The park is renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, hosting over 800 species of marine life. Notable residents include whale sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and five of the world's seven sea turtle species. The park is famous for its enormous schools of jackfish, which can form tornado-like formations. From December to March, visitors can observe humpback whales during their annual migration. The reef supports numerous tropical fish species, moray eels, octopuses, and various ray species, including mobula rays that sometimes leap from the water.
The marine environment hosts various coral species, including finger coral, brain coral, and fan coral. The park contains 11 of the 14 coral species found in the Gulf of California. On land, the coastal desert vegetation includes cardón cacti, cholla, and various desert-adapted shrubs. Mangrove ecosystems, though limited, play a crucial role in coastal protection and as nursery areas for marine species. Seagrass beds provide important feeding grounds for sea turtles and habitat for smaller marine organisms.
The park features one of the oldest coral reefs in the Pacific, estimated to be around 20,000 years old. The reef system extends along 7.2 kilometers of coastline and consists of eight fingers of hard coral reef. The area's geological formation includes ancient volcanic activity, creating a unique underwater topography of rocky outcrops, steep walls, and sandy bottoms. The reef structure is primarily built by hermatypic corals, which have formed extensive reef platforms and provide essential habitat for marine life.
Cabo Pulmo was originally inhabited by the Pericú people who left behind shell middens and rock art. The area became known for pearl diving in the 19th century, leading to extensive exploitation. By the 1980s, overfishing had severely damaged the reef ecosystem. In 1995, the local community successfully lobbied for national park status, and fishing was banned. This grassroots conservation effort has become a global success story, with the reef showing a remarkable 463% increase in biomass over 10 years, making it one of the most successful marine protected areas worldwide.
The park's crown jewel is its 20,000-year-old coral reef, one of only three coral reefs on North America's west coast. The El Vencedor shipwreck, a tuna boat that sank in the 1980s, has become an artificial reef and popular diving site. The park includes several distinctive dive sites such as El Cantil, featuring dramatic wall drops, and Los Morros, known for its sea lion colony. The pristine beaches, particularly those at Las Barracas and Los Arbolitos, offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. The park's successful conservation model has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California.
Cabo Pulmo experiences a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 18°C (65°F) in winter to 35°C (95°F) in summer. The region receives minimal rainfall, primarily during the hurricane season from July to October. Water temperatures vary from 20°C (68°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer, making it suitable for year-round diving and snorkeling. The best visibility occurs between October and May when the water is clearest and calmest.
Mexico
23.4380°, -109.4250°
1995
71.11
Cabo Pulmo features the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America. It is considered one of the most successful marine conservation programs in the world. The park is home to numerous species of tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.