REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas: Beach & Desert Horseback Riding Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Cactus ATV Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Beaches and desert mix fast here. This Cabo San Lucas ride puts Migriño Beach dunes under your feet with mountain views behind you, then the Pacific waves sit in front of you the whole time. I like that you get a quick safety briefing with helmet (and the included gear), plus you can pick a beginner or advanced option so the group pace feels right.
The other thing I really like is the people-factor. Guide names like Bruno show up in the feedback, and the vibe is family-friendly and energetic, even with mixed ages in the group. One thing to consider: no cameras or cellphones are allowed, and entrance fees (listed as $25 per person) aren’t included, so budget for extras.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Migriño Beach and desert trails in one tight 2-hour experience
- The beginner/advanced choice that keeps the group comfortable
- Gear check: helmet, goggles, bandana, and the no-phone rule
- From pickup to ride: how the timing usually works
- What you actually do on the trail: walk, trot, and desert canyons
- The Pacific Ocean moments at El Migriño Beach
- Dessert? Desert. And yes, the mountains matter
- Tequila tasting and food stop: what happens after the horses
- Price: is $97 worth it in Cabo?
- Kids club and age limits: who can join this ride
- Who should skip this tour
- Tips to make the most of it (and avoid surprises)
- Should you book this Cabo horseback ride?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback riding tour?
- Where are the pickup locations in Cabo San Lucas?
- What’s included in the $97 price?
- Do I need to know how to ride a horse?
- Can kids ride, and is there childcare?
- Is tequila tasting included?
- Are cameras or cellphones allowed during the tour?
- What do I need to bring?
- What costs extra besides the tour price?
- What are the cancellation and pay-later options?
Key highlights to know before you go

- El Migriño Beach ride with sandy dunes, coastal cliffs, and big Pacific wave views
- Beginner vs advanced choice so you can match your comfort level
- Helmet, goggles, and bandana included, so you’re not scrambling for gear
- Blue agave tequila tasting at the end, plus a local food tasting stop
- Kids club included with adult bookings, so parents can focus on the ride
Migriño Beach and desert trails in one tight 2-hour experience

Los Cabos can be all sun and sea, or all dry desert dust. This tour does both, and it does it in a way that’s built for real viewing. You ride with desert terrain and canyons running alongside you, and then the beach takes over—sand dunes, coastal cliffs, and that constant soundtrack of the Pacific.
What makes it feel special isn’t just the scenery. It’s the pacing. You get enough time on horseback to feel like you’re part of the place, not just passing through it in a photo line. And because the ride is guided, you’re free to look up at the mountains and out at the water instead of worrying about where you’re going.
You should expect a ride that’s active. One part of it is described as trotting along the beach, which is exactly what you want when the sand is warm and the horizon is wide. If you prefer slow and steady only, choose the beginner option.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas
The beginner/advanced choice that keeps the group comfortable

You’ll choose between an advanced and beginner setup before heading out. That’s important because horseback rides can feel very different depending on the mix of riders—pace, confidence, and how bold the group gets.
For you, this choice is really about comfort. If you’re new to riding, you want a group that won’t push you faster than you can handle. If you’re more confident, you probably don’t want to spend the whole time doing the minimum. The best part here is that you don’t have to gamble. You set expectations right up front, and then the guide can manage the herd accordingly.
The practical point: listen closely during the safety lesson and the gear fitting. Helmet and goggles matter in beach wind and sand. And if your comfort level is on the edge, it’s smart to lean toward beginner. You’ll still see the same dunes and the same Pacific—just with less pressure.
Gear check: helmet, goggles, bandana, and the no-phone rule

Before you hit the trails, you’ll get a short safety briefing and then you’ll be outfitted. Included gear is helmet, goggles, and a bandana. That’s not just a nice extra. On El Migriño Beach, sand can drift and sea air can be windy. Goggles help you keep your eyes on the view instead of on the grit.
Then there’s the rule that surprises some people: cameras and cellphones aren’t allowed. You can buy souvenir photos, but you won’t be snapping your own video from the saddle. If you’re the type who records everything, plan to let this be a mostly off-screen experience. Your memory will be the one that survives the battery life.
Also, bring ID. A passport or ID card is required. And wear something you’re comfortable getting dusty in, because you’re riding through desert and beach zones.
From pickup to ride: how the timing usually works

This is a hotel pickup style tour with two pickup area options. You may be picked up at Calle Mariano Abasolo 1356 or Carretera Transpeninsular. Plan to be ready early and wait in the hotel lobby about 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. The driver won’t wait much longer than that after the scheduled time.
Once you’re with the group, the day starts with a safety briefing (about 15 minutes). Then there’s a transfer phase (short on the way in), followed by the guided horseback portion.
The ride itself is listed as about 105 minutes of guided walking, with the description also calling out trotting along the beach. Translation: you’ll have steady time in the saddle, plus moments where the horses move with more energy—especially on sand near the dunes and waterline. Expect the pace to be controlled by the guide and the group you’re with.
What you actually do on the trail: walk, trot, and desert canyons

You’re guided the whole way. That matters because desert and beach terrain is different under a horse’s hooves. The guide’s job is to keep the group together and move through changes in sand, slope, and footing safely.
The route is built around variety:
- You ride along El Migriño Beach, with sandy dunes and coastal cliffs.
- You also experience desert walking with mountains in the background and canyons alongside you.
- You spend enough time in both zones that the ride doesn’t feel like a quick detour.
The “walk” part is the baseline, which makes this tour more accessible than a pure adrenaline ride. But the beach trotting element adds real fun. In other words: it’s not a slow parade the whole time. If you pick the advanced option and your comfort level matches, you’ll likely feel more motion and a more playful rhythm.
The Pacific Ocean moments at El Migriño Beach

This is the part that makes people remember the ride. El Migriño Beach is where the scenery goes big—coastal cliffs, sandy dunes, and the Pacific Ocean right there, with waves rolling in constantly.
The tour description highlights trotting along the beach and admiring huge waves. That’s a visual payoff you can’t fake. Standing or riding near the waterline makes the light different, too. Sand reflects, wind moves, and suddenly Cabo doesn’t look like a postcard—it looks like a place you can hear.
There’s also a nature angle. The description notes crystal-clear waters from the shore and a magical ecosystem vibe. You won’t be snorkeling on this specific tour, but you’ll get that close-to-nature sense just from being beside the ocean.
If you get motion-sick easily, consider that beach riding can be bouncy on sand. The helmet helps your comfort. The goggles help with wind. Beyond that, it’s about how you personally handle movement.
Dessert? Desert. And yes, the mountains matter

Between the beach sections, you’ll get your desert time: dunes, desert walk stretches, and mountains showing up behind everything. It’s a cool contrast with Cabo’s popular coastal focus, because you’re seeing the dry side of Baja California Sur while still staying near the ocean.
This isn’t just pretty. It helps you understand why the Los Cabos area looks the way it does. Dry terrain with canyons creates natural routes, and you ride those routes instead of driving around them. On a horseback tour, the geography feels slower and more readable. You notice changes in elevation and openings in the canyon. You can point out shapes and routes like you’re learning a trail system, not just passing terrain.
One more practical point: desert sections can be hotter even when the coast feels breezy. Bring your best sun protection. You’re not told to bring specific sun gear, but you can still use common sense—hat, sunglasses (no phone replacement), sunscreen.
Tequila tasting and food stop: what happens after the horses

When the riding is done, you move into the food-and-drink part of the experience. There’s a local restaurant stop with free time and a food tasting. After that, the tour includes a tequila tasting of blue agave tequila.
This is the part that turns a fun outdoor activity into a complete Cabo experience. Riding gives you the action and the views. The tasting gives you the local ritual element. And because tequila is part of the package, you don’t have to go hunting for it after you’re tired and dusty.
One thing to keep straight: alcoholic drinks beyond the included tasting aren’t included, though they can be purchased. Also, entrance fees are separate. So if you’re trying to keep costs predictable, treat the tequila tasting as the main drink moment.
Price: is $97 worth it in Cabo?

At $97 per person for about a 2-hour experience, you’re paying for a guided ride, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the included riding gear. In a place where adventure costs can jump quickly, this feels like a reasonable rate for the combination of beach + desert + professional guiding.
Here’s the value breakdown in plain terms:
- You get guided horseback time rather than just access to a beach.
- Helmet, goggles, and bandana reduce your need to buy or rent gear.
- Tequila tasting is included.
- Kids club is included with adult bookings, which can make the tour more affordable for families who otherwise have to find childcare.
What bumps your total is what isn’t included:
- Entrance fees are listed as $25 per person.
- Souvenir photos are for purchase.
- Alcoholic drinks beyond the included tasting are for purchase.
So, yes, $97 is the headline price. But for a realistic budget, add the entrance fees and plan to skip extra photos unless you know you want them.
Kids club and age limits: who can join this ride
If you’re traveling with kids, pay attention to the age rules and the support options. Children under 5 can’t ride. Children 5 years and over can ride their own horse. That’s a big deal for families, because you’re not limited to adults in the saddle.
There’s also a free kids club included with adult bookings. Certified staff take care of kids while parents ride, with board games, video games, or movies. This matters because it keeps the experience from becoming stressful for you and boring for them.
If your child is just over 5 and nervous, pick the option that matches your comfort level. The tour’s structure suggests the guide manages the group to keep riders at ease.
And if you’re bringing a bigger group with mixed ages, it helps to know the ride is described as enjoyable for families, with energetic guidance that keeps things moving.
Who should skip this tour
This isn’t a good match if you have certain medical or physical concerns. It’s listed as not suitable for:
- pregnant women
- people with back problems
- people with pre-existing medical conditions
That’s not negotiable. Horseback riding involves balance and vibration, and the tour gear and pace are designed for active riding through sand and uneven ground.
If you’re unsure about fitness, treat the tour’s listed limits as the deciding factor. Your safety matters more than the view.
Tips to make the most of it (and avoid surprises)
A few things will make your day smoother:
- Bring your passport or ID. Don’t leave it in the hotel.
- Leave your camera and cellphone behind. The rules say no cameras and no cellphones, even though you can purchase souvenir photos.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with a grip you trust. Sand and beach conditions demand it.
- Expect dust and wind. Helmet and goggles help, but your clothes should be ride-friendly.
- Choose beginner or advanced honestly. If you’re unsure, beginner is the safer bet.
- If you’re traveling with kids, plan around the kids club so everyone has a good time.
One more helpful mindset: this tour is best when you treat it like a moving viewpoint. Don’t try to watch for every detail and every wave at once. Let the ride rhythm carry you.
Should you book this Cabo horseback ride?
Book it if you want a guided horseback experience that mixes El Migriño Beach dunes and ocean views with real desert scenery. At $97, with hotel pickup, included gear, and a tequila tasting, it’s strong value for the time you spend in the saddle.
Skip it if you need to take lots of your own photos, because cameras and cellphones aren’t allowed. Also skip if you fall into the listed not-suitable categories like pregnancy, back problems, or pre-existing medical conditions.
If you’re open to following the rules, picking the right beginner/advanced option, and trading a phone screen for beach-and-desert motion, this is the kind of Cabo activity that feels like you saw the place—not just the highlights.
FAQ
How long is the horseback riding tour?
The tour duration is listed as 2 hours. The guided riding time is shown as about 105 minutes.
Where are the pickup locations in Cabo San Lucas?
Pickup is offered from either Calle Mariano Abasolo 1356 or Carretera Transpeninsular.
What’s included in the $97 price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, a 2-hour ride, a helmet, goggles, and a bandana, a kids club, and a tequila tasting.
Do I need to know how to ride a horse?
You choose between beginner and advanced options before the ride. That helps match the group to your comfort level.
Can kids ride, and is there childcare?
Children 5 years and over can ride their own horse. A free kids club is included with adult bookings, with certified staff watching kids while they play and watch movies.
Is tequila tasting included?
Yes. The tour includes a tequila tasting featuring blue agave tequila.
Are cameras or cellphones allowed during the tour?
No. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed. Souvenir photos are available for purchase.
What do I need to bring?
You should bring a passport or an ID card.
What costs extra besides the tour price?
Entrance fees are listed as $25 per person. Alcoholic drinks and souvenir photos are also available for purchase.
What are the cancellation and pay-later options?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.





























