Off the coast of Cabo Pulmo is located the largest coral reef in the Gulf of California and the oldest reef in the American Pacific. Due to its ecological importance, to protect it from overexploitation, a group of original inhabitants of Cabo Pulmo organized, and with the support of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, asked the federal authorities to decree this marine area as a Natural Protected Area.

Thanks to this initiative and the joint effort of the community, scientists, academics, civil society organizations and municipal, state and federal governments, Cabo Pulmo, was declared a marine reserve of 7,111 hectares, with the category of National Park on June 6, 1995.

Unlike other places in the world, in 25 years of protection, the coral reef of Cabo Pulmo has recovered from overfishing, becoming the marine area with the highest concentration of fish throughout the Gulf of California. A proper protection and recovery of the marine community and the reef has allowed the return of migratory species such as giant mantas, humpback whales, turtles and many species of sharks.

This area is one of the most important in Baja California Sur for the reproductive cycle of sea turtles. 3 of the 7 species of sea turtles in the world nest here, including the Golfina and the Laud, which are greatly threatened.

The wealth produced here has been recognized internationally and in 2005, Cabo Pulmo was added to the list of Natural Heritage of the Humanity by the UNESCO and in 2008 to the list RAMSAR for the Conservation of Wetlands of International Importance.

Cabo Pulmo is an example of the ecological and economic benefits that healthy ecosystems provide, becoming one of the main diving spots in the Mexican Pacific and an essential recipient of ecotourism in the state: generating the spill of 106 million pesos a year through autonomous and free diving activities. In addition to representing income for the tourism industry, the reef of Cabo Pulmo is a source of life that exports to the nearby fisheries 932 tons of fish per year, with a commercial value of 22.4 million pesos per year, contributing to the food security of the region. Cabo Pulmo has become a world example of marine conservation with the participation of the community, who continue to promote the model of sustainable tourism.

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