A desert drive with camels at the end. That mix is what makes this Cabo outing fun: UTV dune time with ocean views, followed by a slow, photo-friendly camel stop. I love that you get clear flow to the day—racer/safety setup first, then camels—plus included snacks and cold drinks. One thing to consider: during the rides, your phone or GoPro isn’t allowed, so you’ll want to plan around the official photo stop.

The tour is built for short bursts of action and classic desert scenery. You’ll get picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle, check in, store your stuff in a locker, then meet your guide for the day’s route. If you’re assigned as the racer, you’ll be fitted with safety gear (helmet and goggles) and get driving instructions before you head out.

A good pointer from the feedback: ask questions early about camel tack and what to expect. One bad moment described was a lack of clear info about stirrups/harness on the camel ride. You can avoid that by speaking up right at the stable point before you climb on.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size: maximum 10 people, so you’re not lost in a huge crowd.
• Two timed experiences: about 45 minutes on the racer, then 20–25 minutes on the camel.
• Ocean views, sand dunes, and photo stops during the desert route.
• Phone/GoPro rules during the activity: expect professional photos to be your souvenir.
• Snacks and drinks included: 2 quesadillas plus fresh water in horchata or jamaica.
• Ranch entrance fee extra: $15 per person not included in the base price.

The big idea: sand, speed, then camels (in Cabo’s real desert)

This isn’t just one activity—it’s a day-arc. You start with the adrenaline side of the Cabo Desert by driving a side-by-side/racer route with a guide. Then you switch to something slower and more personal with a camel ride that’s short but memorable. The order can change based on the day’s logistics, but the rhythm stays the same: get ready, ride, break, then camels.

For me, the best value here is the combination. Many Cabo tours give you one thing—either off-road or animals. This gives you both in the same package, with desert trails and ocean panoramas as the common thread. Even better, it’s timed tightly: you’re not stuck waiting for hours, and each part has a clear purpose.

Price and what you actually get for $140.48

At about $140.48 per person for roughly 2 hours, you’re paying for guided desert time, transportation, and the basic ride setup. The included items matter more than they sound on paper:

• air-conditioned vehicle pickup
• safety equipment (helmet and goggles) for racer participants
• snacks: 2 quesadillas
• fresh water: horchata or jamaica

The practical trade-off is that some costs aren’t included. The ranch entrance is $15 per person, and collision insurance isn’t included. Also, photos are treated as a separate part of the experience: phone or GoPro use isn’t allowed during the rides.

When you look at it this way, the price makes more sense. If you’re the type who wants photos and you don’t plan to buy them separately, you’ll feel the squeeze. If you’re okay treating the provided photos as your main souvenir and you want both off-road and camels, this is a fair deal for Cabo.

Getting picked up, checking in, and getting your bearings

Pickup is offered from select hotels in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. If you’re staying in San José del Cabo, expect pickup about 1 hour before the activity. If you’re in Cabo San Lucas, the pickup time depends on your specific hotel. Your exact schedule and meeting point come from the operator about 24 hours before.

Once you arrive at the facilities, you’ll:

1. check in
2. be assigned a locker for your belongings
3. meet your guide for the day’s logistics

That locker detail is underrated. You’ll be in sand and you’ll want your stuff secured without carrying it around during the rides.

The guide also sets expectations and explains how the day runs. The sequence can flip depending on the day, but the goal is always the same: everyone gets ready, everyone understands the rules, then the group heads out together.

The racer/UTV portion: safety first, then dunes and ocean views

If you’re one of the racers, your first activity will include safety gear and instructions. Expect helmet and goggles, plus guidance on how to drive and stay safe on the route. Your guide leads the way along the full route, not just at the start. That matters because desert driving isn’t just about speed—it’s about staying on the right lines and adjusting to sand.

You’ll experience:

• trails of sand dunes
• desert vegetation
• wide ocean views
• photo stops along the way

Time on the racer is about 45 minutes. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough to feel like you truly did the desert, not so long that you’re exhausted or bored. You’re also not stuck with hours of dust.

One note on photos: the activity rules say you can’t use phones or GoPro during the ride. That means you should rely on the guided photo process. If you want to remember the ride, plan to buy or view the photo package they offer at the end.

Arriving back for the bathroom break and “reset moment”

At the end of the off-road adventure, you’ll head to the stables point. This is your break window: you can use the bathroom, get oriented, and prepare for the camel portion.

This pause is smart for two reasons. First, it gives you a chance to wash your hands and reset your nerves after the faster part. Second, it helps the camel ride feel like its own calm section rather than a rushed add-on right after sand driving.

Also, it’s at this point that you’ll shift into camel mode: you’ll meet your camels, take photos, and pet them.

The camel ride: 20–25 minutes, more calm than chaos

The camel ride portion lasts 20–25 minutes, which is short enough to keep it light but long enough to feel like an actual ride, not a quick photo opportunity.

Here’s what to expect:

• you’ll meet the camels
• you can take photos and pet them
• then you’ll ride through dunes and excellent ocean views

This is the part of the day that’s more about interaction than adrenaline. In the feedback, the camel portion is repeatedly described as a highlight, especially because it feels personal and different from the typical Cabo animal encounter.

Now, about the one drawback: one review complained about missing stirrups/harness and said the staff member ignored the request for help. Since you can’t count on every ride setup being explained the same way, do this: ask your guide or staff member at the stables point what you’ll have for support and how to use it. If you’re unsure, speak up before you climb on.

Snacks, drinks, and the photo moment you should plan for

This tour doesn’t end with the rides. After the desert and camel segments, you’ll be able to see the photographs from the day, eat your food, and then get transportation back.

Snacks include two quesadillas, and the drinks are fresh water in horchata or jamaica. It’s a comfort-food finish that keeps the tour from feeling like an empty adventure day where you buy everything yourself afterward.

The photo setup is a big deal here. Since phones/GoPro aren’t allowed during the activity, the tour’s photos are your main souvenir for the off-road and ride moments. If you’re the type who likes action shots, it’s worth paying attention to the photo package options at the end—especially since the guide-led scenic stops create good angles.

What the included bottled comforts say about the tour style

This tour is clearly aiming for a smooth, guided day. The air-conditioned transport helps, and the included food/drinks keep the schedule from turning into a snack hunt.

The guide-led format is also important for people who don’t drive off-road often. The tour explicitly provides instructions for racer participants, and you’re driving as part of a group with your guide leading. That reduces decision stress, especially if you’re wondering what to do on uneven desert terrain.

The maximum group size of 10 people is another quality indicator. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting, more attention, and a calmer pace, especially around photo moments and the stable point.

The weather reality: when Cabo desert tours go off-schedule

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s actually good news. With desert tours, rain and bad conditions can turn the experience unsafe or uncomfortable. So the weather rule protects you, even if it means you might need flexibility.

If your trip has a tight schedule, pick a day with more options after it. And keep your plans light on either side of the tour day, since weather can shift.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This outing is labeled as suitable for most travelers, and the camels make it especially appealing if you want something beyond machines. In the feedback, the tour experience was praised even for an 8-year-old, which suggests the camel portion is approachable and the overall flow works for families.

You’ll likely enjoy this most if:

• you want a real desert drive, not just a short photo stop
• you like guided routes and don’t want to figure out logistics yourself
• you’re comfortable with a short, structured camel ride
• you care about photos and don’t mind relying on the tour’s photo process

You should think twice if:

• you expect to film or use a GoPro during the ride (you can’t)
• you want complete control over your souvenir photos (the tour restricts personal devices during activity)
• you want a very long camel time (it’s 20–25 minutes)
• you strongly dislike any animal handling or photo interaction (you’ll be meeting, petting, and photographing the camels)

What to pack and how to make the day feel easy

The listing doesn’t spell out a full packing list, but you can plan around the reality: desert dust, sun, and a ride on animals.

I’d bring:

• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a hat or cap
• closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting sandy
• a light layer for breezier stretches near the ocean views

For the camel portion, go a step further: wear something comfortable and ask about support/tack before you get on, especially if you’re concerned about stirrups or harness details.

Should you book the UTV and Camel Ride in the Cabo Desert?

I think you should book this if you want a straightforward, guided Cabo desert day with two highlights in one: a racer/UTV dune route and a camel ride that feels interactive. The included snacks and drinks make it easier to relax during the day, and the small group size supports a less chaotic experience.

I’d skip or ask extra questions first if you’re a device-first photo person, because you won’t be able to use your phone or GoPro during the activity. Also, if you have specific concerns about camel support or comfort, get those answered at the stables point before you ride.

If you do book, keep expectations aligned: it’s about short timed experiences, ocean-and-dune scenery, and a guided flow that keeps moving.

FAQ

How long is the UTV/racer portion?

The racer time is about 45 minutes.

How long is the camel ride?

The camel ride lasts about 20–25 minutes.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are an air-conditioned vehicle, safety equipment (for racers), snacks (2 quesadillas), and fresh water in horchata or jamaica.

What’s not included?

You’ll pay an additional $15 per person for ranch entrance. Collision insurance isn’t included, and photographs are not included as a stated item.

Can I use my phone or GoPro during the activity?

No. Phone and GoPro use is not allowed during the activity.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from select hotels in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

When is pickup if I’m staying in San José del Cabo?

Pickup time is 1 hour in advance of the activity for hotels in San José del Cabo.

How many people are in a group?

This activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you tell me your hotel area (San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas) and whether you’re planning to ride as the racer, I can help you sanity-check timing and what to prioritize on the day.