REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Beach Camel Ride and Encounter in Cabo
Book on Viator →Operated by CACTUS TOURS · Bookable on Viator
Beach camels beat the usual desert fantasy. This Cabo San Lucas experience swaps dust for ocean air, letting you pet and feed camels and then ride along the water with the Pacific Ocean in view.
I especially like that your visit comes with roundtrip pickup and a real “you get fed” setup afterward, including a meal plus soft drinks and water, not just the ride. One thing to plan for: your day can stretch beyond the advertised 1 hour once pickup, park access, and paid add-ons like souvenir photos kick in.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Beach Camels in Cabo: What Makes This Ride Different
- Inside Cactus Tours: Cactus + Ocean + Animal Care
- The Camel Encounter and 30 Minutes on the Beach
- Camera and Phone Reality: Plan for the Paid Photo Package
- What Else You Do There: Tequila Tasting, SUPER BURRO, and More
- Transportation and Timing: Why the 1-Hour Tour Can Stretch
- Price Breakdown: $71.25 and the Fees That Can Add Up
- Guide Impact: The Staff Names You’ll Keep Hearing
- Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
- Should You Book the Beach Camel Ride in Cabo?
- FAQ
- How long is the Cabo beach camel ride tour?
- Is hotel pickup offered?
- Are there morning and afternoon tour options?
- What is included in the experience?
- Is the park entrance fee included in the price?
- Can I take photos or use my phone during the ride?
- Do they offer a tequila tasting?
- What food do you get?
- What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?
- Are service animals allowed and is the tour suitable for kids?
Key things to know before you go

- 30-minute beach riding time: the camel ride is the centerpiece, led by handlers who keep things moving safely
- Ocean views right at the facility: you’re interacting with camels with the coast as your backdrop
- Included food and drinks: you get a hearty SUPER BURRO with soft drinks and water, plus a tequila tasting
- Photo rules can cost extra: many guests are told to leave phones/cameras away and buy the souvenir photo package
- Timing can run longer than expected: transportation and waiting time can turn a quick outing into a half-day
Beach Camels in Cabo: What Makes This Ride Different
If you’ve done camel rides in a dry, staged way before, this one feels more natural. You’re not trudging through sand for the whole experience—you’re right on the coast, where the ocean breeze actually helps with the heat.
The interaction is also more than a quick “sit and wave.” You’ll pet and feed the camels under the watch of handlers, and you’re set up for a guided experience with a bilingual guide. In the best moments, it feels like a calm animal encounter with Cabo scenery in the background.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
Inside Cactus Tours: Cactus + Ocean + Animal Care

The experience happens at the Cactus Tours property, and it’s more of a facility than a random beach stop. I like that multiple guides are described as friendly, professional, and patient—names that come up include Billy, Cesar, Solomon, Oscar, and Raul. That matters because camel rides can be awkward at first, and you want someone who can keep the group comfortable.
The setting is also part of the appeal. Guests repeatedly mention clean, cared-for animal housing and a pleasant property vibe, including time around cactus and a sunset-style view. For families, it can feel less like a rushed “ticket ride” and more like a place where kids can actually watch what’s going on.
A practical note: this is outdoors and in the sun, so plan for heat management even if they say the operation runs in all weather conditions.
The Camel Encounter and 30 Minutes on the Beach

The camel time is carefully structured. You’ll meet the camels up close, feed them, pet them, and go for a ride that’s described as about 30 minutes on the beach (some reviews cite slightly shorter ride time, but the ride portion is clearly limited by animal well-being and handling logistics).
During the ride, you’re not alone. Experienced handlers stay involved, which is where this tour’s “safe interaction” reputation comes from. That’s what turns the activity from intimidating to doable—especially if you’re traveling with kids or you’re worried about mounting and balance.
Camera and Phone Reality: Plan for the Paid Photo Package

Here’s the part you should treat like a rule, not a suggestion: your own camera/phone may be restricted. Some guests report being told that cameras or phones can’t be used during the ride unless you pay extra, with devices stored in lockers. Another guest described a setup where a phone wasn’t allowed and they had to rely on the souvenir photos.
The tour does offer souvenir photos—often described as photos taken from the camel (and those on top of the camel are mentioned as available for purchase). The trade-off is clear: if you care about filming your ride, this isn’t a bring-your-own-video kind of experience for everyone.
If you want the most flexibility with photos, consider asking up front what’s allowed for your exact tour type (public vs. private/personalized). One response from the provider notes that personalized tours may handle device use differently.
What Else You Do There: Tequila Tasting, SUPER BURRO, and More

The experience isn’t only the camel portion. You’ll be fed—explicitly. The included meal is a SUPER BURRO with beef, pork, and chicken options, plus soft drinks and water. Multiple people call out that the food is part of the value, though opinions vary (a few negative comments mention the buffet or the food not meeting expectations, so I’d treat it as “included and convenient,” not gourmet).
Then there’s the tequila tasting. It’s included, and at least one guest highlights a host named Baltazar as excellent. If you’re the sort of person who enjoys a short, guided taste without turning it into a long party, this fits that mood well.
There’s also mention of a kids club, which is a big deal for families who want a bit of structure for younger kids while adults focus on the main camel encounter.
Transportation and Timing: Why the 1-Hour Tour Can Stretch

The price and duration make this look like a quick stop. The tour summary lists about 1 hour, and it says pickup is offered in both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, with morning and afternoon options.
But real-world timing matters. Several guests describe long waits, late shuttles, or a day that ran 5–6 hours end-to-end. Another person specifically pointed out that travel time to the facility can eat into the schedule. The reason is simple: they’re coordinating pickups for multiple hotels and groups, and the camel ride itself has to run on the facility’s pacing.
My practical advice:
- Plan extra buffer time the day of your tour. If you’re stacking plans tightly, you’ll feel the stress.
- If you’re on an international flight or a strict schedule, double-check the time window for pickup and return—and don’t assume “1 hour” means “one hour total.”
Price Breakdown: $71.25 and the Fees That Can Add Up

The listed price is $71.25 per person, which is why this can feel like a bargain—especially since it includes hotel pickup, handlers/guides, a meal, soft drinks/water, and a tequila tasting.
But then come the add-ons that some people feel should have been bundled. The biggest one: the park access fee. There’s a stated $25 per person entrance fee (not included in the base price). That alone can turn your math from “cheap tour” into “okay, this is more like a full outing.”
On top of that, some guests complain about photo costs and phone/camera restrictions (with souvenir photos sold for purchase). There are also comments about upcharges during the experience.
How I’d think about value:
- If you want camel interaction + beach riding + included meal/drinks, the base price can still be worth it.
- If you strongly want your own photos and video, or you hate surprise fees, this may feel expensive once you add the entrance fee and paid photo options.
Guide Impact: The Staff Names You’ll Keep Hearing

For this tour, the guide can make or break your mood. Positive notes repeatedly mention guides like Billy, Cesar, Raul, Oscar, and Solomon, with comments praising their friendliness and how well they managed the group.
One common thread: guides are described as engaging, helpful with questions, and good at keeping the flow steady—especially when guests are nervous about camels. If you’re prone to feeling rushed on tours, pay attention to how your group is guided from meetup to ride.
Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
This is a good match if:
- You want a family-friendly Cabo activity with animal interaction and a clear main event (the beach camel ride)
- You like the idea of ocean-side scenery rather than a purely desert ride
- You’re okay with a structured experience that includes food and a short tequila tasting
It may be a poor match if:
- You’re counting on filming freely with your phone during the ride. Plan on restrictions and paid photo options.
- You have a tight schedule. Build in buffer time for pickup and the full return.
- You’re hoping for a low-fee, no-surprises experience. The $25 park entrance fee and optional photo purchases can push total cost higher.
- You’re traveling under the influence. The tour states it’s not recommended for people under the effect of alcohol and/or drugs, and safety checks may be part of the process (one guest reported a breathalyzer).
Kids do need an adult with them, and the tour allows service animals.
Should You Book the Beach Camel Ride in Cabo?
I’d book it if you want the specific thing this tour sells: a camel encounter plus a beach ride with Pacific views, with the comfort of pickup and an included meal. It’s also a strong choice for first-timers who want handlers involved and a calmer animal interaction.
I’d hesitate if your top priority is “I want to control my own photos/video” or you’re trying to fit this into a tight itinerary. The combination of park fees, photo packages, and possible delays has made some people feel like the day got too long and too costly.
If you do book, go in with a few smart expectations: confirm the pickup window, plan buffer time, budget for the $25 park entrance fee, and decide ahead of time whether the souvenir photo package is worth it to you.
FAQ
How long is the Cabo beach camel ride tour?
The tour duration is listed as about 1 hour. In practice, transport time and waiting can make the overall day longer, so plan some buffer.
Is hotel pickup offered?
Yes. Pickup is offered in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
Are there morning and afternoon tour options?
Yes. You can choose between morning and afternoon tour options for flexibility.
What is included in the experience?
Included items include a camel encounter, an approximately 30-minute camel ride on the beach, guidance from an experienced camel handler and a bilingual guide, a SUPER BURRO meal with soft drinks and water, a tequila tasting, and roundtrip transportation. There is also a kids club.
Is the park entrance fee included in the price?
No. There is an entrance fee listed as $25 per person for Cactus Tours, separate from the base price.
Can I take photos or use my phone during the ride?
Souvenir photos are available for purchase, and multiple guests report that cameras and/or phones are restricted or stored away during the ride. If you want personal filming, ask the provider ahead of time about what’s allowed for your specific tour type.
Do they offer a tequila tasting?
Yes. A tequila tasting is included in the tour.
What food do you get?
The meal included is a SUPER BURRO with beef, pork, and chicken, along with soft drinks and water.
What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
Are service animals allowed and is the tour suitable for kids?
Service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
























