Beach & Desert UTV Tour in Cabo: A Practical Guide to Baja’s Stunning Landscapes
Imagine cruising over white-sand beaches as waves crash nearby, then climbing through vast dunes and rugged mountain trails — all in just two hours. That’s exactly what the Beach & Desert UTV Tour in Cabo offers. For $217 per person, you get a lively, guided adventure through some of Baja California Sur’s most captivating terrains, with no previous off-road experience necessary. The tour starts with hotel pickup, whisking you from the resorts to the adventure hub, where you’ll hop into a side-by-side UTV ready to explore.
What makes this experience special? First, the guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge — they keep the ride fun and safe, sharing insights along the way. Second, the scenery is truly breathtaking; you’ll drive along pristine beaches with crashing waves and climb dunes that seem to stretch to the horizon. It’s an active way to see Baja’s natural beauty and get your adrenaline pumping.
A couple of considerations: since the activity involves driving over uneven terrain, it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor adventures. Also, there are some extra costs to keep in mind, such as entrance fees and optional insurance, which can add to the overall price. This tour is ideal for energetic families, groups of friends, or anyone eager for a blend of beach fun and desert exploration.
If you’re looking for a memorable, hands-on experience that combines scenic beauty with a bit of thrill, this UTV tour will likely fit your travel style perfectly.
Key Points
- Scenic Diversity: Experience both beachside cruising and dune climbing in one tour.
- No Experience Needed: All you need is a valid license — guides handle the rest.
- Authentic Fun: Small group sizes and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized feel.
- Additional Costs: Entrance fees and optional insurance are extra, so budget accordingly.
- Flexible Drop-Off: After the tour, you can be returned to your hotel or a preferred location.
- Photo Opportunities: Souvenir photos are available, perfect for sharing your adventure later.
An In-Depth Look at the Beach & Desert UTV Tour in Cabo

Planning more time in Cabo San Lucas? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Starting Point and Logistics
The adventure kicks off with hotel pickup, a convenience that simplifies logistics in Baja’s sprawling resorts. You’ll be picked up at your hotel or designated location, like in the case of the Hyatt Ziva, with pickups usually scheduled in the morning or early afternoon, depending on availability. Expect about a 40-minute drive to the tour site, which helps build anticipation and gives a glimpse of local scenery en route.
Once at the site, you’ll meet your guide — in reviews, Bruilo stands out as a particularly friendly and informative guide. Before heading out, there’s a safety briefing, an essential step considering the bumpy terrain and dune climbs ahead. The tour is 2 hours long, allowing ample time to enjoy the landscapes without feeling rushed.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, helmets, goggles, and bandanas — all geared toward ensuring a safe, comfortable ride. However, travelers should be aware that entrance fees ($25 per person) and optional collision insurance ($45 per vehicle) are extra. Souvenir photos cost additional but make for great keepsakes of your Baja adventure.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour is structured with a clear sequence:
- Pickup at two locations: either a central spot on Calle Mariano Abasolo or directly from Cabo San Lucas.
- Safety briefing and equipment setup.
- Guided off-road drive through rugged terrain, which includes a 45-minute ride over hills and dunes. This part is praised by reviewers as both exciting and scenic, with one noting, “most of the review about upselling for neck scarfs, private tours, and insurance” but emphasizing that the actual ride was fantastic.
- Rest break with opportunities to hydrate, use restrooms, and even pet a camel, which adds a quirky touch to the adventure.
- Beach cruising: the highlight for many, with waves crashing as you drive along the coastline. One reviewer described it as “pretty awesome to have waves crashing in while we drove.”
- Photo stops at scenic points, perfect for capturing the desert and ocean views.
Driving Experience and Landscape
The dune landscapes are vast and visually striking — white sands that seem to go on forever, backed by mountains and the shimmering sea. No previous UTV experience is needed; drivers just need a valid license, and guides are attentive to safety and fun. For non-drivers, the ride in the co-pilot seat offers a chance to enjoy the scenery and learn about the area from your guide.
One review mentions, “We had about 45 minutes on bumpy, hill terrain, with a break to get a drink, use restrooms, and pet a camel,” highlighting the mix of adventure and comfort. The beach drive is praised for its exhilarating waves and scenic beauty, with many describing it as a highlight.
Authenticity and Personal Touches
While the activity is popular for its thrill and scenery, reviews suggest that upselling is common — from neck scarfs to private tours and insurance. This is typical in tourist-heavy areas, so travelers should be prepared for some marketing pitches but can decline if they prefer.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This experience is best suited for active travelers who don’t mind getting a little dirty and love scenic drives. Families with children over 16, groups of friends, or couples looking for adventure will find it particularly appealing. It’s not ideal for pregnant women, children under 5, or those with mobility issues, as noted in the activity restrictions.
Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $217 per person, the value hinges on the combination of scenic diversity, active engagement, and professional guiding. The scenic drives over beach and dunes, combined with the chance to pet a camel and enjoy Baja’s wild landscapes, make this a memorable outing. The small group format and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making it less like a bus tour and more like a personalized adventure.
Extra costs like entrance and insurance fees are typical in this kind of tour and should be factored into your budget. The inclusion of gear such as helmets and goggles adds to safety, and the opportunity to purchase souvenir photos allows you to remember your trip vividly.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re seeking an active, scenic, and fun way to explore Baja’s beaches and deserts, this UTV tour delivers. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate guided outdoor adventures with plenty of photo opportunities and a touch of adrenaline. The flexible pick-up/drop-off service makes it convenient, and the small group size fosters a more personal feel.
However, if you’re not comfortable with off-road driving, or if you prefer a more relaxed experience without optional extras, you might want to consider other options. But for a hands-on Baja experience that combines scenery, fun, and a bit of rugged exploration, this tour hits the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous UTV experience?
No, you don’t need experience. All you need is a valid driver’s license, and guides will ensure you’re comfortable before hitting the trails.
Can I drive if I’m under 16?
No, only license holders over the age of 16 are permitted to drive the UTVs.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card, and your driver’s license. Note that cellphones and cameras are not allowed during the ride for safety reasons, so plan to capture photos afterwards if desired.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entrance fees ($25 each) and optional collision insurance ($45 per vehicle) are not included in the tour price. Souvenir photos are also extra.
How long is the entire experience?
The tour itself lasts about 2 hours, including pickup, safety briefing, driving, breaks, and drop-off.
Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s suitable for families with children over 16. It’s not recommended for very young children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.
What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Many describe the beach drive with waves crashing nearby as the most memorable part, along with the scenic dunes and mountain views.
Can I customize the drop-off location?
Yes, after the tour, you can request to be dropped off at your hotel or another preferred location.
In sum, the Beach & Desert UTV Tour in Cabo offers an engaging way to see Baja’s wild side. With experienced guides, breathtaking scenery, and a dash of adventure, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to add a lively, outdoor element to their Baja vacation.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Cabo San Lucas
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- Los Cabos: El Arco, Chileno Beach, and Tequila Tasting Tour
- Los Cabos Famous Arch cruise, City tour and Lunch
- Cabo San Lucas: Snorkel Tour with Open Bar & Snacks
- Cabo San Lucas: Arch Tour Glass Bottom Boat
- Beach UTV & Horseback Riding COMBO in Cabo by Cactus Tours
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- Los Cabos: El Arco, Chileno Beach, and Tequila Tasting Tour
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More Cabo San Lucas experiences we've covered
- Cabo San Lucas: Guided Snorkeling Tour with Transportation
- Los Cabos: El Arco, Chileno Beach, and Tequila Tasting Tour
- Cabo San Lucas Private Yacht Cruise with Open Bar
- Los Cabos Famous Arch cruise, City tour and Lunch
- Cabo San Lucas: Side By Side Sports Adventure
- Cabo San Lucas: Adults-Only Boat Party with Drinks & Live DJ
- Cabo San Lucas: Snorkel Tour with Open Bar & Snacks
- Cabo San Lucas: Arch Tour Glass Bottom Boat
- Beach UTV & Horseback Riding COMBO in Cabo by Cactus Tours
- Los Cabos Party Catamaran: Snorkeling, Open Bar & Music Fun
- Los Cabos: Azteca Cactus Taco Farm to Table Cooking Class
- Los Cabos: Salsa/Bachata Group Class
