Camel Encounter and Safari Ride. Includes lunch & alcohol tasting

Looking to try something a little different on your trip to Cabo San Lucas? The Camel Encounter and Safari Ride might just be your ticket. This tour offers a chance to hop onto a camel and ride along the picturesque beaches of Cabo, complemented by a tasty taco lunch and some tequila tasting. It’s a solid pick for those wanting a fun, memorable activity that doesn’t leave you exhausted for the rest of your day.

What we genuinely like about this experience is how it combines a distinctive adventure — a camel ride on the beach — with more relaxed elements like food and drinks. Plus, the guides seem to be quite knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole thing feel approachable even if you’ve never been around camels before. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that some reviews point out the cost of extras like photos and the additional park fees, which can add up if you’re not prepared.

This tour can be a good fit if you’re after something different from typical Cabo excursions or if you’re traveling with friends who enjoy unique photo opportunities and tasting local flavors. It’s also quite suitable for those who want to keep their energy levels up for the evening’s plans, given the light walking involved. However, if you’re looking for a long, in-depth experience or a totally hassle-free all-in-one package, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Riding a camel along Cabo’s beaches is unlike most other tours and creates great photo memories.
• Balanced Itinerary: Includes light walking, a scenic beach ride, plus opportunities to enjoy tacos and tequila.
• Guide & Education: Guides are knowledgeable, making the experience more engaging as you learn about camels and local flora.
• Cost & Extras: The tour costs $95 per person, but expect to pay extra for photos and the park entry fee.
• Comfort & Safety: Safety equipment is provided, and the tour is designed to be accessible, with a 600-pound weight limit.
• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, it offers a more personalized experience.

What It’s Like to Take This Tour

The itinerary is fairly straightforward but packed with memorable moments. You’re picked up from your hotel or meeting point and driven to the tour site. Once there, you’ll meet your camel handler and guide, who will explain the basics about camels, their history, and what to expect from the ride.

The camel ride itself lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, but some reviews mention that it might feel a little short. As you ride along the beach, you’ll be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean and the natural beauty of the coastline. It’s a chance to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures — petting and feeding them is also part of the fun.

After the ride, most tours include a light walk through the ecological reserve and a visit to an aviary, which adds a touch of nature to the experience. The lunch is a highlight: a burrito plate featuring beef or chicken, served with soda or water. The quality of the food gets good marks, with many reviewers saying the tacos are tasty and satisfying.

The tequila tasting is often described as fun, though some find it a bit rushed or want more sampling. A visit to a nearby tequila museum makes this part educational and flavorful. The combination of food, drinks, and scenic views makes for a well-rounded adventure.

The Real Deal: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Memorable & Photogenic: Riding a camel on the beach is an experience you won’t forget, and guides often let you take your own photos, which many appreciate.
• Good Value for Money: At $95, the tour covers transportation, the camel ride, lunch, tequila tasting, and entry to some attractions — pretty decent for a half-day activity.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and expertise, which helps make the tour more engaging.
• Includes Transportation & Safety: Round-trip transport makes logistics easier, and safety equipment is provided, which is reassuring.

Cons

• Extra Costs: The $25 park entry fee and expensive photo packages can catch some off guard. Reviewers mention that photos at the park are pricey, and some felt the experience was rushed.
• Short Ride & Waiting Time: Several reviews note that the camel ride feels brief, and there can be waiting around, which may test patience.
• Restrictions & Policies: Phones and cameras are not allowed during the ride, which frustrates many travelers wanting to capture the moment. You’ll need to pay for photos if you’d like souvenirs.
• Limited Duration: The camel ride itself is quite short, with some feeling the entire experience is stretched out with filler activities like twig-watching.

Breaking Down the Experience

Pickup & Arrival

Most tours include hotel pickup, which simplifies logistics. Once at the site, you’ll check in and pay the entrance fee, which is an extra $25 per person. Be prepared for this additional cost, as it’s standard at the park, and some reviews express annoyance about it.

The Camel Ride

This is the centerpiece. Riding a camel along Cabo’s famous beaches is a unique way to enjoy the scenery. Expect about 10-15 minutes on the camel, with plenty of opportunities for photos before and after the ride. Guides are often friendly and eager to share facts, making the experience educational as well as fun.

Nature & Animal Encounters

The tour includes a nature hike in an ecological reserve and a visit to an aviary, giving a bit of variety and more chances for photo ops or just enjoying local flora and fauna. Travelers have enjoyed learning about the plants and camels from guides like Fernando and Alejandro, who are often celebrated for their knowledge and friendliness.

Food & Drinks

The lunch is straightforward: a burrito with beef or chicken, accompanied by soda or water. Many reviewers find it tasty and filling, perfect for fueling the rest of your day. The tequila tasting, while sometimes rushed, adds a fun local flavor and is often appreciated as a highlight.

Additional Activities & Extras

Some tours offer upgraded photo packages, but these can be pricey. Many travelers prefer to take their own photos, especially if the guide allows it, which adds a more personal touch to their souvenirs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for something different and memorable. If you enjoy animals, scenic beaches, and a relaxed pace, you’ll probably really enjoy it. It also works well if you want a combo of adventure, food, and drinks all in one package.

However, if you’re primarily interested in a long, in-depth adventure or dislike the idea of paying extra for photos, you might find some aspects frustrating. It’s best for those who are open to a short but sweet ride, with plenty of opportunities for photos before and after the camel trek.

Final Thoughts

The Camel Encounter and Safari Ride offers a genuinely distinctive way to see Cabo San Lucas. While it isn’t a full-day tour and has some extra costs to consider, the fun of riding a camel on the beach, combined with delicious tacos and a tequila tasting, makes it a worthwhile adventure for many.

It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to try something new and willing to accept the shorter ride and additional fees. Guides and staff generally get high praise for their friendliness, making the experience approachable and engaging. Plus, with beautiful views and cute camels, it’s sure to be a highlight of any Cabo trip.

If you’re after a memorable, photogenic, and unique activity that balances adventure with relaxation, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for some extra charges and a brief ride — and you’ll probably come away with stories to tell for years.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation is part of the package, making it easier to enjoy without worrying about logistics.

How long does the camel ride last?
The ride itself is approximately 10-15 minutes, though some reviews mention it may feel brief.

Are photos included?
Photos can be purchased separately, but some reviews note that they are pricey. You might want to bring your own camera or phone, if allowed, to capture the moment.

What is the park entry fee?
There’s a $25 per person fee paid at the park on the day of the tour, which covers their maintenance and land restoration.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally safe and suitable for most travelers, but note that there is a 600-pound weight limit. Check with the provider if you have young children.

Can I customize or upgrade my experience?
Yes, there are options like private tours or upgraded photo packages, but these come at an additional cost.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, and old tennis shoes or closed-toe shoes are recommended. A hat or head wrap is also advised to protect from the sun.

So, if you’re craving a fun twist on beach activities and are okay with some minor extras, this tour might just be the unique experience you’re looking for in Cabo.