Cabo’s camel safari is a funny mix of desert and ocean. One part short hike through Baja terrain, one part camel ride along a secluded beach with whale season possibilities, and then you wrap it up with tortillas, lunch, and a tequila tasting. Guides like Jesus and Michael set the tone, friendly and good at keeping the day moving.

I love how this tour bundles hands-on Mexican moments, like a tortilla-making lesson, with classic Cabo scenery. I also like the calm pace of the beach ride, about 20 minutes, where you can actually take in the Pacific air instead of feeling rushed. The main drawback to plan around is that the 3-hour total can still mean a decent amount of van time, plus extras like the park entrance fee and optional photo costs.

Key points before you go

• Secluded beach camel ride for around 20 minutes, plus ocean views from start to finish
• Mini desert hike with a focus on local plants and animals, including the turtle area context
• Tortilla making + full lunch, not just snacks, so you leave fed and happy
• Tequila tasting as part of the beachside meal, with drinks included
• Winter chance of humpback whales off the shore, depending on conditions
• No cameras during the camel ride, so expect photo upsells if you want keepsakes

Cabo Adventures pickup: where your day starts

This tour starts with pickup from either San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas. You’ll get your exact pickup time and location by email, and you should look for a white Cabo Adventures van with drivers wearing light blue polo shirts. That detail matters, because the day runs on a tight schedule, and you do not want to be the one holding up the group.

One practical note from how this tour feels on the ground: even though the total duration is listed as 3 hours, the ride to and from the ranch can take a while depending on which pickup point you use. So if your trip timing is tight, I’d treat this as a half-day plan in spirit. The good news is the scenery on the way is part of the fun, since you are heading toward the Pacific side.

The ranch and the desert turtle area mini-hike

You begin at a secluded ranch overlooking the Pacific. From there, your guide takes you on a short hike through desert terrain. The emphasis is on what you can actually see and spot: the local flora and fauna, plus context around the area’s turtle focus.

This is the part of the day that tends to feel most educational without turning into a lecture. You get moving, you get out of the vehicle, and you learn what makes the Baja desert work. Wear comfortable shoes, and keep them closed-toe. Sand and rocky ground are common in this kind of terrain, and you’ll want grip.

You’ll also want sunscreen and a hat. Even when it is not blazing hot, the sun in Cabo can feel direct and unforgiving. The tour helps you stay focused, but it does not replace good sun protection.

20 minutes on a camel: the beach ride that people remember

Here’s the centerpiece: a camel ride along a tranquil beach. The ride is about 20 minutes, and it’s long enough to feel like a real experience, not long enough to turn into a pain test.

I like that this segment is positioned as a scenic break, not a stunt. You’re near the ocean, breathing sea air, and you get those postcard-style views that made you choose Cabo in the first place. In winter months, you might even spot humpback whales off the shore. It is seasonal and not guaranteed, but Cabo can be whale-friendly in the cooler season, so it is worth keeping your eyes out.

Two important things to know:

• No cameras during the camel ride. This is a real rule. So if you love photos, go in with your expectations set.
• The camel time is short. If your heart is set on hour-long rides, you may feel it goes by fast. If you want a taste of the experience combined with everything else, it works.

Park fee and timing: the cost check before you fall in love

The tour price is listed at $99 per person, but the park entrance fee is not included: $25 per adult and $12.50 per child. That’s the one extra cost you should plan for in your budget from the start, because it can swing the true cost of the day.

Value-wise, I think the $99 makes sense when you look at the full package:

• camel ride
• desert walk
• tortilla making lesson
• tequila tasting
• full lunch plus drinks
• guide and safety gear, including a safety helmet

But value depends on how you feel about the time on the camel versus the total trip time, and how much you care about optional extras. One guest noted that the extra charge is tied to animal care at the facility, and that detail helped make the extra fee feel less like a random add-on. Still, I’d keep your cash ready so you do not end up negotiating mid-trip.

Tortillas and lunch: where the day turns from activity to payoff

After the camel ride and beach time, you head on foot to a beachfront restaurant. This is where you get to slow down. You’ll experience an authentic Mexican buffet for lunch, and you’ll also take part in a tortilla making lesson.

This is one of my favorite parts of the day because it is active but not stressful. You learn something you can actually use later, and it gives context for the food you’ll eat. Also, eating right there by the water is a better feeling than rushing back to town for a quick bite.

The lunch also comes with drinks, which helps you stay comfortable after sun and desert walking. The day already has a few moving parts, so a sit-down meal is a smart reset.

Practical tip: eat like you plan to keep enjoying the trip, not like you’re stuck with a bland snack. The meal is part of why this tour is priced like a combo experience instead of a simple animal ride.

Tequila tasting with ocean views

Next up is the tequila tasting session. This is built into the meal flow, so you are not doing it at some separate stop where everyone feels tired and rushed.

I like how this works because it gives you a guided introduction without pretending tequila tasting is a sommelier competition. You learn what you’re being served, you sample, and then you can decide how much to keep it fun. With lunch in your stomach and sea air around you, it tends to feel lighter than a late-afternoon tasting session.

Just be smart about pacing, especially if you’re the type who turns talkative after a couple of pours. The day includes walking and time in the sun, so plan for the “hydration first” version of fun.

Whale season chances: don’t count on it, but look anyway

One of the headline perks is that in winter, you may catch sight of humpback whales off the shore. I treat this as a maybe, not a promise. Ocean wildlife is always condition-dependent, and the day itself runs on human schedules, not whale schedules.

Still, it is a great bonus. When people plan a Cabo trip around winter months, whales can be part of the magic. Here, the whale chance is folded into the scenery you are already enjoying on the beach, so you get extra payoff without adding a separate wildlife excursion.

Cameras, photo packages, and why you should bring cash

Because cameras are not allowed during the camel ride, the facility often offers photo options for purchase. One reviewer complained about pricing pressure and photo package costs, citing examples like around $50 for a single photo and much higher amounts for packages, with totals climbing based on how many images you buy.

I cannot say what you will be offered on your exact day, but I can say this: if photos are important, assume there will be a sales moment. Bring enough cash for any required fees, and decide ahead of time what you are willing to pay for a keepsake.

Also, if you are hoping to take your own action shots, remember the camera rule. Plan to use your eyes, not your phone, during the camel segment.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This experience is best for people who want a variety pack day: animals, desert learning, hands-on food, and a relaxed beachfront meal. If you like guided experiences that do not require deep hiking fitness, you’ll likely enjoy it.

It is not suitable for:

• children under 5
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• cruise ship guests

Kids aged 5 to 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult, so plan family logistics accordingly.

If you are traveling with limited mobility or you’re worried about walking on uneven ground, do not assume the tour will be easy. The desert hike and beach walk are part of the core flow.

Should you book this Cabo camel safari with lunch and tequila?

I’d book it if you want one tight morning to hit the big highlights: a desert walk, a camel ride on a quiet beach, a tortilla lesson, and a full lunch with tequila tasting included. For $99, it’s a good value when you actually use the included food and activities.

I’d hesitate or choose a different style of excursion if:

• you are sensitive to travel time and long van rides
• you expect the camel ride to last much longer than 20 minutes
• you strongly prefer to take your own photos during the animal part (cameras are not permitted during the ride)
• you do not want to deal with additional cash costs like the park entrance fee

If you go in with realistic expectations, you can come out of this day with exactly what makes Cabo memorable: sea views, desert texture, and a genuinely local meal moment.

FAQ

How long is the Cabo San Lucas camel safari tour?

The tour duration is 3 hours.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas.

What is included in the price?

It includes camel ride, safety helmet, guided tour, full lunch, drinks, a tortilla making lesson, and a tequila tasting.

What extra costs are not included?

The park entrance fee is not included: $25 per adult and $12.50 per child.

Are cameras allowed?

Cameras are not permitted during the camel ride.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and cruise ship guests.