Horseback Riding on The Beach and Through The Desert!

Experience the Best of Cabo: Horseback Riding on the Beach and Through the Desert

Cabo San Lucas is famed for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and rugged desert landscapes. If you’re looking for a way to escape the crowds and connect with nature, a horseback riding tour that takes you through both the desert of Migrino and along a pristine shoreline offers a memorable adventure. While this tour isn’t a long day, it packs a punch with scenery, wildlife spotting, and an intimate group setting.

What we love about this experience is the chance to ride a well-trained horse in a small-group setting, which makes the whole venture feel more personal. The scenic transition from desert to ocean provides plenty of photo opportunities—think white-sand beaches, rolling dunes, and the sweeping Pacific. Plus, the chance to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles depending on the season adds a wild element that makes each ride feel like a mini safari.

One possible consideration is the tour’s duration—at around two hours, some might wish for a longer ride, especially if they’re eager to explore more or want a more relaxed pace. Also, transportation logistics can vary, so travelers should be prepared for possible delays or wait times, as some reviews noted. Still, if you’re comfortable with a small group and value authentic, scenic experiences over a luxury resort, this tour will fit well.

This horseback adventure is especially suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, wildlife watching, and a touch of adventure. Families with kids who are comfortable around horses, couples seeking a romantic outing, or solo travelers eager for peaceful, scenic riding will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Small Groups for a Personal Touch: Tours are limited to 10 guests, ensuring personalized attention from guides.
• Diverse Scenery: Ride through dry desert terrain and end on a white-sand beach with sweeping ocean views.
• Wildlife Watching: Depending on the season, you might spot whales, dolphins, or sea turtles.
• Well-Trained Horses and Friendly Guides: Guides are praised for their patience and knowledge, making beginners feel comfortable.
• Transportation Included: Round-trip transport from Cabo is offered, which is a big plus for convenience.
• Value for Money: At $75 per person, considering the scenery and personalized experience, it offers good value.

A Closer Look at the Experience

What the Tour Looks Like: From the moment you arrive at Picacho Adventures, you’re greeted and briefed on safety and riding tips. The guides take pride in their horses’ training and their ability to accommodate riders of different skill levels. Their patience is frequently praised—one reviewer even noted how helpful guides like Emmanuel and Gabriel made the ride enjoyable for first-timers and solo travelers alike.

The Desert of Migrino: The first part of the journey takes you through the raw beauty of the Baja desert. You’ll ride along dried riverbeds and rugged trails that showcase the area’s natural toughness. The guides usually share interesting tidbits about native fauna and local history, enriching your understanding of this stark but stunning environment.

Transition to the Beach: After the desert, the trail turns toward the coast. You’ll travel on trails that lead to a secluded stretch of beach, where the blue waters and white sands create an idyllic setting. One reviewer described it as “gorgeous,” emphasizing how the views of the ocean are truly breathtaking. As you ride along the shoreline, keep an eye out for marine life—sightings of whales or dolphins are possible depending on the time of year.

The Beach Ride: Riding on the beach itself is often the highlight. The sensation of galloping along the surf or simply strolling in the sand with the ocean breeze in your hair makes for a calming, almost meditative experience. Guides are attentive to safety, and some even take photos for you, creating lasting memories of this special outing.

Wildlife and Seasonality: Wildlife viewing is a real bonus, with many guests noting they saw whales or dolphins during their ride. This adds a layer of excitement, especially for nature lovers. The best times to see marine life vary, so checking with your guide about seasonal opportunities can help set expectations.

Practical Details: The tour lasts about two hours, making it a manageable activity even for those with tight schedules. Round-trip transportation is included, which reduces stress about finding the meeting point or parking. A land use fee of $25 is payable on-site, and bottled water is provided during the ride.

Real Feedback from Participants

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendliness and patience, especially first-time riders. One traveler emphasized that their guide “took great pictures of me while riding,” adding to the value of the experience. Several reviews also highlight the “gorgeous views” and the peaceful feeling of riding along the coast.

On the flip side, some reviews point out small hiccups. One guest noted that the ride felt a bit short, wishing it lasted closer to 1.5 hours instead of two. Others experienced transportation delays or noted that water wasn’t always offered promptly—these are minor issues in an otherwise enjoyable experience.

Notable compliments include descriptions of the guides as “super friendly,” “knowledgeable,” and “calm,” making even nervous riders feel at ease. The horses themselves are described as well-trained and suitable for all levels, which is particularly reassuring for beginners.

Negative feedback, while rare, tends to focus on customer service lapses or miscommunications about the ride’s length. If you’re looking for a longer or more adrenaline-fueled ride, this might not be the best fit, but for most, the 2-hour trip hits the right balance.

Practical Considerations

Price and Value: At $75 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded experience, especially considering the inclusion of transportation and water. For travelers seeking a scenic, authentic adventure that’s not overly commercialized, this price point is quite reasonable.

Group Size and Atmosphere: The intimate setting of a maximum of 10 guests makes for a less rushed, more personal ride. It also means your guide can give individual attention, which enhances safety and enjoyment.

What to Bring: A hat with a lanyard is recommended, as the sun can be intense, especially riding along the coast. Wearing comfortable clothing and closed shoes is advisable. While lockers are provided for your valuables, it’s best to leave unnecessary items behind, especially if you’re using round-trip transportation.

Transportation: Pickup is offered from your hotel or central location, which adds convenience. Be aware that some guests have experienced minor delays, so plan accordingly.

Seasonality and Wildlife: The best time to see whales is generally during the migration season, so if wildlife viewing is a priority, checking with the tour provider about the season might help plan your trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This horseback riding experience is perfect for nature lovers wanting to escape the city’s hustle. It’s great for beginners and families, as the guides are praised for their patience and training of the horses. If you’re after scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and a relaxed pace, this ride hits all those marks.

Couples seeking a romantic, peaceful activity will find the combination of desert and beach riding especially charming. Solo travelers who want a safe, guided introduction to horseback riding in a beautiful setting will also appreciate the personal attention and small-group size.

Adventure seekers looking for a longer or more adrenaline-filled ride might want to consider other options, but for a scenic, gentle ride with plenty of photo ops, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

This horseback riding tour in Cabo San Lucas offers a rare chance to explore the natural landscape from a different perspective. The combination of desert trails and oceanfront beaches creates a uniquely scenic experience that feels authentic and unhurried. The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and professionalism, making even nervous riders feel comfortable.

While the ride may be on the shorter side for some, the stunning views, wildlife sightings, and personalized vibe make it a worthwhile activity. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want a memorable, scenic adventure without the hassle of complicated logistics or high prices.

For those who love outdoor activities, photography, and connecting with nature in a peaceful setting, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable option. Just remember to pack a hat, bring water, and keep your camera ready—you’re likely to want to capture these beautiful moments.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transportation from Cabo San Lucas is included, making it easy to join the tour without extra planning.

What is the tour duration? The horseback ride lasts approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to enjoy both desert and beach scenery.

Can beginners participate? Absolutely. The horses are well-trained, and guides are known for their patience, making it suitable for first-timers.

Are there any age or weight restrictions? Most travelers can participate; however, there is a weight limit of 240 pounds.

What should I bring? A hat with a lanyard, comfortable clothes, closed shoes, and a water bottle. Lockers are provided for valuables.

Is wildlife viewing guaranteed? No, but depending on the season, you may see whales, dolphins, or sea turtles during your ride.

What is the land use fee? A $25 land use fee per person is payable on-site, in addition to the tour price.

In the end, this horseback riding tour offers a genuine chance to see the beauty of Baja’s desert and coast with friendly guides and a small group. It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful outdoor activity with unforgettable scenery—truly a ride to remember.