2025 Los Cabos Side by Side Adventure: An Honest Review

A group on a Side by Side Adventure in the deserts of Los Cabos

So, you are probably picturing Los Cabos and, you know, thinking about stunning shorelines and fancy resorts. And that’s obviously a big piece of the appeal, no question about it. Still, there’s a whole other aspect of this spot, an untamed and dusty heart, that frankly a lot of visitors just don’t get to experience. Basically, just beyond the infinity pools sits a desert area full of canyons and arroyos that seems almost a world away. And one of the most exciting ways to get out there and really feel it, like literally, is by jumping into a side-by-side vehicle for a few hours. This review, as a matter of fact, is all about what you can expect from that kind of outing in 2025.

So, What Exactly is a Side-by-Side Adventure?

Alright, so first things first, you might be asking what a ‘side-by-side’ even is. Well, you’ve probably seen them; they sort of look like a more muscular golf cart with a roll cage. They’re actually called UTVs, or Utility Terrain Vehicles, and they’re pretty much made for tackling rough ground. Unlike a four-wheeler where you sit on it like a bike, in a UTV, you sit next to your companion, which is, you know, where the name ‘side-by-side’ comes from. They have a steering wheel and pedals, kind of like a car, so they’re honestly pretty easy to get the hang of. The idea behind these tours is, pretty much, to give you the keys and let you follow a guide deep into the parts of the Baja peninsula you can’t see from the highway. Honestly, it’s about trading flip-flops for a helmet and getting a little dusty.

Choosing Your Adventure: The 2025 Routes and Scenery

Scenic view of a desert canyon trail in Los Cabos

Okay, the really cool part is that not all these side-by-side trips are the same. In 2025, tour operators are really offering a pretty good mix of different experiences. You really have choices, you know? For instance, some trips focus almost completely on the deep desert canyons. These are awesome, seriously, as you are rumbling along dry riverbeds with massive rock walls on either side. You just feel very small in a very cool way. Other routes, on the other hand, will take you up into the hills for some really incredible panoramic views of the whole area, where the desert collides with the bright blue ocean. And then there are my favorites, frankly, which are the ones that combine a bit of both and finish with a high-speed dash along a deserted stretch of Pacific beach. The feeling of that ocean spray hitting you while you’re behind the wheel is, just, absolutely fantastic.

I mean, you have to remember that you are in control of the machine. The guide shows you the way, but you’re the one hitting the gas and steering through the turns. It’s a very freeing kind of feeling, honestly.

Getting Prepped for Your Desert Drive

Travelers getting ready with helmets and gear for a UTV tour

Now, getting ready for this isn’t too complicated, to be honest. But there are a few things to keep in mind to make your day better. First, definitely wear clothes you are okay with getting dirty. Seriously, you will be covered in a fine layer of dust by the end, and that’s kind of part of the fun. Closed-toe shoes, like sneakers, are pretty much a must. Forget sandals. Also, the sun out there is no joke, so sunglasses are a really good idea, not just for the brightness but to keep dust from flying in your eyes. Of course, the tour company provides the really big stuff, like a helmet and usually some goggles or a bandana. Most tours start with a pretty clear safety chat where they show you how the vehicle works—you know, the gas, the brake, the four-wheel drive. They actually want to make sure you feel good before you head out. And just a little tip: a bit of sunscreen on any exposed skin is something you will thank yourself for later.

My Own Story: The Day I Ate Dust and Loved It

A single UTV stopped at a scenic overlook in the Baja desert

So, I have to share a little story from my last trip out there. We were on a trail, pretty deep in a canyon, and our guide motioned for everyone to stop. At first, you know, I thought maybe something was wrong. But then he pointed up to the ridge of the canyon. A family of wild donkeys was just standing there, watching us. It was so quiet. You could, like, only hear the wind and the faint ticking of the cooling engines. It was just one of those moments that really sticks with you. Anyway, after that, we got to a section that our guide called ‘the rollercoaster’. It was a series of small, sandy hills, one right after the other. Pushing the gas and feeling the UTV float over the top of each one, with your stomach sort of jumping a little each time, was incredibly fun. You know, we were all laughing pretty hard by the end of it. It’s those kinds of unexpected moments, both the quiet ones and the really exciting ones, that make this sort of day so special, honestly.

A Quick Look at the 2025 Machines

A row of modern, clean 2025 model Side by Side UTVs ready for a tour

As a matter of fact, the vehicles themselves seem to get a little better each year. The machines you’ll likely find in 2025 are pretty impressive. Tour operators typically use brands like Polaris or Can-Am, which are sort of the top names in this world. They are powerful enough to give you a real thrill, for sure, but they are also built with automatic transmissions and responsive steering, so they are not scary to operate. They have pretty comfortable bucket seats and safety harnesses that keep you snug. Some of the newer models even have slightly better suspension, which, you know, your back will appreciate on the bumpier parts of the trail. The point is that these aren’t old, clunky machines; they are actually well-maintained pieces of equipment designed to give you a safe and really enjoyable ride.

So, Is This Kind of Outing Really for You?

A happy family smiling in a Side by Side UTV in Los Cabos

At the end of the day, deciding if this trip is right for you is pretty straightforward. If you have a sense of adventure and want to see a side of Los Cabos that is more than just beaches, then yeah, you’ll probably have an amazing time. It’s great for couples looking for something exciting to do together, and likewise for families with older kids who are looking for a shared thrill. On the other hand, if you are someone who prefers to keep things calm and clean, this might not be your cup of tea. It is, you know, a bit loud and definitely bumpy. People with serious back or neck problems might want to sit this one out, seriously. But if the idea of commanding your own four-wheel-drive machine through a stunning desert landscape sounds good to you, then you should definitely look into it. It is, more or less, an experience you won’t forget.

Key Takeaways for Your 2025 Adventure

Dress for the dust: Honestly, wear clothes and closed-toe shoes that can get dirty.
The views are a huge part of it: You will see canyons, mountains, and ocean vistas you just can’t get to from the road.
You are in control: Unlike a bus tour, you actually get to drive, which is a major part of the fun.
It’s good for more than just thrill-seekers: Even if you are not a huge adrenaline junkie, the scenic and cultural aspects are, frankly, very rewarding.

Read our full review: Los Cabos Side by Side Adventure 2025 Full Review and Details

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