Heading south from La Ribera, the Coastal Road is paved for a short way, then turns to dirt.  The unpaved portion of the 26.5 km (16.5 miles) stretch between La Ribera and Cabo Pulmo is usually in fair condition.

Bahía Pulmo

Noted for its reef-building corals, this tidy bay is bound by Cabo Pulmo to the north and Corral de Los Frailes to the south.  Coarse white-sand beaches ring the bay, most of them readily accessible from the parallel Coastal Road.  Baja California pearling once reached its southernmost point here.

Pulmo Reef System

The bay's reef system, the northernmost of only three coastal reefs in North America and the only coral reef in the Sea of Cortez, is rich with tropical marine life and hence a favorite snorkeling and scuba-diving destination.  Adding to its attraction is the fact that its easily accessible from shore.

The Universidad de La Paz is currently surveying the bay for possible national-park status.  Meanwhile, the Mexican government has declared Pulmo Reef an underwater nature preserve - no fishing or anchoring at the reef (or anywhere in Bahía Pulmo) is permitted.  Shore development remains the reef's biggest ecological challenge, because the corals rely on unpolluted and unimpeded runoff.  If resorts or housing developments further expand along Bahía Pulmo, the reef will probably perish.

Diving and Boating

Optimum visibility in the waters around Cabo Pulmo occurs March-October.  Aside from the natural reefs, directly off Cabo Pulmo (the cape itself) lies the wreck of El Vencedor, a tuna boat that sank in 1981 and now forms an excellent artificial reef.  Pilot whales are commonly seen in the vicinity in April, large jack crevalles August - September.

Lodgings and Camping

Restaurants

Today's Weather - San Jose del Cabo (closest weather station)