About Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef
The Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef is a deep coral reef site with depths typically ranging from 24 to 30 meters. This site is located further offshore compared to some of the shallower reefs, making it an excellent location for encountering larger marine species and experiencing the dynamic environment of the outer park. It offers a glimpse into the more challenging and rewarding aspects of diving in Cabo Pulmo. Common marine life encounters at this site include groupers, snappers, and turtles, which thrive within its deep coral structures. Stingrays are also frequently seen gliding along the reef. Seasonally, divers may be treated to sightings of mobula rays and guitarfish, which are attracted to the nutrient-rich waters. There is also a possibility of encountering bull sharks, adding an element of excitement to the dive. The strong currents present at this site often lead to drift diving, where divers move with the flow, observing the rich biodiversity. This site is recommended for intermediate to advanced divers due to its depth and potential for currents.
Highlights
Deep coral reef structuresEncounters with larger marine lifeSeasonal mobula ray sightingsPotential bull shark encountersDynamic drift diving
Season calendar
Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good
Nov – Apr (Peak)
Socorro season open (Nov–May) for giant mantas and hammerheads. Cozumel bull sharks Dec–Mar. Cenotes excellent year-round. Best overall conditions.
May – Oct (Transition & Sea of Cortez)
Socorro closing, Cozumel still good. Whale sharks arrive at Isla Mujeres Jun–Sep. From August, the Sea of Cortez comes alive: Midriff Islands offer massive sea lion colonies and schooling mobulas. September and October bring world-class diving around La Paz and Cabo Pulmo with whale sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks on the Explore Baja route.
Dive site facts: Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef
- Depth
- 24–30 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Intermediate
- Dive type
- Reef, Drift
- Region / port
- Mexico
- Coordinates
- 23.4363° N, 109.4113° W
Conditions & Currents
Moderate currents can run here, so plan drift entries and stay close to the group. Dive profiles here run between roughly 24 and 30 metres, so plan your gas and no-decompression limits around the deeper part of the site. It is usually briefed as a dive for intermediate divers. It can be dived from a liveaboard or a day boat, depending on where you start the trip. Tide, wind and season all shift the picture from day to day, so the crew's briefing on the boat always overrides any general description.
Why dive Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef from a liveaboard?
Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef is one of Mexico's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef on their Mexico itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef
These liveaboards may visit Outer Pulmo Cabo Reef on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Nautilus Explorer
Mexico
25 guests45 m
Valentina
Mexico
20 guests38 m
Rocio del Mar
Mexico
20 guests34 m
Nautilus Under Sea
Mexico
19 guests32 m
Nautilus Belle Amie
Mexico
32 guests45 m
Quino del Mar
Mexico
20 guests36 m
Nautilus Gallant Lady
Mexico
12 guests35 m
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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- Liveaboard or dayboat
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