Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride and Encounter on Beach and Desert

If you’re heading to Cabo San Lucas and looking for a tour that mixes something a little different with a touch of local culture, the Camel Ride and Encounter might catch your eye. This experience promises a blend of beach views, desert adventure, tequila tasting, and delicious Mexican food—all in around three hours. As someone who’s tried a fair share of tours in Cabo, I can tell you that this one has its charms, but it’s not perfect for everyone.

What drew us in? First, the idea of riding camels along the beach is just plain cool. It’s definitely not something you do every day. Second, the small group size (limited to 15 people) means you get more personal attention from guides and a more relaxed vibe. However, a potential snag is that the tour’s description of “four activities” can feel a bit stretched—some parts are more like a shuttle or a quick walk rather than full-blown adventures.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for curious travelers who love quirky experiences, are interested in a taste of local culture, and enjoy a mix of nature and fun. If you’re after a deep, adventure-heavy day or are traveling with very young kids, you might find it less satisfying. Now, let’s break down what you can expect from start to finish, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Key Points

• Unique experience: Camel riding along the beach of Cabo makes for memorable photos and stories.
• All-in-one convenience: Combines activities like tequila tasting, a nature hike, and a desert safari, so you don’t need to book separately.
• Small group setting: Limited to 15 people, meaning more personalized attention.
• Food and drinks: Enjoy a Mexican buffet with tacos and soft drinks, plus a tequila tasting.
• Comfort and logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, and helmets provided.
• Considerations: The ‘hike’ and ‘desert safari’ are brief and not overly rigorous, and some reviews mention long waits or brief camel rides.

What to Expect from the Tour

Start with Convenience: Hotel Pickup and Meeting Point

Your day kicks off with hotel pickup, which is a real plus since you don’t have to worry about finding the meeting spot. The tour departs from a designated location in Cabo San Lucas, with transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This makes the start of your adventure smooth and hassle-free.

The Scenic Camel Ride on Beach and Desert

The highlight? The camel ride along the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. Expect approximately 15 minutes on the camel—plenty of time to snap some photos and enjoy the gentle sway of these remarkable creatures. The camels are described as gentle, and guides are knowledgeable about their history, anatomy, and training.

A common comment from past visitors is that the camel ride is relaxing and fun, with plenty of opportunities to pet and feed the animals. One reviewer noted, “The camels are very relaxing and it was a quick trail ride along the beach.” That said, some find the ride shorter than anticipated, with a review mentioning they timed it at about 15 minutes.

The Tequila Tasting and Museum Experience

Next up is the tequila tasting in an enigmatic museum dedicated to tequila. It’s not just a quick shot; you’ll receive a proper class that helps you understand the different types of tequila, how it’s made, and what makes each one unique. Many reviews praise the quality of the tasting, calling it “really good” and a highlight of the day.

Nature Hike in the Ecological Reserve

Following the tasting, you’ll go on a hike through a local ecological reserve. While this part is described as a “nature hike,” it’s more of a brief walk that lets you take in the scenery and learn about the local flora and fauna. Reviewers mention it’s a pleasant, gentle walk—great for those who enjoy a relaxed outdoor experience.

Desert Safari Ride

The tour also features a desert safari ride, which adds an adventurous touch to the day. It’s a short ride, designed more to give you a sense of the desert landscape than to be an adrenaline rush. Some reviews have noted that the safari ride is enjoyable and adds variety to the experience.

Mexican Food and Refreshments

Finally, you’ll enjoy a delicious Mexican buffet with beef, pork, and chicken tacos, plus soft drinks and water. Many visitors find the food satisfying and a good way to end the tour. The meal overlooks scenic views, making it a relaxed, social part of the day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $99 per person, this tour offers a solid package of experiences. You’re getting multiple activities in one, reducing the need to book separate tickets, which means convenience and potentially better value. The inclusion of hotel pickup, transportation, a buffet meal, and guided experiences makes it easier to manage logistics, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area.

However, some reviews suggest that the “activities” aren’t as long or involved as they sound. For example, the camel ride is about 15 minutes, and the “hike” might be shorter than expected. A review even points out that some parts feel like a shuttle or quick walk rather than full activities. That said, the experience is generally well-reviewed for its friendliness, scenic views, and cultural insight.

The Real Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros

Guides and Staff: Multiple reviewers mention knowledgeable, friendly guides like Billy and Joel who enhance the experience with their helpfulness and humor.

Photographs and Memories: The tour provides a photographer to take pictures, which many guests appreciate. Some find the photo packages affordable and worth it, especially since you can’t always use your phone during the camel ride for safety reasons.

Stunning Views and Unique Setting: Riding camels along the beach offers fantastic photo ops and a memorable backdrop. The ecological reserve and desert scenery add to the visual appeal.

Cultural Flavor: The tequila tasting and Mexican buffet help you connect with local traditions and flavors, making the experience feel authentic.

Cons

Brief Activities: Some guests found the camel ride and hike shorter than expected, with the ride lasting around 15 minutes. If you’re after a longer adventure, this might feel rushed.

Long Waits and Queues: One review mentions a long wait to get started, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule.

Misleading Descriptions: A few travelers felt the “four activities” description overstates what you actually do—some parts are more like shuttles or short walks rather than full activities.

Limited Time in Each Segment: If you love enjoying each activity, the quick pace might leave you wanting more.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those looking for a fun, photo-worthy adventure that combines beach scenery, cultural taste, and nature. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with friends or a partner who enjoys light outdoor activities and cultural experiences without a strenuous itinerary.

If your main goal is a relaxing, well-rounded trip with memorable moments like riding camels on the beach and tasting tequila, this is a good pick. However, if you want longer, more physically involved activities or a detailed exploration, you might want to look elsewhere.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book in advance: The tour is popular, often booked 35 days ahead, so secure your spot early.
• Arrive prepared: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for light walking and outdoor exposure.
• Ask about photos: If you want professional pictures, consider purchasing the package at the location; it seems reasonably priced.
• Keep expectations realistic: This isn’t a full-day adventure but a quick, enjoyable sampler of Cabo’s scenery and culture.
• Child and pregnancy considerations: Children 5-12 can ride with an adult, but pregnant travelers are advised not to participate for safety reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to join without extra planning.

How long is the camel ride? Expect around 15 minutes of riding time, which many find enough for a fun experience and good photos.

Are there age restrictions? Children aged 5-12 can ride with an adult, but pregnant travelers are not allowed due to safety reasons.

What is the price? It costs $99 per person, which includes multiple activities, transportation, and a meal.

What should I wear or bring? Wear comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. It’s advisable to bring your camera or consider buying the photo package.

Is there an admission fee? Yes, there’s a $25 fee per person to access certain sites, like the ecological reserve.

Final Thoughts

The Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride and Encounter tour offers an engaging mix of iconic beach scenery, cultural insight, and light adventure—perfect for travelers wanting a memorable, photo-friendly experience without over-investing time or money. The guides and scenic views shine through in most reviews, making it a solid choice for a laid-back, fun day.

While the activities are shorter than some might hope, the convenience of an all-in-one package and the chance to ride camels along the shoreline make this tour distinctive. It’s especially well-suited for visitors eager to tick off a unique Cabo experience and enjoy some great food and drinks along the way.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable outing that balances culture, nature, and a bit of fun, this tour might just be worth it. Just approach it with realistic expectations about the length of each activity, and you’re set for a memorable adventure.