Adventure in Los Cabos Margaritas beach in ATV/UTV desert tour

The draw here is the change of scenery: a bumpy ride through desert trails gives way to open beach at Margaritas. It’s a hands-on way to get beyond the resort zone, with a guide leading the group and adjusting the pace. Broulio and Juan are among the guides named by riders.

I like two things in particular: the route combines rough, hilly tracks with a beach run, and the tour includes hotel transport, protective gear, water and a tequila tasting. The main caveat is the extra cost. Add the $25 conservation fee, and optional insurance and photos can push the bill well above the advertised $91.50.

At a glance

• Two kinds of terrain: Expect desert trails with hills, curves and bumps, followed by a ride beside Margaritas Beach.
• About two hours on the vehicle: The full activity is about three hours, but hotel transfers add time.
• A guide-led ride: Guides such as Broulio and Juan have been praised for managing the group’s pace.
• Know the add-ons: The $25 conservation fee is not included. Collision insurance and photos are extra.
• Dust is part of the fun: Wear closed shoes, long pants and sun protection. A bandana is provided, but bringing your own face covering may be useful.
• Small group cap: The tour allows up to 14 participants.

Desert trails first, beach ride later

This is an ATV or UTV outing, not a broad sightseeing tour of Cabo. The main event is riding through desert terrain and along the beach, with a guide out front. The route’s hills, turns and uneven ground are part of the appeal, but they also make this a better fit for someone who wants an active excursion than for someone seeking a smooth scenic drive.

The ride lasts about two hours. You’ll start with the park’s safety equipment, then follow the guide along the trail. The pace can vary with the group: one guide, Broulio, was described as starting slowly and building speed as the riders gained confidence. That approach makes sense here. A beginner can get comfortable, while a more experienced rider still gets the thrill of moving faster later on.

The beach adds a different rhythm. After the dusty, bumpy trails, riding beside the shore feels more open. The views are a major part of the experience, and the stretch by the water is a highlight for many riders. Still, don’t book this expecting a long beach stop or a full day of exploring. The tour is a guided ride, and some people wish they had more time on the route.

The ride can be challenging in places. One experienced rider especially enjoyed the climbs, descents, curves and bumps, while noting that they could be hard for someone new to ATVs. If you’re unsure, consider sharing a vehicle as a passenger rather than taking the driver’s seat. Passengers can ride on an ATV from age six, or in a UTV from age four. Drivers must be at least 16.

Hotel pickup saves hassle, but allow extra time

Pickup is offered from most hotels and villas in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The air-conditioned minivan transfer is included, as are drop-off and return transport. You’ll need to give the operator your hotel name so it can arrange the pickup.

The pickup window is 20 to 70 minutes before the scheduled start, depending on where you’re staying. The transfer time depends on traffic, and the return can take longer if the van has several hotel stops. One participant who became ill after the ride was unable to leave before the shared group finished its tequila tasting and was dropped off last. That’s a useful reminder: this is shared transportation, so you may not be able to head straight back to your room if plans change or you feel unwell.

The advertised activity lasts about three hours, but the day takes longer once transfers are counted. If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas, set aside at least four hours. From San José del Cabo, allow at least five. These estimates help you avoid squeezing the tour between fixed plans, especially if you have a dinner reservation or another activity afterward.

The tour has a maximum of 14 participants. A smaller group can make it easier for the guide to keep an eye on riders, though the ride still follows a group schedule. If you’re booking for a family or larger party, confirm that everyone meets the age rules for the vehicle you choose.

Safety gear, dust and driving rules

At the park, you’ll receive a helmet, goggles and bandana. Bottled water is included, too. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and long pants, and apply eco-friendly sunblock. Dust can be part of the ride, so bringing your own face covering is a sensible extra, even though a bandana is supplied.

Cell phone use is strictly prohibited while operating an ATV or UTV. That rule is easy to understand on uneven ground, where a moment of distraction can raise the risk of an accident. If you want photos, leave the picture-taking to the professional photographer who follows the group rather than trying to use your phone while riding.

The tour operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions. Most people can participate, but the terrain may feel demanding if you have little riding experience. If you’re concerned about handling the vehicle, ask about riding as a passenger. An ATV passenger must be at least six; a UTV passenger must be at least four. Drivers must be 16 or older, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What the tequila tasting adds

After the ride, the group has a tequila tasting that lasts about 20 minutes. It gives the outing a relaxed finish and is included in the tour price. The timing can depend on the group schedule, however. One party was asked to wait 30 to 40 minutes for another group to return before the tasting and chose to leave instead.

That delay matters if you’re tired, feeling unwell or eager to get back to your hotel. Since the transportation is shared, the van may need to wait for the rest of the group and follow its planned hotel route. If a quick return is important to you, keep this in mind before booking.

A professional photographer also takes pictures during the ride and shows them to the group afterward. The photo package is not included. One group found the only option offered was a $99 package with more than 50 images, which felt steep when they wanted only a few. Treat the photos as an optional purchase, not part of the value you’re paying for upfront.

What $91.50 really buys

At $91.50 per person, the price covers the guided outing, hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minivan, helmet, goggles, bandana, bottled water and tequila tasting. The central value is the ride itself: you get desert trails, beach scenery and a guide, without having to arrange transport to the park.

But the advertised price isn’t the whole cost. The $25 per-person conservation fee is not included, bringing the known total to $116.50 per person before any vehicle insurance or photo purchase. Collision insurance is optional and costs $30 per ATV or $40 per UTV. The professional photo package is also extra, with one reported package priced at $99.

For a couple, the mandatory conservation fee adds $50 to the listed price. If you choose insurance, that adds another $30 or $40 per vehicle, not per person. Check the payment details when booking so you know what the operator expects and can decide whether the optional coverage suits you.

The tour is best value if you’re excited about driving or riding off-road and don’t mind paying separately for extras. If you mainly want a beach visit, the cost may feel high for a guided ride that includes limited time on the shore. One person called the beach portion boring, while others found the route and views worth the price. Your expectations make a difference.

Who will get the most from this ride

I’d put this tour high on the list for couples, friends or families who want an active outing and enjoy motorized rides. More experienced ATV riders may especially like the hills and uneven trail. Beginners can still have a good time if they’re comfortable with the terrain and start at a cautious pace. A passenger seat is an option for those who would rather enjoy the views than steer.

It is less suited to anyone looking for a quiet beach day, a long cultural tour or a guaranteed quick trip back to the hotel. The excursion focuses on ATV or UTV riding. Don’t count on a visit to Mayan ruins, a chocolate factory or other attractions; those are not part of this activity as described.

The guide makes a difference. The named guides Broulio and Juan received praise for looking after their groups, and the ride’s pace can be adjusted to riders’ ability. That doesn’t remove the bumps or the need to follow safety rules, but it can make the experience more approachable for a mixed-ability group.

Booking and practical details

This experience is offered in English, with mobile tickets and hotel pickup. It averages about 21 days of advance booking, so reserve early if your dates are fixed. Confirmation is provided when you book.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refundable, and changes within that period are not accepted. The cancellation cutoff follows local time.

Before booking, add your hotel name, check that your group meets the driver and passenger age limits, and budget for the conservation fee. Wear closed shoes and long pants, and leave your phone put away while riding. Most importantly, leave room in your schedule for the transfer and shared drop-off.

Should you book the Margaritas Beach ATV tour?

Book it if you want a guided, dusty, sometimes bumpy ride that combines desert trails with a beach run, and you’re comfortable with the extra fees. The included pickup, safety gear, water and tasting make the basic outing convenient, while the guide-led pace can suit a group with different levels of experience.

Skip it if you want a long beach stay, dislike rough terrain or need to control exactly when you return to your hotel. Budget for the $25 conservation fee, treat insurance and photos as possible add-ons, and allow four to five hours depending on your hotel location. With those expectations in place, this can be a lively way to trade Cabo’s resort routine for a couple of hours behind the wheel.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The activity is about three hours, including time at the park. The ride itself lasts about two hours. Allow at least four hours from Cabo San Lucas or five from San José del Cabo once transfers are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minivan are included for most hotels and villas in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Provide your hotel name when arranging transportation.

How early will pickup be?

Pickup is scheduled 20 to 70 minutes before the tour starts, depending on your hotel’s location. Transfer times vary with traffic.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a helmet, goggles, bandana, bottled water and a tequila tasting.

Is there an extra conservation fee?

Yes. The area conservation fee is $25 per person and is not included in the listed price.

How much does collision insurance cost?

Optional collision insurance costs $30 per ATV or $40 per UTV.

What are the age limits?

Drivers must be at least 16. ATV passengers must be at least six, and UTV passengers must be at least four. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and long pants, and use eco-friendly sunblock. A helmet, goggles and bandana are provided. The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately.

Can I use my phone while riding?

No. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited while operating an ATV or UTV for safety reasons.

Are the photos included?

No. A professional photographer takes pictures, but the photo package is not included in the tour price.