The Most Overrated Tourist Attraction in Cabo (And What to Do Instead)

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We at The Cabo Sun love sharing bucket-list Cabo moments.

But some “must-dos” don’t age well—and one, in particular, is past its prime: swimming with captive dolphins.

With Mexico moving to phase out dolphin shows and interactions nationwide, and mounting welfare concerns, it’s time for a better, more Cabo alternative.

Luckily, there’s a world-class swap just up the East Cape: Cabo Pulmo National Park—a living, 20,000-year-old coral reef teeming with wild marine life.

Why “swim with dolphins” no longer makes sense in Los Cabos

Beyond the glossy brochures, captive-dolphin encounters mean small tanks, repetitive behaviors, and animals trained for human entertainment.

Mexico’s Congress approved a landmark reform in 2025 to ban dolphin shows and other entertainment uses, with authorities already stepping up enforcement elsewhere in the country after high-profile welfare incidents. If you care about animals—and the future of ocean tourism here—this is your sign to opt out.

If it’s the “wow, I met a dolphin!” feeling you’re after, Cabo offers ethical wildlife thrills in the wild. We’ve covered how travelers can spot whales responsibly (and even from shore) and why officials scrutinize new close-encounter proposals; start there if you’re craving a creature moment that respects the ocean. For context, see our pieces on a controversial new whale encounter and tips for DIY whale watching.

Do this instead: Day-trip (or overnight) to Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo National Park is one of the brightest conservation stories in the Americas. Protected since 1995 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, it safeguards the northernmost coral reef in the eastern Pacific.

Snorkelers and divers regularly encounter big schools of jacks, turtles, rays, healthy corals, and—on lucky days—sharks in the blue. It’s raw, real, and exactly the kind of encounter most travelers think they’re buying in a dolphin pool.

What to expect

• The reef & wildlife: The reef is estimated to be ~20,000 years old and has rebounded dramatically since fishing was curtailed, with biodiversity that helped it earn UNESCO status. Think vibrant corals and serious fish biomass.
• Rules that protect the magic: This is a no-take marine park with strict visitor standards—certified guides, small group sizes (e.g., typical limits of max 8 snorkelers per guide), required life jackets for snorkel tours, and spacing and “no touching” rules to keep coral safe. These aren’t red tape; they’re why the reef looks the way it does.
• Season & conditions: Fall can bring warm water and calm mornings. We’ve also highlighted fall natural spectacles across Los Cabos—plan around them for a one-two punch of reef plus seasonal wildlife.

How to get there

From San José del Cabo, most travelers reach Cabo Pulmo by Highway 1 via La Ribera on fully paved roads, then a short final stretch into the village (road conditions vary; ask your operator).

Typical drive time runs about 2–3 hours depending on your route and stops. If you’re coming directly from the airport, budget about 1.5–2 hours via Highway 1 in good conditions.

A 4×4 isn’t strictly necessary via the paved inland route, but clearance helps if you wander the dirt coastal tracks.

Book the right way

To enter the park for snorkel or scuba, go with authorized local operators who follow CONANP rules (Mexico’s protected-area agency). Group sizes and guide certifications are enforced; reputable shops will brief you on buoyed zones, entry points, and “look-but-don’t-touch” etiquette. You’ll also pay a small conservation fee that supports the park—don’t skip it.

Extra tips from locals (and us)

• Go early. Mornings usually mean calmer seas and better visibility.
• Pack for shade and simplicity. There are few services compared to resort zones—bring water, sun protection (reef-safe), and cash for small eateries.
• Mind the forecast. October weather can swing from bluebird calm to breezy. We just shared an October guide to help you set expectations across Los Cabos.
• Respect wildlife—full stop. Authorities across BCS have warned against harassing marine life (remember those viral orca clips?). If you want that once-in-a-lifetime sighting, give animals space so they choose the encounter.

Bottom line

Skip the chlorinated photo-ops. With Mexico moving away from captive-dolphin entertainment, the most Cabo choice is also the most memorable: drift over a living reef in Cabo Pulmo and meet the ocean on its terms.

You’ll come home with the bragging rights you wanted—plus a story that actually helps protect the place you came to see.