Off-Grid Adventures Just 2 Hours from Cabo San Lucas

For those looking to escape the mega hotels and unchecked development in Cabo San Lucas, a short two hour drive to Cabo Pulmo on Baja's East Cape represents an off-grid paradise. Cabo Pulmo National Park was established in 1995 to protect the oldest living coral reef in North America. The park has been a success with a reported 1000% increase for some fish species. 

Some tour operators offer day trips from Cabo San Lucas but it is well worth staying in the village if you want to explore the area. We have rented an awesome little solar-powered palapa roofed house from California native Cremin. He's an avid surfer and great source of local knowledge. 

If you want to enjoy a great beach and experience some excellent snorkeling, head a few miles down the dirt road south to Playa Arbolitos. A small entrance fee allows you to use their rustic bathroom and showers. They rent kayaks and snorkeling gear if you need it. It's also possible to camp here in a small rig or tent. Walking a little south from the beach takes you to best snorkeling spot - La Sirena. Strong prevailing NW winds in the winter make for great windsurfing but poor diving and snorkeling, so check the forecast.

There are several dive operations that will take you out to reef. I enjoyed diving with Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort. The main attraction here is experiencing the massive schools of jack fish dubbed fish tornadoes. Octavio Aburto captured some amazing photos of the phenomenon you can view on his site. On the surface you might see whales and leaping Mobula rays that can number in hundreds. 

The last six miles of the road to Cabo Pulmo is unpaved but easily reachable in most vehicles. Beyond Playa Arbolitos it gets a little rougher but offers free camping on deserted white sand beaches. How long this area will remain relatively undeveloped is anyone's guess but conservation groups have successfully stopped projects to the north.