Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park

Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is the crown jewel of marine life experiences in the Los Cabos region, and for families with kids who are strong enough swimmers to snorkel in open water, it's hands-down the most spectacular underwater experience available. Located about 2 hours northeast of Cabo San Lucas on the East Cape, this UNESCO World Heritage site protects the only living coral reef on the entire west coast of North America.

The reef system supports over 350 species of fish and marine life, and the abundance is staggering — you'll see more fish in one snorkel session at Cabo Pulmo than in a week of snorkeling at typical Cabo beaches. Parrotfish, surgeonfish, pufferfish, moray eels, rays, and massive schools of jacks swirl around the coral formations. Sea turtles glide through periodically.

And then there are the sea lions — the colony at Cabo Pulmo includes playful pups who are endlessly curious about snorkelers, swimming circles around you and coming within inches of your mask.

Full-day snorkel tours from Cabo San Lucas handle all the logistics. They pick you up from your hotel around 7-8 AM, drive about 2 hours to Cabo Pulmo, and then take you by boat to 3-4 different snorkel sites including the sea lion colony, coral reef areas, and sometimes a sandy cove for a beach break and lunch. Tours typically return to Cabo by 4-5 PM.

Everything is included — transportation, boat, snorkel gear, guide, and a snack or lunch.

This is best suited for kids 6 and up who are comfortable swimming in open water with a snorkel mask. The water depth at snorkel sites ranges from 5 to 25 feet, and there can be mild current. Tour guides provide safety briefings and are in the water with the group, but kids need to be confident in the water.

Younger or less experienced swimmers should start with calmer spots like Santa Maria Beach or Chileno Beach first.

The drive is part of the experience. The road passes through desert landscape, small towns, and eventually drops down to the coast at Cabo Pulmo, a tiny village with a handful of restaurants and dive shops. It's rural, unhurried, and a world away from the resort zone.

Budget $100-150 per person (kids same price as adults, typically ages 6+). A family of four is looking at $400-600 for the day. It's a significant investment, but families consistently rate it as the best activity of their entire Cabo trip.