The island is protected as a nature reserve and its coastal waters are well known as a sport fishing and diving site.

[2] Endemic fauna include the San Pedro Nolasco Island spinytail iguana (Ctenosaura nolascensis) and, formerly, Pemberton's deer mouse (Peromyscus pembertoni ), a rodent which is now extinct.

The water depths inside the bay are shallow, making it an excellent site for novice divers and snorkelers.

Large numbers of sea lion pups, guarded by a dominant male can be observed during the summer months.

However, to go ashore at San Pedro Nolasco as well as most of the Islands in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) a special permit must be purchased from the Mexican government.