Cabo San Lucas: Camel Safari Tour with Lunch and Tequila

Camels meet the Pacific here. I like the unusual mix of a quiet beach ride and a short desert walk, plus the tortilla lesson, lunch, drinks, and tequila tasting make this more than a quick animal encounter. The main drawback is value: the camel ride lasts only 20 minutes, and the $25 adult park fee is extra.

I also like the ocean views, with a chance of seeing humpback whales in winter, and the friendly guide service. Guides named Jesus and Michael have received especially warm praise for their energy and care. Still, you should allow for a long transfer, possible extra photo charges, and a setting where flies may be noticeable around the food and animals.

Key things to know before booking

• The camel ride lasts 20 minutes: This is the headline activity, but much of the three-hour visit is spent walking, eating, learning, and tasting.
• The park fee is extra: Adults pay $25 and children pay $12.50, so add this to the advertised $99 price.
• Winter brings whale potential: Humpback whales may be visible offshore during the winter season, though sightings are never promised.
• Lunch is part of the experience: You get a Mexican buffet, drinks, a tortilla-making lesson, and a tequila tasting.
• The ride is not for everyone: Children under five, pregnant people, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users should not book.
• Leave your camera behind for the ride: Cameras are not permitted during the camel portion, and photo packages may cost extra.

A camel safari with a Pacific Ocean backdrop

Cabo is famous for its dry climate, rocky coast, and polished resort scene. This outing gives you a different view of Baja California Sur, one that connects desert plants, local food, working animals, and the Pacific shore.

You start at a ranch in a well-known turtle breeding area. Your guide leads a short walk through desert terrain and explains some of the local plants and animals. I like this part because it gives the camel ride a bit of context. You are not simply led from a van to a waiting animal, then back again. You get a short introduction to the place itself.

The setting is the real star. The ranch overlooks the Pacific, so you can expect broad ocean views and plenty of sun. The coast is especially appealing in winter, when humpback whales may be seen offshore. I would treat whale watching as a lucky extra, not a reason to book the tour by itself.

The desert walk is short, but comfortable shoes still matter. Sand, uneven ground, and hot sun can make flimsy footwear a poor choice. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Closed-toe shoes are specifically recommended.

The 20-minute beach ride

The camel ride follows a short walk to the beach. This is the part most people picture when they hear camel safari, and it is certainly the most unusual way to see a Cabo shoreline.

The ride lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time to enjoy the sea air, take in the coastline, and get a memorable photo through the official photo service, but it is not a long trek. If you want hours in the saddle, this is the wrong outing. If you want a gentle, first-time camel experience folded into a larger half-day activity, the length may suit you.

A safety briefing comes before the ride, and a helmet is included. You should follow the guide’s instructions closely, especially when mounting, sitting, and dismounting. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, pregnant women, or anyone with limited mobility.

Cameras are not allowed during the camel ride. That rule may disappoint you, especially with the Pacific in view, but it is worth knowing before you arrive. The operator may offer its own photographs afterward or during the activity. One recent booking report described photo prices as high, with individual and package costs varying widely. I would ask about the current price before agreeing to any pictures.

The animal care fee also deserves attention. The $25 adult entrance charge is not included in the advertised tour price. One person felt the fee supported the care of the camels and other animals at the ranch, while others felt it should have been included upfront. Either way, bring cash and count the park fee as part of the real cost.

A short desert walk with useful context

The walk through the desert is not a strenuous hike. It is a guided stroll that helps you notice the scrub, wildlife, and dry coastal conditions around the ranch.

The turtle breeding area adds an important detail. Cabo’s desert coast is not empty land waiting for development. It is also habitat, and the guide’s explanation can help you see the area as more than a backdrop for a camel ride.

I would keep your expectations in check. This is not a long naturalist hike, and the supplied details do not promise a large wildlife display or a formal turtle release. Think of it as a short interpretive walk before the main activity.

The heat is likely to be the bigger issue. Use sunscreen before pickup, carry cash for the fee and drinks if needed, and wear a hat that will stay put. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a better choice than sandals.

Tortillas, buffet lunch, and cold drinks

After the beach ride, you walk to a beachfront restaurant. This change of pace is one of the tour’s strongest points. You move from desert and animals to food, shade, ocean views, and a more social Mexican meal.

The tortilla lesson gives the lunch a hands-on touch. You learn how to make authentic tortillas rather than simply receiving a plate of food. That small activity helps connect the meal to everyday Mexican cooking, even though the visit is designed for sightseeing.

A full Mexican buffet is included, along with drinks. Beer, coffee, spirits, and other beverages are listed as part of the experience. The exact selection may vary, but you should not need to plan a separate lunch afterward.

The food setting is also where I would keep expectations realistic. One recent report described many flies around the food area and on the camels, calling the conditions unsanitary. That is a serious concern, even though other participants praised the overall experience. Conditions may vary by day and season, but anyone sensitive to outdoor dining or insects should be prepared for a rustic setting rather than a polished resort restaurant.

The restaurant is beachfront, so the view may be better than the dining room itself. You are paying for the full outing, not just a restaurant meal. The combination of local food, a tortilla lesson, and ocean scenery gives the lunch more value than a standard buffet stop.

Tequila tasting with a casual Cabo feel

The tequila tasting rounds out the meal. It is intended as a fun introduction to one of Mexico’s best-known spirits, with the guide explaining and presenting different samples.

This is not described as a formal certification course or a specialist tasting. I would treat it as a relaxed social stop, useful for first-time visitors who want to learn a little while trying local spirits.

Be careful with the pace. You may have already spent time in the sun, eaten lunch, and had other drinks. Take it slowly, drink water, and remember that the van ride back still follows.

The tasting also helps explain why the three-hour schedule is not just a 20-minute animal ride. The price covers several separate pieces: transport, guide service, safety equipment, camel handling, food, drinks, a tortilla lesson, and tequila. The value is strongest if you want a varied activity. It is weaker if your only goal is riding a camel.

How the price really works

The listed price is $99 per person. That sounds fair for a three-hour outing with lunch and drinks, but the cost is not quite all-inclusive.

Add the $25 adult park entrance fee, or $12.50 for a child. For an adult, the known cost is at least $124 before any optional photographs or other purchases. A family should calculate this carefully, since the entry fee applies per person.

One person who loved the tour felt the price was excellent because it included so much. Another felt the experience was not worth the cost once the long drive, short camel ride, and extra entrance charge were considered. I think both views make sense.

You are paying for a package of experiences rather than saddle time. The tour has good value if you want a guided Cabo day with food and drinks already arranged. It has weaker value if you are comparing it with a simple animal ride based only on minutes spent riding.

Photo charges can also affect the final bill. Separate reports described individual photographs costing roughly $50 to $70, with packages reported at about $119 to $160. Prices may change, so ask before posing for official photographs. Since personal cameras are not allowed during the ride, this is an important budget question.

Pickup, driving time, and the three-hour schedule

Pickup is available in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The operator says the pickup time and place will be confirmed by email, and you should look for a white Cabo Adventures van with drivers in light blue polo shirts.

The transport time needs careful attention. The schedule shows a van segment of about 1.5 hours, while one booking report described the activity as roughly an hour each way. Either way, the drive is a meaningful part of your day, not a minor transfer.

That matters most if you are staying in San José del Cabo or planning another activity afterward. Confirm the pickup time, leave room for traffic, and do not schedule a tight dinner reservation or airport transfer immediately after the return.

The advertised activity duration is three hours, but your total door-to-door time will be longer because of pickup and drop-off. The stated drop-off choices are Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

Cruise ship passengers should note that this tour is specifically listed as unsuitable for cruise ship guests. The timing and transfer setup may not fit a ship schedule, and you should not assume the operator can adjust it.

Who should book this Cabo experience?

I would recommend this tour to adults and families with children age five and older who want variety. It works well for someone who likes food, animals, light walking, ocean scenery, and a relaxed tequila tasting in one package.

Children from five through 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children under five cannot take part. The camel ride is gentle in concept, but the tour is not suitable for anyone with back problems, pregnancy, mobility impairments, or wheelchair needs.

It also suits first-time Cabo visitors who want something beyond a hotel pool and shopping area. The turtle breeding area, desert walk, beach, and Mexican meal give you a broader sense of the region.

I would be more cautious if you dislike organized outings. The schedule is set, the ride is short, personal cameras are restricted, and you may spend a significant amount of time in the van. Anyone hoping for a long beach ride should choose a different activity.

Guides appear to make a big difference. Jesus and Michael were singled out for their charm and energy, though guide assignments can change. A warm guide can turn the short walk and tasting into the most enjoyable part of the day.

Practical tips for a smoother visit

Wear closed-toe shoes that you can walk in comfortably. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and cash for the park entrance fee and possible extras.

Do not pack a camera for the camel ride. Personal cameras are not permitted during that portion, and you should ask about official photo prices before the activity begins.

Keep your expectations clear: the camel ride is 20 minutes, not a long expedition. The rest of the time is filled with the walk, safety briefing, meal, tortilla lesson, tequila tasting, and transport.

If you are concerned about outdoor cleanliness, remember the report of flies around the food and animals. That may not describe every visit, but it is useful to know before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Cabo plans are still shifting.

Should you book the camel safari?

Book it if you want a social, varied outing with a camel ride, desert setting, beachfront lunch, tortilla lesson, drinks, and tequila. The combination is unusual, and the Pacific views give the day more character than a simple ranch visit.

Skip it if you want a long camel trek, a quiet nature tour, or a fully all-inclusive price. The extra park fee, possible photo costs, long transfer, and short ride can make the $99 price feel high.

My advice is to calculate the total before booking: $99 plus the $25 adult entrance fee, then decide if the food, drinks, guide, and setting justify the rest. For the right visitor, especially someone looking for a fun first-time Cabo excursion, it can be a memorable day. Just arrive prepared for a rustic animal setting and a camel ride that is more photo opportunity than expedition.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo camel safari?

The listed activity lasts three hours, not including the pickup and return drive. The camel ride itself lasts about 20 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $99 per person. A separate park entrance fee costs $25 per adult or $12.50 per child.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full Mexican buffet lunch is included, along with drinks.

Is the tequila tasting included?

Yes. The experience includes a tequila tasting session.

Can I bring a camera?

Cameras are not permitted during the camel ride. Official photographs may be offered separately, and photo costs are not included in the tour price.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The confirmed time and location are sent by email.

Who cannot join the tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or cruise ship guests. Children ages five through 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.