pulmo.
Photo: Shev
How to Get to Cabo Pulmo from La Paz by Car
From La Paz, there are two good routes to get to Cabo Pulmo by car, with only a 7-minute difference between them.
Option 1 is to go southeast on Highway 286 from La Paz, the same as if you were going to La Ventana.
The highway between La Paz and La Posta is a smaller road with lower speed limits and lots of wildlife.
Option 2 is to go southwest down Highway 1 like you were going to Los Cabos. Both are beautiful routes, with very little time difference.
I like to take Highway 1 through El Triunfo from La Paz to Cabo Pulmo to stop at the Cactus Sanctuary. It’s a great way to break up the drive and see some incredible cacti!
On this route, you turn at the same spot near Las Cuevas, and go through La Ribera to get to Cabo Pulmo.
Driving Tips in Baja
Do I need a 4×4 to get to Cabo Pulmo?
No – I drive my small manual rental car to Cabo Pulmo all the time. Be careful of the speed bumps and potholes on the dirt roads, but it’s not difficult to drive to Cabo Pulmo.
Rainy Season
The rainy season (July-Oct) can make the conditions of the last stretch of road to Cabo Pulmo more difficult.
The road is hilly and winds along the coast, so slipping and potholes of water are a real concern. Check the weather, if it hasn’t rained in a day or two you should be fine. Talk to some locals before you drive out.
Water soaks up really quick in the desert, so as long as there hasn’t been a heavy rain in the last 24-48 hours the conditions should be ok.
Driving at Night
There are very little street lights in Baja, and none on the road to Cabo Pulmo. I do not recommend driving at night, there is so much wildlife and its difficult to see speedbumps and potholes.
If you must drive at night, go extremely slowly and cautiously.
Photo: Shev
How to Get to Cabo Pulmo by Bus
Unfortunately, there is no bus that goes to Cabo Pulmo from Los Cabos or La Paz.
I have taken the El Aguila buses to get from Los Cabos to La Paz, but they do not go directly to Cabo Pulmo.
You could take the bus from either La Paz or Los Cabos Airport to Barriles. From Barilles, you might find a taxi willing to take you to Cabo Pulmo for much cheaper. Only attempt this if you speak Spanish and are willing to stay the night in Barilles!
Private Transport or Taxi
If you have a family or group, a private transfer might be your best option for Cabo Pulmo transportation.
Since you don’t need a vehicle in the town (everything is very walkable!), a private transfer can be cheaper than renting a large car for your family or group.
From the Los Cabos airport, I recommend this transport for up to 10 people.
At this time, I cannot find a reliable group transfer from La Paz to Cabo Pulmo, your best option is to rent a car in La Paz.
I heard that some accommodations help with transportation, but I have not found any reliable info.
Photo: Shev
Day Trip from Los Cabos
If you can’t swing staying in Cabo Pulmo overnight, then I recommend fitting a day trip into your schedule!
Many dive and snorkel operators offer day trips from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo to Cabo Pulmo. This can be a great option if you don’t have much time in Baja, but want to see the water of Cabo Pulmo.
I have not found operators that offer day trips from La Paz, as it is too much driving.
Best Day Trips to Cabo Pulmo from Los Cabos
Scuba Diving Day Trip from Los Cabos
Scuba Diving Day Trip from Los Cabos
This operator offers transport from Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo to Cabo Pulmo, 2 dives, and lunch!
Snorkeling Day Trip from Los Cabos
This operator offers transport from Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo to Cabo Pulmo, guided snorkeling, and lunch.
Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo is also closely monitored. You will have small groups and an assigned park guide.
Jeep 4×4 & Snorkel Tour
See the best of Cabo Pulmo above and below on this 4×4 adventure.
I think this is a cool way to see more of the area if you only have time for a day trip!
Where to Stay in Cabo Pulmo
Accommodation options are very limited. There are no resorts or hotels, just bungalows and private rentals by owner.
I book my diving with Cabo Pulmo Travel because they will also help me book my accommodations.
You can also dive and stay with Cabo Pulmo Dive Resort. Otherwise, you can directly contact property owners. I use Google to find the bungalow options.
Best Time to Visit Cabo Pulmo
Every month in Cabo Pulmo offers something different to see.
I go to Cabo Pulmo in November every year to see the schooling jacks, sometimes early December to catch the beginning of whale season.
In 2025, I went in July and LOVED it. The water is clear and smooth, incredible visibility, and we saw schooling jacks, sting rays, black and white tip reef sharks, and orcas were sighted 25 minutes offshore.
Any time of year, you will see rays, turtles, and big schools of pacific fishes. The bull sharks can be found year round as well.
See my Los Cabos weather month-by-month assessment here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you get to Cabo Pulmo without a car?
Yes – you can get to Cabo Pulmo without renting a car, but you will need to hire someone to drive you. I recommend this group transfer to the airport.
Is the road to Cabo Pulmo safe?
Yes – the road to Cabo Pulmo is safe to drive, even in a small car. However it can be dangerous at night because it is not lit. If there are heavy rains, make sure you check the conditions before you go.
Do I need 4 wheel drive to reach Cabo Pulmo?
No – you can get to Cabo Pulmo in a small car. 4WD is not necessary!
