REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Beach UTV Adventure with Free Camel and Horseback Ride
Book on Viator →Operated by CACTUS TOURS · Bookable on Viator
Three activities in one Baja afternoon.
This UTV + camel + horseback combo gives you dunes and desert on the same day as ocean views from the sand. I like that it moves fast but doesn’t feel rushed: you’ll get a safety briefing, suit up, then rotate through UTV driving, a camel encounter on the beach, and a relaxed quarter-horse ride along scenic Pacific trails.
I also like the grown-up-friendly extras: tequila tasting with the tour, plus water and a bilingual guide in a small group (max 20). One thing to plan for is comfort. The horseback ride uses a plastic saddle, and it can be hard on your backside—bring a small seat pad if you can, especially if you’re doing this with kids.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About
- The 3-Hour Ride That Mixes Dunes, Sand, and Tequila
- Getting Started at Cactus Tours: Aviary Time and Safety Gear
- Shared UTV Driving: 1 Hour of Dunes and Scenic Pacific Trails
- Camel Encounter and Beach Riding: Ocean Views From the Sand
- Horseback Riding Over Desert Trails and to the Pacific
- Tequila Tasting: A Small Pause That Changes the Mood
- Small-Group Feel: Bilingual Guide, Water Breaks, and Photo Stops
- Kids Club and Nanny Service: Why This Helps Parents
- Price and Value: What You Pay, What You’ll Still Need, and What It Includes
- Weather, Clothing, and Common Sense Prep
- Who Should Book This UTV, Camel, and Horse Combo
- Should You Book It?
- FAQ
- How long is the Beach UTV Adventure with Free Camel and Horseback Ride?
- Where is pickup offered for this tour?
- Is round-trip transportation included?
- What activities are included in the tour?
- Do I drive the UTV the whole time?
- Is a tequila tasting included?
- Is there a kids club or childcare included?
- How much is the mandatory park entrance fee?
- Does the tour run in all weather conditions?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

- A shared 1-hour UTV drive across dunes, desert, and scenic Pacific trails
- Camel encounter plus 1 hour of beach riding with ocean views
- Beginner-friendly pace on a gentle quarter horse over desert trails and beach areas
- Tequila tasting included as part of the experience, not an extra stop
- Kids club and nanny service so children are supervised while you ride
- Safety gear and a briefing on-site before you start moving
The 3-Hour Ride That Mixes Dunes, Sand, and Tequila
This tour is built for people who want real variety without spending the whole day in a vehicle. In about 3 hours, you’ll go from a pickup in either San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas to a tour facility where you suit up and get oriented, then jump into three different ways of exploring Baja California Sur.
What makes it feel like good value is the structure. You’re not just paying for one activity. You’re paying for a full loop: transport, gear, guide time, and three animal experiences in a tight time window, plus a tasting and water breaks along the way.
The vibe is practical and outdoorsy. You’ll likely get dusty on the UTV part, then cool down with ocean scenery during the camel and horse segments. It’s also run in all weather conditions, so dress for sun and wind and plan on the real Baja elements doing what they do.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cabo San Lucas.
Getting Started at Cactus Tours: Aviary Time and Safety Gear

Your day begins with hotel pickup, then a short transfer to the tour facility. Before you get moving, you’ll meet your guide, visit the on-site aviary, and get a safety briefing. That part matters more than it sounds. When you’re driving a powerful UTV across uneven terrain, the few minutes of instruction help you feel less tense and more in control.
After the briefing, you’ll suit up with the necessary safety gear. The tour includes safety equipment, so you’re not stuck improvising. You’re also in a setting where you can ask questions before you mount up—especially helpful if you’re newer to riding or driving off-road.
Once you’re geared up, you’ll head into the main ride flow: UTV time first, then the camel and horseback segments. Expect photo stops and water breaks during the day. Those pauses are where the experience shifts from activity to memories.
Shared UTV Driving: 1 Hour of Dunes and Scenic Pacific Trails

The UTV portion is one of the biggest reasons to book. You’ll drive across dunes, desert, and scenic Pacific trails, and the guide keeps things moving at a pace that works for the group.
Here’s the key detail: you get 1 hour driving a UTV that you must share with someone in your party. That doesn’t make the ride less fun—it changes how you experience it. If you’re riding with someone who’s up for trading time, it turns into teamwork. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll want to think of the UTV driving time as a guaranteed segment of the whole tour, not something you’ll control minute-by-minute.
This is also where weather and clothing matter. Because you’re crossing sand and dirt, wear clothes that can handle getting dusty. Sunglasses help. And if you’re sensitive to sun, bring something to shield your face. The tour provides water, but it’s still your job to stay comfortable between breaks.
Camel Encounter and Beach Riding: Ocean Views From the Sand

Next comes the camel experience—marketed as a free camel add-on as part of the package, and it’s definitely one of the more photogenic parts of the itinerary. You’ll get 1 hour of Camel Encounter & Beach riding Experience, which means you’re not just watching camels from the side. You’re spending real time on the beach with the ocean around you.
Even if you’ve never ridden a camel before, the setup is guided. Your guide is with you, and the experience is designed as part of a structured tour block, not a casual wander.
What to watch for: the beach environment changes as you move along it. Wind can kick up sand. Sun can feel stronger once you’re near open water. And because the ride is on the beach, you’ll want shoes that feel secure enough for an outdoor setting. The tour includes water, but you’ll still want to dress like you’re going to be outside for a while.
Why this segment is worth it: it’s a different kind of Baja scenery than dunes or desert trails. You trade grit for ocean views, and you get those classic “Baja on the beach” photos without needing a whole separate excursion.
Horseback Riding Over Desert Trails and to the Pacific

The horseback ride is built for comfort and accessibility. You’ll mount a gentle quarter horse and ride at a relaxed pace, which is a big plus if you’re new to riding. The route includes desert trails, and you’ll also follow your guide over areas like mountain streams and beaches along the Pacific Ocean.
The guide keeps the ride enjoyable for the group. That means you’re not racing. You’re moving steadily, with time for photo ops and water breaks along the way.
One practical note from real on-the-ground experience: the saddles can be uncomfortable. One review specifically flagged that the plastic saddle can hurt your bum, so bring a small pad if you have one. It’s a tiny prep step that can turn “I survived it” into “I enjoyed it.”
Also, the horse personality can surprise you—in a good way. One highlight from the reviews mentioned a horse named Chester that was playful and loved to nibble shrubs. That’s the kind of moment you can’t plan for, and it’s exactly why this tour feels fun, not just scenic.
Tequila Tasting: A Small Pause That Changes the Mood

Tequila tasting is included, and it fits the day nicely. It’s not a rushed add-on between driving segments. It’s part of the overall rhythm of the tour, with time to reset and enjoy something local.
This is also where you’ll feel the tour’s “safety plus fun” balance. The tour includes safety gear and a briefing, and it also has a clear guideline about behavior: it’s not recommended for people under the effect of alcohol and/or drugs.
Translation for you: if you want the tasting experience to feel good, do it responsibly. And if you’re bringing kids, it’s a reminder that the ride is family-friendly in structure (kids club included), but adults still need to keep control of the day.
Small-Group Feel: Bilingual Guide, Water Breaks, and Photo Stops

This tour caps at 20 travelers, and you feel that during the ride. It’s not a cattle-car lineup. Your guide can keep an eye on people, explain what’s next, and help the experience run smoothly across UTV driving and animal segments.
You’ll also get a bilingual tour guide with the tour offered in English. That matters when you’re switching between driving and riding. Clear communication helps you stay comfortable—especially if you’re doing camel and horseback experiences back-to-back.
Water is included, and the tour builds in water breaks and photo stops. Those breaks keep the tour from turning into nonstop effort, which is important when you’re on sun-and-sand terrain.
Souvenir photos and a DVD are available to purchase after the ride. That’s a nice option if you don’t want to scramble for photos yourself while you’re handling helmet, gear, and riding time.
Kids Club and Nanny Service: Why This Helps Parents

If you’re traveling with children, the kids logistics are a big deal. This tour includes a Kids Club and nanny service, which keeps kids entertained while you’re out driving and riding.
That changes the entire experience for parents. You can focus on your safety briefing and the ride without the constant “What will the kids do next?” problem. Since the tour is about 3 hours, kids who are watched and occupied are less likely to get restless in the moments between UTV and animal segments.
Just remember: children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is family-friendly, but you’re still responsible for your child.
Price and Value: What You Pay, What You’ll Still Need, and What It Includes
The price is $175.00 per person for about 3 hours. For a one-stop package, that’s fairly strong value because multiple components are included:
- round-trip transportation
- safety equipment
- bilingual tour guide
- water
- tequila tasting
- kids club and nanny service
- UTV driving time (1 hour, shared with someone in your party)
- camel encounter and beach riding (1 hour)
- horseback riding (1 hour)
The main extra cost is important to note: there’s a mandatory entrance park fee of $25.00 per person that’s not included. Plan for that when budgeting, because it’s the kind of fee that can surprise you if you’re only looking at the base price.
There’s also an optional add-on called an optional vehicle protection benefit (not included). The details of that benefit aren’t provided here, so treat it as something to ask about directly if you want it.
So is it worth $175? In my view, yes—if you want an organized day with transport plus three different big activities. If you’re only looking for one highlight (say, just UTV), you might find cheaper single-activity tours. But if you want Baja variety, this package gives you a lot of “different memories per hour.”
Weather, Clothing, and Common Sense Prep
The tour operates in all weather conditions, which means you should dress appropriately. In Baja, that usually means sun protection first, then weather flexibility second. Even when it looks calm, you can get wind during beach segments and dust during off-road driving.
Practical things that help:
- wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty
- bring sun protection (hat/sunglasses)
- consider a small pad for horseback comfort (that plastic saddle can be rough)
- bring water sense with you (water is included, but you still want to sip and pace)
Also, the tour states it’s not recommended for travelers under the effect of alcohol and/or drugs. That’s standard safety logic for rides involving UTVs and animal handling.
Who Should Book This UTV, Camel, and Horse Combo
This is a good match if you want:
- an active day with UTV + animal riding
- a guide-run route with photo stops and water breaks
- a small group experience (max 20)
- family-friendly structure thanks to the Kids Club and nanny service
- a relaxed horseback pace on a gentle quarter horse
It may not be your best fit if you’re looking for a slow, contemplative nature walk. This tour is about moving, riding, and doing. It’s also worth keeping in mind that UTV driving time is shared, so if you’re hoping to drive the full time by yourself, the schedule won’t match that expectation.
If you’re comfortable with outdoor riding in heat and sand, and you’re okay with trading seat comfort for adventure, you’ll probably have a great time.
Should You Book It?
I’d book this if you want a fun, organized Baja afternoon with multiple highlights that are hard to piece together on your own. The combination of 1 hour UTV, 1 hour camel beach riding, and 1 hour horseback, plus tequila tasting, is a lot packed into 3 hours, and the included transportation, safety gear, and kids care make it easier.
But do two things before you commit:
1) Budget for the $25 park fee per person.
2) Pack for comfort on horseback—at minimum, consider a small pad for the saddle.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a “yes” day with dust, ocean air, and animals, this tour fits the bill.
FAQ
How long is the Beach UTV Adventure with Free Camel and Horseback Ride?
It’s approximately 3 hours.
Where is pickup offered for this tour?
Pickup is offered in San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas.
Is round-trip transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation is included.
What activities are included in the tour?
You’ll get 1 hour of UTV driving, 1 hour of camel encounter and beach riding, 1 hour of horseback riding, plus tequila tasting and water.
Do I drive the UTV the whole time?
No. You’ll drive for 1 hour on a UTV that you must share with someone in your party.
Is a tequila tasting included?
Yes, tequila tasting is included.
Is there a kids club or childcare included?
Yes. There’s a Kids Club and nanny service included.
How much is the mandatory park entrance fee?
There is a mandatory entrance park fee of $25.00 per person that is not included.
Does the tour run in all weather conditions?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, and you should dress appropriately.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t be refunded.

























