UTV and Camel Ride in the Cabo Desert

Cabo’s desert comes into focus from two very different seats: the bouncing bench of a guided UTV and the slower pace of a camel. You ride through sand dunes and desert plants, with stops for ocean-view photos, then meet the camels at the ranch.

I like the mix of a 45-minute UTV ride and a 20-to-25-minute camel ride, and I like that the group is capped at 10, which can make it easier to keep up with your guide. Guides Noe and Raphael have been praised for patience and friendly service, including help for a family with an eight-year-old.

The extra costs matter: the ranch charges $15 per person, collision insurance is not included, and photos cost extra. You also cannot use a phone or GoPro during the activities, so ask about the photo package before you start if you want pictures.

• Two rides, two paces: The UTV portion lasts about 45 minutes, followed by a camel ride of 20 to 25 minutes.
• Dunes with ocean views: The route includes sand, desert vegetation and photo stops along the way.
• Small group cap: No more than 10 people take part in the activity.
• Food and drink included: Expect two quesadillas and flavored water, with horchata or Jamaica listed.
• Budget for extras: Add the $15 ranch entrance fee per person, plus any collision insurance or photo package you choose.

Two Cabo rides in one outing

This experience combines a motorized ride with a close-up animal encounter, making it a practical choice if you want more than one activity without booking separate excursions. The UTV route is the faster, more active part; the camel ride offers a slower look at the dunes and ocean views.

The outing lasts about two hours, though the day’s order can change according to logistics. You may start with the UTV or go to the camels first, so it is best not to build a fixed sequence into your plans. The tour includes transport from select hotels, but the transfer time is separate from the stated activity duration.

The combination is appealing for couples, families and groups with mixed interests. A person keen on driving gets a substantial UTV segment, while someone curious about camels gets time to meet and ride one. It is not a long expedition into the desert, but it gives you two distinct ways to experience the ranch setting.

Check-in, lockers and your guide

A vehicle picks you up at select hotels in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo and takes you to the ranch facilities. On arrival, you check in and receive a locker for your belongings. You then meet your guide, who explains the activity logistics and what to expect.

Pickup times vary by location. If your hotel is in San José del Cabo, pickup is scheduled one hour before the activity. For Cabo San Lucas hotels, timing depends on the property. The operator provides your pickup point and schedule 24 hours before your reservation, so keep an eye out for that information and plan around it.

The group has a maximum of 10 participants. That cap is useful on a guided route, where you need to follow instructions and stay with the group. Noe and Raphael are two guides named in positive accounts of the experience, with Noe noted for taking extra time with a family and its eight-year-old. Your assigned guide may be someone else, but those examples suggest that patient support can be part of the outing.

The 45-minute UTV route

If you begin with the UTV, staff provide a helmet and goggles, then explain how to drive and follow safety rules. The route is guided rather than a free-for-all: you travel behind your guide along the planned path. Expect sand dunes, desert vegetation and views toward the ocean, with stops for photographs.

The 45-minute riding time gives you more than a quick lap, but it is still a managed group activity. You follow the guide and the route rather than choosing your own trail or pace. That arrangement is helpful if you are new to this kind of vehicle, though it may feel less exciting if you are expecting a race or unrestricted driving.

The scenery is a real part of the value. You get a look at Cabo beyond the resort zone, with dry terrain and patches of vegetation set against the sea. The photo stops give you a chance to take in the view, but you cannot use your phone or GoPro during the activity itself. If pictures are important to you, ask about the separate photo option before setting off.

Meeting the camels at the ranch

After the UTV route, you return to the stables area, where you can use the bathroom and get ready for the next activity. You then meet the camels, with time to pet them and take photos before the ride. This pause is useful after the motorized portion, especially if you want a moment to reset before climbing aboard.

The camel ride lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and passes through dunes with ocean views. It is a shorter, slower experience than the UTV ride, but that contrast is the point. You are not covering a long distance; you are getting a different perspective on the surroundings and a chance to interact with the animals.

Before you mount, ask staff to explain how you will be seated and what support is provided. This is a sensible question for anyone who feels unsure around animals or has limited riding experience. The activity details specify helmets and goggles for the UTV, but do not describe camel-riding support equipment, so clarify any concerns on site rather than making assumptions.

Photos, snacks and the final stop

At the end of the rides, you can view the available photographs, eat the included food and take your transportation back. The photo package is not included in the stated price. Since personal phones and GoPros are not allowed during the activities, this is worth deciding in advance if you want a record of the ride.

The included snack is two quesadillas, accompanied by fresh waters listed as horchata or Jamaica. These drinks are flavored waters, not bottled water specifically described in the tour details. The snack makes the outing more self-contained, though you should not treat it as a full meal if you are arriving hungry.

The photo stop and food break bring the activity to a relaxed close. Keep in mind that timing may vary with the order of activities and the day’s logistics. If you have plans soon after the tour, leave a little breathing room rather than scheduling something immediately after the approximate two-hour window.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The listed price is $140.48 per person. For that, you get hotel pickup from select locations, an air-conditioned vehicle, safety equipment for the UTV, the two rides, and the quesadillas and flavored water. The value depends on whether you want both activities; if you are interested only in driving or only in the camel ride, the combined format may be less appealing.

The ranch entrance fee is an additional $15 per person. Collision insurance is also not included, and the photo package costs extra. That means the final spend can be higher than the advertised price, especially if you choose both insurance and photographs. Check the current options and costs before departure so the add-ons do not catch you by surprise.

There is also a useful distinction between included transport and pickup availability. Pickup is offered only from select Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo hotels, not necessarily every address in the area. Confirm that your hotel qualifies and review the operator’s pickup message the day before.

A good fit for families and first-time UTV drivers

Most people can take part, and the small maximum group size may suit families who prefer a guided outing over a large convoy. One family’s experience with an eight-year-old was helped by a guide who took extra time and showed patience. That is encouraging, but it is not a guarantee of how every child will respond to the ride or animals.

If you are bringing a child, consider how they handle a bumpy vehicle ride and close contact with a camel. The available details do not state a minimum age, height requirement or specific child-seat arrangement, so confirm those points directly with the operator before booking. The same applies if you have mobility concerns or need particular support.

For adults, the appeal is the variety and scenery rather than technical driving. You get a guided route, safety instructions and protective gear, but the activity is not described as a high-speed race. If you want a more independent or more demanding off-road experience, this may not be the right format.

Practical details to settle before you go

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at booking, while the exact pickup point and time arrive from the operator 24 hours before the activity. Save that information somewhere accessible, and check it before you leave your hotel.

Wear clothing that you do not mind getting dusty, since the UTV route crosses sand. The provided details do not specify a dress code or list additional gear, so ask the operator if you are unsure what to bring. Plan to store personal items in the locker, especially since phones and GoPros cannot be used during the activities.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather leads to cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so choose a date you can keep and check the terms before paying.

Should you book this Cabo desert tour?

Book it if you want a compact outing with two very different activities, guided UTV driving, camel contact and views of the ocean. The strongest reasons to go are the 45-minute UTV ride, the chance to meet and ride a camel, and the small group limit. Friendly, patient help from guides such as Noe and Raphael has also been part of the experience for some groups.

Skip it if you want a long camel trek, unrestricted off-road driving, or a price with every extra already included. The $15 ranch entrance fee, collision insurance and photos are separate, and you cannot take your own phone or GoPro into the activities. For a roughly two-hour sampler of Cabo’s dry side, with snacks and hotel pickup from select locations, it offers a lively mix, provided you budget for the add-ons and confirm your transport details.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about two hours. The UTV ride is about 45 minutes, and the camel ride takes 20 to 25 minutes. Pickup and transfer time may add to the overall time away from your hotel.

How much does the ranch entrance fee cost?

The ranch entrance fee is $15 per person and is not included in the listed price.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered from select hotels in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The operator provides your pickup point and schedule 24 hours before the activity.

What safety equipment is provided?

Safety equipment is included. For the UTV portion, the specified equipment is a helmet and goggles, and the guide provides driving and safety instructions.

Can I take photos with my phone or GoPro during the activities?

No. Use of phones and GoPros is not allowed during the activities. A separate photo option is available.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes two quesadillas and fresh waters listed as horchata or Jamaica.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund.