Camels on Cabo’s beach sound wild. I like the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, and I like that this is a four-activity bundle instead of you piecing together separate tours. It’s a short, memorable 3-hour-style outing that mixes animals, food, and Cabo’s scenery without turning your day into a full production.

One thing to plan for: the timing can feel confusing. Your selected start time doesn’t always match when the shuttle arrives, and check-in can mean extra waiting before you actually get on the camel.

Key moments that make this tour worth a look

• Hotel pickup/drop-off keeps you from navigating Cabo logistics on the day
• Camel encounter on the beach includes handling, plus petting/feeding time
• Tequila class and tasting adds a cultural stop that’s more than a quick pour
• Ecological reserve nature hike gives you a stretch beyond the beach
• Desert safari ride shifts the scenery from ocean to scrubby desert terrain
• Small group size (max 15) helps keep the day from feeling out of control

Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride: a 4-part day that’s built for convenience

This is the kind of Cabo tour you choose when you want variety without a long day. You get the headline act—camel time on the beach—then you stack it with a Mexican buffet, a tequila museum tasting, plus a nature hike and desert safari ride. The best part for most people is that you don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors or meeting points.

And because this one runs with an air-conditioned vehicle and provides a helmet, it’s designed for people who just want the experience with minimal fuss. Your group stays small (up to 15), so you’re not swallowed by a crowd before you even start.

Price and what $99 really covers

At $99 per person, this tour’s value comes from bundling a lot into one ticket. You’re not just paying for the camel ride—you’re also paying for the handler/guide time, lunch, the tequila tasting experience, and the other two scenery stops (reserve hike and desert ride). For Cabo, that bundle approach often costs less than buying the pieces separately.

That said, it’s not the whole math. Two extra costs pop up:

• Admission fee for Cabo San Lucas: $25 per person (not included)
• Photos package sold on site (not included)

If you’re the type who wants to capture everything yourself, the photo option can also become a budget line—some riders report prices around $20 per photo or higher for full packages. So the real question isn’t just the $99. It’s whether you’re comfortable with extra charges once you’re there.

Pickup, check-in, and why the schedule can feel off

This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a big plus. But here’s the practical heads-up: the time you select isn’t always the time the shuttle actually shows up. Check-in can also take longer than you expect, especially on busier days.

In plain terms, build in margin. If your day is tight—like you’re trying to fit this around another activity—give yourself buffer time before and after. Some people described long gaps between check-in and when the camel portion actually started, and that can make the later stops feel rushed.

Also note the group size cap is 15, but you can still share the day with other hotel pickups. That’s often what drives the “why are we stopping so much” feeling on the road.

Beach camel ride: what the encounter feels like on the Pacific shore

Let’s talk about the part you came for. The camel experience happens along the crystalline water and waves of the Pacific Ocean, and you’ll spend time getting up close—petting and feeding are part of the deal.

Expect a guided flow rather than a long solo adventure. The camel ride itself is usually short compared with the total time you’re in motion that day. Some riders even timed the on-camel moment around 15 minutes, which means the rest of the “3 hours-ish” is often made up of transitions, waiting, and photographing.

You’ll also have an experienced camel handler and a bilingual guide. In reviews, guide names like Billy and Joel came up, with people praising the way they kept things friendly and clear. That matters because animal tours can go sideways if the handling isn’t solid.

Weight rules matter (so read before you show up)

There’s a clear constraint: maximum weight combined (2 people) per camel is 650 pounds. If your combined weight is over that limit, you’ll ride on your own camel.

If you’re traveling with someone larger or you’re unsure where you fall, it’s worth double-checking your numbers when you book so you’re not surprised at the site.

Phone and belongings: plan around safety and photos

The tour includes a helmet and a controlled camel experience, so phone rules are part of how they manage safety. Some riders reported that you can’t bring your phone during the camel portion, and that a photographer follows you to capture pictures.

If having your own photos is your priority, you’ll want to ask ahead how phone handling works for your departure time. You might also find that upgrades can change the rules, since some people reported a private upgrade allowed cell phone and belongings.

The Mexican buffet: when lunch is part of the pacing

After camel time, you get a buffet lunch with soft drinks and water. This isn’t a fancy sit-down restaurant meal, but it’s a practical reset. Expect a mix of items such as tacos—reviews specifically mention beef, pork, and chicken tacos.

The value here is that lunch is included, so you’re not hunting for food in Cabo after a camel ride and a drive. Also, lunch often becomes the “breather” in an otherwise active lineup.

Where it can fall short is pacing. If you run late due to shuttle or check-in delays, lunch can feel squeezed—one review called out that they had to rush the next stops after the camel portion. So eat like you’re on a tour schedule, not a slow vacation.

Tequila museum class and tasting: more than a quick shot

The tequila portion is built as a tequila class and tasting in a tequila museum. It’s one of the more “Cabo-culture” components on the day, since it gives you context rather than just handing you a sample.

In practice, this stop is only as good as your timing. If the day runs behind, the tasting can feel rushed. On the flip side, if you arrive with a calm mindset and you’re okay with the group pace, you’ll likely appreciate learning how tequila is presented and tasted in a museum setting.

If you’re tequila-curious, you’ll get the biggest enjoyment from asking questions during the class, especially about how tasting works. And if you’re not into alcohol, this still tends to be the most structured and guided “indoor” moment of the day.

Nature hike in an ecological reserve: what level of effort to expect

This part is listed as a nature hike in an ecological reserve. Compared with the camel and desert ride portions, it’s usually the “active but manageable” element—think walking on natural terrain with a guide.

What you should know: the data doesn’t spell out exact difficulty levels or elevation, so you’ll want to treat it as a moderate walk unless you ask the provider for specifics. Wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Even if the hike isn’t long, the ground can be uneven.

If you love wildlife and plants, this stop can be the most “why Cabo works” moment of the tour. If you’re not into hiking, it may feel like a bridge between animal time and desert time. Either way, it’s still included, so you’ll get it as part of the package.

Desert safari ride: the scenery shift that keeps the day moving

The day ends with a desert safari ride. This is the second scenery change that makes the tour feel like more than just beach photos. You go from ocean waves to desert texture, usually in the form of a short ride rather than a long expedition.

The biggest value here is variety. Even if each piece is shorter than a dedicated standalone tour, stacking them means you experience more “Cabo moods” in one ticket.

Photo package, hidden costs, and the phone rule reality check

Here’s the part that can surprise people: the photos and related rules.

• Some riders reported you can’t use your phone on the camel ride for safety reasons.
• A photographer typically takes pictures during the camel moment.
• A photos package is sold on site, and prices can add up fast.

One rider reported options like:

• around $20 per photo
• and roughly $130 for all photos, including a drone (as described in their comments)

There are also mentions of optional add-ons like a turban rental (reported at $17). None of these are baked into the tour price, so if you want souvenirs, budget for them.

Also watch for the admission fee: $25 per person is not included. That’s a straightforward line item, but it’s still money you should plan to pay.

Who this Cabo tour is best for

This tour fits best if you want:

• a short Cabo excursion (about 3 hours) with hotel pickup
• a mix of animals + food + tequila + scenery
• a manageable day without coordinating multiple bookings

It’s also a good match for small groups and couples who want a shared experience with a guide and handler.

Who should think twice

Skip or at least reconsider if:

• you’re pregnant (the tour states it cancels reservations with no refund for pregnant travelers)
• you’re sensitive to waiting or schedule mismatches (timing can feel off between selected tour time and actual shuttle/check-in)
• you hate paying extra on the day for photos and admission
• you strongly want to record everything on your own phone during the camel portion

And for families: children age 5–12 must ride the camel with an adult. That’s clear, but it affects planning if you’ve got kids of different ages.

How to make your day smoother in Cabo

A few practical moves can prevent the most common frustrations:

• Plan buffer time. Arrive calm. Give yourself slack for check-in and shuttle stops.
• Decide early on photos. If you’re okay with a photographer doing the work, you’re set. If you need your own phone camera, confirm the phone policy before you go.
• Bring the right shoes. Closed-toe footwear helps for the hike and desert ride.
• Do the math for total cost. Add the $25 admission fee plus a potential photo budget so you don’t get hit with sticker shock.

If you approach it as a guided, structured “combo day,” it works. If you approach it like a free-form beach hangout, it can feel like you’re waiting between moments.

Should you book this Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride and Encounter?

Yes—if you want variety in a compact window and you’re okay with a group schedule. The combination of a beach camel encounter, included lunch, and a tequila museum tasting is a strong value story when you compare it to piecing together separate tours.

But book with clear expectations. The on-camel ride can be shorter than you imagine, and delays can squeeze later portions. Add the $25 admission fee and be prepared for photo package sales if you want keepsakes.

My quick decision guide

• Book it if you want the Cabo highlights in one ticket and you like animal encounters plus guided cultural stops.
• Skip it if you need total control over timing or you can’t handle extra charges and phone restrictions during the camel portion.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas Camel Ride and Encounter tour?

The tour is listed as approximately 3 hours.

What is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Cactus Tours, Carretera Federal 19 KM 100 Migriño, 23597 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle.

What activities are included in the tour?

Included activities are a camel handler-guided camel experience, a desert safari ride, a nature hike in an ecological reserve, and a tequila class and tasting at a tequila museum. Lunch buffet with soft drinks and water is also included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a delicious buffet with soft drinks and water.

Is admission to Cabo San Lucas included in the price?

No. An admission fee of $25 per person is not included.

Are photos included?

No. A photos package is for sale at the location.

Can I bring a phone?

The provided details do not clearly state a phone policy. Some riders reported that phones were not allowed during the camel portion, so it’s smart to ask your operator ahead of time.

Are there any weight limits for riding the camels?

Yes. The maximum combined weight (2 people) per camel is 650 pounds. If you weigh more than that combined limit, you will get a camel on your own.

Are pregnant travelers allowed?

No. The tour states there are no pregnant travelers allowed, and it will cancel the reservation with no refund if you book while pregnant.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and refunds are not available if you cancel within 24 hours of the start time.