Cabo : UTV and Camel Ride in the Desert

If you’re heading to Baja California Sur and craving a taste of the wild, open desert, the UTV and Camel Ride in the Desert tour offers a compelling mix of adrenaline, nature, and unforgettable photos. This two-hour outing, offered by One Way Mexico Travel, is designed to give visitors a fun, safe, and authentic desert experience while providing some great opportunities to connect with the landscape and its animals.

What makes this tour stand out? First, there’s the thrill of driving a UTV through sand dunes and rugged terrain—a fantastic way to feel the freedom of Baja’s vast wilderness. Second, the camel ride adds a touch of novelty and charm, giving you a chance to get close to these majestic creatures and snap some memorable photos. However, a practical consideration is the cost of the park entrance fee—just $5 USD per person—which adds a small extra to the overall price.

This tour suits travelers looking for a combination of adventure and authentic experiences without a long commitment. If you love outdoor activities, scenic views, and a touch of local flavor, this could be a perfect fit. It’s especially good for those with some mobility who are comfortable in an outdoor setting, but note that it’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain health issues.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of adventure and animal interaction
• Includes roundtrip transportation from Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
• Guides are qualified, knowledgeable, and keep safety a priority
• A great way to see Baja’s desert landscapes with stunning views
• Price includes snacks and drinks, with optional park entrance fee
• Limited to 2 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Baja Experience with a Twist of Adventure

This tour offers more than just a quick ride through the desert. It’s a chance to explore Baja’s rugged beauty with a guide who knows the terrain and how to keep things fun and safe. We loved the way the guides emphasized safety measures and provided proper equipment, which helps set the mind at ease, especially for first-timers. The UTV experience is not just about zooming through dunes; it’s about feeling the power of the vehicle and the freedom of the open landscape. The views from the top of sand dunes are quite spectacular—an ideal backdrop for photos, especially when you’re riding alongside the guide or taking a break.

After the adrenaline rush of the UTV drive, the camel ride offers a more relaxed, almost meditative contrast. Meeting these gentle giants is a highlight, and the 20-minute ride gives ample time to enjoy the desert from a different perspective. The opportunity to take photos with camels adds a layer of fun and a souvenir to remember. Many reviews mention how well the animals are treated and how the connection with the camels can be quite special.

The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel—either in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo. The transportation is air-conditioned, which is a plus in Baja’s warm climate. The route to Rancho San Cristóbal is straightforward, and once there, you’ll receive a safety briefing before hopping into your UTV. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience engaging and educational.

The Itinerary in Detail

The adventure kicks off with a pickup—either from your hotel in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo—usually an hour before the activity starts. This flexible pickup time is handy, especially if you’re staying in a hotel away from the main tourist areas.

Once at Rancho San Cristóbal, your group is introduced to the safety equipment—helmets, goggles, and perhaps gloves. These details matter, especially when driving at speed over uneven terrain. The guides lead the way along pre-planned routes that showcase the desert’s best scenery: rolling sand dunes, rugged hills, and panoramic vistas that remind you why Baja’s landscape is so iconic.

The UTV drive lasts around 40 minutes, during which you’ll navigate through dunes and open spaces, enjoying sweeping views and the thrill of controlling your vehicle. Many visitors comment on how the guides keep the pace appropriate for the group’s skill level, making the ride accessible to beginners yet exciting enough for seasoned drivers.

Following the UTV adventure, it’s time for the camel ride—a gentle 20-minute trek through the desert. You’ll meet your camel and climb aboard, experiencing the slow, steady gait of these incredible animals. The scenery here is particularly striking, with wide-open vistas and the chance to connect with Baja’s natural environment beyond the vehicle.

Afterward, the tour includes a light snack—two quesadillas—and refreshing drinks like horchata or Jamaica, which hit the spot after some outdoor activity. The return trip is smooth, with drop-offs at your hotel, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and fresh desert air.

Practical Details and Tips

This tour is competitively priced at $133 per person, which we believe offers good value when you consider the included transportation, safety gear, snacks, and the unique experience with animals. Remember, there’s an additional $5 USD park entrance fee, so budget that extra amount.

The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it ideal if you want a quick yet memorable adventure without losing a big chunk of your day. Starting times vary, so checking availability and confirming your pickup time—especially if you’re staying in San Jose del Cabo—is key.

What to bring? A hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes are essentials. The activity requires some physical mobility but isn’t overly strenuous. Since phones and cameras aren’t permitted during the rides, you’ll want to take photos before or after the activity, or rely on your guide for snapshots.

This experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, which is common for adventure activities involving vehicles and animals.

Authenticity and Safety: Why It Matters

Many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety and share insights about the landscape and animals. The reviews emphasize that guides make the experience both fun and secure. The stunning views during the UTV drive are consistently praised, with some guests noting the scenery as a highlight. The combination of the adrenaline rush and the gentle camel ride provides a well-rounded taste of Baja’s desert.

The inclusion of snacks and drinks adds a nice touch, making the experience feel more complete rather than just a rush of adrenaline. Plus, the small group size typically means more personalized attention and better opportunities for questions and photos.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This excursion is perfect for those who want a short but impactful adventure with a mix of active fun and animal encounters. It appeals to families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a memorable experience without a long day out. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy scenic drives and wildlife interactions, especially if you’re curious about Baja’s desert environment.

It’s especially good if you’re traveling with people who appreciate a bit of adventure but prefer not to spend hours on a tour. Since the activity is safe, guided, and includes transportation, it’s accessible for most visitors—save for pregnant women and those with certain health considerations.

The Sum Up

The Cabo UTV and Camel Ride in the Desert offers a satisfying blend of excitement, scenery, and animal interaction. It captures the essence of Baja’s rugged charm in a manageable, well-organized format, with friendly guides who help you stay safe while having fun. The inclusion of snacks and the convenience of hotel pickup make it a practical choice for a quick desert escape.

For travelers craving a taste of Baja’s wild side—whether it’s zooming over dunes or meeting majestic camels—this tour provides genuine value and authentic experiences. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy outdoor activities and want a memorable, photo-worthy adventure without the fuss of a full-day tour.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, roundtrip transportation from select hotels in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is part of the package.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a convenient option for a half-day activity.

What should I bring? Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. Phones and cameras are not permitted during the rides.

Is the tour suitable for children? The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but the activity involves vehicles and animals, so it’s best for children who can handle outdoor mobility and are not pregnant or have health issues.

What’s the cost? The tour costs $133 per person, plus a $5 USD park entrance fee.

Are guides knowledgeable? Yes, reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and safety-first approach, which enhances the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the camel ride included? Yes, the camel ride lasts about 20 minutes and is part of the tour.

What’s the scenery like? Expect expansive desert views, sand dunes, and rugged terrain, all perfect for photos and enjoying Baja’s natural beauty.

This tour strikes a nice balance between adventure and authenticity, making it a worthwhile addition to your Baja itinerary if you’re looking for something active, scenic, and full of character.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby