Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride and Encounter on Beach and Desert

Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride and Encounter on Beach and Desert: A Detailed Review

Imagine riding a camel along the shimmering shoreline of Cabo San Lucas, with waves crashing just feet away. That’s the highlight of this tour—a camel ride on the beach—but it’s only part of a surprisingly varied experience packed into three hours. For $99 per person, you’re treated to a mix of culture, nature, and fun activities, all conveniently organized by Cabo Paradise Tours. The tour includes hotel pickup, which means no fuss about meeting points, and the small group size—limited to just 15 travelers—ensures personalized attention.

What we love about this experience is how it combines authentic local flavors with adventure. First, there’s the tequila tasting in a dedicated museum, perfect for those curious about Mexico’s national spirit. Then, a nature hike through an ecological reserve offers a glimpse of Cabo’s natural beauty away from the busy beaches. And of course, the camel ride itself is a memorable highlight, offering a gentle, slow-paced trek along the Pacific’s edge. We also appreciate the delicious Mexican buffet lunch, which showcases regional dishes like tacos filled with beef, pork, and chicken. Plus, the desert safari ride adds a dash of thrill and variety.

A key consideration? The duration of some activities—the camel ride lasts around 15 minutes, which some might find quick, especially given the price. Also, the admission fee of $25 is not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly. Pregnant travelers are advised not to participate, and children aged 5-12 must ride with an adult. This tour suits travelers who want a blend of culture, nature, and adventure with a relaxed pace, especially those who enjoy small-group experiences with personalized guides.

Key Points

• Multiple Activities in One Day: Combines camel riding, tequila tasting, ecological hiking, and a desert safari for great value.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 15 travelers for personalized attention and more interaction.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to relax without logistical worries.
• Authentic Cultural Flavors: Mexican buffet lunch and tequila tasting showcase local traditions.
• Time Consideration: The camel ride is brief—about 15 minutes—but feels well-paced with other activities.
• Pricing and Extras: $99 covers most activities, but an extra $25 per person for the Cabo San Lucas admission fee applies.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Off: Comfort and Convenience
From the moment you book, the hotel pickup offers a stress-free start. The air-conditioned vehicle transports you comfortably to the meeting point, located at Cactus Tours. This saves you the hassle of figuring out transportation and ensures you’re ready for an early start, which is ideal if you want to maximize your day in Cabo.

The Activities: A Well-Balanced Mix
Once at the meeting point, the tour kicks off with a tequila class and tasting inside the intriguing Tequila museum. Here, you’ll learn about the history and varieties of Mexico’s favorite spirit—an excellent primer for those interested in local culture and flavors. The tasting is well-regarded, with some reviews calling it “really good,” and the guide’s friendliness and knowledge add to the experience.

Next, you’ll embark on a nature hike through Cabo’s ecological reserve. This part is a quieter, scenic walk that offers an opportunity to see native plants and perhaps some local wildlife. It’s ideal for travelers who want a break from the more lively activities and enjoy a bit of peaceful outdoor time.

The Camel Ride: A Photo-Opportunity and Memory Maker
The camel adventure is the star attraction. You’ll get up close with these gentle creatures, petting and feeding them before mounting for a 15-minute ride along the beach. As one reviewer put it, “The camels are very relaxing,” and the ride offers “beautiful views” of the ocean. The guide, often bilingual and very informative, will share details about camel history, their training, and behavior—adding educational value to the fun.

But some reviews point out that the ride is short—about 15 minutes—and that sharing a camel with a partner or paying extra for a private ride might be necessary if you want more time. You’ll also need to be comfortable with the limited opportunity to take photos yourself, as phones are not allowed during the ride for safety reasons. Instead, a photographer is available for purchase afterward, with a well-priced package of photos.

The Desert Safari and Lunch: A Great Finish
After the camel ride, the tour continues with a desert safari ride—a fun, rolling adventure that adds a little adrenaline and a different perspective on the landscape. Then, you’ll sit down for a buffet lunch overlooking the ocean, featuring Mexican specialties like beef, pork, and chicken tacos, along with soft drinks and water. Several reviews praise the meal as “delicious,” and it serves as a perfect way to relax and reflect on the morning’s activities.

Overall Value and Experience
While some might feel the activities are brief—especially the camel ride—others appreciate the variety and culture. The tour’s small-group setting ensures attentive guides like Joel, who are described as friendly and informative. The combination of fun, learning, and scenic views makes it a well-rounded experience. The price of $99 is reasonable considering the number of activities included, although the $25 admission fee is extra.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience best suits travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences without the hassle of planning multiple activities. It’s ideal for those who want a unique photo opportunity—especially on the beach—and enjoy a leisurely pace with small-group intimacy. It’s also perfect for curious travelers who enjoy learning about tequila and native flora, and for families with kids (ages 5-12) who can ride with an adult.

However, if you’re seeking longer camel rides or more adrenaline, this tour might feel a tad rushed. Likewise, if you’re pregnant or want more time on each activity, you might want to consider other options. But for most, this tour offers a delightful snapshot of Cabo’s natural beauty and culture—with plenty of memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to enjoy the day without worrying about transportation.

How long is the camel ride?
The ride lasts about 15 minutes, which is considered a good length for most travelers, though some may wish it were longer.

Are gratuities included?
No, tips are not included but are highly appreciated if you feel the guide has done a good job.

What’s the cost of the Cabo San Lucas admission fee?
It’s $25 per person, payable at the site, and not included in the tour price.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 5 – 12 must ride with an adult. Pregnant travelers should avoid the tour for safety reasons.

Can I take photos during the activities?
Phones are not allowed during the camel ride for safety. Photos can be purchased afterward from the on-site photographer.

Final Thoughts

This Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride and Encounter tour offers a fun, well-organized introduction to the region’s culture, scenery, and wildlife. The small-group setting and varied activities create a personalized and engaging experience. While the short duration of each activity might leave some wanting more, the overall value lies in the combination of authentic encounters, scenic beauty, and cultural insights.

If you’re after a lighthearted adventure that’s different from typical beach days, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suitable if you’re eager to capture unique photos, learn about tequila, or explore Cabo’s natural reserves—all in a relaxed, friendly environment. Just keep in mind the activity times and extra costs, and you’ll find it’s a memorable way to spend part of your Cabo vacation.