Riding ATVs in the desert and cooling off on a camel beach ride is a smart combo. I like how this tour packs two adventure styles into one simple 5-hour outing, and how the day ends with tequila tasting plus a Mexican buffet lunch in front of the Sea of Cortez. One note: the add-ons can surprise you, especially the photo package pricing.

This is a great day if you want action and don’t mind planning around extra fees at check-in. You’ll also be relying on the team for photos at the camel portion, so build your expectations around that.

Key things to know before you book

• Two activities in one day: automatic ATV in the desert, then a camel beach ride
• Oceanfront food + drinks: Mexican buffet by the Sea of Cortez, plus tequila tasting
• Small-group feel: capped at 14 people, with guides watching the ride
• Time is part of the tradeoff: some parts feel shorter than you might expect (especially the camel)
• Extra charges at check-in: a $25 park fee plus a collision fee per ATV/booking
• Photos cost extra: personal devices are restricted during the camel ride, and packages can be pricey

ATV, Camels, Tequila: why this combo tour works

If your Cabo trip has limited time, this kind of combo is hard to beat. You get the adrenaline of an ATV ride in the desert, followed by a slower, scenic camel ride right along the water. Then you refuel with a Mexican buffet and a tequila tasting at an oceanfront restaurant—so the day doesn’t turn into a scavenger hunt for food.

I also like the guided structure. Guides handle safety gear, route guidance, and pacing, so you spend less energy figuring things out. In recent experiences, staff names came up a lot—people praised guides like Alex, Omar, Aliana, and camel leader Pablo, plus ATV guides including Hector and Keke.

The only real drawback is cost creep. Your $104.30 base rate is only part of the equation. You’ll pay park and collision fees at check-in, and if you want the professional photos, those can run very high.

Getting set up at Tierra Sagrada: what the ATV portion is really like

Most of your “adventure time” starts at Tierra Sagrada – Cabo Adventures, often described as a secluded oceanfront ranch. Your day begins with protective gear and a quick setup before you hop on the automatic ATV. You don’t need motorcycle experience, but you do need a valid driving license because you’ll be driving.

The ATV route is designed for safety and control. You’ll go through desert terrain, with shallow canyons and cactus-lined dusty trails—think lots of driving time on rugged ground, not a technical track. That’s why some people love it (it feels like you’re really out there), while others find it repetitive. One common theme from lower-star reviews is that the ride can feel like you’re following the guide in a limited pattern, with not much variety in the scenery.

Some quick practical tips based on real-world feedback:

• Arrive with sunscreen on. One review basically begged people to wear it.
• Expect heat. Water is often sold on-site, but it’s smart to plan ahead and buy only if you must.
• If you’re expecting a long, scenic drive, the ATV part may feel shorter than you’d imagined. A review mentioned under 20 minutes for the ATV portion, while the overall outing still runs about 5 hours.

Also, keep in mind the physical requirements are “moderate.” You’ll be climbing on and off, holding steady, and tolerating dust and bouncing around. If you’re sensitive to jostling, it’s worth taking that seriously before you book.

The camel beach ride on the waves: fun, but don’t overplan it

After the ATV dust settles, you switch gears to the camel portion at the beach. The ride is timed as a cooldown and a photo moment—right in the zone where the ocean waves show off power and sound.

Here’s the key expectation check: the camel ride is short. One person said it was about 20 minutes, and also noted the camels are tethered and walk in a line (so it’s not a fast, independent adventure). Another review described the ride as slow and less “wild” than the ATV.

So what’s actually good about it?

• It’s a classic Baja photo opportunity in a real beach setting, not a random roadside stop.
• The animals can look well cared for, which matters because you’re riding an actual animal, not a prop.
• You’ll learn some basics as you go. One review called out that they learned a lot about camels from the experience.

Comfort matters too. One review said the camel ride isn’t very comfy. That doesn’t mean it’s miserable, just that you should plan for some saddle discomfort and a slower pace.

Personal devices and photos

This is where the camel ride becomes different from many tours. Some reviews said they don’t allow you to have your phone during the camel portion so they can safely manage hand placement (you need both hands on the saddle). That means you’ll likely rely on professional photos taken by the team.

And yes, photo pricing comes up constantly. Multiple reviews warned that photo packages can be expensive, with individual photo prices mentioned as very high. If you truly want control over your own images, this tour may frustrate you.

Lunch by the Sea of Cortez: tequila tasting and Mexican buffet reality

The tour’s “middle-to-end” payoff is the meal and drinks setup. You’ll eat at an oceanfront location in front of the Sea of Cortez. The included part is a Mexican buffet plus tequila tasting.

One detail I really like here is that the tasting isn’t just a sip-and-walk-past stop. Reviews said the tequila tasting includes multiple varieties and that people were able to sample more than once. Someone mentioned four options and repeat pours as desired.

You’ll also see mezcal mentioned with tequila in the tour description. Even if you’re not sure what you like yet, that tasting format is ideal for figuring out what’s smooth, what’s smoky, and what you’d actually want to bring home (if you do).

Lunch is included and includes vegetarian options. One person wasn’t thrilled with the buffet, calling it basic or not what they expected, but another said it was great. My advice: treat it as a hearty included meal to keep you going, not a fine-dining Mexican food pilgrimage. You’re mainly paying for the combination day, and the buffet is there to keep you fueled.

Also, note that alcoholic beverages beyond the tasting are not included. Some reviews mention margaritas being sold, so you can still add drinks if that’s your thing.

Pickup timing and small-group size: how the day stays manageable

This tour runs about 5 hours. Pickup is part of the value, and it’s also part of the “watch your timing” story.

Plan for pickup about 1 hour and 30 minutes before the tour start time. The exact pickup details are confirmed in messaging after you book, and you look for a white van or bus. If you’ve got a tight Cabo schedule, this is worth setting a reminder for the moment you book.

The tour max is 14 travelers, which helps the day feel controlled and personal. In reviews, people repeatedly praised staff energy and guidance, and that small-group size likely makes it easier for guides to check everyone quickly before rides.

And one more important item: you need a moderate fitness level and a weight limit of 265 lbs / 118 kg per person. Expectant mothers are not allowed to participate. Everyone wears a helmet, and you should show up ready to follow safety instructions without bargaining with the rules.

Money notes: the true cost and how to decide if it’s worth it

Let’s talk value in plain terms.

Your base price is $104.30 per person, and that includes:

• ATV desert ride
• camel beach ride
• tequila tasting
• unlimited Mexican buffet (included)
• round-trip transportation from Cabo San Lucas

But you should budget for extra fees at check-in:

• $25 park entrance fee per person
• a $35 collision fee at check-in (listed as per ATV/booking)

That means a lot of people end up paying close to an extra $60 per person before you spend a cent more. Some reviews said the extra total felt like a mandatory surprise if they didn’t read the details. If you read the message instructions and arrive ready, it’s much easier to handle.

Now add the “maybe” costs:

• Professional photos can be very expensive (multiple reviews mention $200–$300 totals and even single-image prices that sound outrageous). Some people said photo costs were split among a group, which softens the hit.
• If you want to capture your day yourself, the phone restrictions during the camel ride can take that away.

My value take

This tour is most worth it if:

• you want a full adventure day without planning separate activities
• you’re okay paying extra for photos if you like the pro quality
• you enjoy tequila tasting as part of the experience, not just a bonus

If your priority is DIY photos, long ATV time, or authentic gourmet Mexican food, you might feel shortchanged.

Staff energy and the guide names you’ll hear

One of the best parts of this experience is the human touch. Reviews named specific people again and again, especially for safety and enthusiasm.

On the ATV side, names like Hector, Keke, and Alex came up, with people praising clear instructions and a focus on safety. On the camel and tequila/lunch side, Pablo and Hector appeared in different roles across reviews, and Miguel, Jorge, Diana, Omar, Aliana, Nelly, Juan, Aleman, Alina, Adam, Micheal, and Frank were all called out for energy, kindness, and making the day feel fun.

I’m not saying every guide is the same. But the repeated names suggest the company invests in training and attitude.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip)

This fits best if you want:

• an active Cabo day that doesn’t require renting a vehicle
• a mix of adrenaline (ATV) and animal sightseeing (camel)
• tequila tasting with lunch included
• a small-group vibe (max 14)

It might be a poor fit if you:

• want maximum time on the ATV or a huge range of terrain variety
• strongly prefer to take all your own photos
• hate heat and dust and don’t want to plan for them
• dislike buffet-style meals

One review mentioned flies and another mentioned mediocre food. If you’re bothered easily by insects, consider coming prepared with your own deterrent. That doesn’t mean the whole operation is bad, but it’s a risk worth factoring.

Should you book Cabo Adventures ATV + Camel + Tequila lunch?

I’d book it if you want a high-energy Cabo combo and you’re okay with the reality of extra fees at check-in. The ATV + camel pairing is a fun way to cover two very different Baja experiences in one day, and the oceanfront lunch setup by the Sea of Cortez is a genuinely nice finish.

Skip it if you’re planning this mainly for photos you shoot yourself, because the camel portion comes with restrictions in some cases and professional packages can get pricey fast.

If you do book, go in with three rules:

1. Bring your driving license.
2. Budget for the $25 park fee and $35 collision fee.
3. Decide now whether you’re buying photos or living with your own snapshots from other parts of the day.

If you match those expectations, this tour can feel like good value for the time you spend.

FAQ

How long is the ATV, camel, tequila tasting, and Mexican buffet lunch tour?

The tour runs about 5 hours (approx.).

Is pickup from Cabo San Lucas included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is included, and pickup is about 1 hour and 30 minutes before the tour start time.

What does the price include, and what extra fees should I expect?

The included portion covers the camel ride, single ATV desert ride, tequila tasting, and unlimited Mexican buffet. At check-in, you should expect a $25 per-person park entrance fee and a $35 collision fee.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. A valid driving license is required for the ATV portion.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available on the Mexican buffet.

Can I take my own photos during the camel ride?

Personal device use is restricted during the camel ride for safety reasons, and professional photos are offered separately.