REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Beach UTV Adventure with Free Camel and Horseback Ride
Book on Viator →Operated by CACTUS TOURS · Bookable on Viator
Three hours in Baja can still feel like a full day. This Cabo San Lucas adventure stacks UTV time with a camel and horseback ride, plus tequila tasting, all with round-trip pickup. I also like how the ride keeps moving through desert, mountain streams, and beach views, not just one single setting, while the on-site Kids Club keeps little ones busy. The one watch-out I see from experience is comfort: some riders find the plastic saddle can feel hard, so plan ahead.
If you want a hands-on day outside town, you’ll appreciate the mix of speeds. The UTV gets your adrenaline up, then the camel and quarter-horse segments slow things down so you can actually enjoy the coastline and photos. The drawback is that your UTV driving time is shared, so if you’re hoping for solo throttle time, this isn’t built for that.
Here’s the payoff: you get a small, managed group, safety gear, and a guided route that hits the highlights without dragging the day out. It’s a good fit for active travelers who don’t want to overthink the logistics before getting to the fun.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Entering Cactus Tours: aviary stop, safety gear, then you’re off
- The 1-hour shared UTV drive across dunes and Pacific trails
- Camel encounter and beach riding: slower steps, big ocean views
- Quarter-horse ride on desert trails, mountain streams, and beaches
- Tequila tasting, water, and how the pacing keeps it enjoyable
- Kids Club and nanny service: a real sanity saver for families
- Price check: what $175 gets you, plus the $25 park fee
- Logistics that affect comfort: what to wear and plan for
- Who should book this UTV + camel + horse adventure
- Should you book? My take on the decision
- FAQ
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Where does pickup happen?
- How long is the experience?
- What extra fees should I expect?
- Is the tour only in English?
- How many people can join the tour?
- Can I get a refund if my plans change?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- Shared UTV driving: you’ll get about 1 hour on the vehicle, but you must share with someone in your party.
- Camel + beach ride combo: a full hour of camel encounter and beach riding with Pacific ocean views.
- Beginner-friendly horse pace: quarter horse ride is described as relaxed and suited for beginners.
- Tequila tasting included: you’ll also get water and safety equipment during the experience.
- Kids Club with nanny service: supervised kids programming is included, helping adults enjoy the ride.
- $25 park entrance fee not included: budget for this mandatory fee per person.
Entering Cactus Tours: aviary stop, safety gear, then you’re off

This starts with hotel pickup in San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas, then a quick transfer to the tour facility. When you arrive, you meet your bilingual guide and get oriented with a safety briefing before anything physical happens. You’ll also see an on-site aviary, which is a nice pause point while the group gets ready and sorted.
This setup matters more than it sounds. You’re about to do three different activities in one stretch—UTV, camel, and horseback—and each one has its own motion, footing, and safety rules. The briefing helps you understand what the guide expects, and you’ll feel less like you’re being rushed into the next step.
Once you’re briefed, you suit up with any necessary gear and head into the first riding segment. Expect it to be hands-on right away. The tour also runs in all weather conditions, so the plan is less about perfect sun and more about getting you out there—dress for that reality.
A few more Cabo San Lucas tours and experiences worth a look
The 1-hour shared UTV drive across dunes and Pacific trails
Your UTV portion is about 1 hour of driving, but you’ll share the vehicle with someone from your group. That sharing setup changes how you should plan your expectations. You still get meaningful time behind the wheel, but you’ll want to coordinate with your ride partner so you can swap smoothly and not lose momentum.
What you’ll actually do with the UTV lines up with what most people come for in Baja: dunes, desert terrain, and scenic Pacific trails. The route style is also designed around views and variety, not just a flat loop. You’ll get photo opportunities and water breaks while you’re riding, which helps keep it fun instead of just exhausting.
Two practical notes from the kind of ride this is:
- You’re on outdoor terrain, so bring a mindset that dust and bumps are part of the deal.
- You’ll likely feel better if you wear secure, closed footwear and something you don’t mind getting sandy.
This is also where the tour’s small-group format helps. With fewer people, guides can manage pacing and keep everyone safer through the route.
Camel encounter and beach riding: slower steps, big ocean views

After the UTV, you shift gears into the camel segment—about 1 hour of camel encounter and beach riding. This is the part where your body loosens up and your camera gets busy. The description focuses on camel time along the beach with stunning Pacific ocean views, so you’ll get that classic Cabo “out on the water edge” feel without needing to take a separate tour.
Camel riding is a different rhythm than both the UTV and the horse. It’s steadier, and you’ll have a chance to enjoy the scene instead of concentrating on throttle, turns, and dust. It also tends to be easier to photograph because you can slow your eyes down and frame the coastline.
One more practical thing: keep your expectations aligned with how guided camel riding works. You’ll be following your guide, and the experience is managed for comfort and safety. That’s a good thing here—camel riding can feel wild if no one is directing you—but it also means you’re not in a solo, choose-your-own-adventure situation.
Quarter-horse ride on desert trails, mountain streams, and beaches

Then comes the horseback portion: about 1 hour of horseback riding on a gentle quarter horse. The pacing is described as relaxed and geared toward beginners, which matters if you’re nervous about riding skills. You’re not being asked to perform tricks; you’re being guided through the route, at a manageable speed.
The route is part of the value. You’ll ride across desert trails, follow mountain streams, and also include beaches along the Pacific Ocean. That mix is why this tour works as one package: you get desert texture, moving water scenery, and shoreline views without buying separate half-day experiences.
A small comfort detail popped up in one of the strongest pieces of feedback: some riders found the plastic saddle hard on their bottom. One person recommended bringing a pad to make the ride more comfortable. I’d take that advice seriously. Even if you’re fine on short rides, an hour on a firmer saddle can add up.
You might also get a fun, slightly wild moment with your mount. One rider noted Chester the quarter horse was energetic and enjoyed munching shrubs. That’s not something you can plan for, but it’s a reminder that animals can have personality, and that’s part of the charm of doing this in the real world.
Tequila tasting, water, and how the pacing keeps it enjoyable

This tour includes tequila tasting plus water, and it also keeps the day structured so you’re not guessing what comes next. The tequila tasting is part of the post-activity rhythm—something to look forward to after you’ve ridden for a while.
Pair that with the safety gear and guide support, and you end up with a tour that feels like a system, not a free-for-all. You’ll also stop for photos and water breaks during the route, so you’re not stuck pushing through dehydration or racing for your only picture.
If you like active days but you still want a social, guided environment, this pacing hits the sweet spot. It’s energetic, yet not so long that you’re totally wiped out afterward.
Kids Club and nanny service: a real sanity saver for families

One of the most practical advantages here is the included Kids Club and nanny service. If you’re traveling with children, that’s a big deal because it turns the day from an adult-only ride into something the whole group can enjoy.
The tour also notes that kids must be accompanied by an adult. So you’re not sending children off unsupervised, but you are getting support so you can do the UTV and rides without constantly managing every moment.
If you’re traveling with little ones who bounce off “sit still” plans, this included on-site activity is exactly the kind of added value that makes a tour like this work.
Price check: what $175 gets you, plus the $25 park fee

The price is $175 per person for approximately 3 hours in Cabo San Lucas. That includes round-trip transportation, safety equipment, a bilingual guide, water, tequila tasting, and the three main experiences: 1 hour UTV (shared), 1 hour camel encounter and beach riding, and 1 hour of horseback riding.
Here’s the part you need to budget for: there is a mandatory $25 park entrance fee per person that’s not included. That fee can matter because it changes the total you’ll pay at the end, and it’s not optional.
Value-wise, I think this package is strongest if you want a “do it all” day without juggling multiple bookings. The single guided route and the included transfers reduce your stress. If you only want one activity—just UTV, for example—then you might be better off choosing something more focused. But if you want the full Baja experience across land and shore, the combined pricing is the point.
Logistics that affect comfort: what to wear and plan for

Since this operates in all weather conditions, dress for real outdoors, not just sunshine. Use layers if the day gets breezy. Wear secure closed-toe shoes because you’ll be on uneven terrain across different activities.
Also, plan around the saddle comfort issue. If you have sensitive skin or you just want to prevent an uncomfortable souvenir (sore bum, basically), bring a small pad. It’s a simple fix that can turn a good ride into a great one.
Finally, note the tour isn’t recommended for people under the effect of alcohol or drugs. That’s standard for a ride-heavy day, but it’s worth calling out so everyone in your group starts the experience clear-headed.
Who should book this UTV + camel + horse adventure
This is ideal if you:
- Want an active day that includes three different animal/vehicle experiences in about 3 hours
- Like guided pacing and safety support without feeling babysat
- Are comfortable doing shared driving on the UTV
- Travel with kids and want Kids Club support during your adult riding time
It’s especially appealing to beginners on horseback because the pace is described as relaxed. It also suits people who want scenic variety—desert, streams, and Pacific beaches—rather than repeating the same scenery over and over.
If you’re a hardcore rider who wants long solo UTV time, or you’re very sensitive to saddle comfort, this tour may feel less ideal unless you come prepared.
Should you book? My take on the decision
I’d book this if you want a fun, structured Baja day where the variety is the whole point: UTV adrenaline, then calm camel beach views, then a scenic quarter-horse ride with ocean time. The included tequila tasting, water, safety gear, and bilingual guide add practical comfort, and the included Kids Club makes it family-friendly in a way many adventure tours aren’t.
I’d hesitate only if you’re fixated on solo UTV driving, or if you’re likely to feel saddle discomfort without a pad. If that’s you, solve it before you go, and you’ll be in much better shape.
One more timing tip: it’s commonly booked about 22 days in advance. That tells me it’s popular enough that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute if you have a tight Cabo schedule.
If you want three experiences, one guide, and a solid chance of great photos in a half-day window, Cactus Tours is a strong match.
FAQ
What’s included in the tour price?
Round-trip transportation, safety equipment, a bilingual tour guide, water, tequila tasting, kids club and nanny service, 1 hour of UTV driving you share with someone in your party, 1 hour of camel encounter and beach riding, and 1 hour of horseback riding.
Where does pickup happen?
Pickup is offered in San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas.
How long is the experience?
The tour lasts about 3 hours.
What extra fees should I expect?
A mandatory entrance park fee of $25.00 per person is not included.
Is the tour only in English?
English is offered, and you’ll have a bilingual tour guide.
How many people can join the tour?
The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.
Can I get a refund if my plans change?
Free cancellation is available. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, no refund is given.































