Los Cabos: Camel Ride in the Canyon & Thrilling Water-Slides

El Tule Canyon offers an unlikely sight: a green oasis at the bottom of a dry Baja canyon, with the Sea of Cortez in view. The camel ride follows this strip of vegetation, giving you a way to see the canyon that is more memorable than a quick stop at a roadside lookout.

I like two things here: you get time to learn about camel care before riding, and the visit continues with rescued animals and a proper snack. It is an activity with more to it than a camel photo op.

The main drawback is the camera ban. A staff photographer takes pictures for purchase, and one past participant found the price steep. Heat is another factor, so plan this carefully if you or your children struggle in the sun.

• The ride follows a canyon oasis: Look for lush vegetation at the base of El Tule Canyon, despite the dry setting.
• The camel introduction comes first: Your guide explains the animals and their care before you feed and ride them.
• Children have a camel option: The experience offers regular-sized and child-sized camels, with a minimum age of four.
• A rescued-animal visit follows: You may see macaws, lovebirds, iguanas, and other rescued species.
• Food is part of the outing: Quesadilla, guacamole, chips, salsa, and one smoothie or alcoholic drink are included.
• Budget for extra costs: The park entry fee and transportation are separate, and photos are not included.

El Tule Canyon’s oasis is the real surprise

The setting is what gives this outing its character. El Tule Canyon lies in Baja California Sur’s desert, but an oasis runs along the canyon bottom. From the camel trail, you can see the contrast between dry canyon terrain and green vegetation, with sunlight reflecting off the Sea of Cortez in the distance.

That combination makes the ride more than a novelty. You are not just circling a pen or posing beside a camel. The route takes you through a particular corner of the Baja landscape, and the guide’s introduction helps explain the animals and their habitat as you go.

The outing is run by Wild Canyon Adventures, with pickup options in El Tule, the Hotel Zone, and Cabo San Lucas. The stated duration is three hours. The activity schedule also allocates two hours to the first park segment and another hour and a half to time for photos, walking, swimming, wildlife viewing, or other activities. Since those blocks add up to longer than three hours, check the timing for your date and leave breathing room around the excursion.

Meeting the camels before you ride

At the park, your guide introduces you to the camels and shares facts about them. You also learn about caring for the animals and their habitat, then have a chance to feed your new companion. That introduction is useful, especially if this is your first time around camels or you are bringing children who may need a moment to get comfortable.

The experience includes a camel kiss, as well as a ride through the oasis. There are regular-sized and child-sized camels, though the minimum age is four and the maximum participant weight is 260 pounds. The ride is guided, and the group is limited to 14 participants, which keeps it smaller than a large bus-tour crowd.

The company says it avoids taking the camels onto the beach because sea salt can hurt their skin. That is a thoughtful bit of animal-care context, and it explains why the route focuses on the canyon rather than the shoreline. You are still close enough to see the Sea of Cortez, but the ride follows the oasis.

Past guides Fabian and Kafaya have received particular praise for being friendly and making the experience engaging. You cannot count on either guide being assigned to your departure, but all guides are bilingual in Spanish and English and complete at least two months of training before certification.

The animal sanctuary adds a second stop

After the camel ride, you can visit the animal sanctuary and interact with rescued species. Macaws, lovebirds, and iguanas are among the animals named, along with other rescued wildlife. This gives the excursion a family-friendly turn after the ride, and may be a highlight if your group enjoys animals beyond the camels.

Treat this as a guided park activity, not a promise of a particular animal encounter. The experience information names several species but does not guarantee which animals you will see or how much time you will spend with each one. Still, the sanctuary broadens the outing and gives you a chance to learn about animals that have been rescued.

The park’s broader activity schedule lists free time, walking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. Those options appear within a second activity block, but the details do not spell out which are included in your specific booking or how much time each gets. Ask the operator what your package covers if one of those activities is a deciding factor.

Quesadillas and a drink at Lion’s Den

The food is a welcome part of the package, not an incidental stop. You get a quesadilla, guacamole, chips, and salsa, plus one choice of a smoothie, tequila shot, or daiquiri. The meal is served at the Lion’s Den Restaurant, where tropical drinks are also available.

The included meal can help the $115 price feel more reasonable, particularly if you were already planning to buy food during an outing. One past participant specifically enjoyed the food, while another was unsure what was included. To avoid confusion, confirm the meal and drink choice at check-in rather than assuming that every item or extra beverage is covered.

Hydration stations are available for refilling water bottles, a useful detail in a hot, exposed setting. Bring your own bottle and keep drinking water, especially if you are visiting in warm weather. The excursion takes place outdoors, and heat can make a family activity feel much longer than its schedule suggests.

What the $115 price does and does not cover

At $115 per person, the package includes the camel ride, camel kiss, guided tour, professional equipment, food and one drink choice, and water-bottle refill stations. The animal presentation and sanctuary visit add variety, while the small group size gives you more room to ask questions than you might get on a large group outing.

The listed park entrance fee is an extra $25. Transportation is also paid at check-in: round trip costs $10 per adult and $5 per child ages four to 12 from the standard pickup area. From Zona Diamante or Puerto Los Cabos, the stated fares are $20 per adult and $10 per child. These extras matter: a family of four should add them to the advertised per-person price before comparing this outing with other activities.

Pickup is by air-conditioned van from hotels in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, or along the Tourist Corridor. Your pickup is not set until you contact the call center, and the driver will wait no more than five minutes past the scheduled time. If you are staying in a less central area, check the applicable transport charge before booking.

The total cost can rise further if you want professional photos. Personal cameras are not allowed for safety reasons, and staff photographers take pictures during the activity. One past participant objected to a $100 photo price, so ask about photo packages and costs before you agree to buy anything. If having your own photos is important, this rule may be a serious downside.

Heat, shoes, and other practical details

Dress for outdoor activity, not a restaurant lunch. Wear comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes. You need to be fit enough to walk over varied terrain, so this is not a good match for anyone with mobility impairments.

The activity is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, people with heart, back, or neck problems, people with vertigo or osteoporosis, or anyone over 260 pounds. These restrictions are safety rules, not minor suggestions. If you have a relevant medical concern, check with the operator before reserving.

Bring cash for souvenirs, food, and photos. The included food and drink are specified, but additional purchases are not. Do not bring a camera, since personal cameras are prohibited. A passport or ID card is listed among the items to bring, so have identification with you.

The published rating is 3.7 from 11 reviews, a middling result that fits an outing with distinct strengths and a few potential frustrations. The camel ride, guides, and meal have drawn strong praise, while heat, transportation waits, unexpected fees, and the no-camera rule have caused disappointment. You can reduce the risk of surprises by confirming pickup, transport, entry, and photo costs before the day.

Should you book this camel ride?

Book it if you want a family outing that combines a guided camel ride, canyon scenery, rescued animals, and a meal in one visit. The oasis route and the chance to learn about camel care give it more substance than a quick animal photo stop, and the included food adds practical value.

Think twice if you dislike strict camera rules, are sensitive to heat, or want a tightly timed excursion with no uncertainty about extras. Confirm the schedule, pickup, transport fee, park entry, and photo prices before you commit. For the right group, especially families with children old enough to participate, this can be a memorable way to spend part of a day near Cabo.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is three hours. The activity schedule also lists a two-hour segment and a further hour and a half, so check the timing for your departure.

What is included in the $115 price?

The price includes the camel ride and camel kiss, a guided tour, professional equipment, quesadilla, guacamole, chips and salsa, and a choice of one smoothie, tequila shot, or daiquiri.

Is the park entrance fee included?

No. The listed park entrance fee is $25 and is paid separately.

How much does transportation cost?

Round-trip transportation costs $10 per adult age 13 or older and $5 per child ages four to 12 from the standard pickup area. From Zona Diamante or Puerto Los Cabos, it costs $20 per adult and $10 per child.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is by air-conditioned van from hotels in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, or along the Tourist Corridor. The listed pickup options also include El Tule, the Hotel Zone, and Cabo San Lucas.

Can children ride the camels?

Children must be at least four years old. The experience offers regular-sized and child-sized camels.

Are personal cameras allowed?

No. Personal cameras are not permitted. Professional photographers take pictures, and you should ask about the price before purchasing them.

What should I bring?

Bring identification, comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and cash for souvenirs, food, or photos. You can refill a water bottle at hydration stations.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, people with heart, back, or neck problems, vertigo or osteoporosis, people with mobility impairments, or people over 260 pounds.