Advice for diving Cabo Pulmo in Mexico

Right at the southernmost tip of Baja California, the resort town of Cabo Pulmo sits overlooking the Sea of Cortez. With its sheltered waters and year-round warm seas, Cabo Pulmo is a perfect dive location for novices and experienced divers alike, with plenty to see and do not far from the coast and a handful of decent shore dives too. Set in a well-patrolled marine park and sanctuary, the Cabo Pulmo reef sits 18 metres under water. It is the northernmost living coral reef in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the only living reef in the Sea of Cortez itself.

The climate in this desert paradise is perfect year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20C in the winter months of December to February, and rising to around 29C in August. Out of the water you will want to pack the perfect summer wardrobe, with a few extra layers thrown in if you travel in winter. Being on the edge of the desert it hardly ever rains in Cabo Pulmo, making it a wonderful holiday destination as well as a good dive spot.

Water temperatures reach 27-29C in July and August, and dip just below 20C in February. Offshore winds and heavy rain can drop those temperature levels by a couple of degrees, so take note of recent weather before you dive. You will likely need a full 3mm or even 5mm suit for two-tank dives, and possibly even gloves and bootees if you feel the cold.

Marine life is spectacular here most of the year because the area’s marine park status has restricted fishing for many years. You will find literally hundreds of different species from the hordes of garden eels at the El Bajo site, to bat rays, sea bass and even turtles. The shallower dives closer to the coast will offer the biggest array of marine life, from invertebrates to our usual “Finding Nemo” reef friends. Keep an eye out for the local Mexican Goatfish with its bright yellow stripe. Advanced divers who make the 12 kilometre trip to Gordo Banks will be greeted by an almost guaranteed sighting of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, dolphins and enormous manta rays.

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